Brotherhood

Definition

Brotherhood refers to a close bond and sense of loyalty among individuals who share a common experience, identity, or purpose. In the context of the story of Romulus and Remus, brotherhood underscores the deep connection between the twins, shaped by their shared journey and struggles. This relationship highlights themes of rivalry, sacrifice, and the foundation of Rome, as their fraternal bond ultimately leads to both collaboration and conflict in the pursuit of a shared destiny.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Romulus and Remus were raised by a she-wolf, symbolizing their struggle for survival and connection to nature, which forged their strong bond as brothers.
2. The rivalry between Romulus and Remus ultimately led to a violent confrontation, resulting in Romulus killing Remus, highlighting the dark side of brotherhood.
3. Brotherhood is depicted as both a source of strength and conflict, with their relationship driving the narrative towards the founding of Rome.
4. The story emphasizes the idea that loyalty among brothers can lead to both constructive collaboration and destructive outcomes.
5. Romulus's actions after Remus's death reflect the complexities of brotherhood, where love can lead to loss and foundational change within a society.

Review Questions

• How does the relationship between Romulus and Remus illustrate the complexities of brotherhood?
  • The relationship between Romulus and Remus is a prime example of how brotherhood can embody both unity and division. Their bond is rooted in shared experiences like being raised together by a she-wolf, which fosters loyalty. However, this same loyalty turns into rivalry over leadership, culminating in conflict when Romulus kills Remus. This reflects how deep connections can sometimes lead to tragic outcomes, showing that brotherhood encompasses both love and rivalry.
• What role does fratricide play in shaping the narrative surrounding brotherhood in the founding story of Rome?
  • Fratricide is central to the narrative of Romulus and Remus as it marks the transition from collaboration to conflict. The act of Romulus killing Remus not only signifies a betrayal of their brotherly bond but also symbolizes the harsh realities of power struggles. This pivotal moment highlights that even strong bonds can fracture under ambition and rivalry, ultimately shaping Rome's identity as a city founded on both heroic ideals and tragic beginnings.
• Evaluate how the themes of brotherhood in the story of Romulus and Remus contribute to our understanding of Roman civilization's values and origins.
  • The themes of brotherhood in the story illuminate key values such as loyalty, sacrifice, and ambition that are integral to Roman civilization. The duality of their relationship demonstrates that while unity can drive progress—illustrated by their shared vision for Rome—conflict often emerges from ambition and rivalry. This duality suggests that Roman identity is forged not just from cooperation but also from overcoming internal strife. The myth thus serves as a foundational narrative that encapsulates the complexities inherent in human relationships, reflecting broader societal values within ancient Rome.

Related terms

Fratricide: The act of killing one's brother, which becomes a critical theme in the story of Romulus and Remus as it signifies the tragic outcome of their rivalry.

Founding Myth: A narrative that explains the origins and values of a culture or society; the tale of Romulus and Remus serves as a foundational myth for Rome.

Civilization: A complex human society characterized by urban development, social stratification, and cultural achievements; the brotherhood between Romulus and Remus plays a pivotal role in the establishment of Roman civilization.