Titus Andronicus: Entire Play - Notes

ACT I

SCENE I. Rome. Before the Capitol.

• Saturninus and Bassianus argue over succession to the Roman throne.
  • Saturninus claims right as the first-born son of the last emperor.
  • Bassianus appeals to the Romans for freedom in their choice.
• Marcus Andronicus, the tribune, declares that the people have chosen Titus Andronicus for the emperor's role, due to his valor and service.
• Both Saturninus and Bassianus dismiss their followers to quietly vie for the throne.
• Titus Andronicus returns from the wars with the Goths, bringing the body of his son and prisoners, including the Goth queen Tamora.
• Titus sacrifices Alarbus, Tamora's son, to appease the spirits of his fallen sons.
• Saturninus is eventually elected emperor and offers to marry Lavinia, Titus's daughter.
• However, Bassianus, Lavinia's betrothed, claims her, leading to conflict.
• In the ensuing chaos, Titus kills his son Mutius, for aiding Bassianus.
• The scene ends with Saturninus marrying Tamora, who promises vengeance for her sacrificed son.

ACT II

SCENE I. Rome. Before the Palace.

• Aaron the Moor, Tamora's lover, plots with her sons, Demetrius and Chiron, to attack Lavinia.
• Scene transitions into a hunt led by Titus and the nobility.

SCENE II. A forest near Rome.

• Aaron buries gold in preparation for a plot.
• Tamora's sons plot to rape Lavinia.

SCENE III. A lonely part of the forest.

• Tamora lures Bassianus and Lavinia into a trap.
• Her sons murder Bassianus and then rape Lavinia.

ACT III

SCENE I. Rome. A street.

• Titus pleads for his sons Martius and Quintus, accused of Bassianus' murder.
• Lucius, his remaining son, is banished for attempting to save them.
• Lavinia, now mutilated, is returned to her family, leaving them in despair.
• Titus cuts off his own hand as a ransom but is further betrayed.

ACT IV

SCENE I. Rome. Titus's garden.

• Lavinia reveals the identity of her attackers by writing their names in the sand.
• Titus and Marcus vow vengeance against Tamora's sons.

SCENE II. The same. A room in the palace.

• Aaron reveals the truth about Bassianus' murder.
• He plots to save his child born to Tamora, and kills the nurse to silence her.

ACT V

SCENE I. Plains near Rome.

• Lucius leads the Goths against Rome.
• Aaron is captured and reveals his misdeeds in exchange for his child's safety.

SCENE II. Rome. Before TITUS's house.

• Tamora, disguised as Revenge, tries to manipulate Titus but is outmaneuvered.

SCENE III. Court of TITUS's house. A banquet set out.

• Titus kills Tamora's sons and serves them to her in a pie.
• He kills Tamora and is then killed by Saturninus, whom Lucius subsequently kills.
• The play ends with Lucius being proclaimed Emperor.