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.”
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.
Consider the price of loyalty.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- war
- family crisis
- political negotiation
- hostage situations
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What would you sacrifice for family?
- Is violence ever justified to protect loved ones?
The act may deepen hatred and invite further bloodshed.