The Role of Fate and Justice in The Aeneid by Virgil (19 BCE)

Expanding the Roles:
The Aeneid by Virgil is an epic poem that follows the hero Aeneas, a Trojan prince, as he embarks on a journey to found the future city of Rome. The poem explores themes of fate, destiny, and divine will as Aeneas faces numerous trials and challenges. For literature students, The Aeneid offers a rich examination of the role of fate in the lives of individuals and nations, as well as the connection between personal duty and collective destiny.

• Fate and Divine Intervention:
  Aeneas is constantly guided by the will of the gods, and his journey is shaped by prophecies and divine mandates. Students can analyze how Virgil uses fate to emphasize the larger forces that shape the course of history and how Aeneas’ personal sacrifices contribute to the founding of Rome.

• Justice and Moral Responsibility:
  Aeneas is portrayed as a leader who must balance his personal desires with the responsibility he feels to his people. Literature students can explore how Virgil uses Aeneas’ actions to question the concept of justice and duty, particularly in the context of war and conquest.

What We Learn:
The Aeneid provides literature students with a deep exploration of fate, justice, and leadership. The epic poem encourages reflection on the role of individual agency within the larger scope of divine will and national destiny.