# Scene II explained — Titus Andronicus

> Chapter companion for Titus Andronicus by William Shakespeare.

## What happens

Tamora, disguised as Revenge, visits Titus with her sons Chiron and Demetrius disguised as Rape and Murder. Titus sees through their disguise but plays along, binding the sons and, with Lavinia's help, slits their throats to prepare a grisly banquet for Tamora.

## Themes in this chapter

### Revenge and Retribution

Titus exacts brutal revenge on Chiron and Demetrius, planning a cannibalistic feast for Tamora.

### Violence and Brutality

The scene culminates in the graphic throat-slitting of Chiron and Demetrius and the preparation of their bodies for a feast.

### Madness and Grief

Titus feigns madness to deceive Tamora, while his grief over Lavinia's violation drives his vengeful actions.

## Character check-ins

### Tamora

Disguises herself as Revenge to manipulate Titus into summoning Lucius, but Titus sees through her ruse.

### Titus Andronicus

Feigns madness and cooperates with Tamora's disguise, then captures and kills Chiron and Demetrius.

### Demetrius

Disguised as Murder, he is bound and killed by Titus.

### Chiron

Disguised as Rape, he is bound and killed by Titus.

### Lavinia

Holds a basin to catch the blood of Chiron and Demetrius as Titus kills them.

### Marcus Andronicus

Sent by Titus to summon Lucius to the feast.

### Publius

Helps bind Chiron and Demetrius at Titus's command.

## Key lines

> I am Revenge; sent from the infernal kingdom, To ease the gnawing vulture of thy mind, By working wreakful vengeance on thy foes.

Tamora claims to be the spirit of Revenge, sent from hell to help Titus get even with his enemies.

_Tamora's disguise aims to exploit Titus's desire for vengeance._

> I know them all, though they suppose me mad, And will o'erreach them in their own devices: A pair of cursed hell-hounds and their dam!

Titus reveals he sees through Tamora's disguise and plans to outsmart her and her sons.

_Titus's aside shows his calculated awareness despite appearing mad._

> This one hand yet is left to cut your throats, Whilst that Lavinia 'tween her stumps doth hold The basin that receives your guilty blood.

Titus declares he will use his remaining hand to kill Chiron and Demetrius while Lavinia catches their blood in a basin.

_Titus enacts his revenge with Lavinia's participation._

## Links

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