Scene III explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Revenge and Retribution

  Aaron orchestrates the murder of Bassianus and the rape of Lavinia as acts of vengeance against the Andronici.

• Violence and Brutality

  The murder of Bassianus and the planned rape of Lavinia highlight the graphic violence central to the play.

• Power and Political Intrigue

  Tamora and Aaron manipulate evidence to frame Titus's sons, using deception to consolidate power.

• Family and Loyalty

  Titus's plea for his sons' bail underscores his loyalty to family, while Tamora's sons act on her behalf.

Characters to notice

• Aaron

  Hides gold to frame Titus's sons; rejects Tamora's advances, focusing on vengeance; lures Quintus and Martius to the pit.

• Tamora

  Attempts to seduce Aaron; confronts Bassianus and Lavinia; presents forged letter to Saturninus to incriminate Titus's sons.

• Bassianus

  Confronts Tamora about her affair; is killed by Demetrius and Chiron, his body thrown into the pit.

• Lavinia

  Taunts Tamora about her affair; is dragged off by Demetrius and Chiron to be raped.

• Demetrius

  Kills Bassianus and drags Lavinia away to rape her, following Aaron's plot.

• Chiron

  Assists Demetrius in killing Bassianus and dragging Lavinia away.

• Quintus

  Lured by Aaron to the pit; falls in while trying to help Martius.

• Martius

  Falls into the pit where Bassianus's body lies; discovered by Saturninus.

• Saturninus

  Discovers Quintus and Martius in the pit; accepts Tamora's forged letter as evidence of their guilt.

• Titus Andronicus

  Pleads for his sons' bail but is denied by Saturninus.

• Lucius

  Accompanies Titus; is told to leave without speaking to the accused.

Key passages

• “Vengeance is in my heart, death in my hand, Blood and revenge are hammering in my head.”

  Aaron declares that his mind is consumed with thoughts of vengeance and murder.

  Aaron rejects Tamora's romantic advances, emphasizing his commitment to revenge.

• “His Philomel must lose her tongue to-day, Thy sons make pillage of her chastity And wash their hands in Bassianus’ blood.”

  Aaron reveals the plan to rape Lavinia and kill Bassianus, comparing Lavinia to the mythical Philomel.

  This foreshadows the brutal mutilation and rape of Lavinia.

• “This is the pit, and this the elder-tree. Look, sirs, if you can find the huntsman out That should have murder’d Bassianus here.”

  Saturninus points to the pit and tree, demanding to find the murderer of Bassianus.

  Saturninus uses the planted evidence to accuse Quintus and Martius.