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Who do you think was most responsible for the downfall and death of Dido and why? (20)
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Jess CaneWho do you think was most responsible for the downfall and death of Dido and why? (20)
Overall, there are many different characters who could be blamed for the downfall and
death of Dido as despite mortals acting in ways which directly effected Dido, other powers
can arguably be seen as the influence behind these. On the one hand it could be argued that
Dido herself was responsible for her downfall as it was a consequence of her actions,
although, it could also be seen that divine intervention was the cause of this tragedy, or it
could be seen as a result of Aeneas’ departure or Anna’s actions.
Firstly, it could be argued Dido was most responsible for her death as she is physically to
blame for wounding herself. Additionally, aside from this emotionally detached perspective,
it seemed at the end, before Dido stabs herself, that she is in a rational state of mind and
not completely consumed by madness. She appears to weigh her options, rationally, and
considers suicide as the right course of action for her. From this debate within herself, we
can see that humiliation appears to be her main reason for suicide. However, guilt may also
play a significant part in her decision. From the third dimension that Virgil adds Sychaeus.
He is only a memory, but real enough in Dido’s mind to have an important function in the
narrative. Sychaeus’ presence induces in Dido the feelings of betrayal and guilt to which she
succumbs by suicide when Aeneas’ departure removes all her hopes of any honour through
marriage. Suicide is a choice that can only be made by the individual. Dido makes this choice
on her own, by herself. Therefore, ultimately she is the one who can claim the most
responsibility for her death.
Conversely, it could be said that divine intervention played the most influential role in Dido’s
downfall and death. Both Juno and Venus are seen to use Dido, as Venus uses her power
over love to summon Cupid, who enchants Dido with a powerful spell of love over Aeneas,
and Juno manufactures a romantic setting to seal the love that Dido has over Aeneas. Both
of these goddesses abuse the susceptibility of Dido's emotional state, and coerce Dido into a
love affair. Their manoeuvrings result directly to the madness that poisons Dido, and which
causes her to take her own life, as without these two, Dido may not have felt anything for
Aeneas, as she was shown to turn other men down multiple times due to her loyalty to
Sychaeus. Aside from Venus and Juno, Jupiter is also partly responsible, commanding
Aeneas to continue his journey to Italy, uncaring for the toll this would have for Dido.
Aeneas, being a mortal, has to oblige. Aeneas’ departure is then seen to result in Dido’s
strong feelings of furor, and upset which results in her killing herself. Therefore, the gods
could be seen as responsible for Dido’s downfall as they coerce mortals actions which result
in Dido’s death by creating a situation in which she feels so emotionally hurt, the only way
she can free herself of these feelings is to commit suicide.
Moreover, it could be argued Anna was ultimately the cause of Dido’s death as it is Anna’s
words and actions that directly result in Dido taking her own life. Firstly, Dido consults Anna
first before pursing a relationship with Aeneas, who encourages her to do so by referencing
the benefits it will bring to Troy and the happiness and children it will bring her, thus
pushing forwards their relationship meaning Dido built up stronger feelings for Aeneas thus
feeling so saddened when he left. Aside from this advice, Anna also inadvertently aids Dido
with building a pyre, which Dido ultimately uses to end her life. Although Anna did not know
how Dido would use the pyre, Anna knew at this point that Dido was on the edge of
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