Theme Of Dido In The Aeneid

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In the Aeneid, Virgil paints Dido as a woman of many things such as strong willed, heroic, independent, and determined. She was also considered to be Aeneas’s equal. So, why is it that a woman with many qualities; is quick to react out of anger? Dido characteristics show that she is a leader and she will get things done by any means, but she also possesses a lack of understanding when it comes to what love means. The story of Dido is an interesting one and I am sure many can relate too. Dido was the daughter of an unnamed King who was the ruler of the city, Tyre. Tunisia (modern-day) is where Tyre was located. Also, Dido had a brother named Pygmalion. He and Dido were both appointed heirs to the throne, but in their father’s passing. The people of Tyre considered Dido’s brother, Pygmalion; to be their ruler. In desperation, Dido married her uncle, Acrebas; who was second in line of power following her brother, Pygmalion. I guess in Dido’s mind marrying her uncle …show more content…

Virgil depicts the Gods as innocent. When in fact, they were manipulators. Juno and Venus came together to play match maker with Dido and Aeneas. By sending the two to go hunting. Dido and Aeneas find a cave and in that cave, they have sex. Dido thinks she is married to Aeneas now. Dido characteristics is showing vulnerability. She is so confused as to what she is doing. Dido also shows that it doesn’t take much to distract her. Unfortunately, she learns the hard way of how the Gods are. When Dido learns of Aeneas promise to Jupiter to continue his quest to find Rome; and she finds out that he is leaving. She confronts him. She confronts him out of embarrassment. Dido characteristics show she is very angry and that she let her guard down. Aeneas doesn’t care about Dido’s emotions and this makes matters much worse. Dido curses Aeneas and his voyage out to sea. Dido is heart broken by Aeneas’s actions. In her mind she truly thought he loved

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