Coriolanus · Chapter
Scene X explained
In the Volscian camp, Tullus Aufidius, bloodied from battle, expresses his bitter frustration at being repeatedly defeated by Marcius.
What happens
In the Volscian camp, Tullus Aufidius, bloodied from battle, expresses his bitter frustration at being repeatedly defeated by Marcius. He vows to use any means—force or cunning—to kill Marcius, even if it means violating sacred laws of hospitality. He sends a soldier to gather intelligence on the city's status.
Themes in this chapter
Pride and Arrogance
Aufidius's wounded pride drives him to forsake honorable combat for any means of revenge against Marcius.
Honor and Valor
Aufidius laments the loss of honor in his emulation, now poisoned by repeated defeats.
Characters to notice
- Tullus Aufidius
Bloodied and enraged, Aufidius swears to kill Marcius by any means, abandoning his former honor in emulation.
- First Soldier
Reports the town's capture and remarks on Marcius's devilish nature.
Key passages
“I would I were a Roman; for I cannot, Being a Volsce, be that I am.”
I wish I were a Roman, because as a Volsce I cannot be true to myself.
Aufidius expresses his identity crisis and frustration with his own people's conditions.
“My valour’s poison’d With only suffering stain by him; for him Shall fly out of itself.”
My courage is corrupted by the disgrace he has caused me; for his sake, I will abandon my own nature.
Aufidius declares that his hatred for Marcius will override his own valor.
“Against the hospitable canon, would I Wash my fierce hand in’s heart.”
Even violating the sacred laws of hospitality, I would kill him with my own hands.
Aufidius vows to murder Marcius regardless of any sacred protections.