Aeneas

The central character of Vergil's Aeneid, Aeneas, is a tragic figure whose defining virtue depends on a past that has been stripped from him and whose destiny blocks him from the knowledge of the future. Lee T. Pearcy's book creates an Aeneas for our time, an age of liquid modernity, amid political conflict and collapsing institutions. It offers new translations and close readings of important passages and restores Aeneas to the center of Romes most important poem.

Format: Hardback
Length: 236 pages
Publication date: 19 July 2021
Publisher: The University of Michigan Press

Vergil's Aeneid presents a complex and enigmatic central character who captivates readers with his multifaceted nature. To some, he appears unlikable, while to others, he appears unreal, serving as a mere plot device. Aeneas, the hero of the Trojan War, is a tragic figure whose defining virtue is rooted in a past that has been forcibly taken from him, leaving him disconnected from the knowledge of the future that would provide meaning to his existence. His choices, silences, tears, and anger manifest an existential struggle that ultimately leads to his defeat.

While Aeneas is a hero from a distant time, the Roman Republic, he is also a literary creation born out of the political chaos and civil strife that characterized the transition from the Republic to the Augustan empire. Lee T. Pearcy's book seeks to contemporize Aeneas for our time, a period characterized by fluid modernity, where identities are increasingly ambiguous and fragile, amidst a backdrop of political conflict and the collapse of institutions. This volume offers new translations and in-depth analyses of crucial passages, placing Aeneas once again at the center of Vergil's most significant poem.

Through his exploration of Aeneas's character, Pearcy delves into the themes of loss, identity, and the search for meaning in a world that is constantly evolving. Aeneas's journey reflects the struggles of individuals navigating a rapidly changing world, where the past and the future are intertwined in complex ways. Pearcy's book provides a fresh perspective on Aeneas, challenging readers to reevaluate their understanding of this iconic figure and his role in the narrative of the Aeneid.

In conclusion, Vergil's Aeneid presents a central character who eludes readers but remains captivating and enigmatic. Through the lens of Lee T. Pearcy's book, Aeneas is contemporized for our time, reflecting the challenges and complexities of a world in transition. Pearcy's close readings and new translations offer a deeper understanding of Aeneas's character and his role in the poem, challenging readers to engage with him on a new level.

Weight: 458g
Dimension: 158 x 238 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780472074907