Coriolanus · Chapter
Scene III explained
Coriolanus, wearing the gown of humility, solicits votes from the citizens for the consulship, but his contemptuous and mocking demeanor alienates many.
What happens
Coriolanus, wearing the gown of humility, solicits votes from the citizens for the consulship, but his contemptuous and mocking demeanor alienates many. After being approved, the tribunes Brutus and Sicinius manipulate the citizens into revoking their support, plotting to exploit Coriolanus's pride and anger to prevent his confirmation.
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
- Pride and Arrogance
Coriolanus's disdain for the common people and his mockery during the vote solicitation highlight his overwhelming pride.
- Political Manipulation
Brutus and Sicinius manipulate the citizens into revoking their support, using Coriolanus's own behavior against him.
- Class Conflict
The tension between Coriolanus, a patrician, and the plebeian citizens is evident in his contempt and their eventual rebellion.
Characters to notice
- Caius Marcius Coriolanus
Solicits votes for consul with visible scorn, mocking the citizens and revealing his disdain for the common people.
- Menenius Agrippa
Accompanies Coriolanus and informs him that the tribunes have endorsed the people's voice.
- Sicinius Velutus
As a tribune, he orchestrates the citizens' reversal and plots to use Coriolanus's anger against him.
- Junius Brutus
Works with Sicinius to manipulate the citizens, urging them to revoke their election and blame the tribunes.
- First Citizen
Initially supports Coriolanus but later joins the dissent after being swayed by the tribunes.
- Second Citizen
Expresses that Coriolanus mocked them and leads the call to deny him the consulship.
- Third Citizen
Points out Coriolanus's scornful behavior and joins the movement to revoke the election.
Key passages
“Better it is to die, better to starve, Than crave the hire which first we do deserve.”
It would be better to die or starve than to beg for what I have already earned.
Coriolanus expresses his resentment at having to solicit votes for a position he feels he deserves by merit.
“I will counterfeit the bewitchment of some popular man and give it bountiful to the desirers.”
I will pretend to be charming like a popular politician and generously offer that pretense to those who want it.
Coriolanus reveals his plan to feign friendliness to win votes, showing his contempt for the process.
“He mock'd us when he begg'd our voices.”
He insulted us while asking for our votes.
A citizen accuses Coriolanus of treating them with scorn during his canvassing.
