... and Iulus propels the plot of the Aeneid, allowing destiny and fate to unravel for them both to initiate the creation and establishment of the new empire of Rome. Everything Aeneas does is for the future of his son and the generation of his future lineage. He always mentions that he wants the best for ... his son and he deserves to have what is rightfully his which is the ... and leader to create a prime example of a hero so that his son can follow in his own footsteps and continue his ancestry and the descent of the Trojans. Mercury's speech starts off by reminding Aeneas of his own du...

• Word Count: 1113
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

This passage sees the entrance of Mezentius to battle, at the promptings of Jupiter, and the replacement of Turnus whose fate will be determined another day. In general terms, I think it is interesting to recognize the idea of fate in this passage as it is shows its face directly in line 740, as Mezentius about to slay Orodes puts his faith in fate and his destiny is in the hands of the "Father of the Gods and the King of men", intriguing and somewhat ironic as Vergil condemns Mezentius in 7.648 as a "contemptor divum". This fateful passage truly illustrates Vergil's use of Mezentius as a fore...

• Word Count: 1002
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: Undergraduate