Titus Andronicus
by
William Shakespeare
Titus Andronicus is a tragedy revolving around the Roman general Titus Andronicus. After returning from a victorious campaign against the Goths, Titus sacrifices the eldest son of Tamora, Queen of the Goths, as a tribute to the gods. Tamora, seeking revenge, becomes the lover of Aaron the Moor, a villainous character, and they plot to ruin Titus's family.
Titus's daughter Lavinia is raped and mutilated by Tamora's sons, who then kill her husband and frame two of Titus's sons for the murder. Titus, seeking justice, kills Tamora's remaining sons and feeds them to her in a pie. Aaron is captured and reveals the truth about the conspiracy, leading to the execution of Tamora and her remaining lover. Titus, consumed by grief and vengeance, kills his own daughter and then is killed by one of Tamora's sons.
The play explores themes of revenge, violence, and the consequences of actions. It is known for its graphic violence and disturbing scenes, including the rape and mutilation of Lavinia. Despite its controversial content, it was popular in Shakespeare's time and continues to be performed today.
Act I
Act 1 of Titus Andronicus opens with the return of Titus Andronicus, a Roman general, from a successful ten-year campaign against the Goths. Titus brings with him prisoners, including the Queen of the Goths, Tamora, her three sons, and her lover, Aaron the Moor.
Titus is honored by the Roman emperor, Saturninus, who offers to make him emperor. However, Titus declines the offer and instead suggests Saturninus marry his daughter, Lavinia. The emperor agrees, but Tamora is furious at the arrangement.
Tamora's eldest son, Demetrius, and his younger brother, Chiron, are infatuated with Lavinia and plan to rape her. Aaron helps them by framing two of Titus's sons for the crime. The sons are then executed, and Titus's remaining sons vow revenge.
Meanwhile, Tamora plots her own revenge against Titus. She seduces Saturninus and convinces him to marry her instead of Lavinia. Tamora then orders her sons to kill Titus's remaining sons and to rape and mutilate Lavinia.
In the final scene of Act 1, Titus discovers his sons' bodies and vows revenge against Tamora and her sons. Lavinia appears, mutilated and unable to speak, and Titus is devastated by her condition.
SCENE I. Rome. Before the Capitol.
Act 1, Scene 1 starts off with a heated conversation between Titus Andronicus, a Roman general returning from a decade-long war against the Goths, and Tamora, Queen of the Goths, who he has taken captive along with her three sons. Tamora tries to appeal to Titus' mercy, but he is determined to seek revenge against the Goths for the loss of his own sons in the war. Two of Tamora's sons are sentenced to death, while the third, Alarbus, is offered as a sacrifice to the spirits of Titus' dead sons. Tamora is outraged and vows revenge against Titus and his family. As Titus returns home, he is greeted by his remaining sons, Lucius, Quintus, and Martius, as well as his brother Marcus. They discuss the political situation in Rome and the upcoming election for the emperor. Titus' eldest son, Saturninus, is a candidate for the throne, but Titus supports his younger brother, Bassianus. As they argue over who should be emperor, a group of Roman citizens arrive and demand that Titus choose Saturninus as their new leader. Titus reluctantly agrees, but this decision sets off a chain of events that will lead to betrayal, revenge, and tragedy for all involved.
