In general terms, I think it is interesting to recognize the idea of fate in this passage as it is shows its face directly in line 740, as Mezentius about to slay Orodes puts his faith in fate and his destiny is in the hands of the "Father of the Gods and the King of men", intriguing and somewhat ironic as Vergil condemns Mezentius in 7.648 as a "contemptor divum". ... As a particularly poignant moment in the poem Vergil employs Homeric allusion for the sake of adding striking detail to the scene. ... Moving away from the idea of fate, Connington suggests a reference to the Homeric phrase"gaia...

• Word Count: 1002
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

Response In a typically 'Homeric fashion', Virgil depicts war in all its splendour and all its folly in equal measure. ... Jupiter's divine power is often portrayed; even among other gods he displays his omnipotent judgment and retains their respect, "But now let it be. ... Pallas' death cripples Evander, "I seek no joy in life", he pines, "that is not what the gods have willed" Similarly, Euryalus death in book IX evokes great sympathy from the audience. ... " This would suggest that, if even the gods themselves loathe conflict, Virgil is try...

• Word Count: 2231
• Approx Pages: 9
• Grade Level: Undergraduate