1. Epic Scope: The Aeneid follows a similar epic scope like the Homeric poems. It spans a vast, mythical setting, tracing the journey of the Trojan hero Aeneas and his followers as they navigate various trials to finally settle in Rome. The poem presents a grand narrative that covers political intrigue, love, war, and divine interventions.
2. Influence of Homeric Characters and Events: Virgil employs the epic techniques established by Homer, but at the same time, he makes intertexts and draws a thematic connection to Homeric heroes and events. For example, the portrayal of Aeneas as a wandering hero, reminiscent of Odysseus; The rivalry between Dido and Aeneas, echoing the narrative of Helen and Menelaus; The fall of Troy, mirroring the Trojan War.
3. Intertextuality and Allusion: The Aeneid engages with the Homeric tradition through intertextuality and allusion. Virgil uses references to Homer's poems, such as recalling the famous Trojan Horse, describing Aeneas' shield as bearing images from the Trojan War, and drawing parallels between characters like Aeneas and Achilles.
4. National Epic: The Aeneid assumes the role of a national epic for the Romans, akin to how the Iliad and the Odyssey were for the Greek culture. It celebrates Rome's legendary origins and provides a historical and mythological framework that connects the Trojans to the founding of the Roman Empire.
5. Style and Meter: Virgil adopts the classical epic verse, the hexameter, which had also been used by Homer. He showcases exceptional poetic skill and artistry, crafting memorable and evocative imagery and using poetic techniques like similes, metaphors, and personifications to enhance the epic experience.
6. Exploration of Fate and Destiny: Like the Homeric poems, the Aeneid explores themes of fate and destiny, which were fundamental concepts in ancient Greek and Roman beliefs. Virgil examines how characters face or shape their own destinies as guided by divine forces.
7. Themes of Mortality and Humanity: The Aeneid grapples with profound human themes, such as the struggle between duty and desire, the conflict between human frailty and divine intervention, and the complexities of leadership and love. These themes resonate across epic traditions and continue to remain relevant across time.
By building on Homer's epic achievements and infusing his own artistic vision, Virgil's Aeneid offers a literary sequel, an exploration of national identity, and a reexamination of timeless themes that made it a defining work in epic poetry and Western literature.