TITUS ANDRONICUS
"Titus Andronicus," believed to be written between 1588 and 1593, is considered William Shakespeare's earliest tragedy. It is thought that Shakespeare may have collaborated with George Peele on this play. During the 16th century, revenge plays filled with violence and bloodshed were immensely popular, and "Titus Andronicus" appears to be Shakespeare's attempt to emulate his contemporaries' style.
The story centers around Titus, a Roman general, who presents Tamora, the Queen of the Goths, as a slave to the newly crowned Roman emperor, Saturninus. Saturninus marries Tamora, setting the stage for her vow of revenge against Titus for the death of her son. The play unfolds as Titus and his family retaliate, leading to a dramatic and intense narrative.
Major Characters:
Titus Andronicus is a Roman general and a hero who has won many victories for Rome. The people choose him as Emperor, but he turns it down.
Aaron, a Moor, is very much a villain. He is the lover of Queen Tamora.He's a murderer who finally meets a horrific death.
Tamora is the queen of the Goths. She is captured by Titus and brought to Rome. Saturninus sets her free and she sets out to take revenge on Titus and destroy his family.
SATURNINUS, Son to the late Emperor of Rome, and afterward declared Emperor
BASSIANUS, Brother to Saturninus, in love with Lavinia
LAVINIA, Daughter to Titus Andronicus
MARCUS ANDRONICUS, Tribune of the People, and brother to Titus
LUCIUS, QUINTUS, MARTIUS, & MUTIUS, Sons to Titus Andronicus
YOUNG LUCIUS, a Boy, Son to Lucius
PUBLIUS, Son to Marcus Andronicus
SEMPRONIUS, CAIUS, & VALENTINE, Kinsmen to Titus
AEMILIUS, a noble Roman
ALARBUS, DEMETRIUS, & CHIRON, Sons to Tamora
Summary
"Titus Andronicus" is Shakespeare's first bloody revenge play. A Roman general, Titus, returns from war with prisoners seeking revenge. They rape and mutilate his daughter, kill his sons, and banish one. Titus kills two of the prisoners and serves them as a pie to their mother before killing her too. The Roman emperor kills Titus, but his last son takes revenge, becoming the new emperor.
Act I: Two brothers Saturninus and Badsianus vie for Rome's throne.
Marcus Andronicus, the tribune, announces his brother Titus is people's favourite. Meanwhile, Titus returns from war, with prisoners, including Tamora, queen of the Goths. He sacrifices her son for ritualistic purposes despite her pleas. Titus rejects the throne, supports Saturninus, who becomes emperor. Saturninus desires Lavinia, Titus' daughter, but she's already betrothed to Bassianus. A fight leads to Mutius' death. Saturninus chooses Tamora as empress.
Act II: Aaron plots to kill Bassianus. Tamora's sons fight over Lavinia. Aaron suggests raping her instead of marriage. During a hunt, Bassianus is killed. Aaron tricks Titus' sons into a pit, framing them. Lavinia is raped and mutilated.
Act III: Titus begs for his sons' lives but is ignored. His remaining son, Lucius, is banished. Lucius returns to find Lavinia in distress. Aaron offers a reprieve for the sons but tricks Titus.
Act IV: Titus learns the truth about the rape. Aaron flees with his son. Titus appears deranged, challenges the gods, and sends messages to Saturninus.
Act V: Lucius leads the Goths against Rome. Titus confronts Tamora's sons, kills them, and serves them as a pie. A banquet ends in bloodshed. Lucius becomes emperor and punishes Aaron.
The play ends with royal burials for Titus and Lavinia, while Tamora's body is left for birds.
Themes
"Titus Andronicus" is all about revenge, betrayal, and pure villainy.
Revenge: The whole story revolves around getting even. Just like in the tale of Procne and Philomela, revenge drives the characters throughout the play, starting from Act 1.
Violence: This play has got a reputation for its on-stage violence. It's everywhere, right from the opening scene, affecting almost every character.
Civilization vs. Barbarism: The conflict between civilized Rome and the barbarous outsiders is a recurring theme. Rome is the pinnacle of civilization, while everything beyond its borders is considered barbaric.
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