The Tomb of the ANDRONICI appearing; the Tribunes and Senators aloft. Enter, below, from one side, SATURNINUS and his Followers; and, from the other side, BASSIANUS and his Followers; with drum and colours
Enter MARCUS ANDRONICUS, aloft, with the crown
Exeunt the followers of BASSIANUS
Flourish. SATURNINUS and BASSIANUS go up into the Capitol
Enter a Captain
Drums and trumpets sounded. Enter MARTIUS and MUTIUS; After them, two Men bearing a coffin covered with black; then LUCIUS and QUINTUS. After them, TITUS ANDRONICUS; and then TAMORA, with ALARBUS, DEMETRIUS, CHIRON, AARON, and other Goths, prisoners; Soldiers and people following. The Bearers set down the coffin, and TITUS speaks
Exeunt LUCIUS, QUINTUS, MARTIUS, and MUTIUS, with ALARBUS
Re-enter LUCIUS, QUINTUS, MARTIUS and MUTIUS, with their swords bloody
Enter LAVINIA
Enter, below, MARCUS ANDRONICUS and Tribunes; re-enter SATURNINUS and BASSIANUS, attended
A long flourish till they come down
Flourish. SATURNINUS courts TAMORA in dumb show
Seizing LAVINIA
Exeunt BASSIANUS and MARCUS with LAVINIA
Exeunt LUCIUS, QUINTUS, and MARTIUS
Stabbing MUTIUS
During the fray, SATURNINUS, TAMORA, DEMETRIUS, CHIRON and AARON go out and re-enter, above
Re-enter LUCIUS
Exit
Exeunt all but TITUS
Re-enter MARCUS, LUCIUS, QUINTUS, and MARTIUS
MARCUS and the Sons of TITUS kneel
MUTIUS is put into the tomb
Flourish. Re-enter, from one side, SATURNINUS attended, TAMORA, DEMETRIUS, CHIRON and AARON; from the other, BASSIANUS, LAVINIA, and others
Flourish. Exeunt
Act II
In Act 2 of the play Titus Andronicus, Titus returns to Rome as a conqueror from his wars with the Goths. Titus is surrounded by his family and friends, including his sons and their wives. However, his joy is short-lived as he is soon plunged into a cycle of revenge and violence.
The play's central conflict begins when Tamora, Queen of the Goths, is brought to Rome as a prisoner. Titus's sons demand that she be sacrificed as a tribute to their dead brothers, who died in the war with the Goths. However, Titus decides to spare Tamora's life, much to the chagrin of his sons. In retaliation, Tamora vows to seek revenge against Titus and his family.
Meanwhile, Aaron, Tamora's lover and a Moorish prince, plots with Tamora's sons to undermine Titus's family. They frame Titus's son Bassianus for the murder of Tamora's eldest son, and then kidnap Lavinia, Titus's daughter, to force her to marry Tamora's other son, Demetrius.
Throughout the act, the characters engage in a series of violent and bloody acts as they seek revenge against one another. Titus's sons kill Bassianus in an act of revenge against their father's mercy towards Tamora. Tamora's sons rape and mutilate Lavinia, leaving her unable to speak or communicate. When Titus discovers what has happened to his daughter, he is consumed with a desire for revenge.
Act 2 of Titus Andronicus sets the stage for the play's main themes of revenge and violence. The characters are locked in a cycle of violence that seems impossible to break, and the play's tragic ending seems inevitable.
SCENE I. Rome. Before the Palace.
In Scene 1 of Act 2, a group of Roman senators are discussing who should be the new emperor. They debate the merits of various candidates and eventually settle on Saturninus, the eldest son of the late emperor. Saturninus is overjoyed and accepts the crown. However, his brother Bassianus speaks up and argues that the crown should go to someone who is more worthy and virtuous. He suggests that his brother Titus Andronicus, a respected general, would make a better emperor. The senators consider his proposal but ultimately decide to stick with Saturninus. Meanwhile, Titus arrives with his four sons and a prisoner, Tamora, the queen of the Goths. He presents her to Saturninus as a token of his victory in battle. Saturninus is pleased and decides to marry Tamora, much to the dismay of Bassianus who is in love with her. The scene ends with Tamora plotting her revenge against Titus and his family for her capture and impending marriage to Saturninus.
Enter AARON
Enter DEMETRIUS and CHIRON, braving
They draw
Exeunt
SCENE II. A forest near Rome. Horns and cry of hounds heard.
