A Critical Examination of Lucrece’s Chastity: Analyzing the Interplay of Love and Moral Justification in The Rape of Lucrece

Author(s): Dr. Liton Baron Sikder

Publication Date: October 30, 2024

Abstract

This research paper examines the complex motivations behind Lucrece’s tragic decision to commit suicide in Shakespeare’s The Rape of Lucrece, following her violation by Tarquin. Lucrece, a character defined by her beauty and chastity, confronts the devastating loss of her chastity after the assault, leading her to perceive suicide as the only means to reclaim her honor by destroying her beauty. The paper explores the intricate interplay between love, guilt, and identity in Lucrece’s experience. Love is portrayed as a multifaceted emotion, where some perceive it as their entire existence, while others see it merely as a facet of life or a precursor to sexual desire. Additionally, love can evoke strong emotional attachments, complicating the concept of agency in Lucrece’s tragic circumstances. This study argues that Lucrece’s actions stem not only from her emotional turmoil but also from societal expectations regarding female honor. Ultimately, it seeks to uncover the nuances behind her decision, questioning whether her guilt and desire for honor led her to invite Tarquin’s advances subconsciously, thereby examining the extremities of her commitment to preserving her chastity and the implications of her suicide within the broader context of gender and honor.

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