Research Proposal

Research question:
The concept of fate is the main theme found in Homer and Virgil’s work. In Virgil’s The Aeneid, as soon as we read line one, we are presented with the notion of fate: “Wars and a man I sing—an exile driven on by Fate, …”(47). Aeneas, the protagonist, is the man who is driven by fate. It is god’s will for Aeneas to establish Rome.
In comparing Aeneas to Hector, a heroic warrior in Homer’s The Iliad, who is also fated by the gods, how does the duty/role of fate affect the perception of the individual/hero? How does he act in response to the heroic duty that has been issued to him by the gods?
Statement of Interest:
My interest in this topic developed after reading the Dido and Aeneas scene in book IV. A lasting love connection would have been favorable for both; however, as the scene unrolls the outcome becomes much bigger than individual choice. Dido and Aeneas’ love affair comes with many attachments and it bothers me that Dido and Aeneas are not able to make their own decisions. The gods’ interference plays a big role in this scene because their actions cause disturbing consequences. In a blink of an eye, Aeneas, who shows to be filled with love, is quick to abandon Dido and move on. Aeneas’ excuse for leaving is that it is god’s will.
Further interest leads me to examine Aeneas’ character and actions. What constitutes a hero? Is there any room for self-determination? This is where a juxtaposition of characters will help answer the above questions. Furthermore, how does the hero’s individual decision affect his present and/or future community?
What I hope to learn:
What I hope to learn from this research is to gain a better understanding of how fate and free will are perceived in these classical epics. I am interested in learning more about classical philosophy. For many, including myself, without the understanding of basic classical philosophy, we can be easily confused when trying to decipher between the actions of free will and fate.