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Power and race comes into play with the use of hands and tongues. We see that Aaron may not have as much power as the rest of the characters but this could be because he has a darker skin complexion than the rest of the characters. We know that Aaron's skin color is a big deal throughout the play. Shakespeare portrays Aaron's black skin color as a symbolism of evil. Aaron is called the "Barbarous Moore" numerous times. Although this may be true, he still managed to use the power he had to get Titus to cut off his hand. Having a different skin color did not make any difference in the way others listen to Aaron. In fact, Aaron managing to get Titus to cut off his hand shows how powerful tongues and speech can be. Aaron says to Titus.
Titus Andronicus, my lord the emperor.
Sends thee this word, that if thou love thy sons,.
Let Marcus, Lucius, or thyself, old Titus,.
Or any one of you, chop off your hand.
And send it to the King; he for the same.
Will send thee hither both thy sons alive,.
And that shall be the ransom for their fault (3.1.152-158).
Aaron was very clever with his use of word play. Saying "my lord the emperor" would make anyone feel special. If Aaron addressed Titus in any other way, maybe Titus would have not listened to Aaron. However, because of the use of words as well Titus having the choice of saving his sons, Aaron had the power to persuade Titus to listen to him even though, during this time period, no one would probably listen to a dark colored man, but the effect of Aaron's tongue made him powerful. .
In return Titus agrees to cut his hand off to save his sons' lives. "With all my heart I'll send the Emperor my hand. Good Aaron, wilt thou help to chop it off" (3.1. 159-163)? Titus was oblivious to the fact that Aaron will not go through with his promise and ends up bringing him their heads, but this showed that because Titus loved his sons he would chop off his hand.