In Scene 2 of Act 2 of Titus Andronicus, a character named Aaron the Moor is confronted by a group of Goths who accuse him of betraying their leader. Aaron denies the accusation and convinces them to trust him by revealing his plan to help their cause. He tells them that he has convinced Tamora, the Queen of the Romans, to marry the new Emperor Saturninus and to make him her lover. This will cause a rift between Saturninus and his brother Bassianus, who is in love with Tamora and has fled with her and her sons to the Goths' camp. Aaron promises to help the Goths by bringing Tamora and her sons to their camp, where they will be held hostage in exchange for the release of their leader. The Goths agree to this plan and Aaron leaves to carry it out. As he does, he reveals to the audience his true motives: he is in love with Tamora and wants to help her gain power and revenge against Titus Andronicus, who has killed her eldest son in battle. Scene 2 of Act 2 sets the stage for the rest of the play by introducing the complex web of alliances, betrayals, and revenge that will drive the plot. It also introduces Aaron, one of the play's most intriguing characters, who will play a key role in the unfolding of events.
Enter TITUS ANDRONICUS, with Hunters, c., MARCUS, LUCIUS, QUINTUS, and MARTIUS
Exeunt
SCENE III. A lonely part of the forest.
Scene 3 of Act 2 takes place in Rome, where Titus Andronicus, a Roman general, is grieving the loss of his sons who were killed in battle. His daughter Lavinia tries to comfort him, but he is inconsolable. Suddenly, a group of Roman senators arrives to inform Titus that he has been chosen as the new emperor of Rome. Titus is initially hesitant to accept the position, citing his grief and age as reasons why he is not fit for the role. However, the senators persuade him to take on the responsibility, arguing that Rome needs a strong leader to prevent civil unrest and foreign invasion. Eventually, Titus agrees to become emperor and is crowned with a wreath of laurel. However, his joy is short-lived when he discovers that his political enemies have already begun to plot against him. He is warned by a loyal friend, but it is clear that Titus will have to be vigilant and ruthless in order to maintain his power. The scene ends with Titus declaring his determination to protect Rome and punish those who would seek to harm it. However, the audience is left with the sense that a dark and violent future lies ahead for the characters in this tragic play.
Enter AARON, with a bag of gold
Enter TAMORA
Exit
Enter BASSIANUS and LAVINIA
Enter DEMETRIUS and CHIRON
Stabs BASSIANUS
Also stabs BASSIANUS, who dies
DEMETRIUS throws the body of BASSIANUS into the pit; then exeunt DEMETRIUS and CHIRON, dragging off LAVINIA
Exit
Re-enter AARON, with QUINTUS and MARTIUS
Falls into the pit
Exit
Falls in
Enter SATURNINUS with AARON
Re-enter TAMORA, with Attendants; TITUS ANDRONICUS, and Lucius
She giveth SATURNINUS a letter
Exeunt
SCENE IV. Another part of the forest.
Scene 4 of Act 2 in this work begins with the entrance of two sons of Tamora, the queen of the Goths, named Demetrius and Chiron. They are arguing over which of them will have the opportunity to rape Lavinia, the daughter of Titus Andronicus, who has been taken captive by the Goths. They are interrupted by Aaron, Tamora's lover and the father of her illegitimate child, who convinces them to work together and take turns raping Lavinia. Titus Andronicus then enters the scene, bringing with him his brother, Marcus, and his two sons, who are both named Quintus. Titus demands that his sons be released, but the Goths refuse. Aaron suggests that Titus cut off his own hand and send it to the Goths as a sign of his submission. Titus agrees to the plan and cuts off his own hand. After Titus leaves, Demetrius and Chiron return with Lavinia, who has been raped and mutilated by the two brothers. They reveal their crime to Aaron, who is pleased with their actions. Lavinia, unable to speak because her tongue has been cut out, uses a stick to draw in the sand, revealing the identities of her attackers. Marcus and Titus return to find Lavinia, and she is able to communicate to them the identity of her attackers. Titus vows to avenge his daughter's rape and mutilation.
Enter DEMETRIUS and CHIRON with LAVINIA, ravished; her hands cut off, and her tongue cut out
Exeunt DEMETRIUS and CHIRON
Enter MARCUS
Exeunt
Act III
Act 3 of Titus Andronicus begins with the arrival of Tamora, the Queen of the Goths, and her sons in Rome. Tamora seeks revenge against Titus for killing her eldest son, and she enlists the help of her lover Aaron, a Moor, to carry out her plan. Meanwhile, Titus is dealing with the aftermath of his own revenge plot, which involved killing Tamora's other son and having his own hand cut off in the process.
