# Scene I explained — Titus Andronicus

> Chapter companion for Titus Andronicus by William Shakespeare.

## What happens

Titus Andronicus returns to Rome victorious, is offered the emperorship but declines in favor of Saturninus, who then spurns Lavinia for Tamora. After a public reconciliation brokered by Tamora, she secretly vows revenge for the sacrifice of her son Alarbus.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/titus_andronicus_se/chapters/act-i-scene-i
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/titus_andronicus_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/titus_andronicus_se/chapters