GCSE: English Literature: Drama: By Author: William Shakespeare: Titus Andronicus Coursework

About Titus Andronicus.

The story is set in ancient Rome. Titus is a successful general returning from the wars. He has captured the Queen of the Goths and has seen his daughter marry the Emperor. Surely Titus's life is perfect? Oh no. Foolishly Titus has had one of the Queen's sons killed and she sets out to gain her revenge. By the end of the play most of the cast are dead. Along the way there's rape, murder, a human sacrifice and children baked in a pie. Props needed for a performance of "Titus Andronicus" include a couple of severed heads, a few detached hands and gallons of stage blood. If Quentin Tarantino had written a Shakespeare play this would be the one.

Titus Andronicus: What Will I Study?

Studying "Titus Andronicus" for GCSE English Literature means you developing a good understanding of the plot and characters of the play. In the exam you'll be asked to answer question on extracts from the text, but you'll need that good background knowledge to gain extra marks. You'll be asked to explain the characters' motives and describe how an audience would respond to the action on stage.

Most GCSE English Literature students also have to watch and comment on film versions of their Shakespeare play. However if your English teacher starts showing you a video of "Titus Andronicus" get ready to cover you eyes, it's going to be pretty horrific!

Titus Andronicus... What Can I Study Next?

If you decide to take A Level English Literature you should get to study another of Shakespeare's plays. Really inspired students could think about a degree in English literature at university. If all that's a bit heavy then the film "Shakespeare in Love" could be some light relief. Although not an accurate record of Shakespeare's life, it does give you a taste of his world and times.

More About Titus Andronicus.

http://shakespeare.palomar.edu/studyguides.htm

http://www.rsc.org.uk/titus/home/home.html