Coriolanus · Chapter
Scene IV: Before Corioli explained
Marcius and Titus Lartius lead Roman forces before the Volscian city of Corioli.
What happens
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.
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
- Honor and Valor
Marcius's reckless charge into the city gates and Titus Lartius's praise of his 'noble' and 'jewel'-like courage highlight the theme of martial honor.
- Pride and Arrogance
Marcius's contemptuous cursing of his own soldiers as 'shames of Rome' and 'souls of geese' demonstrates his pride and disdain for perceived cowardice.
Characters to notice
- Caius Marcius Coriolanus
Leads the assault on Corioli, curses his retreating soldiers, and single-handedly enters the city gates.
- Titus Lartius
Commands alongside Marcius, wagers on the battle, and praises Marcius's valor after he is trapped.
- Messenger
Brings news that the armies are within a mile and a half of each other.
- First Citizen
Appears as a Roman soldier who refuses to follow Marcius into the gates, calling it 'fool-hardiness.'
- Second Citizen
Another Roman soldier who also refuses to enter the gates.
Key passages
“Now, Mars, I prithee, make us quick in work, That we with smoking swords may march from hence, To help our fielded friends!”
Marcius prays to the god of war for a swift victory so they can move on to aid their comrades fighting elsewhere.
Marcius's invocation of Mars underscores his warrior ethos and eagerness for battle.
“All the contagion of the south light on you, You shames of Rome! you herd of—Boils and plagues Plaster you o'er...”
Marcius curses his retreating soldiers with diseases and shame, calling them a disgrace to Rome.
His violent language reveals his fury at their cowardice and his extreme expectations of valor.
“O noble fellow! Who sensibly outdares his senseless sword, And, when it bows, stands up.”
Titus Lartius marvels that Marcius's courage surpasses even his weapon, and he remains steadfast when his sword fails.
This praise elevates Marcius's bravery to a near-mythical level.
