To weep, is to make less the depth of grief; tears, then, for babes; blows and revenge for me

To weep, is to make less the depth of grief; tears, then, for babes; blows and revenge for me

In William Shakespeare's play "Titus Andronicus," the character Titus speaks these words in Act 1, Scene 1. This quote reflects Titus' stoic and vengeful nature, as well as his belief in the power of action over emotion.

Titus is a Roman general who has just returned from a brutal war with the Goths. He is grieving the loss of many of his sons in battle, as well as the death of his beloved Emperor. Despite his overwhelming grief, Titus believes that weeping is a sign of weakness and only serves to lessen the depth of one's grief. He sees tears as something only fit for infants, not for a strong and powerful warrior like himself.

Instead of weeping, Titus believes in taking action to avenge his losses. He sees revenge as the only way to truly honor the memory of his fallen loved ones and restore justice in the world. Titus is willing to do whatever it takes to achieve his revenge, even if it means resorting to violence and bloodshed.

This quote also reflects the themes of power and masculinity in "Titus Andronicus." Titus believes that true strength lies in the ability to control one's emotions and take decisive action. He sees revenge as a way to assert his power and dominance in a world that is filled with chaos and violence.

Overall, this quote highlights Titus' complex character and his struggle to cope with his overwhelming grief. It also foreshadows the bloody and vengeful events that will unfold throughout the play. Shakespeare uses Titus' words to explore the themes of grief, revenge, and the destructive power of unchecked emotions.