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William Shakespeare - The Rape of Lucrece

William Shakespeare - The Rape of Lucrece

Written by: Michela Bertazzo
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About this listen

 The Rape of Lucrece (1594) is a narrative poem by William Shakespeare about the legendary Lucretia. Lucrece draws on the story described in both Ovid's Fasti and Livy's history of Rome. In 509 BC, Sextus Tarquinius, son of Tarquin, the king of Rome, raped Lucretia (Lucrece), wife of Collatinus, one of the king's aristocratic retainers. As a result, Lucrece committed suicide. Her body was paraded in the Roman Forum by the king's nephew. This incited a full-scale revolt against the Tarquins led by Lucius Junius Brutus, the banishment of the royal family, and the founding of the Roman republic. (Summary by Wikipedia)Copyright Michela Bertazzo
Episodes
  • "Here with a sigh, as if her heart would break..."

    "Here with a sigh, as if her heart would break..."
    Jan 25 2026
    8 mins
  • "At last she calls to mind..."

    "At last she calls to mind..."
    Jan 25 2026
    12 mins
  • "'Lucrece,' quoth he, 'this night I must enjoy thee...'"

    "'Lucrece,' quoth he, 'this night I must enjoy thee...'"
    Jan 25 2026
    15 mins
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