Tamora and Aaron plot to manipulate Titus by disguising her other two sons as the spirits of Revenge and Murder. They convince Titus to help them carry out their revenge plot against the Emperor Saturninus, who has recently been crowned. Titus agrees to their plan, but as the scene progresses, it becomes clear that he is not entirely in his right mind and may be playing into their hands.
The second half of Act 3 is a gruesome and violent scene in which Titus kills Tamora's sons and bakes them into a pie, which he serves to her at a feast. Tamora is horrified when she discovers the contents of the pie and vows to seek revenge against Titus once again.
The act ends with a tense confrontation between Saturninus and Titus, in which the Emperor demands that Titus turn over his own sons as punishment for killing Tamora's sons. Titus refuses, and the scene ends with a sense of impending doom as the characters prepare for the next phase of the deadly cycle of revenge.
SCENE I. Rome. A street.
Act 3, Scene 1 of Titus Andronicus begins with Titus and his daughter Lavinia in the woods. Titus expresses his sadness over the recent events that have taken place, including the loss of his two sons and the mutilation of Lavinia. Suddenly, Titus spots a group of deer and decides to hunt them. He urges Lavinia to join him, but she declines, saying that she wants to rest instead. Titus goes off to hunt alone. After Titus leaves, two of Tamora's sons, Chiron and Demetrius, enter the woods. They see Lavinia and begin to make lewd comments about her. When she tries to leave, they grab her and take her deeper into the woods. Once they are alone, they rape her and then cut off her hands and tongue so she cannot identify them. When Titus returns from his hunt, he finds Lavinia in a state of shock and despair. She cannot speak or write, so she cannot tell him what has happened. Titus eventually figures out that his daughter has been raped and mutilated, and he vows to seek revenge. This scene is a pivotal moment in the play, as it marks the beginning of Titus's descent into madness and his quest for revenge. It also highlights the brutality and violence that permeate the world of the play, particularly towards women. The scene is a powerful and disturbing portrayal of sexual violence and its aftermath.
Enter Judges, Senators and Tribunes, with MARTIUS and QUINTUS, bound, passing on to the place of execution; TITUS going before, pleading
Enter MARCUS and LAVINIA
Enter AARON
Exeunt LUCIUS and MARCUS
Cuts off TITUS's hand
Re-enter LUCIUS and MARCUS
Exit
Enter a Messenger, with two heads and a hand
Exit
LAVINIA kisses TITUS
Exeunt TITUS, MARCUS, and LAVINIA
Exit
SCENE II. A room in Titus's house. A banquet set out.
Scene 2 of Act 3 features the character of Aaron the Moor, who has been tasked by Tamora, the queen of the Goths, to carry out her secret plan to exact revenge on Titus Andronicus. Aaron is visited by two of Titus's sons, Quintus and Martius, who are seeking the hand of Tamora's daughter, Lavinia. Aaron manipulates the two brothers into following him to a secluded spot in the forest, where he sets them up to be falsely accused of the murder of a young boy. He then plants evidence on them and makes it look like they are guilty of the crime. When the brothers are brought before the Roman authorities, they protest their innocence but are not believed. They are sentenced to death, which sends Titus into a state of deep despair and fury. The scene is notable for its depiction of Aaron as a cunning and ruthless villain, who is willing to use any means necessary to achieve his ends. It also sets the stage for the tragic events that will unfold later in the play, as Titus seeks revenge for the injustice done to his sons.
Enter TITUS, MARCUS, LAVINIA and Young LUCIUS, a boy
Exeunt
Act IV
Act 4 of Titus Andronicus sees the tragic story of Titus and his family continue to unfold. The act begins with Titus receiving a visit from Tamora's son, Alarbus, who has been taken captive. Titus decides to sacrifice Alarbus as a tribute to his own sons who were killed in battle. Tamora is devastated by the death of her son and vows revenge on Titus and his family.
