Dido’s experience affects our perception of the work as a whole because it emphasizes the importance of Aeneas’ journey to found Rome. Although Aeneas is temporarily distracted from his duties, when Mercury reminds him of them he immediately goes back to them without hesitation. Dido is a victim of fate. The romance only began because of Venus and Juno protecting their own wishes. Aeneas has to put aside his emotions to carry out his duty. He also mentions to Dido that they were never actually married which seemed as if he was saying if they were he would not leave her. Aeneas did not mistreat Dido, he had to carry out his fate.
I agree with you that Dido was not mistreated by Aeneas but I feel that he could have left her in a better way instead of trying to sneak away. He had his mind focused on what he was destined to do but why wouldn’t he include her if he truly loved her?