Coriolanus · Chapter
Scene VI explained
In Antium, Aufidius conspires with his faction to kill Coriolanus, accusing him of betraying the Volscians by making peace with Rome out of love for his family.
What happens
In Antium, Aufidius conspires with his faction to kill Coriolanus, accusing him of betraying the Volscians by making peace with Rome out of love for his family. Coriolanus arrives to present the peace treaty, but Aufidius publicly denounces him as a traitor. The conspirators and people attack and kill Coriolanus, after which Aufidius, struck with sorrow, orders a noble funeral procession.
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
Coriolanus's refusal to humble himself and his boastful claim of single-handedly defeating the Volscians provoke his downfall.
- Political Manipulation
Aufidius manipulates the Volscian lords and people by framing Coriolanus as a traitor, using rhetoric to turn public opinion.
- Exile and Identity
Coriolanus, banished from Rome, struggles with his identity as a Volscian ally, ultimately dying as a man caught between two nations.
Characters to notice
- Caius Marcius Coriolanus
Returns to Antium as a victorious soldier but is accused of treason by Aufidius and killed by conspirators.
- Tullus Aufidius
Leads the conspiracy against Coriolanus, accusing him of betrayal, and ultimately kills him, then shows remorse.
- First Servingman
Appears as a conspirator in Aufidius's faction, urging the assassination.
- Second Citizen
Part of the crowd calling for Coriolanus's death, shouting 'Tear him to pieces.'
- Senator
Lords of the city who hear Aufidius's accusations and witness Coriolanus's death.
Key passages
“At a few drops of women’s rheum, which are As cheap as lies, he sold the blood and labour Of our great action”
He gave away the fruits of our entire campaign for a few cheap tears from his wife and mother.
Aufidius accuses Coriolanus of betraying the Volscian cause out of sentimental weakness.
“Cut me to pieces, Volsces; men and lads, Stain all your edges on me. Boy! false hound!”
Kill me if you dare, you Volscians—I alone defeated you in Corioli, and you call me a boy?
Coriolanus defiantly challenges his attackers, recalling his past military glory.
“Though in this city he Hath widow’d and unchilded many a one, Which to this hour bewail the injury, Yet he shall have a noble memory.”
Even though he caused many deaths here, we will still honor him with a dignified funeral.
Aufidius orders a respectful burial for Coriolanus despite his earlier rage.
