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Titus Andronicus, my lord the Emperor Sends thee this…

“Titus Andronicus, my lord the Emperor Sends thee this word, that, if thou love thy sons, Let Marcus, Lucius, or thyself, old Titus, Or any one of you, chop off your hand And send it to the King: he for the same Will send thee hither both thy sons alive, And that shall be the ransom for their fault.” quote by William Shakespeare
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“Titus Andronicus, my lord the Emperor Sends thee this word, that, if thou love thy sons, Let Marcus, Lucius, or thyself, old Titus, Or any one of you, chop off your hand And send it to the King: he for the same Will send thee hither both thy sons alive, And that shall be the ransom for their fault.”

William Shakespeare

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

A desperate plea to exchange a severed hand for the lives of loved ones, highlighting the brutal cost of loyalty and power.

In simple terms: A cruel bargain to save sons by offering a hand.

Key Takeaway

Consider the price of loyalty.

Themes

loyalty power family violence

Mood

tragic tense

Type

dramatic literary

When to use this quote

  • war
  • family crisis
  • political negotiation
  • hostage situations

Key Concepts

sacrifice ransom political intrigue

Questions to Reflect On

  • What would you sacrifice for family?
  • Is violence ever justified to protect loved ones?
A Different Perspective

The act may deepen hatred and invite further bloodshed.

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