Illustrate the case for reading the poem as (in part) a study in becoming Roman Essay Example for Free

Illustrate the case for reading the poem as (in part) a study in becoming Roman Essay To both modern and ancient readers alike perhaps one theme of the Aeneid has generally been perceived most strongly, that of the poems glorification and aetiological justification of the values and society of the Imperial Rome in which its poet, Vergil, lived. In contrast to the Hesiodic concept of the decline of society from a bygone Golden Age, Vergil implicitly argues in the Aeneid for the constant evolution of society as having produced in Rome the very pinnacle of civilisation. However, this does not mean that his view is universally rose-tinted: Vergil, also, manages to portray the pathos of those who give their lives for this end (e.g. the self-sacrifices of Dido in book IV and Nisus and Euryalus in book IX [at whose plight Vergil says siquid mea carmina possunt, nulla dies umquam memori vos eximet aevo1]). Like Augustus, Vergil tends to relate the present to mos maiorum, so that innovation is given the guise of conservatism (as Rome was, after all, a generally conservative society). In this essay, I shall discuss the ways in which the poem expresses the development of such a Roman identity. From the outset the poem explains that Aeneas struggles (with which we are first met) are not in vain: his descendants are, famously, to obtain imperium sine fine, in the words of Jupiter (1.277). By book XII, that goal is within clear sight. The fact that the all-powerful father of the gods programmatically and teleologically tells of such future greatness so early in the poem gives the reader no option but to focus subsequently on how Aeneas achieves this fated goal. Vergil tends not to involve the gods as directly in the narrative of human affairs as does Homer, but uses them to great effect symbolically and to give such weighty pronouncements. Another programmatic feature of the first book involves its emphasis on kingship: to give just two examples, at line 265 we are told, by Jupiter, that Aeneas will reign over Latium and he is soon after described as king of the fugitive Trojans by Ilioneus (544). Dido is [termed] regina eleven times in book I.2 This may not be particularly surprising considering that kingship was the traditional form of government in epic poetry and the heroic world, but such emphasis could be said not only to foresee the supreme power of Augustus (though he did not, due to the negative connotations, style himself as rex or dictator) but also to legitimise it. Augustus may be seen as a benevolent dictator in the mould of Hellenistic kings. To become truly Roman it follows that Aeneas must, equally, become less Trojan, and we can see this process occurring in the poem. Due to the high esteem of Homers epics (and the relative paucity of other accounts), the Trojan world is, for both Vergil and ourselves, a predominantly Homeric one; accordingly, some critics have seen in the poem of a gradual rejection of Homeric values. For example, the Aeneas that we see in book II can be said to be rash, implusive, brave [and] seeking when all is lost the glorious death3: all perfectly Achillean attributes, which, one could argue, slowly recede as the poem progresses. In the second half of the poem (i.e. the Iliadic half), Turnus is a clear foil to Aeneas (n.b. his bellicose words to Pandarus at the end of book IX: You will soon be able to tell Priam that here too you found an Achilles!). The Roman way of life involves, arguably, a reliance on debate and compromise more than the manliness and aggression of Homeric heroes. However, this analysis cannot be treated too simplistically as there are points, even towards the poems dà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½nouement, where Aeneas is just as ruthless and cold as ever: for example, at many points during book X he rejects pleas for mercy and jeers at those who are on the point of death. Anchises prophetic statement in the underworld of book VI has, also, been seen by critics as important in showing both us and