# Scene IV explained — Titus Andronicus

> Chapter companion for Titus Andronicus by William Shakespeare.

## What happens

Saturninus, furious over Titus's arrows and letters, sees them as libel against the Senate. Tamora calms him, feigning sympathy for Titus while plotting further revenge. A clown delivering a letter and pigeons is summarily hanged. News arrives that Lucius has raised an army of Goths and marches on Rome. Saturninus fears the people's love for Lucius, but Tamora vows to enchant Titus with sweet words to turn him against his son. She sends Aemilius to arrange a parley at Titus's house.

## Themes in this chapter

### Power and Political Intrigue

Saturninus fears losing the throne to Lucius, while Tamora schemes to manipulate Titus and maintain control.

### Madness and Grief

Saturninus dismisses Titus's actions as 'feigned ecstasies,' but Tamora acknowledges his genuine sorrow over his sons' deaths.

### Justice and Injustice

Saturninus insists his rule is just, but the people believe Lucius's banishment was wrongful, and Titus's arrows protest injustice.

## Character check-ins

### Saturninus

Furious at Titus's arrows and letters, he orders the clown hanged and fears Lucius's rebellion.

### Tamora

Publicly calms Saturninus while privately plotting to 'enchant' Titus with sweet words to undermine him.

### Demetrius

Present at court, silent witness to the exchange.

### Chiron

Present at court, silent witness to the exchange.

### Clown

Delivers a letter and pigeons from Titus, is summarily sentenced to hang.

### Aemilius

Brings news of Lucius's Gothic army and is sent as ambassador to arrange a parley.

### Lucius

Mentioned as leading the Goths against Rome, beloved by the people.

### Titus Andronicus

Referenced indirectly through his arrows, letters, and as the target of Tamora's manipulation.

## Key lines

> Why, lords, what wrongs are these! was ever seen An emperor in Rome thus overborne, Troubled, confronted thus; and, for the extent Of egal justice, used in such contempt?

Saturninus complains that he, as emperor, is being disrespected and accused of injustice.

_Saturninus feels his authority is being undermined by Titus's public protests._

> But if I live, his feigned ecstasies Shall be no shelter to these outrages: But he and his shall know that justice lives In Saturninus’ health, whom, if she sleep, He’ll so awake as she in fury shall Cut off the proud’st conspirator that lives.

Saturninus vows that Titus's pretended madness will not protect him from punishment, and he will enforce justice harshly.

_Saturninus threatens violent retribution against Titus._

> I will enchant the old Andronicus With words more sweet, and yet more dangerous, Than baits to fish, or honey-stalks to sheep

Tamora plans to use flattery and false promises to manipulate Titus.

_Tamora reveals her deceptive strategy to control Titus._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/titus_andronicus_se/chapters/act-iv-scene-iv
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