Coriolanus · Chapter
Scene III explained
In Marcius's home, Volumnia and Virgilia sew while Volumnia extols the virtues of martial honor over domestic comfort, recounting how she sent her son to war as a youth.
What happens
In Marcius's home, Volumnia and Virgilia sew while Volumnia extols the virtues of martial honor over domestic comfort, recounting how she sent her son to war as a youth. Virgilia expresses fear for her husband's safety, but Volumnia dismisses her concerns. Valeria visits, bringing news of the war against the Volsces, and invites them to join her, but Virgilia refuses to leave until her husband returns.
Themes in this chapter
Motherhood and Influence
Volumnia's dialogue reveals her role in shaping Marcius's martial values, prioritizing honor and glory over his personal safety.
Honor and Valor
Volumnia glorifies Marcius's battlefield exploits, contrasting martial honor with domestic comfort and Virgilia's fears.
Characters to notice
- Volumnia
Volumnia celebrates her son's warrior spirit, expressing pride in sending him to war and valuing honor over life.
- Virgilia
Virgilia worries for her husband's safety and refuses to leave the house until he returns, showing her domestic and anxious nature.
- Valeria
Valeria visits and brings news of the war, attempting to persuade Virgilia to join her, and describes Marcius's son tearing a butterfly.
Key passages
“I, considering how honour would become such a person, that it was no better than picture-like to hang by the wall, if renown made it not stir, was pleased to let him seek danger where he was like to find fame.”
I thought that honor would suit him well, and that it would be worthless to just look good without achieving fame, so I was happy to let him seek danger where he could gain renown.
Volumnia explains her decision to send Marcius to war, valuing active honor over passive appearance.
“His bloody brow! O Jupiter, no blood!”
His forehead covered in blood! Oh Jupiter, I hope there is no blood!
Virgilia reacts with horror to Volumnia's vivid description of Marcius in battle.
“He had rather see the swords, and hear a drum, than look upon his schoolmaster.”
He prefers the sight of swords and the sound of a drum over his schoolmaster's lessons.
Volumnia describes her grandson's martial inclinations, mirroring his father's nature.