# Scene VIII explained — Coriolanus

> Chapter companion for Coriolanus by William Shakespeare.

## What happens

Marcius and Aufidius meet in single combat on the battlefield. They exchange fierce insults and engage in a duel, but Volscian soldiers intervene to aid Aufidius, which Marcius condemns as dishonorable.

## Themes in this chapter

### Honor and Valor

Marcius insists on fighting Aufidius alone, rejecting the interference of the Volscian soldiers as dishonorable.

### Pride and Arrogance

Marcius boasts of his earlier feats in Corioli and scorns the Volsces for their unworthy aid, reflecting his pride.

## Character check-ins

### Caius Marcius Coriolanus

Engages Aufidius in single combat, expressing deep hatred and proving his valor.

### Tullus Aufidius

Fights Marcius but is assisted by Volscian soldiers, drawing Marcius's scorn.

## Key lines

> I’ll fight with none but thee; for I do hate thee Worse than a promise-breaker.

I will only fight you, because I despise you more than someone who breaks their word.

_Marcius declares his exclusive intent to duel Aufidius, emphasizing his intense hatred._

> Officious, and not valiant, you have shamed me In your condemned seconds.

You meddlers, lacking courage, have dishonored me with your unwelcome assistance.

_Marcius rebukes the Volscian soldiers for interfering in the duel, calling their help shameful._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/coriolanus_se/chapters/act-i-scene-viii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/coriolanus_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/coriolanus_se/chapters