Devil incarnate Why Should I Care

Why Should I Care?

Titus Andronicus seems to take grisly pleasure in its over-the-top acts of vengeance. Aaron is thought of as a devil because of his skin color, but let's face it: he does some downright disgusting, barbaric things. The insult isn't completely unearned.

We're willing to bet your life hasn't taken on this level of revenge and violence (at least we hope not!). But we all know what it's like to want to get back at someone for something. It might be stealing your boyfriend, or using your homework answers. Sure, it's not quite the level of violence we see in the play, but it's the same feeling. You think they're the scum of the earth, and you're not afraid to show it.

Tamora wants to get back at Titus for killing her sons. Titus wants to get back at Tamora's sons for raping and mutilating his daughter. And Lucius wants to pay Aaron back for killing his brothers and masterminding the rape and mutilation. If you think about it, they're all just trying to make the other one pay for everything that's happened to them.

It turns out anyone in this play could be called the devil incarnate. They all want payback. And they're willing to do some gross, terrible things to get it.