Character: Jupiter

Question 1

How is Jupiter the divine author of Rome’s fate?

Answer 1

Bk.1 Jupiter’s speech lays down the story of Rome’s future and its glory over thousands of years up to the points of Virgils own time

• Prophecises the foundation of Alba Longa under Ascanius which will give rise to R+R the founders of Rome
• Discusses the History of Rome contemporary to Virgil’s own time including the end to civil war in 31BC in the battle of Actium and the end of civil war
• Jupiter is in control of this and is seen to speak beyond the speech to a Roman audience “an empire that will know no end”- divine imposed empire that is bound by neither time or space is incredibly patriotic (Jupiter is behind success and supports Rome)

Bk.4 Jupiter intervenes by sending Mercury down to rouse Aeneas to leave Carthage after Iarbas’ prayer as he is angered that he has forgotten “the cities granted him by the Fates”

Bk.9 Jupiter blesses Ascanius’ first trial of arms in his killing of Romulus who mocks the Trojans from outside their camp- watershed moment stepping into hand hood (sign of Ascanius being favoured by divine and displaying qualities of the future Romans)

Question 2

How does Jupiter show himself to be concerned with the course of fate?

Answer 2

Bk.10 Jupiter refuses to intervene after Hercules laments for the fate of Pallas who is moments from death at the hands of Turnus as each man has his allotted desinty “Turnus too is called by his own destiny” and turns away immediately- not interested in the outcome of mortals aslong as it adheres to the will of the Fates

Bk.10 Jupiter refuses to change the destiny of Turnus when Juno implores him to do so “the hopes which you norish are empty” however he allows her to postpone his death (impartial, less concerened by his status and more that it adhere to his overall Destiny)

Question 3

How is Jupiter shown to have authority over the gods?

Answer 3

Bk.1 and Bk.4 Jupiter orders Mercury to be his messenger; in the first case he uses Mercury to ensure Aeneas reception by Dido and in the second to rouse Aeneas to leave Carthage

Bk.9 Juno only disists from her support of Turnus as Jupiter sends Iris down to rely his “stern commands”

Bk.12 After Jupiter explicitly forbids Juno from any further actions, she stops her support of Turnus entirely and explains to Jaturna she can no longer aid her mortal brother