Aeneas as a family man

• the father and son relationship is an important theme
• the only time we witness a scene between father and son alone is when Aeneas is leaving for battle
• the bk 12 scene is clearly modelled on that in the Iliad where Hector embraces Astyanax
• his words are often lacking, but his actions sometimes portray a very human character, who longs for affection
• he is exasperated at the impossibility of having a normal relationship with his mother (bk 1)
• he tries but fails to grasp Creusa in book 2 and father in book 6
• his first wish is to return to rebuild Troy, but he is denied that
• he is destined for greater things and must move on
• Aeneas is faltering in his approach
• he is often seen 'turning many things over in his mind', or drawing 'a deep sigh from the bottom of his heart'
• he stands gazing for too long in the Underworld
• too often he waits to be prompted by a visitation from the gods or a a dream for his father
• he avoids conflict, but is a fearsome presence on the battlefield when he fights