Aeneas how to become Roman, whilst also sanctioning the power of the Roman state: Your task, Roman, and do not forget it, will be to govern the peoples of the world in your empire. These will be your arts and to impose a settled pattern upon peace, to pardon the defeated and war down the proud. (6.851-3) It is important to note the context, for Aeneas is now starting to act very much like the good king, by acting in accordance with the gods when he leads his men to the Sibyl; whilst in the underworld, Aeneas sees a number of his descendants and successors, many of whom are rulers, and by doing so his right to rule is implicitly confirmed. The speech of Anchises, however, sets Rome within a firm tradition: it was well accepted by many Romans that Greek culture was superior in many respects. If we look at the lines above in which Anchises mentions the Greek arts of sculpture, oratory and astronomy, he can surely be said to define Rome against Greece by tacitly accepting their superiority in these realms, but he implies that the arts of Rome, the arts of peace and war, are what really matter. Though this may seem like an exceptionally aggressive mission, the extent to which clemency (a famous virtue of Augustus) and ultimate peace are emphasised must be noted. In the light of these ideals, Aeneas Achillean anger towards Turnus seems in this light disturbing.4 Perhaps the ideals are too idealistic to reflect reality truly. However, whether they were actually achieved or not, the ideals seem to have been held dearly in historical Rome, if we read what Claudian wrote (albeit with some degree of bias) four centuries after the time of Augustus: This is the only nation which has received conquered people in her embrace, and protected the human race under a common name like a mother not a tyrant, has called those whom she defeated her citizens, and has united the distant parts of the world in a bond of affection for her.5 One has to consider, however, that Roman bravado is often tempered in the poem. The many Trojan deaths throughout the poem are often glorified to emphasize the individual sacrifice for the communal goal. For example, Vergils apostrophe to Lausus: harsh deaths misfortune and your noble deeds I shall not indeed leave unsung, nor you, O unforgettable youth. 6 Such apostrophes seem to be based upon formulae deriving from Homeric invocations of the Muse, however, which might imply that the sentiment is not so personal as it seems.7 Dido, too, is seen as merely another obstacle which needs to be overcome for Rome to flourish (though she is repeatedly described, perhaps in Vergils own voice, as pitiable). Indeed, in one startling way she could be said to resemble a disgraced Homeric warrior: she falls on her own sword. Aeneas escape from her thus further represents his retreat from Homeric values. To look at one final such death, the final two lines of the poem focus on the death of Turnus: The limbs of Turnus were disolved in cold and his life left him with a groan, fleeing in anger down to the shades. (12.951-2) The coldness of Turnus body may recall in our minds the first storm scene in which we meet Aeneas at sea, and may reiterate the degree to which Aeneas has reversed his despair (turning it into the despair of his main adversary). These lines thus emphasize both the pathos of the death and the certainty of Aeneas victory. It recalls, and is based upon, Homer, i.e. the deaths of both Hector and Patroclus (Iliad 16.857 22.363).8 The sadness of his death is thereby emphasised, since he is equated with such heroes on either side of the Trojan war. His death was a natural end to the poem (though perhaps an unnatural end for him). It may now be useful to look closely at a part of the poem that is, undoubtedly, looking forward to Rome perhaps more explicitly than any other: the ecphrasis towards the end of book VIII (626-728) focusing on the shield of Aeneas wrought for him by Vulcan as a foresight of the coming Roman glory. However, the crucial intertext on which this scene was modelled is that of the ecphrasis on Achilles shield at Iliad 18.478ff, so Vergil is still