Meanwhile, Titus' daughter Lavinia has been raped and mutilated by Tamora's sons. She is unable to speak or communicate the identity of her attackers. Titus' brother Marcus discovers that Lavinia's attackers were Tamora's sons and vows to seek revenge. He also uncovers a clue that will help identify the perpetrators.
Titus' remaining son Lucius is plotting against the Emperor Saturninus with the help of some Goths. They plan to overthrow Saturninus and install Lucius as the new ruler of Rome. Saturninus discovers the plot and orders Lucius to be arrested, but Lucius manages to escape with the help of his allies.
The act ends with Titus planning a banquet for Saturninus and Tamora, where he will exact his revenge for the rape and mutilation of his daughter. He serves them a pie made from the flesh of Tamora's sons and then kills Tamora and Saturninus. Titus is then himself killed by one of Saturninus' guards.
SCENE I. Rome. Titus's garden.
In Act 4, Scene 1, the character Titus Andronicus is visited by his daughter Lavinia, who has been brutally raped and mutilated by two of the play's villains. Titus is overcome with grief and rage, and he vows to seek revenge against those responsible for his daughter's suffering. As Titus and Lavinia speak, they are interrupted by the arrival of Marcus, another of Titus's sons. Marcus is horrified when he sees Lavinia's injuries, and he joins his father in his quest for vengeance. Together, they plot their revenge, determined to make those who have wronged them pay for their crimes. The scene is filled with emotion and tension, as the characters struggle to come to terms with the horrors that have been inflicted upon them. Their grief and anger are palpable, and the audience is left wondering how they will be able to exact their revenge and find some measure of justice for Lavinia.
Enter young LUCIUS, and LAVINIA running after him, and the boy flies from her, with books under his arm. Then enter TITUS and MARCUS
LAVINIA turns over with her stumps the books which LUCIUS has let fall
She takes the staff in her mouth, and guides it with her stumps, and writes
Exeunt TITUS, LAVINIA, and Young LUCIUS
Exit
SCENE II. The same. A room in the palace.
Scene 2 of Act 4 begins with the entrance of Tamora, the Queen of the Goths, and her two sons, Demetrius and Chiron. They are greeted by Aaron, Tamora's lover and the father of her illegitimate child. Tamora is pleased with the news that Titus Andronicus has been fooled into cutting off his own hand, as she seeks revenge against him for killing her eldest son in battle. She orders her sons to find Lavinia, Titus' daughter, and bring her to her. The two brothers eagerly agree, as they both lust after Lavinia. Meanwhile, Titus Andronicus enters with his remaining son Lucius and Marcus, his brother. He is distraught over the loss of his hand and the deceit that led to it. However, he is convinced by Marcus to forgive his former enemy, the Emperor Saturninus, and offer him his remaining hand in an attempt to make peace. Titus sends Lucius to deliver the message to Saturninus. Demetrius and Chiron then enter with Lavinia, who has been brutally raped and mutilated by them. They mock her and leave her with Titus and Marcus. The two men are horrified at the sight of Lavinia's injuries and ask her to reveal the names of her attackers. Lavinia uses a stick to write the letters "RAPE" in the dirt, indicating that it was Demetrius and Chiron who committed the heinous act. Titus vows to seek revenge against them and begins to plot his retaliation. The scene ends with Aaron revealing his plan to frame Titus' sons for the murder of the Emperor's brother, Bassianus, in order to protect himself and Tamora. He convinces the two brothers to kill one another, but promises to help them escape afterwards.
Enter, from one side, AARON, DEMETRIUS, and CHIRON; from the other side, Young LUCIUS, and an Attendant, with a bundle of weapons, and verses writ upon them
Exeunt Young LUCIUS, and Attendant
Trumpets sound within
Enter a Nurse, with a blackamoor Child in her arms
They sit
Exeunt DEMETRIUS and CHIRON bearing off the Nurse's body
Exit
SCENE III. The same. A public place.
