“We learn little of interest about Aeneas in Bk 6, the real importance is in Anchises’
revelations of the future greatness of Rome.” How far do you agree with this judgement on
Bk 6? 20 marks
In Virgil’s epic “The Aeneid”, book six, arguably the most important of all, acts as a major
turning point in the poem as Aeneas embarks on his katabasis to the underworld in order to
visit his father, Anchises. Not only does this book demonstrate development in Aeneas’ as
he is renewed for the future after his venture, while revealing many sides to his character
such as bravery and family, but also it allows Virgil to preview the future greatness of Rome
through Anchises’ speech as an effective method of Augustan propaganda. Book six is the
most patriotic passage of the poem, revealing the future heroes of Rome while
demonstrating how Aeneas’ descendant Romulus will found the city that Augustus shall
eventually rule. Although some many argue that the real importance in book six lies in
Anchises’ revelations of the future, it is more persuasive to argue that this book is especially
significant as Aeneas experiences his epiphany, marking a shift in his character and
importantly, the story of the epic overall.
Firstly, the opening scene of book 6 disproves that the importance of the book lies in
Anchises’ revelations as we immediately see an important quality of Aeneas’ character that
is frequently exposed in book 6; his more emotional side. As book 6 begins we instantly get
the picture of “Aeneas weeping” for his helmsman Palinurus, who died at sea. Moreover,
after speaking to the Sibyl, we see how Aeneas’ mind immediately shifts to his concerns
over his unknown dead comrade as Virgil illustrates his troubled thoughts through rhetorical
questions. For example, Aeneas wonders “Who was this dead comrade of whom the
priestess spoke?’ Whose body was this that had to be buried?”, stressing his care and
genuine concern for his comrades as well as his piety. Furthermore, we see this same
degree of respect and care from Aeneas as he orchestrates a proper burial for Misenus, as
“without delay they hastened … to obey the commands of the Sibyl, gathering trees to build
an altar which would be his tomb,”. Virgil also makes it clear that “Aeneas took the lead in all
this work, urging all his comrades,”, clearly demonstrating Aeneas is a pious, caring and
passionate leader.
More importantly, book six is particularly significant in terms of Aeneas’ character
development; its tests and trials exhibit Aeneas’ bravery, endurance and determination – key
qualities that the first six books of the epic do not display to full potential. The whole quest of
entering the underworld alone illustrates Aeneas’ sheer bravery and his katabasis allows the
audience to see him tested in ways not seen before, as a hero, very similar to Odysseus in
Homer’s ‘Odyssey’. First of all, Virgil uses the test of the golden bough to convey Aeneas’
determination and devotion to his mission as in his opportunity “Aeneas seized the branch
instantly,”. Additionally, this episode builds on Aeneas’ piety and significance as a hero for
he is worthy to have the divine on his side, signified by Venus assisting him, in the form of
two doves. This piety is also reinforced through very elaborate, Roman funeral rituals, for
after collecting the bough, the “dutiful Aeneas” and his men “built a huge pyre” for Misenus.
However, most importantly of all, Virgil uses book six to display Aeneas’ qualities of
endurance, tested by the horrors of the underworld. Despite Virgil’s menacing, elaborate
descriptions of the caves “gaping mouth”, “dark woods and black waters,” as well as the
sounds as “the earth bellowed underfoot”, heroically, Aeneas still manages to remain calm
as Virgil writes of him striding “fearlessly” through this image of terror. In hand with his use of
imagery of darkness, pain and suffering, Virgil personifies the most dreadful emotions and
fears such as “Death and Drudgery … Murderous War … and raving Discord,” creating an
absolutely terrifying scene. However, Virgil describes Aeneas to be “amazed and
distressed”, demonstrating how he manages to keep an admirable level composure in such
a hostile environment, going through a true test of endurance.
revelations of the future greatness of Rome.” How far do you agree with this judgement on
Bk 6? 20 marks
In Virgil’s epic “The Aeneid”, book six, arguably the most important of all, acts as a major
turning point in the poem as Aeneas embarks on his katabasis to the underworld in order to
visit his father, Anchises. Not only does this book demonstrate development in Aeneas’ as
he is renewed for the future after his venture, while revealing many sides to his character
such as bravery and family, but also it allows Virgil to preview the future greatness of Rome
through Anchises’ speech as an effective method of Augustan propaganda. Book six is the
most patriotic passage of the poem, revealing the future heroes of Rome while
demonstrating how Aeneas’ descendant Romulus will found the city that Augustus shall
eventually rule. Although some many argue that the real importance in book six lies in
Anchises’ revelations of the future, it is more persuasive to argue that this book is especially
significant as Aeneas experiences his epiphany, marking a shift in his character and
importantly, the story of the epic overall.
Firstly, the opening scene of book 6 disproves that the importance of the book lies in
Anchises’ revelations as we immediately see an important quality of Aeneas’ character that
is frequently exposed in book 6; his more emotional side. As book 6 begins we instantly get
the picture of “Aeneas weeping” for his helmsman Palinurus, who died at sea. Moreover,
after speaking to the Sibyl, we see how Aeneas’ mind immediately shifts to his concerns
over his unknown dead comrade as Virgil illustrates his troubled thoughts through rhetorical
questions. For example, Aeneas wonders “Who was this dead comrade of whom the
priestess spoke?’ Whose body was this that had to be buried?”, stressing his care and
genuine concern for his comrades as well as his piety. Furthermore, we see this same
degree of respect and care from Aeneas as he orchestrates a proper burial for Misenus, as
“without delay they hastened … to obey the commands of the Sibyl, gathering trees to build
an altar which would be his tomb,”. Virgil also makes it clear that “Aeneas took the lead in all
this work, urging all his comrades,”, clearly demonstrating Aeneas is a pious, caring and
passionate leader.
More importantly, book six is particularly significant in terms of Aeneas’ character
development; its tests and trials exhibit Aeneas’ bravery, endurance and determination – key
qualities that the first six books of the epic do not display to full potential. The whole quest of
entering the underworld alone illustrates Aeneas’ sheer bravery and his katabasis allows the
audience to see him tested in ways not seen before, as a hero, very similar to Odysseus in
Homer’s ‘Odyssey’. First of all, Virgil uses the test of the golden bough to convey Aeneas’
determination and devotion to his mission as in his opportunity “Aeneas seized the branch
instantly,”. Additionally, this episode builds on Aeneas’ piety and significance as a hero for
he is worthy to have the divine on his side, signified by Venus assisting him, in the form of
two doves. This piety is also reinforced through very elaborate, Roman funeral rituals, for
after collecting the bough, the “dutiful Aeneas” and his men “built a huge pyre” for Misenus.
However, most importantly of all, Virgil uses book six to display Aeneas’ qualities of
endurance, tested by the horrors of the underworld. Despite Virgil’s menacing, elaborate
descriptions of the caves “gaping mouth”, “dark woods and black waters,” as well as the
sounds as “the earth bellowed underfoot”, heroically, Aeneas still manages to remain calm
as Virgil writes of him striding “fearlessly” through this image of terror. In hand with his use of
imagery of darkness, pain and suffering, Virgil personifies the most dreadful emotions and
fears such as “Death and Drudgery … Murderous War … and raving Discord,” creating an
absolutely terrifying scene. However, Virgil describes Aeneas to be “amazed and
distressed”, demonstrating how he manages to keep an admirable level composure in such
a hostile environment, going through a true test of endurance.
