Titus Andronicus Research Paper

Though William Shakespeare’s Titus Andronicus is not considered one of his better tragedies, or even outstanding with regard to his contemporaries, still it remains an interesting study in technique. In this play, Shakespeare applies a good portion of Aristotle’s principles of tragedy as well as some of his own.

First, the readers or spectators may notice that Lavinia’s rape and mutilation are known to them but not to her father until Act 3. This is a classic storytelling technique which follows Aristotle’s first principle of tragedy that “most important of all is the structure of the incidents” (Poetics). In more modern terms, Peter Barry says that “the key to story-telling is not the imparting, but the withholding of information . . . The

For example, Titus wanted to get revenge on Tamora, but doing so caused him to lose his own life, which was not his original goal, of course. “Nor, again, should the downfall of the utter villain be exhibited” explains Aristotle. “A plot of this kind would, doubtless, satisfy the moral sense, but it would inspire neither pity nor fear” (Poetics). Here Shakespeare differs by killing off all the villains as well as his main character and Lavinia, the most sympathetic character.

Titus was the realistic yet idealized character with one or more character flaws also recommended by Aristotle. This makes him like average members of the audience. It just so happens, though, that Titus’s flaw is that he is ready to murder his own offspring at the drop of a hat, quite unlike spectators.

Lastly, according to Aristotle, effective tragedy should bring about a catharsis through the emotions of pity and fear. Titus Andronicus seems to be Shakespeare’s only play that does not fulfill this particular aspect of Aristotle’s principles, yet it is a play to be appreciated for its striking violence and memorable