Act I
The play is set in Rome at an unspecified time, perhaps the fourth or fifth century A.D. In a public place near the Senate House, a struggle for political power is underway between Saturninus and Bassianus, sons of the recently deceased emperor. Addressing the assembled senators and tribunes, Saturninus points out that he should succeed to the throne because he is the late emperor's first-born son. Bassianus argues that he should be the next emperor because his merits are greater than his brother's. Their debate is interrupted by the arrival of a nobleman, Marcus...
Source: Shakespeare for Students, ©2012 Gale Cengage. All Rights Reserved. Full copyright.
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