“Titus Andronicus”, The Theme of Power And Its Significance
“Titus Andronicus” is strewn with various subjects ranging from treachery to revenge and all emotions mixed in between. But there is a specific theme of power materialization in several forms. There are three types of power themes that are prevalent in “Titus Andronicus”. These themes are female, male and parental power, which are all significant and commanding each in its own way. These power displays are neither blatant nor subtle, and are dispersed throughout the play.
In the beginning of “Titus Andronicus”, we see how influential Tamora is and the feminine power she wields. Aaron describes just how powerful Tamora is as quoted by the following: (Aaron) - “Now climbeth Tamora Olympus' top, Safe out of fortune's shot; and sits aloft, Secure of thunder's crack or lightning flash; Advanced above pale envy's …show more content…
The two characters that have this type of power are Tamora and Titus. We see Tamora’s ability to manipulate her children in order to get what she wants. For example, as stated by Tamora, “Revenge it, as you love your mother's life, Or be ye not henceforth call'd my children.” (II,iii,114-115) This quote reflects how she is emotionally blackmailing her children to seek revenge or she will punish them by disowning them. She is willing to destroy her relationship with her living sons in order for her to meet her own agenda. She is able to manipulate her sons to rape and disfigure Lavinia and using her power as mother to ensure her sons obey her wishes. Then there is Titus, not only does he manipulate Lavinia, but in the end kills her because he thinks he is saving her from shame “Die, die, Lavinia, and thy shame with thee; And, with thy shame, thy father's sorrow die!” (V,iii,46-47) He has power over his children to do what he thinks is fit. And Titus uses their fear of being denied parental love as a weapon of power and
“Titus Andronicus” is strewn with various subjects ranging from treachery to revenge and all emotions mixed in between. But there is a specific theme of power materialization in several forms. There are three types of power themes that are prevalent in “Titus Andronicus”. These themes are female, male and parental power, which are all significant and commanding each in its own way. These power displays are neither blatant nor subtle, and are dispersed throughout the play.
In the beginning of “Titus Andronicus”, we see how influential Tamora is and the feminine power she wields. Aaron describes just how powerful Tamora is as quoted by the following: (Aaron) - “Now climbeth Tamora Olympus' top, Safe out of fortune's shot; and sits aloft, Secure of thunder's crack or lightning flash; Advanced above pale envy's …show more content…
The two characters that have this type of power are Tamora and Titus. We see Tamora’s ability to manipulate her children in order to get what she wants. For example, as stated by Tamora, “Revenge it, as you love your mother's life, Or be ye not henceforth call'd my children.” (II,iii,114-115) This quote reflects how she is emotionally blackmailing her children to seek revenge or she will punish them by disowning them. She is willing to destroy her relationship with her living sons in order for her to meet her own agenda. She is able to manipulate her sons to rape and disfigure Lavinia and using her power as mother to ensure her sons obey her wishes. Then there is Titus, not only does he manipulate Lavinia, but in the end kills her because he thinks he is saving her from shame “Die, die, Lavinia, and thy shame with thee; And, with thy shame, thy father's sorrow die!” (V,iii,46-47) He has power over his children to do what he thinks is fit. And Titus uses their fear of being denied parental love as a weapon of power and