rape of lucrece, the
Very Low (C2+)Formal, Literary, Academic
Definition
Meaning
The title of a narrative poem by William Shakespeare, published in 1594, which recounts the tragic story of Lucretia's violation and subsequent suicide.
A canonical work of English literature that explores themes of chastity, honour, tyranny, revenge, and the political consequences of personal transgression. It is often studied as an example of the epyllion (minor epic) genre.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term 'rape' in the title carries its original, broader Early Modern English meaning of 'seizure' or 'carrying away', though the sexual violation of Lucrece is central to the plot. It functions primarily as a proper noun, referring specifically to Shakespeare's work.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage. Both refer to the same literary work. Spelling of 'Lucrece' is consistent.
Connotations
Highly literary and academic. May evoke discussions of Renaissance literature, gender studies, or classical mythology.
Frequency
Extremely rare in everyday conversation. Encountered almost exclusively in literary, historical, or academic contexts in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] studies/analyses/cites The Rape of Lucrece.The Rape of Lucrece [verb] explores/depicts/examines...Vocabulary
Synonyms
Neutral
Weak
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Frequently referenced in literature departments, Renaissance studies, and gender theory courses. Example: 'The representation of trauma in The Rape of Lucrece differs markedly from that in the sources.'
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Discussed in textual criticism, bibliography (as an early quarto), and literary history.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Shakespeare wrote 'The Rape of Lucrece'.
- It is a very old poem.
- 'The Rape of Lucrece' is based on a story from ancient Rome.
- Shakespeare dedicated this poem to his patron, the Earl of Southampton.
- While 'Venus and Adonis' is playful, 'The Rape of Lucrece' presents a much darker exploration of desire and power.
- The rhetorical strategies employed in Lucrece's lamentations are a key focus of scholarly analysis.
- The ekphrastic description of the Troy painting in 'The Rape of Lucrece' serves as a meta-commentary on the poem's own narrative and Lucrece's helplessness.
- Critics debate whether the poem ultimately critiques or reinforces the patriarchal economy of honour it depicts.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Remember it as 'Lucrece' (LOO-crees) like 'Greece' – a classical tale from Shakespeare.
Conceptual Metaphor
POLITICAL TYRANNY IS SEXUAL VIOLATION; HONOUR IS A FRAGILE VESSEL.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating 'rape' solely as 'изнасилование' without understanding the historical/literary context of the title. The work is known in Russian as 'Лукреция' or 'Обесчещенная Лукреция'.
- Do not confuse 'Lucrece' (the Roman figure) with 'Lucifer'.
- It is a proper noun, not a common phrase to be translated word-for-word in discussion.
Common Mistakes
- Mispronouncing 'Lucrece' (common error: /luːˈkrɛs/).
- Using the phrase generically instead of as a title (e.g., 'the rape of Lucrece' without capitalisation).
- Confusing it with Shakespeare's other poem, 'Venus and Adonis'.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary context for encountering the phrase 'The Rape of Lucrece'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a narrative poem, also known as an epyllion. Shakespeare's plays were written for performance, while this work was published as a poem to be read.
Lucrece (Lucretia) is a legendary Roman matron famous for her virtue. Her rape by Sextus Tarquinius and subsequent suicide, as told by Livy and Ovid, led to the overthrow of the Roman monarchy and the establishment of the Republic.
In Elizabethan English, 'rape' could mean 'seizure', 'abduction', or 'sexual violation'. The title encompasses all these meanings: Lucrece is seized/ stolen from her home and violated.
It is a standard part of the Shakespeare canon and is frequently studied in university courses on Renaissance literature, Shakespeare's non-dramatic poetry, and early modern gender politics, though it is less famous than his plays.