The subject matter presented in Eclogue 1 tells much about the time in which it was written. Eclogue 1, in essence, is about the land confiscations after the battle of Philippi. Modern historians have their own ideas about why the poem was written, which it turn would explain the time in which Eclogue 1 was written. Some of these ideas include Tityrus' being Vergil, protest against land confiscations, or a eulogy to Octavian. It may be possible that all three of these themes were apart of Eclogue 1. Exploring all three themes would certainly give a more in depth peer into the time of Vergil. The question of whether or not Vergil wrote to tell a story or wrote to give information on the age in which he lived is raised. Perhaps Vergil has made an attempt at both. In reading Eclogue 1, we know that Meliboeus and Tityrus are fictional characters; however, the reader knows that the land confiscations is factual information about the time. Eclogue 1 is a poem dedicated to providing entertainment without sacrificing historical information. This poem gives much insight on the time it was written. Analysis of these ideas would explain to a reader what happened during the events that were taking place during the time Ec
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Meaning that he could still write quality poetry without becoming distracted by what was happening around him. In this time of turmoil for the Roman citizens, he is looked upon as being some sort of hope for those who are susceptible to the land confiscations. This would explain why his land was not taken from him. The land confiscations were, in fact, very real and had a major effect on the people of Rome, including Vergil. Vergil's sympathy for those who lost their farms was expressed as a protest against the confiscations, assuming that Vergil was able to keep his plot. This particular passage explains that the soldiers more than likely would not confiscate land that was not of very good quality. , the veterans were given land in Italy, confiscated from the supporters of the losing side, once Antony and Octavian defeated Brutus and Cassius. As far as Eclogue 1 being a eulogy to Octavian, one may be encouraged to believe this because of all the allusions made and the references made to this "young man". 69-72)
Lines 71-72 may also suggest that Meliboeus is a Roman citizen and may explain why he is so angry to give up his land to barbarians (foreigners of Rome, probably Italians; they were forced to be allies of Rome). Eclogue 1 as a political protest articulates the views and attitudes of the Roman people at this time of having to give up their land to "some godless veteran" (1. Whether Eclogue 1 was written as a portrayal of Vergil, a political protest against the confiscations, or as a eulogy to Octavian is left totally in the hands of the reader, despite what historians may think.
The question of whether or not this was a political protest against the land confiscations may also hold some evidence in Eclogue 1.
Approximate Word count =
1507
Approximate Pages =
6 (250 words per page double spaced)
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