Book 3 Reflection

Book 3 took me a long time to get through. I'm not sure why, but this was a tough one for me.

Right in the beginning of this book, Virgil says "cursed hunger for gold, is there no crime you won't drive mortal hearts to attempt?"which to me, says that a person's greed is greater than their moral code (56). When some people are presented with the opportunity to gain just about anything (not only material wealth), they will ignore their morals and commit awful crimes to get what they want. You could almost relate this to the reasons wars are started. Usually one side fights for something they want and the other side, wanting to protect what they might have lost, fights back (this being a VERY simplified version of what actually happens during war, but is depicted through the "war" between the crew and the harpies). Furthermore, morals may also be forgotten or ignored when the greater good is in jeopardy. Virgil depicts this after the plague infests Aeneas's settlement in Crete and the crew leaves "leaving only a small group" behind (190). Morally, it is wrong to leave anyone behind to die, but to save the greater population (or follow fate's plan, it could probably be looked at either way) that small group had to be left behind.

Fate and destiny play another big role in this book, but I should probably stop saying that because they're going to play a big role in every book. Aeneas and Anchises seem to leave their whole lives in the hands of fate and accept that they have no free will at all. They follow and understand that fate has everything planned and take every prediction seriously. Another interesting aspect of fate in the book is that it is predicted by so many beings. Zeus and Apollo (Gods), Celaeno (a Harpy), and Helenus (a human), (although these are not the only ones) all predict the future of Aeneas and his men, but all say something a little something different about it. Short-term and long-term are two different ways to look at fate, but also how it is interpreted could differ. The harpy predicts "new omens, abhorrent," however, that could be her interpretation of what happens to Aeneas, or her trying to scare him (365). This could mean that predictions may not always be completely reliable way to predict the future, especially from a biased source.

Divine intervention is not quite as prominent in this part of the epic, because no Gods physically involve themselves in the humans' lives; however, there are many examples of praise and prayer to the gods for guidance and protection. Every time that Aeneas and his crew arrive at a new location, they give praise to their gods for surviving thus far. Furthermore, Apollo and Aeneas's "household spirits of Phrygia"give him advice on what to do and where to go next to go along with what fate has in store for them (149). In this way, it is obvious that Aeneas is favored by many gods and that his task will be supported by them as he goes alone.

Up to this point in the epic, Virgil shows some major ideas that would be relevant to Augustus's Rome. Because the epic was assumed to be a tribute to Rome and its founders, Virgil would be sure to include some ideas that would encourage pride and unity in Roman citizens. The persistence and courage of Aeneas and his crew, after everything they have been though, is admirable and something that Virgil might want to express to the Roman citizens to show that these traits will get you far in life. Furthermore, Virgil includes ideas about pride in and loyalty to one's city to the death. The Roman citizens came from Trojan citizens (or so it is believed) and Virgil might be making a statement in showing how brave and loyal our ancestors were right up until their deaths. Also, (whether intentionally or not) the epic hints that although things may be hard in the present, at times, fortune does favor you. For example, meeting Andromache on the beach, finding a Greek man to warn them of the Cyclops, and earning divine intervention whenever they might find it useful are all times when fortune favors Aeneas and his crew, although their present situation is pretty rough. The little rays of hope that shine through at these moments are enough to keep the crew from giving up and a way to remind them that at the end, a great prize awaits them.

The only human woman with a substantial role in this book is Andromache, and she hasn't exactly had a walk in the park lifestyle herself. She's been through a hard life, especially with the loss of loved ones, (similar to Dido!), but has found herself a good life in the end with Helenus. Moreover, Andromache is another example of a mother's love. When she gives gifts to Ascanius, who reminds her of her son, she addresses him in a very loving way and wishes the crew all of the best luck on their trip. Lastly, as they part, she tells the crew, when they succeed, she will be glad to bring together their two cities in the spirit of Troy which shows she is looking forward to a bright future where they can all be happy.