Violence in Titus Andronicus, Essay Example

Shakespeare’s ‘Titus Andronicus’ is thought to be Shakespeare’s first tragedy and is notably his most violent plays. The play takes place during the end of the Roman Empire and focuses on Titus, a general for Rome’s army. The play is known for its graphic violence, rape scenes and excessive torture.

I do not feel that some of the scenes and the extent of the violence was necessary. The rape scenes were difficult to watch and definitely made it difficult to process what Shakespeare was trying to portray through the play. I do not feel like there is ever any justification for acts like rape and torture.

I do see parallels between Shakespeare’s ‘Titus Andronicus’ and modern day cinema though, and I do not understand the wide spread appeal towards excessive graphic violence and movies with in-depth rape scenes.

I definitely feel that Shakespeare’s use of violence in this play was over the top. Although the entire plot revolved around rape, torture and violence, this is by far one of my least favorite plays written by Shakespeare and I feel like his collection of works would have benefited from not having this play in it. I found it offensive and at times, vulgar. I do not see any way in which the play crosses the line from a graphically violent tragedy into a parody, and find no humor in any of the scenes throughout the play.

Although I can not say that this play was vastly more violent than modern day films, I am not someone who enjoys those types of films today, so I would not be the type of crowd Shakespeare was probably gearing his play towards. But regardless, I did find this play heavily violent, often offensive, and difficult to process.