A Comparison of The Aeneid and Metamorphoses
Both Vergil and Ovid imbedded underlying meanings in their epics The
Aeneid and Metamorphoses. In this paper I will focus on the underlying meaning
in the Underworld scene in Vergil's The Aeneid (lines 356 through 1199). I will
also focus on three scenes in Ovid's Metamorphoses. Both epics contain a larger
message about the importance of the Roman past for its present and future under
Augustus.
The story of Aeneas in the Underworld can be interpreted as a brilliant
rendition of the story of Rome's past, present, and future. When Aeneas
descends into the Underworld, he is escorted by the Sibyl (lines 347 - 349).
This gives the readers a clue that what is to happen in the upcoming text is a
foretelling of Roman future because the Sibyl was a prophetess (Course Packet,
p16).
As Aeneas enters the Underworld, he sees numerous horrible sights: Grief,
Disease, Old Age, Fear, Hunger, and several others. (Lines 356 - 379) These
unsettling and dark words bring difficult images to the reader's mind. These
lines foretell that there will be difficulties while Rome is in its infancy
through phrases like "lonely night" and "phantom kingdom". Rome did indeed have
difficulties in its infancy; in the 7th and 6th centuries BCE it was ruled by
Etruscan kings and was only "... a little hill town." (Short Histories, p20)
Lines 390 through 549 in The Aeneid deal with the crossing of the River
Styx. This represents a great transition period in Rome. It symbolizes the
founding of the Republic. The multitude of rushing and swarming people (Line
402) represents those that suffered the "internal turmoil" in the early stages
of the Republic. (Short Histories, p21) When Aeneas mentions, "... and by what
rule must some keep off the bank ..." (Lines 419 - 421) he may symbolically be
referring to the "Struggle of the Orders" that the early Republic experienced.
(Short Histories, p22)
As Aeneas wanders through the Underworld, he notices Dido wandering
about. (Lines 593 - 626) He tries to talk to her, but his words serve no
purpose; she flees from him. He then sees the souls of those who died in battle.
tries to make her disinterested in him so that again, he may concentrate on the
What the author is doing is letting the reader foreshadow. A technique which creates suspense, a vital element in any action story. The author then explained what was being hinted at;
flaw. It makes them seem closer and more human to who the reader. This is
are followed and proper respect given the gods, it is possible for man to live
In many ways, judging and comparing Vigil’s Aeneid and Ovid’s Metamorphoses is inevitable because each of the writers lived at roughly the same time in history, both sought to create a historical work that would endure long past their mortal existences, and while each man was ultimately successful in their endeavors, they achieved their desired goals in vastly different ways. That being said, the epic poem by Ovid is superior because unlike Virgil, whose epic poem utilized a character centered narrative steeped in historical inferences and a theme that celebrated the moral virtues of Greek and Roman society, Ovid defied tradition by creating an intricate narrative that looked
to assist him. All of her actions are done out of devotion and allegiance to
Both the Odyssey and the Aeneid represent their cultures very well, but they express different ideas on what one should strive for in life. There are also different forces that pushed both epics to be written. The Aeneid expresses the Roman idea of pietas which means to show extreme respect for one’s ancestors. We see this in Aeneas when he is pictured caring his father away from burning Troy. He has pietas because he cared so much for his father that in fleeing from Troy he took up his father over his shoulder to save his from certain death. This is not the only major idea in the Aeneid. There is also a very political focus. The Roman were very interested in politics which comes through in the Aeneid. The Odyssey has the Greek idea of arete trapped somewhere among the many themes. Arete is a strive for perfection in both mind and body. It is a much more personal and individual idea than the Roman pietas. In the most basic seance the Aeneid and the Romans have a much more political focus and duty to the state ( republic ) than the Greeks who honor tradition , family , and arete.
Based on the information provided in the L’Oreal case, Yue Sai struggled to grow and capture additional sales in the high-end Chinese cosmetics sector. In the past, L’Oreal attempted to position Yue Sai in several different ways which can be viewed as detrimental to the company image, showing uncertainty as the company struggles to see which positioning strategy will stick. The most recent positioning presented in the case, which desires to “deliver Yue Sai’s longstanding brand promise that ‘Nobody knows Chinese skin better than Yue Sai’”, allows the highest probability of success for the company capitalizing on countless fresh trends in Chinese cosmetics (6). The positioning statement would reflect this new strategy: “For the modern Chinese woman Yue Sai offers a line of high-end cosmetics. Unlike other high-end cosmetics Yue Sai combines traditional Chinese medicine and sophisticated technology adapted to the unique skin type of Chinese women.” Yue Sai saw reasonable success and hope in the new Vital Essential line which utilized traditional Chinese medicine and, therefore, resulted in above average repeat purchases. Continuing to focus the strategy around traditional Chinese medicine should benefit Yue Sai considerably. Another suggested strategy would be to wholly reposition Yue Sai, however this is ill advised. As stated in the case, Yue Sai tried numerous different positioning strategies, which ultimately provided no clear path strategy. Repositioning would show uncertainty in the company, lowering brand value in the eyes of the consumer.
