Virgil: Aeneid

 In the midst of all happenings in the time of war where waves crash second after second, the sky rubles left and right without a single break of silence, and the gleam of light is slim to none, a spur of emotion in the idea of love slowly finds its way into two hearts. This story goes into detail concerning the constant battle between the Trojans and the Tyrians of which one act may allow a break of peace between these two groups in the city. Dido and Aeneas are suddenly locking eyes and becoming close more than other characters seem to believe, but all occurring in secret. Juno, sees this and finds the opportunity for peace all are desiring. Although, Aeneas is not persistent with Dido due to caution since she had once lost her husband and wishes to never feel such grief in another time of her life. I find it interesting that in such chaos as war, there are still moments of bliss and love. Although they come and go as much negativity surrounds and overwhelms, I have to question whether this is true feeling or desperation in hopes of an end goal. What if Aeneas is looking for some sort of protection or peace of her own and Dido seems to give that feeling. So, instead of feeling love, she is experiencing the feeling she desires that she may not be getting in the normal environment from day to day. Nonetheless, the story goes on and they pronounce themselves as being in love when -they conveniently (but not really because of Juno's doings)- find themselves alone due to a storm and are able to be one on one with each other. Characters of this story and people of the city begin to question what this "love" truly is and whether or not it is for the right reasons or because of the circumstances they all find themselves in. As a reader, I too felt this way even from the beginning and the inclusion that other characters within the story also feel this, is reaffirming in a sense. Is this an escape from reality? If not, was this a coincidence in the midst of what their city is at this point of time? How will this effect he people and will their responsibilities to rule diminish or strengthen because they are together? 



https://www.classicfm.com/composers/purcell/guides/dido-and-aeneas-guide/dido-and-aeneas-4/




Comments

  1. Anna Claire MillerMarch 2, 2023 at 6:28 AM

    Hi Genna! I really enjoyed this blog post! I love how you included your own analysis and interpretation of Dido and Aeneas’ relationship. Your perspective on their love story was much different than mine, and I like how you focus on the environmental aspects that may have caused their relationship to blossom, rather than just the overwhelming feeling of love or desire. I never thought about their relationship as being ‘an escape from reality’ but I really like that perspective and I think it adds a more down-to-earth approach to their relationship as a whole. (Word Count: 95)

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