Aeneas, Unlikeable Hero
TITLE
‘Aeneas is a completely unlikeable hero.’ How far do you agree with this statement? Again this question is largely a question of candidates’ personal opinion.
ESSAY
🌟Aeneas: An Unlikeable Hero?🌟
The character of Aeneas in Virgil's 🌟Aeneid🌟 has been a subject of debate among scholars and readers, with some arguing that he is a completely unlikeable hero. This essay will explore the different aspects of Aeneas' character that support the claim of his unlikeability, as well as those that highlight his more likeable qualities.
🌟Unlikeable Aspects of Aeneas🌟
1. 🌟Self💥pitying speech when faced by the storm🌟: Aeneas displays a lack of courage and resilience when faced with challenges, as seen in Book I when he laments his fate during the storm. His self💥pitying attitude does not align with the qualities expected of a heroic figure.
2. 🌟Forgets about his family when he sees that Troy is falling🌟: Aeneas is criticized for his seeming neglect of his family, particularly his wife Creusa, in the chaos of Troy's fall. This abandonment of his familial responsibilities reflects poorly on his character.
3. 🌟Wants to kill Helen🌟: Aeneas' vengeful attitude towards Helen, despite her being a victim of the Trojan War like himself, suggests a lack of compassion and understanding, making him appear unsympathetic.
4. 🌟Leaves Creusa to walk behind him when fleeing Troy🌟: Aeneas' actions towards Creusa during their escape from Troy emphasize his self💥centered nature, as he does not ensure her safety or show concern for her well💥being.
5. 🌟Leaves Dido🌟: Aeneas' abrupt departure from Carthage and his subsequent abandonment of Dido, despite her love and loyalty towards him, paint him as a heartless and ungrateful character.
🌟Likeable Aspects of Aeneas🌟
1. 🌟Looks after his men after the storm🌟: Aeneas demonstrates his leadership qualities and compassion towards his comrades by taking care of his men during and after the storm, highlighting his sense of duty and responsibility.
2. 🌟Carries his father and son from Troy🌟: Aeneas' act of carrying his father Anchises and his son Ascanius on his shoulders symbolizes his devotion to his family and his commitment to protecting his loved ones.
3. 🌟Throws himself back into the fighting to look for Creusa🌟: Aeneas' determination to find and rescue Creusa amidst the chaos of Troy's fall showcases his loyalty and perseverance, traits that are admired in a hero.
4. 🌟Seems to genuinely have loved Dido and upset when he sees her in the Underworld🌟: Aeneas' genuine affection towards Dido is evident in his emotional reaction upon encountering her shade in the Underworld, suggesting that his feelings for her were sincere, even if his actions were misguided.
5. 🌟Prepared to journey to the Underworld to see his father🌟: Aeneas' willingness to undertake the dangerous journey to the Underworld to seek guidance from his father reflects his sense of duty and devotion to his family, portraying him in a more sympathetic light.
In conclusion, while Aeneas may exhibit unlikeable qualities such as self💥centeredness, vengefulness, and abandonment, he also displays admirable traits like leadership, loyalty, and love for his family. Ultimately, whether one finds Aeneas a completely unlikeable hero or not depends on the weight given to each aspect of his character and the interpretation of his actions within the context of the epic narrative.
SUBJECT
CLASSICCAL STUDIES
LEVEL
A level and AS level
NOTES
🌟Aeneas: A Hero Worth Debating🌟
The controversial statement that "Aeneas is a completely unlikeable hero" invites a complex analysis of the character's actions in Virgil's 🌟Aeneid🌟. On one hand, critics argue that Aeneas exhibits qualities that make him unappealing, citing instances where he demonstrates self💥pity and a lack of concern for those around him. For example, during the storm, Aeneas is accused of engaging in self💥pitying speech, focusing on his own struggles rather than the well💥being of his companions. Additionally, his decision to leave behind his family during the fall of Troy and his desire to kill Helen are seen as selfish and callous acts that portray him in a negative light. Moreover, his abandonment of Creusa and later, Dido, further contributes to the argument against his likeability.
However, it is crucial to consider the other side of the debate, where Aeneas's actions are interpreted as demonstrating qualities that make him a commendable hero. For instance, his actions after the storm reveal his care and responsibility towards his men, as he ensures their safety and well💥being. Aeneas's decision to carry his father and son from Troy showcases his strength and devotion to his family, contradicting the claim that he forgets about them. Furthermore, his unwavering determination to find Creusa amidst the chaos of Troy's destruction suggests his loyalty and love towards his wife.
Moreover, Aeneas's relationships with Dido and his father are seen as evidence of his capacity for love and compassion. Despite leaving Dido, Aeneas is portrayed as genuinely upset when he encounters her in the Underworld, suggesting a depth of feeling that evokes sympathy rather than antipathy. His willingness to undertake the perilous journey to the Underworld to seek guidance from his father indicates his sense of duty and commitment to his lineage.
In conclusion, the assessment of Aeneas as a hero hinges on the interpretation of his actions and motives in 🌟Aeneid🌟. While some may find him unlikeable due to instances of selfishness and abandonment, others may argue that his acts of bravery, loyalty, and love position him as a multifaceted character worthy of admiration. Ultimately, the debate surrounding Aeneas's likeability underscores the complexity of his character and invites readers to delve deeper into the nuances of his portrayal in Virgil's epic poem.