"The Iliad" and "The Aeneid"

Paper Summary:

A study of two killings of young warriors form the crux of the military drama in the battle between the Trojans and Latins. These killings in Homer's 'The Iliad' and Virgil's 'The Aeneid', despite their similarities, are viewed in entirely different ways from a literary perspective. The Aeneid is in many ways a re-tread of Homer's Iliad, and Turnus' killing of Pallas is reminiscent of Homer's Patroklos being cut down in his prime by Hector. In keeping with this comparison, before his death, Pallas begins the battle of Book Ten by helping Aeneas, leading on the battle, and enabling Aeneas to gain a great advantage in the war. This comparison between the two works of literature is also indirectly reinforced when the Latin soldier Liger refers to the great warriors of the Greeks with disdain when taunting the Trojans.

From the Paper:

"At the beginning of Book Ten of the Aeneid, Jupiter washes his hands of interfering in the affairs of men. "What each man does will shape his trial and fortune." (X.160) This could very well provide an epitaph for the entire chapter. In this chapter, two killings of young warriors form the crux of the military drama in the battle between the Trojans and Latins. But these killings despite their similarities are viewed in entirely different ways from a literary perspective. What does this statement mean? According to the point of view of the ancient Romans, all killing was hardly considered bad or brutal. Warfare and military prowess was a way of life. But not all murders were created equal. This can be seen in a comparison of Aeneas' killing of Lausus (X, 703-832; 943-1141) with Turnus' killing of Pallas (X, 501-702)."

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