Why Turnus Should Live?: A Sample Essay For Inspiration & Mimicking

Epic poem Aeneid composed by Virgil presents reader with legendary adventures of ancestor of the Romans – Aeneas. It reveals all the hardships and tricks of fortune that Aeneas had to overcome in order to get to Italy. Gods` intricacies along with glorious battles illuminate not only Aeneas`s thorny path to fulfill his duty but also shows characters` diversity and complexity. It should be mentioned that almost all characters in this poem are controversial and cannot be fully considered as positive or negative. Therefore, their actions may be considered to bear dichotomy which complicates their interpretation as well as gives an opportunity to analyze them from different angles. For instance, from the first sight Aeneas`s kill of Turnus can be totally justified and explained because of their rivalry; however, with further investigation and analysis one may see that Turnus could have been let go. Moreover, taking into consideration fact that Virgil depicts his reality where a noble man, a man of a word and high morals like Aeneas has no right to break his oath no matter what one may see that in the final Book Aeneas does it. With this in mind and with further analysis of Aeneas and Turnus`s relationship and characters one may see that Turnus should not have died.
It should be highlighted that Turnus is considered to be a villain in this poem while Aeneas can be treated as a good character. However, with closer look one may see that he comprises negative traits of character like hot temper as well as positive like nobility. With this in mind one sees that dichotomy and complexity are implemented in this character which deprives Turnus of being a straightforward villain. Furthermore, Virgil describes him as a noble man and “the honour of outstanding beauty” (7.473), which taking into consideration historical peculiarities and traditions of that period indicates Turnus`s positive qualities. While reading a poem, one realizes that Tunis is not a representative of evil or is evil minded, on the contrary he is a man who fights for his morals and rights which makes him equal to Aeneas who does the same. Moreover, the same interpretation of Aeneas`s character can be applied because he is not fully righteous and vices free person. Aeneas as well as Turnus has drawbacks and is prone to follow his emotions which is evident from Book 12 when he kills Turnus in rage despite his pleadings. As can be seen these two characters are extremely alike, which only complicates their interpretation of actions and makes the reader wonder whether Turnus deserved death or he should be pardoned?
It should be mentioned that both these characters are men of words and cannot break their promises and oaths at all; otherwise it will mean that they are unreliable thus cannot be trusted. Furthermore, they both have to respect and follow their fathers` orders. Thus Aeneas`s father, Anchises, tells him to “spare the conquered and fight the proud” 12.853 which means that Aeneas has not only show nobility, but also has to think objectively and analytically like a true ruler. However, in Book 12 readers sees that Aeneas not only contradicts his father`s orders, but also shows uncontrollable emotions that prevent him from hearing what Turnus says to him. In his final encounter with Turnus Aeneas demonstrates superior position and shifts roles of good vs. bad illuminating dichotomy and controversy. Taking into consideration Turnus`s plead for mercy and Aeneas`s moral code one may see that Turnus proved himself conquered and defeated which should have guaranteed him life. Turnus`s action proves that he is truly noble and that he can face defeat like a real man which was tolerated in that period.
However, it should be mentioned that with such tragic ending Virgil speculates with notions of morality and duty as well as shifts characters` depiction in this poem. Book 12 illuminates the true nature of characters showing that moral code can be violated despite of noble traits of character. Moreover, taking into consideration period of time in which this poem was written one may see that Virgil speculates with a notion of rage and anger that was considered to be acceptable in judgments and decision making. Taking into consideration high moral code and oath following Virgil presents reader with question whether Aeneas`s decision murder Turnus was just.
All things considered it is obvious that complexity and dichotomy of characters make interpretation of this poem extremely diverse. Moreover, Virgil speculates with notions of morality and anger illuminating ancient dilemmas and issues. However, taking into consideration highlighted nobility of Aeneas and his obedience to his father`s commands and pieces of advice one may see that emotionally driven decision to kill Turnus was wrong and contradicted his oath. Moreover, Turnus pleaded for mercy and Aeneas had to let him live. He disobeyed his father`s order to spare the conquered which shows Aeneas`s negative side. Also, Turnus should have lived because his further destiny should have been decided by his ruler and his people.