This is Why We Can’t Have Nice Things

            In the play Titus Andronicus a capitalist and consumerist economy is established.  The women, particularly Lavinia, are the product on the assembly line and neatly packaged in the beauty standards set by the men in the play.  Therefore, in this economy, men are the consumers and drivers of the economy that deem a woman’s value by what services she can do for the male sex.

          This same idea is represented in the American capitalist economy where products are manufactured in a fashion that appeals to the consumer.  Products are then tailored to the consumer’s wants and needs, bought and then used.  Lavinia is a manifestation of this concept in that she was a greatly valued member of Titus’ family because of how she could further Titus’ place in Roman society as well as an “ornament” to the people of Rome.  She had a beauty that surpassed all others and an intelligence that was second to none but, above all Lavinia’s value was placed largely on her virginity.  Her virginity being the ultimate commodity, Lavinia’s role for the men in the play, as well as for the rest of Rome is created.

     

          Lavinia’s character is comparable to an expensive car; beautiful, sleek, sporty and good gas mileage.  To any ordinary consumer this is a high value product, a coveted monetary investment that is to be kept safe, cared for, and cherished.  Of course until it gets a totaled mercilessly by its ignorant owner who got a little arrogant and rough with it.  After being totaled the car has lost any and all value to the consumer and the capitalist system and is, with some regret, disposed of.

          Due to the course of events in Titus Andronicus, the same happens to Lavinia.  Her violently stolen virginity and mutilated body destroys her worth and thus deems her worthless to the men in her life who control the capitalist system.  Lavinia is unnecessary and like the totaled car, is a monstrous heap of junk that’s just taking up space and proving to be an embarrassment to her family and most of all her father’s honor.

           It isn't until the end of the play that Lavinia is murdered by her father, but the message rings through.  The world created in Titus Andronicus is dominated solely by men.  Men whose only use for women is just that: to harvest the services that women can provide.  It is through this process that women are given a price tag, a menial role in society, and the singular purpose of serving men.  And it is in this economic system that men are gods and women are mortals.  While the gods enjoy unending power and pleasure in their lives, the mortals below work for their system and their desires all the while under their thumbs.  Mortals, the essence of humanity and beauty, are slowly but surely usurped of any true purpose or freedom to live their lives the way they see fit, and thus are obliterated.