Further Voices in Vergil's Aeneid

by R.O.A.M. Lyne

There is in The Aeneid one "voice" that Vergil wishes us to hear, what may be called the epic voice, not shocking in tone and substance, even patriotic and inspiriting. But there are in addition "further voices" which Vergil incorporates into his great epic, and these may be disturbing, even shocking, as they add to, comment upon, question, and occasionally subvert the implications of the epic voice. This book provides the first in-depth analysis of these "further voices," illuminating with unusual clarity Vergil's method of composition and yielding an intimate glimpse into the working of his mind. Lyne has translated all Latin quotes, making the book accessible to readers with little or no knowledge of classical languages.

Genres: Classics

262 pages, Paperback

First published May 21, 1987

About the author

Richard Oliver Allen Marcus Lyne, also known as R.O.A.M. Lyne, was a British academic and classicist specialising in Latin poetry. He was a tutor in classics at Balliol College and Professor of Classical Languages and Literature at the University of Oxford.

Reviews

[Aaron · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the finest examples of the "Harvard school" of Virgilian criticism. The last few chapters are of the least interest and plausibility.

[Magnus Lu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some readings that I personally disagreed with but really interesting takes on Aeneas' relationships with others, especially the commentary on his inability (person & by fortune) to express emotions to people in his life until it is too late.