Coriolanus · Chapter
Scene V explained
Senators and citizens celebrate Volumnia, Virgilia, and Valeria as saviors of Rome, calling for the repeal of Coriolanus's banishment and welcoming the ladies with triumphant fanfare.
What happens
Senators and citizens celebrate Volumnia, Virgilia, and Valeria as saviors of Rome, calling for the repeal of Coriolanus's banishment and welcoming the ladies with triumphant fanfare.
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 maternal authority is publicly celebrated as the force that repeals Coriolanus's banishment and restores peace.
- Political Manipulation
The swift reversal from banishment to acclamation demonstrates the volatility of Roman public opinion and elite orchestration.
Characters to notice
- Volumnia
Hailed as the patroness and life of Rome, her influence leads to calls for Coriolanus's repeal.
- Virgilia
Present among the honored ladies, part of the group celebrated for saving Rome.
- Valeria
Included in the welcome as one of the ladies credited with Rome's deliverance.
- Senator
First Senator proclaims Volumnia as patroness and orchestrates the public celebration.
Key passages
“Behold our patroness, the life of Rome!”
Look at our protector, the one who keeps Rome alive!
The Senator elevates Volumnia to a near-divine status as Rome's savior.
“Unshout the noise that banish’d Marcius, Repeal him with the welcome of his mother”
Cancel the shouts that exiled Marcius and bring him back by honoring his mother.
The Senator urges the people to reverse their earlier condemnation through public celebration of Volumnia.