Scene 3 of Act 4 begins with Titus Andronicus being brought before Saturninus and Tamora, along with his two remaining sons. Tamora pleads with Saturninus to spare Titus' life, but he refuses, demanding that Titus' hand be cut off. Titus, in turn, demands that the hands of Tamora's two sons be cut off in retribution for the rape and mutilation of his daughter, Lavinia. As the gruesome punishment is carried out, Titus reveals that he has been driven mad by grief and loss. He stabs one of Tamora's sons to death, and then kills Tamora herself. In the chaos that follows, Titus is himself killed by Saturninus. The scene is a culmination of the play's themes of revenge, violence, and madness. It also highlights the cycle of violence and retribution that has driven the characters throughout the play, as well as the tragic consequences of their actions.
Enter TITUS, bearing arrows with letters at the ends of them; with him, MARCUS, Young LUCIUS, PUBLIUS, SEMPRONIUS, CAIUS, and other Gentlemen, with bows
Exeunt
SCENE IV. The same. Before the palace.
Scene 4 of Act 4 involves a conversation between Titus Andronicus and his brother Marcus. Titus is severely traumatized after losing his hand, his two sons, and his daughter Lavinia. He is also convinced that the gods have abandoned him and that he has been cursed. Marcus is concerned about his brother's mental state and tries to comfort him. Titus reveals that he has hatched a plan to get revenge on his enemies. He has invited them to a banquet and plans to serve them a pie filled with the heads of his two sons who were murdered. Marcus is shocked by the idea and tries to dissuade Titus from carrying it out, but Titus is determined to go through with it. The conversation then turns to Lavinia, who has been raped and mutilated by Titus's enemies. Titus is consumed with grief and despair over what has happened to her. Marcus suggests that they bury Lavinia's remains and give her a proper funeral, but Titus refuses, saying that he wants to keep her body on display as a reminder of the horrors that have been inflicted on his family. The scene ends with Titus and Marcus agreeing to go through with their respective plans. Titus is going to prepare the pie for his enemies, while Marcus is going to bury Lavinia's remains. Both men are consumed with grief and anger, and their actions show just how far they are willing to go to get revenge for the atrocities that have been committed against their family.
Enter SATURNINUS, TAMORA, DEMETRIUS, CHIRON, Lords, and others; SATURNINUS with the arrows in his hand that TITUS shot
SATURNINUS reads the letter
Exit, guarded
Exit
Exeunt
Act V
Act 5 of Titus Andronicus begins with Lucius, the son of Titus, and his army besieging Rome. Saturninus, the new emperor, sends Tamora's son Alarbus to be sacrificed to appease the gods. Titus then arrives with the heads of his sons Quintus and Martius. He believes that they were wrongfully executed and demands justice. When Saturninus refuses to listen, Titus stabs him and is himself then killed by Saturninus' guards. Lucius and his army enter the city and fight against Saturninus and his followers. Tamora and her two remaining sons, Demetrius and Chiron, are killed. Aaron, Tamora's lover and the mastermind behind many of the play's evil deeds, is captured and sentenced to death.
The final scene takes place at Titus' funeral. Lucius is named the new emperor and he orders Aaron to be buried chest-deep and left to die. Aaron tells Lucius that he has a secret child with Tamora, and begs for his life to be spared in exchange for revealing the child's whereabouts. Lucius agrees, but the child is found dead. Aaron is then buried alive as punishment for his crimes. The play ends with Lucius reflecting on the tragic events that have taken place and vowing to restore order and justice to Rome.
SCENE I. Plains near Rome.
Scene 1 of Act 5 in Titus Andronicus involves the character of Titus Andronicus and his two sons, Lucius and Marcus, who are in a forest. Titus is distraught over the events that have transpired, including the murder of his sons and the rape and mutilation of his daughter, Lavinia. He believes that the gods have abandoned him and that he is now cursed. Lucius and Marcus try to comfort their father, but Titus is inconsolable. Suddenly, they are approached by a group of men who claim to be from the Roman Senate. They inform Titus that he has been chosen to be the new emperor of Rome. Titus is initially skeptical, but the men assure him that they have the authority to make such a decision. They dress him in imperial robes and offer him a crown. Titus is hesitant to accept, but his sons convince him that it is his duty to do so. As they prepare to leave the forest and make their way to Rome, Titus suddenly stops and orders his sons to kill the men who have just crowned him. He reveals that he has been driven mad by his grief and can no longer distinguish between friend and foe. Lucius and Marcus are horrified by their father's sudden violence, but they comply with his wishes. They kill the men and carry on towards Rome, with Titus now fully embracing his role as emperor and seeking revenge against those who have wronged him and his family.
