Titus Andronicus Ending Explained: What Happened and Why?
Complete breakdown of the climax, final twists, and spoilers for Titus Andronicus.
Titus Andronicus Ending Explained: Having subdued the Goths, warrior Titus Andronicus returns to Rome to bury his sons, with Gothic Queen Tamora and her retinue as captives. Directed by Jane Howell, this 1985 drama film stars Trevor Peacock (Titus Andronicus), alongside Eileen Atkins as Queen Tamora, Anna Calder-Marshall as Lavinia, Brian Protheroe as Saturninus. Rated 7.4/10 by audiences, the conclusion brings the story to a satisfying close.
What Happens at the End of Titus Andronicus?
Having subdued the Goths, warrior Titus Andronicus returns to Rome to bury his sons, with Gothic Queen Tamora and her retinue as captives. The newly-dead Roman Emperor's two sons, Saturninus and Bassianus, are competing for their father's title. According to Roman custom, Titus sacrifices Tamora's eldest son to the Gods; having the deciding vote, he also chooses Saturninus as Emperor.
Jane Howell's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Trevor Peacock (Titus Andronicus)'s journey. The newly-dead Roman Emperor's two sons, Saturninus and Bassianus, are competing for their father's title.
How Does Trevor Peacock (Titus Andronicus)'s Story End?
- Trevor Peacock: Trevor Peacock's arc reaches a definitive conclusion by the final act, with Jane Howell delivering a resolution that feels earned after the film's 2h 47m runtime.
- Eileen Atkins (Queen Tamora): Eileen Atkins's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Anna Calder-Marshall (Lavinia): Anna Calder-Marshall's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of Titus Andronicus Mean?
The ending of Titus Andronicus ties together the narrative threads involving Trevor Peacock. Jane Howell chooses a conclusion that prioritizes thematic consistency over surprise, resulting in an ending that rewards viewers who engaged with the story's central themes.