Titus Andronicus Research Paper

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Titus Andronicus was said to be one of Shakespeare’s first plays, and one of his WORST! There are theories that he did not even write the play himself. However, the play is much more appreciated now in the 21st century. Even though the Elizabethan society lacked many of the resources we have today, it still had an impressive advancement for back then. The advancement in theatre and its plays like Titus Andronicus, as well as cultural revolution and gaining of knowledge, prove 1550’s Elizabethan tragedy to be superior in theatre. In Elizabeth’s monarch run, she went to war with Spain. England’s relations with Spain were ruined from two main events. One cause of this was because of a decision of King Philip II, saying that he thought it was the right moment to “save” England in the name of Catholicism and reconcile Spain’s loss of treasures (Ashby 19). Prior to this, in the early 1500’s, there was a religious uprising entitled “the Protestant Reformation” (Ashby 44). This is why Spain attempted the invasion for Catholicism. In preparation for what was to come, the Treaty of Blois was signed in 1572 with France to unofficially show Spain threatened England more than France (“Encyclopædia”). The other cause was the execution of Elizabeth’s relative, Mary (Ashby 17). The date of her execution was on February 8, 1587 (“Encyclopædia”). As stated by Ruth Ashby, the armada happened in July 1588. “English commanders sent fire ships among the Spanish galleons at night to confuse them. The English Attack next morning and the armada retreated” (19-20). Though the plan was successful, Elizabeth went into debt after the conflict. According to Encyclopædia Britannica, the expenses of around twenty years of war severely corrupted Elizabeth’s finan... ... middle of paper ... ... connection between the play and the Elizabethan. I did notice that Aaron’s symbolism in Titus Andronicus connected with the Elizabethan society. In the Elizabethan times, racism existed which is why Shakespeare made the most evil person in the story have darker skin color. I believe that Shakespeare was trying to communicate the faults of Rome’s government, rather than connecting it with his government under Elizabeth I. Ultimately, the Elizabethan society thrived off of what consisted within it. Changes in culture added variety in society. Theatre had just started to become popular and began to take a huge role during those times. Not to mention, Shakespeare started writing his fantastic plays, all of which are studied and thoroughly appreciated in the 21st century. With these perks, 1550 Elizabethan tragedy can be considered as the most remarkable time in theatre

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