# Scene X explained — Coriolanus

> Chapter companion for Coriolanus by William Shakespeare.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

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