How Is Titus Andronicus Crazy

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In Shakespeare’s play, Titus Andronicus, the main character Titus is considered a strong war leader. He goes through many tragic moments throughout the play and is eventually driven mad because of the tragic events. It is interesting that such a strong, experienced warrior would break down emotionally and go mad. The character Titus and all of his reactions play an important role in Titus Andronicus. Titus may have been insane from the moment he got back from war, but it is evident that as time goes on, he takes on a worse mental state with each heart wrenching tragedy. Titus gives a little hint of madness when he kills his own son because he was standing in the way of Lavinia and Bassianus (1.1.295-300). When Quintus and Martius are accused of killing Bassianus, Titus tries to do whatever he can to spare their lives including cutting his own hand off which turns out to be an unsuccessful gesture (3.1.195-202). In many other parts in the play, it is evident that he is …show more content…

Hercules is maddened by the twelve labours that he was forced to complete and Titus goes insane because of the war and all of the tragedies that happen to him throughout the play. Titus kills both Lavinia and Mutius while Hercules kills his three children and his wife Megara as well (990-1030). Hercules was in a sort of trance while killing his family, making it seem like it may not have been entirely his fault, but the madness that he was forced into (1137-1150). Titus kills Lavinia and Mutius while he is insane but he is fully aware of what he is doing and it seems that he may have killed both of his children so that there would be no shame on the family. Titus is killed almost immediately after killing Lavinia but Hercules takes time to debate how he should be punished for what he did to his family. Titus is punished by his own son while Hercules has to punish

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