The love of Dido and Aeneas: could it have been vital? Since we hope to have a long-term relationship, it is not possible to guarantee its existence or permanence. Some relationships are doomed to fail from the start. The relationship between Dido and Aeneas is an example of this. When Dido and Aeneas begin their relationship, they fail to realize how each of them perceives their love for each other. Dido perceives their relationship as a marriage, while Aeneas perceives their relationship as something merely sexual. Failing to understand their love for each other, their relationship was doomed from the start. Furthermore, their relationship could never have lasted because Aeneas was destined to marry Lavinia and not Dido. Aeneas had to marry Lavinia because it was his duty to ensure the success of Rome. Dido and Aeneas' love was destined to fail because Dido and Aeneas perceive their love for each other differently and because Aeneas must fulfill his obligations. After Dido and Aeneas sleep together in a cave, she justifies their sexual union as a "marriage," even though no actual ceremonial rites were performed. Dido's declaration of her sexual union with Aeneas as marriage is noteworthy. because she "resisted remarrying / after the death of her first love." (IV, 22-23) By breaking her vow to never remarry, she reveals how much she was in love with Aeneas word, but also betray the trust of others. Notice to Aeneas, as he prepares to leave for Italy, his loss of integrity: Have mercy now on a house in decline. Put this plan aside, if a prayer is not out of place yet. For you, Libyans and nomads. Detest me, my Tyrians are hostile; Because of you, I have lost my integrity. And...... middle of paper...... ves he wanted Aeneas to stay by his side so he could have a companion, while Aeneas wanted a temporary relationship that he could walk away from to achieve his goals. Because they each had different goals for where they wanted their relationship to be, their love was doomed to fail. Furthermore, the love between Dido and Aeneas could never have lasted because Aeneas was destined to marry Lavinia and found the city of Rome. As soon as Mercury reminded Aeneas of his duty to fulfill Rome's prophecy, he left Carthage as soon as possible, even if it meant leaving Dido distraught. In Aeneas' action to fulfill his obligations, Virgil emphasizes the importance of duty in relation to Roman culture. It highlights the universal truth that fulfilling one's goals or duties has more priority than temporal relationships. Works Cited Virgil. The Aeneid. Vintage, print.