using a Homeric model to emphasise Romes greatness; Greek epic has such gravitas as a genre that, if Rome is to be such a towering civilisation, Roman epic needs to look back to its Greek antecedent. Indeed, in Homer Achilles has a desperate need for new armour (with the loss of his own after the killing of Patroclus), whereas it seems that Vergil includes this scene merely to show before the full-scale fighting begins, what is to be achieved by it. 9 The final, and (both literally and symbolically) central, scene of the shield shows Augustus celebrations after the battle of Actium (31 BC) in which he gained imperium from M. Antonius. Indeed, the shield itself is reminiscent of the shield that was hung in the Curia to commemorate Augustus virtues in 27 BC; such virtues (i.e. virtus, clementia, iustitia and pietas) surely apply equally to the Roman imperator and Aeneas (especially pietas, since Aeneas pietas was proverbial and pius is a common epithet applied to him throughout the poem). The two men are poetically conflated, thereby giving heroic prestige to the emperor. Most pertinent, however, is that the scene shows numerous and various peoples of the earth (e.g. Nomads, Scythian Gelonians, Gaulish Morini etc.) offering Augustus gifts: the implication is clearly that virtually everyone throughout the world is universally thankful for the arrival of pax Romana. The message is not quite so clear-cut and confident, however, since the theme of war is also almost always present in this vignette. Quite obviously, the theme of war is apt both for the Shield as a martial instrument and for the circumstances of its delivery,10 however, it moreover emphasizes the extent to which Roman peace relies upon the willingness to fight, however counter-intuitive that might seem. Virgil is certainly patriotic, but he nevertheless neither shies from or tries to obscure the realities of the early-Imperial political situation. In conclusion, the Aeneid can clearly be seen as a study in becoming Roman. Aeneas divine mission is reiterated throughout the poem with increasing intensity, especially throughout religious symbolism and prophecy: Aeneas is well aware that he must become Roman. The poem appears to move towards Roman values as it progresses, values such as pietas and clementia, in the face of Homeric impulses and aggression. However, such an analysis needs to be tempered: most notably because of such incidents as Aeneas rage against and murder of Turnus when he sees him wearing Pallas sword belt. Moreover, the poem continuously looks forward to a Rome to come, especially the Augustan Rome of Vergils era. Some have seen the poem as a mere propaganda piece, but it is clear that Vergils implicit praise for the Augustan rà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½gime is sophisticated and not blind to the woes of war and those who are killed to make way for the Roman superpower: to use the phrase of the Aeneid, sunt lacrimae rerum. Through imitation (and innovation), Vergil also looks back to Homer. Perhaps the best summary of the message of the Aeneid is given by the ancient commentator Servius: Virgils intention is to imitate Homer and to praise Augustus by means of his ancestors.11 Vergil may, ultimately, have succeeded in his aim, when we consider that the poem was considered a seminal text in Roman civilisation and acquaintance with the poem was a primary method of teaching ancient children not only Latin but also the Roman way of life. Bibliography Cairns, F. (1989). Virgils Augustan Epic. Cambridge. Hardie, P.R. (1986). Virgils Aeneid: Cosmos and Imperium. Oxford. Lyne, R.O.A.M. (1987). Further Voices in Vergils Aeneid. Oxford. Williams, R.D. (1985). The Aeneid of Virgil: A Commentary. London. Williams, R.D. (1990). The Purpose of the Aeneid in Oxford Readings in Vergils Aeneid (ed. S.J. Harrison), Oxford. 1 Aeneid 9.446-7. 2 Cairns (1989), 2. 3 Williams (1990), 28. 4 Lyne (1987), 112. 5 Cairns (1989), 205. (De Consolatu Stilichonis, 3.150-3.) 6 Aeneid 10.791-3. 7 Lyne (1987), 235. 8 Lyne (1987), 135-6. 9 Williams (1985), 90. 10 Hardie (1986), 347. 11 Williams (1990), 21.

