Virgil Notes

Virgil Analysys -[678] ''Leading the Italians'' - this implies that Mark Antony, on the other hand, is not leading the italians. The purpose of this passage is to alienate Mark Antony and make sure that the battle at Actium is not perceived by the people as Romans vs Romans -[679] Battle together with the Senate, and the People - this implies that Augustus Caesar is supportedby the people and is legitimate - this is key to him not being seen as a tyrant. [Cf Caesar being assasined cause of being a tyrant] -[686] Antony is mentioned for the first time and is immediately associated with the east, Egypt and the red sea. This is to lessen the effect that Roman civil war will have on people. -[687] Further distancing of Antony attempted, his wife is mentioned -this adds further disgrace to Antony. Not only did he abandon Rome for Egypt, but he also got seduced by their queen, who was a woman! [Romans hate women having power] -[690+] These lines describe the battle as epic, violent, and bloody, despite the real battle being one-sided and dull: Antony was trying to escape, not fight. -[695-700] These lines describe both the Roman gods and the Egyptian gods, drawing further contrast between Caesar and his opposition. Romans were disgusted by the Egyptian gods as they had animal heads etc. Note that M.Antony is no longer mentioned ... at all -[712] Indicates Cleopatra to be weak and cowardly - she and her men retreat into the seven fold nile, and leave the battle, having lost to the superior power of the roman gods.