Shakespeare’s Titus Andronicus is a play filled with violence, revenge, and betrayal. It tells the story of Titus, a Roman general who seeks revenge against Tamora, the queen of the Goths, after she kills his sons and brutalizes his daughter. The play explores themes of power, revenge, justice, and the human psyche. Here are some discussion questions to delve deeper into the themes and symbolism of the play.
Titus discussion questions
- Q. What is the significance of the violence in the play? How does it contribute to the overall themes and message of the play?
- Q. How do the characters of Titus and Tamora embody power and control in the play? What do they represent in terms of political power and gender roles?
- Q. What is the role of revenge in the play? How do the characters seek revenge and what are the consequences of their actions?
- Q. What is the significance of the character of Aaron the Moor? How does he represent race and ethnicity in the play?
- Q. What is the role of women in the play? How are they portrayed and what do they represent in terms of gender and power dynamics?
- Q. How does the play explore the idea of justice? Is justice served in the end, and if so, by whom?
- Q. What is the significance of the recurring motif of hands in the play? How does it symbolize power and control?
- Q. What is the role of language and rhetoric in the play? How do the characters use language to manipulate and control others?
- Q. What is the significance of the play’s setting in ancient Rome? How does it contribute to the themes and symbolism of the play?
- Q. What is the overall message of the play? What does it reveal about human nature and the consequences of our actions?
Q. What is the significance of the violence in the play? How does it contribute to the overall themes and message of the play?
Answer – The violence in Titus Andronicus is graphic and brutal, and it serves to underscore the themes of revenge, power, and control. The play explores the consequences of violence, both for the victim and the perpetrator. Additionally, the violence serves as a commentary on the cyclical nature of revenge – each act of violence begets more violence, until there seems to be no end to the cycle.
Q. How do the characters of Titus and Tamora embody power and control in the play? What do they represent in terms of political power and gender roles?
Answer – Titus and Tamora are both powerful figures in the play, but they embody power in very different ways. Titus represents the traditional Roman idea of power – military might, honor, and duty. Tamora, on the other hand, represents power through manipulation and cunning. She uses her femininity and sexuality to gain control over men and to advance her own agenda.
Q. What is the role of revenge in the play? How do the characters seek revenge and what are the consequences of their actions?
Answer – Revenge is a central theme in Titus Andronicus. Nearly all of the characters seek revenge in some way, either for themselves or on behalf of someone else. However, the consequences of revenge are devastating – it leads to a cycle of violence and ultimately results in the destruction of nearly all of the major characters.
Q. What is the significance of the character of Aaron the Moor? How does he represent race and ethnicity in the play?
Answer – Aaron is the only major character of color in the play, and his race is used as a way to mark him as an outsider. However, he is also one of the most interesting and complex characters in the play. He embodies many of the themes of the play, including power, revenge, and control. Additionally, his presence highlights the racism and xenophobia of the other characters, particularly the Romans.
Q. What is the role of women in the play? How are they portrayed and what do they represent in terms of gender and power dynamics?
Answer – Women are largely marginalized in Titus Andronicus, and they are often used as pawns in the power struggles between the male characters. However, there are a few notable exceptions – Tamora is a powerful and cunning figure who is able to hold her own against the men, and Lavinia, despite being brutally raped and mutilated, ultimately becomes a symbol of revenge and justice.
Q. How does the play explore the idea of justice? Is justice served in the end, and if so, by whom?
Answer – The idea of justice is central to the play, but it is presented in a very ambiguous way. There is no clear sense of who is in the right or who deserves punishment. However, by the end of the play, it seems that justice has been served in some way – the cycle of violence has come to an end and the characters who have survived are left to reckon with the consequences of their actions.
Q. What is the significance of the recurring motif of hands in the play? How does it symbolize power and control?
Answer – Hands are a recurring motif in the play, and they serve as a symbol of power and control. In several scenes, characters use their hands to assert dominance over others, whether through violence or manipulation. Additionally, the motif of hands underscores the idea of revenge and the cycle of violence – characters seek revenge by cutting off hands, and in turn, their own hands are cut off as punishment.
These discussion questions are just a starting point for exploring the complex themes and symbolism of Titus Andronicus. By delving deeper into these questions, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the play’s characters, themes, and message.