The Representation of Gender and Discourses of Gender Discrimination in Shakespeare’s Titus Andronicus

Abstract

This paper discusses the problems involved in the representation of women and the negative aspects of the patriarchal system and its failure represented in Titus Andronicus. Shakespeare reveals the negative aspects of the patriarchy through bizarre actions of revenge practiced by the oldest male in the family. The play represents male violence on women through the rape of Lavinia and the extreme view of patriarchy as obsessed with women’s modesty. Moreover, it dramatizes distorted patriarchal perception viewing women in the virgin/whore dichotomy. Tamora is portrayed as an adulterate whore, while Lavinia is represented as a sacred virgin. The patriarchal pressure given to raped Lavinia is a problem. It was not conceived as legitimate for Shakespeare to represent women on the patriarchal premises that discriminate against women and deny their autonomy. His criticism of the patriarchy is revealed in his representation of Titus Andronicus. He is the paterfamilias who embodies Roman ideals. The failure of Titus represents the failure of patriarchy. He commits significant errors and mistakes. He kills his youngest son Mutius, Tamora’s sons, Lavinia as a way of getting rid of ‘shame.’ These processes reveal the abused use of the paterfamilias’ power. Titus Andronicus gives the negative aspects of the patriarchy and gender discrimination against women in the form of revenge tragedy.