Enter LUCIUS with an army of Goths, with drum and colours
Enter a Goth, leading AARON with his Child in his arms
A ladder brought, which AARON is made to ascend
Enter a Goth
Exeunt
SCENE II. Rome. Before TITUS's house.
Scene 2 of Act 5 of Titus Andronicus begins with Titus Andronicus in prison, surrounded by his loyal friends and family members. Titus is grief-stricken over the loss of his hand and his sons, and he is determined to seek revenge against his enemies. He tells his friends that he has a plan to deceive Tamora, the Queen of the Goths, and exact revenge on her and her sons. Titus's plan involves inviting Tamora and her sons to a feast, where he will serve them a dish made from the flesh of her own sons. When Tamora arrives at the banquet, Titus reveals his gruesome plan and condemns Tamora for her treachery. Tamora is horrified by the revelation and begs for mercy, but Titus refuses to show her any kindness. As the scene progresses, Titus's plan is set into motion. Tamora's sons are killed, and their flesh is used to make the dish that Titus serves to Tamora. In a moment of madness, Titus kills Tamora and is then killed himself by one of her remaining sons. The scene is a powerful and gruesome depiction of revenge and violence, and it highlights the tragic consequences of unchecked anger and hatred. Despite its disturbing content, Scene 2 of Act 5 of Titus Andronicus is a masterful example of Shakespeare's ability to craft compelling and thought-provoking drama.
Enter TAMORA, DEMETRIUS, and CHIRON, disguised
They knock
Enter TITUS, above
Exit above
Enter TITUS below
Exit
Exit TAMORA
Enter PUBLIUS and others
Exit
PUBLIUS, c. lay hold on CHIRON and DEMETRIUS
Re-enter TITUS, with LAVINIA; he bearing a knife, and she a basin
Exeunt, bearing the dead bodies
SCENE III. Court of TITUS's house. A banquet set out.
In Scene 3 of Act 5, a group of characters gather around the coffin of a deceased person. The characters engage in a heated discussion about who should be the rightful heir to the deceased person's estate. One character argues that they should inherit the estate because they are the closest blood relative, while another argues that they should inherit because they were the deceased person's favorite. The argument escalates into a physical fight, with each character trying to take possession of the coffin. Eventually, a third character intervenes and suggests that they should wait for the arrival of a judge to decide who should inherit the estate. The group reluctantly agrees to this suggestion and they all leave the stage, leaving the coffin behind. As the stage clears, a lone figure enters and approaches the coffin. It is revealed that this person is the vengeful Titus Andronicus, who has come to seek revenge on the characters for their past wrongdoings against him and his family. Titus opens the coffin and reveals the body of the character who had wronged him the most. He then proceeds to deliver a chilling monologue, in which he explains his plan for revenge. He reveals that he has killed the character's sons and baked them into a pie, which he then served to the character. Titus then proceeds to kill the character and leaves the stage, having finally avenged his family.
Enter LUCIUS, MARCUS, and Goths, with AARON prisoner
Enter SATURNINUS and TAMORA, with AEMILIUS, Tribunes, Senators, and others
Hautboys sound. The Company sit down at table
Enter TITUS dressed like a Cook, LAVINIA veiled, Young LUCIUS, and others. TITUS places the dishes on the table
Kills TAMORA
Kills TITUS
Kills SATURNINUS. A great tumult. LUCIUS, MARCUS, and others go up into the balcony
Exeunt Attendants
LUCIUS, MARCUS, and the others descend
Re-enter Attendants with AARON
Exeunt