Titus Andronicus and Revenge
Revenge and Mercy in Titus Andronicus
Mark Hardy
3/27/13
Revenge, it was a common theme among the plays, and works of literature published during Shakespeare’s time. It is only natural that it would be a topic that the writer himself would touch on. While not his most well-known play dealing with revenge the Tragedy of Titus Andronicus was likely Shakespeare’s earliest delve into the realm of the “revenge tragedy”. While the central plot of Titus revolves around revenge, and much of the time it leaves the ready rooting for the Titus to get his retribution of the wrongs dealt to him by Aaron, Tamora and her brood; the themes that one is left with at the conclusion of the play’s last act is that perhaps this bloody carnal road to retribution taken by Titus was not the right way. In fact it could even be argued that Titus Andronicus is a cautionary tale, or parody, against vengeance and the violent nature of English culture at the time of its creation, because throughout the play the evils of revenge consume the characters and their dreams of retributions leads them all to their ultimate demise at the play’s conclusion.
It is important to understand the common view of revenge that was held by the public during the time that Shakespeare constructed his works. The social climate at the time of Shakespeare was one that fully endorsed the idea of revenge. The political as well as religious structures of the time did not discard the vengeful mindset that was prevalent during the age. Many saw it as the right of the King or God to exact revenge for the wrongs of others; for they were believed to be the ones who had been caused the most offense. (1)
With the eye for eye mentality held by society it is not hard to see why plays that depicted revenge were so popular. Shakespeare had a multitude of influences to draw upon for his revenge tragedies; both from social influences and the influences of other works revenge. One work that I see as a crucial influence to
Mark Hardy
3/27/13
Revenge, it was a common theme among the plays, and works of literature published during Shakespeare’s time. It is only natural that it would be a topic that the writer himself would touch on. While not his most well-known play dealing with revenge the Tragedy of Titus Andronicus was likely Shakespeare’s earliest delve into the realm of the “revenge tragedy”. While the central plot of Titus revolves around revenge, and much of the time it leaves the ready rooting for the Titus to get his retribution of the wrongs dealt to him by Aaron, Tamora and her brood; the themes that one is left with at the conclusion of the play’s last act is that perhaps this bloody carnal road to retribution taken by Titus was not the right way. In fact it could even be argued that Titus Andronicus is a cautionary tale, or parody, against vengeance and the violent nature of English culture at the time of its creation, because throughout the play the evils of revenge consume the characters and their dreams of retributions leads them all to their ultimate demise at the play’s conclusion.
It is important to understand the common view of revenge that was held by the public during the time that Shakespeare constructed his works. The social climate at the time of Shakespeare was one that fully endorsed the idea of revenge. The political as well as religious structures of the time did not discard the vengeful mindset that was prevalent during the age. Many saw it as the right of the King or God to exact revenge for the wrongs of others; for they were believed to be the ones who had been caused the most offense. (1)
With the eye for eye mentality held by society it is not hard to see why plays that depicted revenge were so popular. Shakespeare had a multitude of influences to draw upon for his revenge tragedies; both from social influences and the influences of other works revenge. One work that I see as a crucial influence to
Cited: [1] Ronald Broude. Revenge and Revenge Tragedy in Renaissance England Renaissance Quarterly, Vol. 28, No. 1 (Spring, 1975), pp. 50-55. Published by: The University of Chicago Press, [2] Marlowe, Christopher. The Jew of Malta. Lincoln: University of Nebraska, 1964. [3] King James Bible Online. Digital image. KING JAMES BIBLE ONLINE. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 May 2013. [4]Pike, Luke Owen. "Pages 81-90." A History of Crime in England: Illustrating the Changes of the Laws in the Progress of Civilisation, Written from the Public Records and Other Contemporary Evidence. London: Smith, Elder, and, 1868. [5] Shakespeare, William. "Act I.I, Lines 107-127." Titus Andronicus. New York: Shakespeare, William. Titus Andronicus. New York: Penguin, 2000. Print.