Civilized Barbarism: Cannibalism and Rome in 'Coriolanus' and 'Titus Andronicus' (thesis)

Abstract

Looking at text and performance, this thesis investigates how cannibalism shapes the identity of Rome in Coriolanus and Titus Andronicus. This thesis posits that both plays utilize cannibalistic diction to form their Roman settings. After establishing the cannibalistic undertones and overt instances in Coriolanus and Titus, the thesis focuses on how the motif translates into performance. The first chapter looks at the language of both plays as well as critical analyses in order to understand how Shakespeare positions cannibalism in reference to Rome. The final two chapters look at theatre and film adaptations of Coriolanus and Titus and ask the question: how does the character of Rome transfer from text to performance? [From introductory section]