Examples Of Double Determinism In Aeneas

Analyzing the conflict imposed by Aeneas’ Pietas

In Virgil’s Aeneas, “The passion of the Queen”, double determinism presents itself through Aeneas’ impromptu marriage to Dido and his untimely and heartbreaking departure to Italy, where his destiny awaited him. The theme of double determinism is crucial to Aeneas’ conflict with his pietas because to some degree, his will to leave Dido is motivated by the will of the deities, as well as his devotion to his son (family) and to future Rome. Focusing on Aeneas’ relationship with Dido in the text, we encounter evidence of Aeneas’ discontentment, and how his interaction with enraged Dido, illuminates the conflict imposed by his pietas.

The first evidence of Aeneas’ displeasure is portrayed after he receives the message from Mercury that Jupiter wants him to sail on to Italy. In lines 380-385, Aeneas is described as shocked to his soul, questioning how to approach Dido and win her over. This begins the conflict of his devotion to the gods vs his obligation to his newly wedded wife. Though he evidently later chooses his pietas, he does so in heartache.

Aeneas’ distraught is again portrayed during his dialogue with a vexed Dido.

In lines 455-458, Aeneas fights down his emotions, after listening to Dido pour out her heart about him deserting her. In this scene, Aeneas tries to convince Dido that he means her no harm but is obligated to his pietas, by relaying to her his dreams of his father’s troubled ghosts, and the thoughts of defrauding his son, Ascanius off his future kingdom. In his argument lies the conflicts. He does not want to sail to Italy because he hungers to find his home, like Odysseus with Calypso, but makes the decision for the sake of his family; his honor to his father and devotion to his son. Hence the dilemma inflicted by his

pietas.
Lastly, Aeneas’ predicament is depicted in lines 545-551, “Aeneas, though he struggled with desire to calm and comfort her in all her pain, to speak to her and turn her mind from grief, and though he sighed his heart out, shaken still with love of her, yet took the course heaven gave him and went back to the fleet.” These detailed descriptions of his feelings, thoughts and desires again emphasizes his longing to stay with Dido. Virgil even describes Aeneas’ decision as a course heaven gave him and not a course he chose himself. All these elements come together to establish Aeneas’ self-conflict between obligation and pietas.
In conclusion, Virgil’s focus on the character of Aeneas through his words, thoughts and actions is important in illustrating Aeneas’ inner conflict to the reader, and illuminating the importance of his decision, despite its cost.