This passage sees the entrance of Mezentius to battle, at the promptings of Jupiter, and the replacement of Turnus whose fate will be determined another day. 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". This fateful passage truly illustrates Vergil's use of Mezentius as a...

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