Overview of Titus Andronicus Play

Feb 3, 2025

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.