Which scholar argues that Virgil depicts a character Romans of his day could model themselves on, rather than Augustus?

Which scholar argues that Virgil depicts a character Romans of his day could model themselves on, rather than Augustus?

• A. Oliver Lyne
• B. Philip Hardie
• C. R. D. Williams
• D. Denis Feeney

Answer: (C)

The setting here is how Virgil frames authority and moral guidance in the Aeneid. The argument in focus says Virgil presents a character that Romans could imitate — a figure whose virtue and conduct serve as a template for everyday citizens — rather than presenting Augustus as the explicit model. R. D. Williams makes just that claim: Virgil builds Aeneas as the exemplar of Roman values—pietas, duty, resilience, and the founding spirit of Rome—so that readers cultivate these qualities in themselves and in their political world. The epic thereby functions as a guide to virtuous action for Romans, not a straightforward piece of Augustan propaganda about the emperor. Other scholars are known for focusing on different angles, such as the poem’s political alignment with Augustan aims or its stylistic and historical ambiguities, but Williams’ reading centers the non-monarchical exemplar that Romans could emulate.

The setting here is how Virgil frames authority and moral guidance in the Aeneid. The argument in focus says Virgil presents a character that Romans could imitate — a figure whose virtue and conduct serve as a template for everyday citizens — rather than presenting Augustus as the explicit model. R. D. Williams makes just that claim: Virgil builds Aeneas as the exemplar of Roman values—pietas, duty, resilience, and the founding spirit of Rome—so that readers cultivate these qualities in themselves and in their political world. The epic thereby functions as a guide to virtuous action for Romans, not a straightforward piece of Augustan propaganda about the emperor. Other scholars are known for focusing on different angles, such as the poem’s political alignment with Augustan aims or its stylistic and historical ambiguities, but Williams’ reading centers the non-monarchical exemplar that Romans could emulate.