Titus Andronicus: A revenge/horror/tragedy play. After the Goths are defeated in battle, Titus, the general of the Roman Army, sacrifices the eldest son of Tamora, the queen of the Goths. Tamora vows revenge. The sons of the old Roman Emperor, Saturninus and Bassianus, both want to be Emperor of Rome – Titus chooses Saturninus. Saturninus wants to marry Titus’ daughter, Lavinia, but she runs away and marries his brother, Bassianus. Lavinia’s brothers, Titus’ sons, protect her. Titus, feeling he has been disgraced, kills one of his own sons for protecting Lavinia. Saturninus, angry that Lavinia ran away, marries Tamora, queen of the Goths.

Everyone goes hunting. Tamora, her sons and Aaron, a black moor and Tamoras secret lover, meet Lavinia and Bassianus in the forest. Tamora’s sons kill Bassianus, then rape Lavinia, cut off her hands and cut out her tongue. Aaron tells Saturninus that two of Titus’ sons murdered his brother, Bassianus. Saturninus condemns Titus sons to death.