Coriolanus · Chapter
Scene IX explained
In the Roman camp, Cominius and the army celebrate Marcius's heroic deeds in battle.
What happens
In the Roman camp, Cominius and the army celebrate Marcius's heroic deeds in battle. Cominius offers Marcius a tenth of the spoils, but Marcius refuses, insisting he acted only for his country. Cominius then bestows upon him the name 'Coriolanus' in honor of his capture of Corioli. Marcius, though uncomfortable with praise, accepts the honor and requests the freedom of a poor man who had housed him in Corioli. The scene ends with the army preparing to rest and send news to Rome.
Themes in this chapter
Honor and Valor
Marcius's refusal of material rewards and his discomfort with excessive praise highlight his commitment to honor and duty over personal gain.
Pride and Arrogance
Marcius's modesty in rejecting accolades paradoxically underscores his pride in his own standards of virtue and disdain for flattery.
Characters to notice
- Caius Marcius Coriolanus
Refuses spoils and praise, accepts the name Coriolanus, and requests freedom for his former host.
- Cominius
Leads the celebration, offers Marcius a tenth of the spoils, and bestows the name Coriolanus upon him.
- Titus Lartius
Returns from pursuit and participates in the ceremony, tasked with returning to Corioli.
Key passages
“I have done As you have done; that's what I can; induced As you have been; that's for my country”
I have merely done what any soldier would do for his country.
Marcius downplays his heroism, attributing it to common duty.
“I cannot make my heart consent to take A bribe to pay my sword”
I cannot accept a reward as if my sword were for hire.
Marcius refuses the offered spoils, viewing them as a bribe rather than an honor.
“Call him, With all the applause and clamour of the host, Caius Marcius Coriolanus!”
Let everyone acclaim him as Caius Marcius Coriolanus.
Cominius formally bestows the honorific name in recognition of Marcius's victory at Corioli.