Slay for Shame

"Because the girl should not survive her shame,
And by her presence still renew his sorrows." (V.3.41-42)

It really blows my mind how easily Titus kills his only daughter because of Saturninus's reasoning. His reasoning, to us, is completely irrational; yet in those times, it made sense. In Titus's times, women existed to do the will of men and bring them pleasure. So, it made sense that if a woman could no longer please men and constantly brought sorrow upon her family with her shame, she should die. This is a demonstration of the omnipotent power of men over women during these times. It did not matter whether or not the woman wanted to continue living. If a woman has been shamed, she should die in order to not bring shame upon her family as well. Because of our society today, where women are supposed to be treated as equals to men, we are completely appalled by Titus's act of slaying his daughter just as easily as if he were killing a fly. This goes with what I said before about Titus's emphasis on honor; he slayed his son for dishonoring him by getting in his way, and then he slayed his only daughter because she brought shame and dishonor on him.