Scene I explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Power and Politics

  The election of Saturninus and the political maneuvering between factions, including Tamora's strategic advice to consolidate power.

• Revenge and Retribution

  Tamora's private vow to massacre Titus and his family for the sacrifice of her son Alarbus.

• Family and Loyalty

  Titus's devotion to his sons and his country, and the Andronici's defense of Lavinia's honor.

• Honor and Duty

  Titus's refusal of the crown out of respect for the emperor's sons, and his insistence on proper burial rites for his fallen sons.

Characters to notice

• Titus Andronicus

  Returns to Rome victorious, refuses the crown, and later reconciles with Saturninus at Tamora's urging.

• Saturninus

  Elected emperor, initially angry at Titus but is persuaded by Tamora to forgive.

• Tamora

  Prisoner of war, marries Saturninus, publicly reconciles the factions while privately plotting revenge.

• Bassianus

  Contender for the empire, elopes with Lavinia after Saturninus rejects her.

• Lavinia

  Betrothed to Saturninus but then claimed by Bassianus, leading to a public confrontation.

• Marcus Andronicus

  Tribune who announces Titus's election and later supports the reconciliation.

• Lucius

  Titus's son, defends his father and sister during the confrontation with Saturninus.

• Aaron

  Moor and prisoner, present among the Goths, later becomes Tamora's lover.

Key passages

• “I’ll find a day to massacre them all And raze their faction and their family, The cruel father and his traitorous sons, To whom I sued for my dear son’s life, And make them know what ’tis to let a queen Kneel in the streets and beg for grace in vain.”

  Tamora secretly vows to destroy Titus and his entire family in revenge for her son Alarbus's death.

  Tamora's aside reveals her true vengeful intentions beneath the public reconciliation.

• “Titus Andronicus, for thy favours done To us in our election this day, I give thee thanks in part of thy deserts, And will with deeds requite thy gentleness: And, for an onset, Titus, to advance Thy name and honourable family, Lavinia will I make my empress, Rome’s royal mistress, mistress of my heart, And in the sacred Pantheon her espouse:”

  Saturninus thanks Titus for supporting his election and announces his intention to marry Lavinia.

  Saturninus's initial gratitude and betrothal to Lavinia sets up the later conflict when he rejects her.

• “My lord, be ruled by me, be won at last; Dissemble all your griefs and discontents: You are but newly planted in your throne; Lest, then, the people, and patricians too, Upon a just survey, take Titus’ part, And so supplant you for ingratitude, Which Rome reputes to be a heinous sin, Yield at entreats; and then let me alone:”

  Tamora advises Saturninus to pretend to forgive Titus to secure his throne, promising to handle revenge later.

  Tamora's political cunning is evident as she manipulates Saturninus for her own ends.