Why is there so much violence in Titus Andronicus?
As such, a common theory as to why the play is so violent is that Shakespeare was trying to outdo his predecessors, who catered to the blood-thirsty tastes of the Elizabethan groundlings (Alan C. Dessen refers to Titus as “the most ‘Elizabethan’ of Shakespeare’s plays”).
How violent is Titus Andronicus?
Mark Hulse figures that Titus Andronicus “has 14 killings, 9 of them on stage, 6 severed members, 1 rape (or 2 or 3 depending on how you count), 1 live burial, 1 case of insanity, and 1 of cannibalism – an average of 5.2 atrocities per act, or one for every 97 lines.” There’s so much revenge-fuelled violence in the …
How is Titus Andronicus a revenge tragedy?
Titus Andronicus is considered a “revenge tragedy,” a genre that was made popular in the 16th century by Thomas Kyd (Spanish Tragedy) and John Webster (White Devil). As such, it features a seemingly endless cycle of bloody vengeance that nearly destroys Rome and takes down the city’s most important political figures.
What is the theme of Titus Andronicus?
The main themes in Titus Andronicus are the cycle of revenge, masculine and feminine honor, and Romans and barbarians. The cycle of revenge: Titus Andronicus demonstrates the futile and cyclical nature of vengeance, the pursuit of which results in the deaths of nearly all the characters involved.
What is the plot of Titus Andronicus?
Titus Andronicus Summary. The Roman general Titus Andronicus returns from war with four prisoners who vow to take revenge against him. They rape and mutilate Titus’ daughter and have his sons killed and banished. Titus kills two of them and cooks them into a pie, which he serves to their mother before killing her too.
Who is the villain in Titus Andronicus?
Aaron the Moor
“Aaron the Moor” is Tamora’s secret lover and the diabolical mastermind behind the plot to destroy the Andronicus family. He’s also, in our humble opinion, the play’s most fascinating character.