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Aeneas As A Hero And Leader Essay

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Throughout Virgil’s Aeneid, Aeneas is often confronted with situations where he must sacrifice his personal happiness in order to ensure the future of the shattered Trojan community. Aeneas’ persistent adherence to his own destiny, along with his unceasing concern for the welfare of his Trojan people, defines his sense of duty throughout his journeys. Driven constantly by intense passion and deep emotion, Aeneas fortifies his sense of duty and fraternal love for his fellow Trojans and allies, but at the same time fails to retain this sense and compassion for his fellow man. Through Aeneas, Virgil highlights the darker undertones of Augustan rule. In his journey, Aeneas encounters a multitude of trials and tribulations, each refining an integral characteristic of his role as a hero and leader. “Duty-bound Aeneas”, as Virgil regularly describes him, chooses to end his affair with the Carthaginian Queen Dido, appointing duty to a higher level of importance than love (I.519). The remorse displayed by Aeneas as he placates her spirit in the Underworld demonstrates his sincere regret for having hurt her. With regards to Dido, Aeneas chooses to fulfill his divine responsibility rather than succumb to emotion. However, in his struggle with the Latins, Aeneas displays inconsistent behavior and a lack of such a defined moral code, culminating in the killing of Turnus. Turnus pleads with Aeneas to return his body to his father , yet instead of honoring Turnus’ request for a proper

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