Author: i.gomez

Virgil plays a pivotal role in Dante’s journey through hell as his guide. In addition, Virgil pushes Dante to continue and not give up during various moments in the journey and protects him from the demons that they encounter. During some occasions, Dante appeared powerless, yet Virgil comforted him and helped him gain some confidence. Virgil’s wisdom and noble virtues help Dante get through the obstacles that kept preventing him from reaching his goal. Therefore, Virgil was the main reason Dante made it through this journey.

Fate plays an extremely important role in The Aeneid, especially in Aeneas’ future. Despite the infinite amount of efforts that some make to sway Aeneas from his destined path, especially by Juno, the goddess who creates obstacles for Aeneas and prevent Aeneas from reaching his destination. For example, Juno decides to give Aeneas a hard time as they are sailing across Sicily and is able to convince Aeolus to stir up the sea. This is one of the many other attempts she makes to make Aeneas’ journey more difficult. However, fate is much stronger than this and can’t be prevented. This is clearly showed when Juno becomes aware that no matter how much she tries, she can’t prevent the Trojans from finding a new city. Therefore, fate is what helps Aeneas reach his destination.

Question: Discuss The Odyssey’s focus on vengeance and/or loyalty and betrayal.

Answer: The Odyssey’s focus on betrayal and loyalty is highlighted through different characters such as Penelope, Odysseus’ wife and Clytemnestra, Agamemnon’s wife. On one hand, Penelope demonstrates her loyalty while waiting for her husband’s return. In Odysseus’ absence, many suitors have taken over her house wanting to marry her and inherit the throne. However, Penelope believes her husband is alive, as a result tells the suitors that when she finishes the shroud she is weaving, she will marry one of them, yet they don’t know that she unweaves the shroud at night to buy herself more time until Odysseus returns home. On the other hand, after Agamemnon’s return from Troy, he came to discover that another man had seduced and married his wife. Then with her approval, he killed Agamemnon. Betrayal and loyalty are opposites, however, in The Odyssey they are very well related since they come from unexpected people.