The Aeneid, Aeneas And Anchises's Theory Of Friendship

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Aristotle argues that friendship is a vital part of life. It serves not only as a means to bond individuals together, but also a necessity in achieving overall happiness. Aristotle comments on the various types of friendships that exist, and the role they each play in society. He explains three overarching types; utility, pleasure, and complete friendship. Yet, with family, friendship is different than it is with companionship. As Aristotle states in his piece, Nicomachean Ethics on friendship in families, “they all seem to depend on paternal friendship” (Aristotle, 1161b18). In The Aeneid, Aeneas and Anchises’ relationship, perfectly embodies this. The father son bond does not distinctly resemble one of the three types, rather it is a friendship in of itself; a paternal friendship. Aristotle’s interpretation of friendship is based on the fact …show more content…

Aeneas honors his father in a way that portrays Anchises as the superior. Anchises acts as Aeneas’ leader and advisor during the fleet. Aeneas accepts the advice Anchises gives him because, as a parent, Anchises intends to “nurture and educate” (Aristotle, 1161a18), his son for the good. In a paternal relationship, the father should look to transfer his knowledge and power into his own son, for the father is the cause of his being. This is portrayed when Anchises advises Aeneas to head towards Crete to make their new home, and so they do. He was wrong about Crete, yet Aeneas continues to listen to him when he advises them to move to Italy. Furthermore, when Anchises dies it is clear that Aeneas will miss his father’s advice as he describes Anchises as, “my mainstay in every danger and defeat” (The Aeneid, pg.126). Anchises was the one to lead his son out of dangers, and Aeneas depended on his superior father to do

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