The Aeneid ends with the tragic death of Turnus. Ending the story with the tragic death of Turnus is not only a fitting ending, but also one of much merit. It shows a darker side of humanity making the ending one of the more perplexing and fascinating aspects of Virgil’s story.
Virgil could have very well ended or intended to end his story with victory celebrations, but he ends it in a manner that takes the reader's emotional state to the opposite end of the spectrum. Even though Aeneas, the stories' hero, is victorious, the story ends on an indisputable tragic note, dedicating it's final lines to the sad ending of Turnus' life.
He rais’d his arm aloft, and, at the word,
Deep in his bosom drove the shining sword.
The streaming blood distain’d his arms around,
And the disdainful soul came rushing thro’ the wound (Virgil Book 12).
Regardless of whether or not Virgil intended to end his tale this way, this ending is the only appropriate one. It adds to the multifaceted nature of the story and helps show Turnus' true colors.
Turnus Unplugged
Turnus is a character that contrasts Aeneas' pious sense of order. He is irrational and inconsistent and ultimately meets his demise at the behest of his inexorable rage and pride, though he is known for his skill in battle.
He goes through many phases: corageous, empowered, passionate, antagonistic, sympathetic and plain pathetic. He is a very full and human character.
Virgil's Heros
Virgil is very good at lending all of his characters a certain humane sense. He builds heroes with human flaw. Pious Aeneas is a good man/great hero, but isn't without fault. Virgil gives him flaws to not only show his heroism, but also to show that he is a human hero. The same stands for Turnus. Virgil makes sure to employ Turnus' unpredictability to show that not only is he the villian, but that his misguided notions and decisions are prompted by his own internal conflicts and flaws.
Good Vs. Evil
It is, at times, difficult to discern between good and bad. Turnus' motivations, while completely different from Aeneas', sometimes seem no less pure. It is true that Turnus is in love with Lavinia; is feelings are not without merit.
While Aeneas wishes to marry Lavinia because it is his destiny to do so. Turnus seems determined to uphold his sense of duty and honor despite the rough path that lies ahead while Aeneas can rest assured that he will be fine in whatever he does because it is his destiny to succeed.
The major difference between the two men is Aeneas' willfulness. He tries to discern his own understanding of history with his own prediction based on the events of the Trojan past. Though Turnus may appear to be very heroic, his skills in battle are not enough to guarantee victory. His demise was foretold and her refused to accept it. He interprets signs to his own advantage rather that seeking their true meanings, as Aeneas does.
Turnus' Realization
Though Turnus' character does change in the last few scenes when he slowly loses his confidence and coems to accept his tragic fate. He resolves to die with honor at the end of the book. Even though he realizes he isn't going to win the fight against Aeneas, Turnus doesn't run away. This almost makes him seem equal to Aeneas until he is reduced to begging for his life while on his knees.
What Virgil Wants
Virgil wanted to audience to feel a wide range of emotions at the end of his story; he wanted the audience to be conflicted, which is exactly the response his story gets, as is. The audience is sympathetic towards Turnus' demise even though Aeneas is the victorious hero.
By ending the story this way, Virgil teachers a powerful lesson: No victory is without its downside. The story ends with Aeneas plunging his sword through Turnus. Virgil shoes loss is sometimes a consequence of following your destiny. Many people lose their way and their lives in order for Aeneas to pursue his destiny, but in the end the biggest loss is that of Aeneas' own compassion and mercy.
Works Cited
Virgil. The Aeneid. Online-Literature.com.2000-2006: Jalic LLC.
