Amputation of the Identity

Even though we discussed it briefly in class, I clearly understand,now, the association between having limbs or parts of the body dismembered as taking away the representation of your identity. It is an interesting way to look at the amputation of Titus's hand as a separation of his courage, masculinity, and his social credibility as the mutilation of the soldier in him because he utilizes his hands in battle. His hands were his tools of war, so without them, he is helpless and useless. With the loss of his hand, he lost his stature and respect of Rome because his purpose can no longer be fulfilled.