Et Tu!! But Aeneas also becomes as those he had to fight and flee from at 
the beginning, I think Vergil questions the human attributes one has after 
assuming a position of power or in the attempts of assuming this position. 
Furthermore, as most scholars believe he may be glorifying Augustus , he 
may also be (through natural common sense) as many writers have since, 
purporting what seems quite evident to anyone with knowledgeable sense, the 
evils power can attribute itself to anyone.
        I hope that just made sense, for its late and the semester is almost up 
and I'm really bogged with many areas of study!!

-----Original Message-----
From:   James Butrica [SMTP:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Sent:   Tuesday, April 13, 1999 2:24 AM
To:     [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject:        Re: VIRGIL: Re: Aeneas' 'greatest labour' ?

>>Possibly the idea of the second half of the Aenied being described as
>>Vergil's 'greater labour' is to do with the struggle of Aeneas in
>>fighting the violence and anger (furor)of others with his
>>strengthened pietas. Before his visit to the underworld in Book 6,
>>Aeneas was unable to look forward clearly, he was too concerned with
>>founding a 'New Troy'. He is given insight into a prosperous Roman
>>future and emerges more confident and mature. In books 1-6 Aeneas has
>>to battle with his pietas, which he is famed for and the furor which
>>is brewing within himself. Despair and confusion often trigger
>>outbursts of furor, but after the revelations in Hades Aeneas becomes
>>more rational.
>>The task for Aeneas in books 7-12 is to use his strengthened pietas
>>against the furor of others on the battlefield. This is the ultimate
>>test, if he can emerge as the victor then it is a truly a heroic
>>achievement.
>>
>>What do others think of this point I have raised? Are Aeneas' actions
>>at the end of the epic fit to be called pious? Is his killing of
>>Turnus justified, and if so what does this say about pietas?
>>I would appreciate any responses, as I find this topic of great
>>interst.
>>   Sarah.
>

Doesn't this idea come from Virgil himself at A. 7.44-45,
         maior rerum mihi nascitur ordo,
maius opus moueo?

James Lawrence Peter Butrica
Department of Classics
Memorial University
St. John's, Newfoundland  A1C 5S7


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