Coriolanus · Chapter
Scene II explained
In the Volscian senate-house, Tullus Aufidius and senators discuss Rome's awareness of their plans.
What happens
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.
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
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This scene is the dramatic climax because it marks the emotional and psychological peak of Coriolanus’s banish…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Political Manipulation
Aufidius and the senators strategize based on intercepted intelligence, highlighting the manipulative and secretive nature of political and military planning.
- Honor and Valor
Aufidius's personal oath to fight Caius Marcius to the death underscores the theme of personal honor and martial valor.
Characters to notice
- Tullus Aufidius
Aufidius discusses Roman intelligence and prepares to lead the Volscian army, expressing a personal vow to fight Caius Marcius.
- Senator
First Senator questions Aufidius's opinion and later reassures him about guarding Corioli.
- Senator
Second Senator urges Aufidius to take command and suggests the Romans may not be fully prepared.
Key passages
“If we and Caius Marcius chance to meet, 'Tis sworn between us we shall ever strike Till one can do no more.”
If I encounter Caius Marcius, we have sworn to fight until one of us is dead.
Aufidius declares his personal vendetta and readiness for single combat with Marcius.