The Lady of Shalott and Industrialized Misery Essay -- Lady of Shalott

The Lady of Shalott and Industrialized Misery Alfred Lord Tennyson, one of the mid-Victorian's most celebrated poets of the time, was genius in "eloquently presenting the anxieties and aspirations of his era" (Longman p. 1909). Trademarks of Victorian life included questioning faith, the Bible, the past, and the self. More and more people were interested in the industry of man rather than the uniqueness of nature, and progress of society proved that man was made to dominate and take everything for himself. Tennyson greatly recognized this trend as "he called attention to the industrialized misery and revolutionary anger of the poor" (Longman p. 1909-08) produced by the industrial progress in the mid-1800s. He noticed that as people delved into improving society, they at the same time lost their sense of humanity and innocence as they sped up industry and the making of material wealth for the well to-do. This loss of innocence is echoed in Tennyson's Arthurian lyrical poem "The Lady of Shalott" (Longman pp. 1913-1918). ...

American Social History Essay

Immigration occurs when people from other countries enter another country to seek employment and live there permanently. The United States opened its doors to immigrants but only to a certain limit that is determined annually. Immigration has been an issue that the government is trying to address as the growing population of immigrants has affected the people and economy of the country. Immigration has both benefits and negative effects. Isaac Hourwich, a labor economist argues against the restrictions of immigration in America.With regard to the exacerbating conflict in immigration, the international market has contributed much to it. The severe damage and breakdown of economies around the world including the social and political structures have made the lives of people more difficult. The destruction of the environment is also a problem since resources are slowly drying up in other ares. People can no longer survive in their own countries. The deficits in the national budget and th e rising debt have led to the financial crises in most nations.Programs for structural adjustment have been prioritized instead of social programs because this is a requirement for countries in making international loans. This neglect in the social conditions of the countries have led people to migrate to more stable economies. Improvements and advancements in transportation and communication have provided more opportunities for people to migrate especially if they are living under such poor conditions. The reports of the Dillingham Commission, a commission created by Senator Dillingham, on industries did not take into consideration the reaction of the American workers.Immigration hurt the workers in so many ways and this was reflected in racial terms. The book of Isaac Hourwich, â€Å"Immigration and Labor†, answered the report of the Dillingham Commission. Hourwich argued that the massive unemployment in 1912 was due to the inconsistencies in the demand distribution because of the effects of the business life cycles and the presence of seasonal industries (1912). Immigration was capable of supplying a great but unnecessary unskilled workers that can cause the stimulation of the industries.Hourwich also argued that restrictions on immigration will not help in the improvement of American workers. Changes in technology and prices were the factors that greatly affect the wages of American workers. Restrictions will only affect the labor or union movement and capital will be taken outside of the country. Hourwich also further declared that the assumptions of America regarding the labor market and immigration were not correct. One assumption is that because of immigration, too many people are going after a small number of jobs – the result of which causes wages to fall.Critics of the immigration policy wanted to restrict if not ban it in the country. Hourwich argues that immigration restriction is not the answer. The rate of economic expansion is far greater that the rate of immigration. He went on to support his statements with economic data he gathered from state and federal governments. Immigration occurs in free and open capitalist economies such as the United States. Immigration responds to the demands of labor. When the demand for labor increases, the occurrence of immigration will also increase.The rise and fall of the demand for labor is an effect of broader economic activities. According to Hourwich, the immigrant labor supply is dependent on free competition in the market. The immigrant labor supply can be likened to any other commodity. There are times when the supply will exceed demand and some instances may show that demand exceeds supply. However, in the long run, the labor supply will be able to self-adjust with demand. Immigration does not displace American workers (Hourwich 1912). Hourwich reminded critics of immigration that capital is broad and international.The rate of production has developed in the United States because of capital brought in a sufficient labor supply. If however, a shortage of labor will be created because of immigration restrictions, this would result in the increase of wages and profits will decrease below the average of other nations. The scenario can only stimulate more American capital to make an investment elsewhere in foreign markets. The American industries will slow down. Capital will take advantage of the industrial development of other countries who provide cheap but skilled labor.American commodities produced by better paid American workers cannot compete in the global market because of the presence of products made by Siberian or Mexican laborers financed by American capital. The competition will result in the displacement of some American workers. The normal ratio between the active labor and reserve labor will be restored which is significant to the development of the industrial system in the United States (Hourwich 1912). If locals or native Americans will compete with immigrants in terms of labor, locals would have to reduce their expectations for a higher salary.Employers might want to hire immigrants more because they would only pay for low wages. Immigration increases the supply of labor. More and more people are competing for jobs. It is more difficult for natives or locals to start a small business because competition is high in the job market and they are forced to settle for low wages in order to have a job. Immigrants are also determined and motivated to succeed in the United States because they left their home country for a better life and even support family members back home.This drive makes them save more and spend less for the future. For them, getting lower wages will only lead to something great in the long run. Setting up a small business is not that hard to do once a person has the capital or the funds to support it. Immigrant business owners may not be afraid to take risks because operating a business of their own is a dream. They would have to take risks to see if they will succeed. As more new businesses open, this increases the competition in the market.Locals will have more to worry about as the products and services that are offered by the immigrants may be better and unique than their own. Hourwich and his arguments provided valuable insights on the negative effects of immigration restriction to the American economy in general. The restriction of immigration does not reduce employment and raise wages in the long run as previously explained in the discussion. Immigration is necessary to America's industrial economy. Reference Hourwich, I. (1912) ‘Immigration and labor: The economic aspects of European immigration to the United States', University of California

Summarizing Articles Assignment - 935 Words

Summarizing Two Articles Summarizing Two Articles Article 1: The Only Thing We Have to Fear is Fear Itself: Investigating the Relationship Between Fear of Falling and White-Collar Crime Purpose of Study The purpose of this study is to prove or disprove criminological theories of motivation regarding the commitment of white-collar crime. The studys purpose is to determine what, if any, measurable motivation motivated people who retained white-collar positions to commit white-collar crimes. The primary hypothesis is that this motivation is directly related to a fear of falling or a fear of losing what one has worked hard to obtain. Who or What was Studied White-collar criminals and white-collar crimes are the focus of this particular study. The author also provides a brief history of the research in the area of white-collar criminals and their crimes. Finally, the root causes of the fear of falling are studied. 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