Funeral Games for Anchises

The most prominent feature of this chapter is of course, the competitions and Aeneas' awards. What stands out about these awards is how generous Aeneas is with them. In the end, everyone seems to be a winner. Even in the boat competition, the captain of the losing vessel is given a beautiful slave girl! This is extremely ironic, because has been shown through the history and hardships of the Trojans, in the end, the all are losers, they all will die, and they all will suffer. Actually, I find it freaking hillarious. For a moment they are all comforted and then...THEIR BOATS GET LIT ON FIRE!---by their WIVES!! HAHAHA. It seems this situation speaks to the pattern of this book. Happiness is just the preparation for suffering.

Also, while this chapter fulfills its purpose of giving Roman citizens an anniversary, a tradition, a right to celebrate, it also, again, mocks all human purpose. The games seem miniature reenactments of what has happened (boat race) and what is to become (other competitions). All their achievements are nothing but a game. And as is proven in even single game that takes place, it matters not how hard you work, or how certain your success may seem, anything can tip at any given moment, and you have no power over your own success.

I really don't think Virgil bought into the whole 'destiny of Rome'. Also, he was probably a pessimist.