Good Example Of The Pietas Of Romans Essay

The Romans have this concept of Pietas – a duty and responsibility to one’s self, family, country, gods, and to all of humanity. Among the literary works the Rome has been famous for, The Aeneid is the most revered. Vergil, a well-known Roman poet, wrote this epic poem. It is said that of all of his works, The Aeneid is Vergil’s best work.
This poem consists of 12 books and can be divided into two parts: the journey to Italy, and the war that came after. Vergil wrote this at a critical time wherein there is major change in the political and social structure in Rome. With Augustus Caesar as the new emperor, he implemented change to bring about a new era for his people. Vergil found hope in the emperor that led him to write his masterpiece.
Aeneas is the main character in this poem, leading the Trojan fleet for the purpose of seeking a new home in the hope of fulfilling the prophecy. It is stated that he will build a noble race in Italy and that he’ll be known all throughout the world. Of course, along the way, he would face struggles.
Overall, the theme of this poem is that Aeneas represented the pietas and opposed Dido and Turnus who both represented fury. Aeneas possessed the qualities of honorable Roman by displaying his sense of duty to the gods, to Rome, and to his family, by expressing his judgment supported by reason and by being pious.
But, since this poem is really epic, there had been several interpretations wherein Aeneas gave in to fury and abandoned the pietas. Some say that it was when he killed Turnus in Book XII. Others say that since Aeneas got out of the underworld using the gate of false dreams, all of his succeeding actions were false and everything was a lie. Another may say that the author might have intended to change these parts before he died but failed to do so. Interpretations are nothing but ways to make us understand what the author really was telling us. The bottom line is that Aeneas symbolized Roman’s pietas.

Reference

Mastin, Luke. (n.d.). Ancient Rome – Vergil – The Aeneid. Retrieved from http://www.ancient-literature.com/rome_vergil_aeneid.html