Coriolanus · Chapter
Scene II explained
In a room in Coriolanus's house, Coriolanus remains defiant against the plebeians, refusing to show humility.
What happens
In a room in Coriolanus's house, Coriolanus remains defiant against the plebeians, refusing to show humility. Volumnia, Menenius, and Cominius urge him to adopt a conciliatory tone to secure the consulship. After intense persuasion, Coriolanus reluctantly agrees to go to the marketplace and speak mildly to the people.
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 Rising action.
- 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 refusal to feign humility and his disdain for the common people exemplify his pride, which conflicts with political necessity.
- Motherhood and Influence
Volumnia's persuasive power over Coriolanus is central, as she uses her maternal authority to bend his will toward political expediency.
- Political Manipulation
The scene depicts the art of political maneuvering, where Volumnia and Menenius coach Coriolanus to use flattery and dissemblance to achieve his goals.
Characters to notice
- Caius Marcius Coriolanus
Defiant and proud, he struggles against the necessity of flattering the plebeians, ultimately yielding to his mother's counsel.
- Volumnia
Uses her influence to persuade Coriolanus to dissemble and speak mildly, arguing that honor and policy can coexist in peace as in war.
- Menenius Agrippa
Supports Volumnia's advice, urging Coriolanus to return to the tribunes and repent his harsh words.
- Cominius
Reports the anger in the marketplace and advises Coriolanus to make a strong party or defend himself with calmness.
Key passages
“I would have had you put your power well on, Before you had worn it out.”
I wish you had exercised your authority wisely before you exhausted it.
Volumnia criticizes Coriolanus for squandering his political capital through arrogance.
“Why force you this?”
Why are you pressing this point?
Coriolanus questions his mother's insistence on dissembling.
“I will not do't, Lest I surcease to honour mine own truth And by my body's action teach my mind A most inherent baseness.”
I refuse to do it, for fear of betraying my own integrity and allowing my actions to corrupt my character.
Coriolanus expresses his internal conflict between honor and political necessity.