When discussing the fate of Aeneas, a thought provoking question is posed that is commonly debated. If Aeneas is commanded by fate, does he have free will? It is important to approach this question with a solid understand of fate. There are two common sides to the debate of whether Aeneas had free will or not. One view believes Aeneas had no choice but to follow his destiny because he was commanded by fate, and prophesied to found the race that will one day build Rome. The other side states Aeneas did indeed have free will, and even though his fate was set, room is available within his fate for events to change. One can argue Aeneas makes some of his own choices, but no particular detail of his life is untouched. Destiny determines that the Trojans will found a city in Italy, but it does not stipulate how that will happen. This is where room is left for free will. After much research and considering the views of many commentators and the proof they showed, the answer can simply be found by going back to the text of The Aeneid.
Balerdi, A. (2007, May 19). Work Ethics. Estates Gazette, Retrieved July 31, 2008, from Business Source Complete database.
COMPARE AND CONTRAST THE PORTRAYAL OF THE GODS IN VIRGIL'S AENEID AND OVID'S METAMORPHOSES. There is a significant difference in the treatment of the gods in the Aeneid and the Metamorphoses, even though both authors were writing in the epic tradition. Virgil wrote his Aeneid in the last ten years of his life, between 29BC and 19BC, after the Battle of Actium, in 31BC, which was significant, as it established Octavian as the sole emperor, Augustus, of Rome. The Aeneid is a celebration of Augustus' achievements and rejoices in the development of Rome. There is a great sense of political propaganda, as well as an historical element, as it illustrates the origins of the Roman people.
Upon examining P&G’s financial ability to meet short-term obligations, it is apparent that not only have their current liabilities exceeded current assets over the last three years, but close to half of their current assets have been tied up in inventories and other illiquid assets. For example, assessing both the quick and current ratio respectively shows that less than 70% of the firm’s current assets could be converted immediately to pay current commitments, but a little more than 90% of the firm’s liabilities would ultimately be covered. Though, based on industry average similar findings occur; therefore, it must not be uncommon for industries similar to P&G to
...bjectives and realize growth. Knowledge Management Knowledge management plays a key role in ensuring that the different functions and activities of a company are synchronized. In Google’s case, the purchase of Motorola (which has turned out not to have been the best business decision) probably could have been avoided if the knowledge within the company was managed and used better. Knowledge enables a company to create, recognize and distribute opportunities. When every employee of a company contributes his or her part of knowledge into the knowledge pool, it is very beneficial as it contributes to the overall success of the company. Proper application of the available knowledge in a company can offer several competitive benefits to both the company and the employees. Application of accurate knowledge at the correct situation helps a company to make good decisions.
Simply speaking, a company’s structure and design can be viewed as its body, and its culture as its soul. Because industries and situations vary significantly, it would be difficult and risky to propose there is a “one size fits all” culture template that meets the needs of all organizations” (Nov 30, 2012). Those organizations who have shared beliefs and values and have organized methods on chain of command going to have positive outcomes. This will help shaping their employees views and performances. The growth and profit of the business relays on their employees and their performances. Culture is the core which will help and encourage all different level workers. If the core itself is weak, it will weaken the atmosphere of the business. Many companies announce that they have great culture but fail to implement to the lower level of workers. The basic issue is when organization has one set of culture and thinks one culture will meet the needs of all the workers. Each business is different and each individual is unique and have different beliefs and behaviors. The culture that is right for one individual might not work the same for the others. The ideal approach in this case would be, looking at the bigger picture of diverse working environment and give importance and respect to what are the ranges of business firms to achieve the perfect culture for organization. Sometimes one size fits all will not going to fit anybody, so the organization have to keep their ideas open and value everyone’s presence respecting all of their culture for the betterment and
The reason organizational culture was ignored as an important factor in accounting for organizational performance is that it encompasses the taken-for-granted values, underlying assumptions, expectations, collective memories, and definitions present in an organization. It represents “how things are around here.” It reflects the prevailing ideology that people carry inside their heads. It conveys a sense of identity to employees, provides unwritten and often unspoken guidelines for how to get along in the organization, and it enhances the stability of the social system that they experience. Unfortunately, people are unaware of their culture until it is challenged, until they experience a new culture, or until it is made overt