The Complete Works of Shakespeare, From the Original Text - Carefully Collated and Compared With the Editions of Halliwell, Knight, and Collier; With Historical and Critical Introductions, and Notes to Each Play #271510

Peele, or Lodge, the lines in Titus Andronicus will be found to run with ease and variety, and they are scarcely inferior to some of the productions of Marlowe. Neither is internal evidence wholly wanting, for words and phrases employed by Shakespeare in his other works may be pointed out; and in Act iii. Sc. 1, we meet with a remarkable expression, which is also contained in Venus and Adonis. With reference to the general complexion of the drama, and the character of the plot, it must also be borne in mind that it was produced at a time, when scenes of horror were especially welcome to public audiences, and when pieces were actually recommended to their admiration, in consequence of the blood and slaughter with which they abounded. Shakespeare, perhaps, took up the subject on this account, and he worked it out in such a way as, prior to the introduction and formation of a purer taste, would best gratify those for whose amusement it was intended.