2004-03-06 Fate is no providence, just cruelty

This play is a plot of conflicting interests. The survivors of Troy, Aeneas first of all, are saved by Dido, Queen of Carthage. Dido an Aeneas fall in love by decision of Venus. Iarbas who is in love with Dido, is rejected. Anna, Dido?s sister, is in love with Iarbas and sees hope in that. But the gods have other projects. Jove imposes his decision : Aeneas wust go to Italy to instal the remnants of Troy there. So Aeneas leaves. Dido then kills herself, Iarbas follows suit and Anna does the same. Marlowe is cruel with his characters and endorses the gods? tyranny entirely. There is no escape from fate. There is no hope for men and women alike. This vision of humanity as a plaything in the hands of the gods is extremely disquieting and pessimistic.

Dr Jacaques COULARDEAU