91福利社

Rebeca Viramontes, an English major at 91福利社, is drawing academic attention with her honors research on Shakespeare鈥檚 portrayal of revenge through the lens of humoral theory and humanism.

Set to graduate in spring 2025, Viramontes said her passion for literature and literary analysis inspired her to tackle two of Shakespeare鈥檚 most tragic plays鈥�Titus Andronicus and Hamlet鈥攆or her Honors British Literature project.

鈥淚 hadn鈥檛 read either of the texts before, so I approached them with a fresh, unbiased mind,鈥� she said. 鈥淢y professor made them sound so fascinating鈥攁nd as someone who loves reading and analysis, I couldn鈥檛 resist.鈥�

Her research examines how Shakespeare employs Renaissance-era concepts, particularly humoral theory, which associates physical health with emotional and psychological states. She examines how revenge warps the human mind and spirit. In doing so, she argues, the plays offer timeless warnings about the dangers of unchecked emotion.

鈥淩evenge, though often fictionalized, can absolutely reflect real-life consequences,鈥� Viramontes said. 鈥淪hakespeare may have written these centuries ago, but the emotional truths still resonate. He鈥檚 showing us what happens when we allow ourselves to be ruled by emotion instead of reason and mercy.鈥�

The project required extensive reading, critical analysis, and revision. For Viramontes, the most challenging part was integrating complex theories into a cohesive argument. Still, the reward came in sharing her findings.

鈥淥nce I had a semi-smooth draft, it became fun,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 especially loved exploring how the path to revenge may differ from character to character but still leads to the same outcome鈥攄ownfall.鈥�

The experience not only deepened her literary understanding but also helped her grow as a writer.

鈥淚鈥檝e learned so much about my own writing style and what I鈥檓 capable of,鈥� she said. 鈥淚f you鈥檙e thinking about taking on an honors contract, go for it. Do something you鈥檙e passionate about and keep communication open with your professor. That made all the difference for me.鈥�

After graduation, Viramontes plans to save money and transfer to a university to continue studying English. In the meantime, she hopes her research encourages others to consider literature鈥檚 lasting relevance鈥攁nd how student voices can offer fresh perspectives on timeless themes.

鈥淩evenge is all-consuming,鈥� she said. 鈥淏ut even in tragedy, Shakespeare leaves room for hope鈥攔eminding us that mercy and fairness are what build a better future.鈥�

Read Viramontes鈥� full research paper, titled Hamlet, Titus Andronicus, and the Vicious Cycle of Revenge: An Exploration of Shakespeare鈥檚 Use of Humoral Theory & Humanism.