Coriolanus · Chapter
Scene IV explained
Menenius and Sicinius discuss Coriolanus's transformation into a dragon-like figure, with Menenius expressing despair that even his mother cannot sway him.
What happens
Menenius and Sicinius discuss Coriolanus's transformation into a dragon-like figure, with Menenius expressing despair that even his mother cannot sway him. A messenger arrives with news that the Roman ladies have prevailed, the Volscians have retreated, and Marcius is gone, leading to widespread rejoicing in Rome.
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
- Motherhood and Influence
Volumnia's potential to sway Coriolanus is discussed, highlighting the power of maternal influence over a warrior's wrath.
- Exile and Identity
Coriolanus's transformation from man to dragon is tied to his banishment, showing how exile has altered his identity and mercy.
Characters to notice
- Menenius Agrippa
Describes Coriolanus as having grown from man to dragon, showing his despair and fear of Coriolanus's wrath.
- Sicinius Velutus
Engages with Menenius about Coriolanus's transformation and receives the news of the ladies' success.
- Caius Marcius Coriolanus
Referenced as having become a dragon-like figure, devoid of mercy, and now gone after the ladies prevailed.
- Volumnia
Mentioned as Coriolanus's mother, who may have prevailed upon him; celebrated as worth of consuls, senators, and patricians.
- Messenger
Brings news that the plebeians are attacking the tribune and that the ladies have prevailed.
Key passages
“This Marcius is grown from man to dragon: he has wings; he’s more than a creeping thing.”
Marcius has transformed from a human into a fearsome dragon, gaining wings and becoming far more than a lowly creature.
Menenius uses this metaphor to emphasize Coriolanus's terrifying and inhuman nature after his banishment.
“there is no more mercy in him than there is milk in a male tiger”
He has as little mercy as a male tiger has milk.
Menenius asserts that Coriolanus is utterly devoid of compassion.
“The Volscians are dislodged, and Marcius gone: A merrier day did never yet greet Rome, No, not the expulsion of the Tarquins.”
The Volscians have been driven out and Marcius has left; this is the happiest day Rome has ever seen, even happier than the expulsion of the Tarquins.
The second messenger announces the joyful resolution, comparing it to a pivotal moment in Roman history.
