Coriolanus · Chapters

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Chapter companions for Coriolanus by William Shakespeare.

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Chapter 1
Act I
Coriolanus — Stage Lens: dramatic beats, line helps that follow your scroll, and stage picture. Read to understand, not to collect a closed thesis.
Chapter 2
Scene I
A group of mutinous citizens, armed with staves and clubs, gather in Rome to protest against the patricians, particularly targeting Caius Marcius for his pride and enmity toward the common people. Menenius Agrippa attempts to pacify them with the fable of the belly, arguing that the senators, like the belly, distribute benefits to all parts of the state. The citizens are unconvinced until Caius Marcius himself arrives and berates them harshly, escalating the conflict.
Chapter 3
Scene II
In the Volscian senate-house, Tullus Aufidius and senators discuss Rome's awareness of their plans. Aufidius reveals intelligence that Rome has raised an army led by Cominius, Marcius, and Titus Lartius, likely targeting the Volscians. The senators authorize Aufidius to lead their forces, and Aufidius vows to confront his old enemy Caius Marcius in combat.
Chapter 4
Scene III
In Marcius's home, Volumnia and Virgilia sew while Volumnia extols the virtues of martial honor over domestic comfort, recounting how she sent her son to war as a youth. Virgilia expresses fear for her husband's safety, but Volumnia dismisses her concerns. Valeria visits, bringing news of the war against the Volsces, and invites them to join her, but Virgilia refuses to leave until her husband returns.
Chapter 5
Scene IV: Before Corioli
Marcius and Titus Lartius lead Roman forces before the Volscian city of Corioli. After a brief parley with senators on the walls, the Volsces sally forth and initially drive the Romans back. Marcius, enraged by his soldiers' cowardice, rallies them and pursues the fleeing Volsces into the city gates, which close behind him, trapping him alone inside. Titus Lartius laments his apparent death, but Marcius emerges bleeding and fighting, and the Romans enter the city.

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Act I

Scene I

Scene II

Scene III

Scene IV: Before Corioli