DefinePK

Research Objective

To re-evaluate the tragic paradigms in Shakespeare's Titus Andronicus by highlighting his dramatic techniques for crafting Aaron as a tragic character, arguing that Shakespeare used the same techniques for Aaron as for his tragic heroes like Macbeth and Richard III.

Methodology

Close reading of Titus Andronicus, applying theoretical perspectives of tragedy, and identifying tragic characteristics in villain figures. The research tests the hypothesis that Shakespeare tragedised his villains as he did Macbeth, using techniques identified by critics like Wayne Booth and Heilman.

Methodology Flowchart

                        graph TD;
    A["Identify commonly accepted features of tragic heroes/villains"] --> B["Problematize features by identifying tragic characteristics in villains"];
    B --> C["Apply theoretical perspectives of tragedy"];
    C --> D["Close reading of Titus Andronicus"];
    D --> E["Seek evidence of tragic flaws in Aaron"];
    E --> F["Analyze Aaron's actions and motivations"];
    F --> G["Contrast Aaron with the world of Titus Andronicus"];
    G --> H["Establish Shakespeare's techniques for tragedizing Aaron"];
    H --> I["Conclude Aaron is a tragic character"];                    

Discussion

The paper argues that contemporary attempts to create tragic villains in popular media often fail due to a lack of philosophical depth in their tragic construction. Shakespeare's villains, like Aaron, are presented with tragic flaws and humanizing elements that evoke pity and self-reflection in the audience, challenging simplistic notions of good and evil. The play Titus Andronicus is characterized by a breakdown of familial ties and pervasive cruelty, making Aaron's paternal love a notable contrast.

Key Findings

Shakespeare humanized Aaron by allowing him to plead his case and by contrasting him with the morally ambiguous world he inhabits, prompting audience empathy and moral complexity. Aaron, despite his villainy, displays genuine filial love and intellectual depth, reflecting the pervasive corruption and lack of familial love in the Roman Empire. His downfall evokes pity, qualifying him as a tragic figure.

Conclusion

Shakespeare's technique of tragedizing villains, as seen with Aaron in Titus Andronicus, complicates audience response and highlights moral ambiguities. Aaron reflects the evil present in the world around him, and his tragic status is underscored by his capacity for love in a society devoid of it. The study suggests that the term "tragic" has philosophical implications that are often overlooked in popular media.

Fact Check

Titus Andronicus* features a high number of atrocities: The text states there are "14 killings, 9 of them on stage, 6 severed members, 1 rape ... 1 live burial, 1 case of insanity, and 1 of cannibalism - an average of 5.2 atrocities per act, or one for every 97 lines." (Hulse, Wrestling, p. 106). This is a specific quantitative claim about the play's content.
* Aaron's confession: The text states Aaron "agrees to confess many crimes, even those which he did not commit, only to save his son." This is a specific plot point regarding Aaron's actions.
* Aaron's final fate: The text mentions Aaron is "buried alive." This is a specific detail about the character's end.

Mind Map