Titus Andronicus and its Classical Origins Anonymous College

Shakespeare's first tragedy, Titus Andronicus, sets the foundation for most of his future works. According to the scholar Danielle A. St. Hilaire, throughout the whole play, Shakespeare uses quotes from Greek and Latin works of literature both to show that he, as his contemporary, had a solid background on classical studies and to bestow credibility to the Ancient Rome setting (316). Moreover, by quoting Roman authors as Seneca and Ovid, Shakespeare can foresee and justify the characters’ actions, as well as, he can express the characters’ feelings and thoughts.

At the beginning of the play, Saturninus, who has just been proclaimed emperor, decides that he is going to marry Lavinia, who was already betrothed to his brother Bassianus. Even if his role of emperor legitimates his decision, Bassianus doesn’t want to renounce to his beloved; there is nothing they can do to make Bassianus change his mind. However, the Roman traditions need to be respected, and as Marcus explains “Suum cuique is our Roman justice” (1.1.280). Directly quoting the words of Marcus Tullius Cicero that have become a precept of Roman law (Treccani), Marcus is not only strengthening Saturninus’ role, but also legitimating an immoral action as a legal one....