Titus Andronicus · Chapter
Scene II explained
In a forest near Rome, Titus Andronicus leads a hunt with his sons and Marcus.
What happens
In a forest near Rome, Titus Andronicus leads a hunt with his sons and Marcus. The emperor Saturninus, Tamora, Bassianus, Lavinia, and others join. Demetrius and Chiron hint at their predatory intentions toward Lavinia.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This scene is the dramatic climax because it marks the psychological breaking point where Titus shifts from pa…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Violence and Brutality
The hunt serves as a metaphor for predatory violence, with Demetrius and Chiron plotting to 'pluck a dainty doe'—Lavinia.
- Power and Political Intrigue
The hunt gathers the key political figures, setting the stage for manipulation and betrayal.
Characters to notice
- Titus Andronicus
Leads the hunt, expresses troubled sleep but renewed comfort at dawn.
- Marcus Andronicus
Boasts of his dogs' prowess in the hunt.
- Lucius
Present among the hunters, attending the emperor.
- Quintus
Present among the hunters.
- Martius
Present among the hunters.
- Saturninus
Joins the hunt with Tamora, comments on the early hour for new-married ladies.
- Tamora
Accompanies Saturninus as his bride, observes the Roman hunting.
- Bassianus
Present with Lavinia, engages her in conversation.
- Lavinia
States she has been awake for two hours, accompanies Bassianus.
- Demetrius
Hints at a predatory intent toward Lavinia, using hunting metaphor.
- Chiron
Present with Demetrius, shares in the predatory allusion.
Key passages
“The hunt is up, the morn is bright and grey, The fields are fragrant and the woods are green”
The hunt has begun; the morning is bright and overcast, the fields smell sweet, and the woods are lush.
Titus sets a cheerful tone for the hunt, contrasting with the dark events to come.
“Chiron, we hunt not, we, with horse nor hound, But hope to pluck a dainty doe to ground.”
Chiron, we are not hunting with horses or dogs; we aim to catch a delicate deer and bring her down.
Demetrius uses hunting imagery to reveal their plan to rape Lavinia.
