Coriolanus · Chapter
Scene VII explained
Aufidius and his lieutenant discuss Coriolanus's growing influence over the Volscian soldiers, which overshadows Aufidius himself.
What happens
Aufidius and his lieutenant discuss Coriolanus's growing influence over the Volscian soldiers, which overshadows Aufidius himself. Aufidius reflects on Coriolanus's pride and the flaws that led to his banishment from Rome, and hints at a future reckoning where he will turn against him.
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 Falling 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
Aufidius attributes Coriolanus's downfall to pride, which 'out of daily fortune ever taints the happy man,' highlighting how arrogance undermines even the greatest warriors.
- Political Manipulation
Aufidius's calculated patience and his plan to use Coriolanus's own merits against him exemplify the manipulative strategies employed by political and military leaders.
Characters to notice
- Tullus Aufidius
Aufidius expresses jealousy and resentment towards Coriolanus's popularity among the Volscian troops, but bides his time, planning to eventually destroy him.
- Caius Marcius Coriolanus
Though not present, Coriolanus is the subject of discussion; his pride, martial prowess, and the reasons for his banishment from Rome are analyzed by Aufidius.
Key passages
“Your soldiers use him as the grace ’fore meat, Their talk at table, and their thanks at end; And you are darken’d in this action, sir, Even by your own.”
Your own troops treat Coriolanus like a blessing before meals, talk about him constantly, and thank him at the end of the day; you are being overshadowed in this campaign by your own ally.
The lieutenant warns Aufidius that Coriolanus has become more revered than their own commander.
“One fire drives out one fire; one nail, one nail; Rights by rights falter, strengths by strengths do fail.”
One flame extinguishes another; one nail pushes out another; just claims undermine each other, and powerful forces defeat one another.
Aufidius uses a proverb to express that Coriolanus's own strength will eventually be his undoing.
