Of the three epic poems read thus far in Classics 2220, Virgil’s Aeneid and Homer’s works: the Iliad and the Odyssey, the most important difference between Virgil and Homer is whether fate is treated as fact or can be affected by the choices of mortals. Homer’s works are more meaningful for citizen readers because they emphasize the importance of free will as illustrated in the shields and prophecies of the narratives. Aeneas faces a prophecy and acts believing it would come true regardless of his choices. Though Achilles and Odysseus face prophecies, both perceive the ability, however limited, to choose their own futures. Many feel trapped by what society has told them and feel they have no control, while in reality, just like Achilles and Odysseus, every person has the ability to affect their future for better or worse. In Virgil’s Aeneid, it is preordained that he will immigrate to Italy from Troy and found the city of Rome (1.1-19). In the very beginning, …show more content…
This shield displays antitheses such as the earth and sky, sun and moon, and peace and war, as well as other symbols of life on Earth such as a plowed field, a river, a herd of cattle, and people dancing illustrating the importance of the present. In the Aeneid, Vulcan forges a similar shield for Aeneas featuring images of the destined future of Rome and its triumphs (8.790), further illustrating the importance of fate in the Aeneid versus the Iliad. The shield of Achilles depicts the entire world, which demonstrates the importance of the here and now, while Aeneas’ shield focuses only on what is fated to occur. The most meaningful difference between Homer’s works and the Aeneid is the idea of choice versus a decided destiny. Citizen readers constantly make choices, both large and seemingly insignificant, that have a collective impact on their future, and it is more valuable to read a narrative emphasizing free will over