Portrayal of War: Classicist Opinions

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Quinn
Urge to kill is part of the heroic urge, Virgil shows unpleasantness of this urge - Aeneas' rampage in 10, Book 2, Book 12. Aeneas has surrendered to an impulse that disgraces his humanity.
1 of 12
Quinn pt 2
Augustus wanted an epic poem with himself as the hero. Horace was aware of this and refused to undertake the poem due to lack of artistic freedom, could not express own views. Aeneid was not simply the glorification of a politician, but a justification of
2 of 12
Quinn pt 3
When everything that is said about Augustus is put together, it amounts to precious little. Virgil tells the story of arms and a man, knowing audience would read it with another war and another man in mind. Virgil's way of dealing with Augustus' civil war
3 of 12
Sowerby
In another version of the story, Aeneid fought effectively against the Greeks at Troy and was able to negotiate his exist from a position of strength. Virgil could have cast Aeneas in the role of hero, but he is neither resourceful nor successful.
4 of 12
Gransden
Homer and Virgil both sympathise with losing side: fall of Troy viewed sadly by Homer, Virgil has sympathy for men on both sides.
5 of 12
Gransden pt 2
Furor dominates the last four books of Aeneid and permeates Aeneas' actions on the battlefield. Not a failing on Aeneas' part - war is so bad that it creates furor even in the pious and stoic.
6 of 12
WIlliams
Many optimistic moments about Rome's future: Jupiter's prophecy, pageant of heroes. Tension between optimism and pessimism. Pessimism - Dido and Turnus, war dead who have to suffer before Rome can be established, awareness of random cruelty of the univers
7 of 12
Williams pt 2
Poem ends with an act of savagery, not glory. Pitiless slaughter of suppliant Turnus, act of savagery which is partly justified but no expiation is given. Optimistic poem tempered by real awareness of suffering in the world and in Rome's mission.
8 of 12
Pattie
Civil wars caused deep feelings of guilt in Roman world, handling of material reflects these feelings. Aware of suffering and sorrow caused by it. Aeneas does in warfare what needs to be done, but is generally unhappy about it.
9 of 12
Pattie pt 2
Treatment of battle scenes is different in Virgil than Iliad. Homeric events recalled but mood and tone of writing is different - Virgil's description of violent death presented as to seem unacceptable.
10 of 12
Glover
Virgil's whole nature was on the side of peace.
11 of 12
Semple
War must be portrayed somewhat positively - war and making of empire was positive for Romans and Augustus. Virgil is not a man of war, hated war.
12 of 12

Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

Augustus wanted an epic poem with himself as the hero. Horace was aware of this and refused to undertake the poem due to lack of artistic freedom, could not express own views. Aeneid was not simply the glorification of a politician, but a justification of

Back

Quinn pt 2

Card 3

Front

When everything that is said about Augustus is put together, it amounts to precious little. Virgil tells the story of arms and a man, knowing audience would read it with another war and another man in mind. Virgil's way of dealing with Augustus' civil war

Back

Preview of the back of card 3

Card 4

Front

In another version of the story, Aeneid fought effectively against the Greeks at Troy and was able to negotiate his exist from a position of strength. Virgil could have cast Aeneas in the role of hero, but he is neither resourceful nor successful.

Back

Preview of the back of card 4

Card 5

Front

Homer and Virgil both sympathise with losing side: fall of Troy viewed sadly by Homer, Virgil has sympathy for men on both sides.

Back

Preview of the back of card 5
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