Lucretia

• what was Lucretia an example of? how?


  feminine virtue

  • worked on the loom at night instead of going out
• who admired her beauty and virtue?

  sextus tarquinus (the king's son)
• what was ST plan? what was the problem (other than the obvious)?


  he wanted to sleep with her, however she was married
• how did ST gain entry to Lucretia's house? where did he stay?

  he was invited for dinner

  the guest room
• where was Lucretia's husband?

  away on business
• the unravelling:

  • ST went to her room and threatened her
  • Lucretia refused all of his advances
  • ST threatened to ruin her virtue whether or not anything happened
  • Lucretia wrote a letter to her husband, explaining her situation
  • he rushed home as soon as he heard but it was too late...
  • she had killed herself
• why did Lucretia kill herself?


  • to maintain her virtue and reputation
  • to remain loyal to her husband