Culpability in Virgil's "Aeneid"

Paper Summary:

An analysis of the joint culpability of Dido and Aeneas, both of whom are responsible for their illicit relationship and yet who are also both victims of the forces of fate. This essay examines, by means of a close analysis of literary devices, Virgil's biased presentation of the story of Dido and Aeneas and offers an alternative reading that is nevertheless grounded in the text of "The Aeneid." Includes quotations from the Latin text (as well as English translations of these quotations) in support.

From the Paper:

"One of the most powerful natural human tendencies in reaction to any great trouble or tragedy is to attempt to assign blame. In searching for the causes of problems in life, we often try to blame the faults or shortcomings of others in order to absolve ourselves of guilt and set our minds and our consciences at ease. Even when considering tragedies or problems with which we have no personal connection, we feel an overwhelming urge to simplify, explain, and resolve the situation by affixing culpability. However, in doing so we frequently overlook extenuating circumstances and allow ourselves to succumb to narrow, biased interpretations of these circumstances. We simply cannot seem to accept the fundamental truth that in some of the greatest tragedies of life, everyone and yet no one is truly to blame. The story of Dido and Aeneas in Virgil's Aeneid epitomizes this truth; Dido and Aeneas are both equally to blame, and yet neither is truly deserving of blame because both were victims of fate and forces beyond their control."

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