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A review by readingisadoingword
Titus Andronicus by William Shakespeare
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
This is the 6th Shakespeare play read as part of the #UpstartCrows2023 readalong and definitely the most gory and violent to date.
Titus Andronicus returns to Rome victorious after war, with Tamora Queen of the Goths as his prisoner, but having lost twenty-one of his sons. His own losses do not soften him and he sacrifices Tamora's son as a ritual requirement. Thus Tamora's campaign of revenge ensues, ably abetted by Aaron her lover and her two remaining sons.
There is rape, mutilation, murder and madness until Titus is pushed to the brink and exacts his own bloody retribution.
Not for the faint hearted, all of this violence takes place against the backdrop of Rome and Roman customs and expectations. Titus is ill rewarded for his loyalty and sees his family destroyed by the Empress and "justice" of his homeland.
Issues such as honour, virtue and nobility abound and the question of what it takes for civilisation to turn into barbarianism is brought to the fore.
A violent and at times shocking read, definitely one that would be interesting to see staged.
Titus Andronicus returns to Rome victorious after war, with Tamora Queen of the Goths as his prisoner, but having lost twenty-one of his sons. His own losses do not soften him and he sacrifices Tamora's son as a ritual requirement. Thus Tamora's campaign of revenge ensues, ably abetted by Aaron her lover and her two remaining sons.
There is rape, mutilation, murder and madness until Titus is pushed to the brink and exacts his own bloody retribution.
Not for the faint hearted, all of this violence takes place against the backdrop of Rome and Roman customs and expectations. Titus is ill rewarded for his loyalty and sees his family destroyed by the Empress and "justice" of his homeland.
Issues such as honour, virtue and nobility abound and the question of what it takes for civilisation to turn into barbarianism is brought to the fore.
A violent and at times shocking read, definitely one that would be interesting to see staged.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape and Murder