Coriolanus · Chapter
Scene I explained
Menenius engages in a heated verbal exchange with the tribunes Sicinius and Brutus, defending Marcius against accusations of pride.
What happens
Menenius engages in a heated verbal exchange with the tribunes Sicinius and Brutus, defending Marcius against accusations of pride. The scene shifts as Volumnia, Virgilia, and Valeria announce Marcius's victorious return to Rome. Coriolanus enters in triumph, crowned with an oaken garland, and is warmly welcomed by his family and the patricians. The tribunes, left alone, plot to undermine his popularity and prevent his election as consul.
Themes in this chapter
Pride and Arrogance
The tribunes accuse Marcius of excessive pride, while Menenius turns the accusation back on them, highlighting the theme of pride as a central point of contention.
Political Manipulation
Brutus and Sicinius plot to exploit the people's hatred of Marcius to destroy his political career, demonstrating the manipulative tactics of tribunes.
Honor and Valor
Coriolanus's triumphant return and his wounds are celebrated as marks of military honor, contrasting with the political machinations against him.
Characters to notice
- Menenius Agrippa
Engages in sharp banter with the tribunes, defending Marcius and mocking their incompetence; joyfully welcomes Marcius home.
- Sicinius Velutus
Tribune who accuses Marcius of pride and conspires with Brutus to turn the people against him.
- Junius Brutus
Tribune who joins Sicinius in criticizing Marcius and plotting his political downfall.
- Caius Marcius Coriolanus
Returns to Rome as a celebrated war hero, crowned with an oaken garland; modestly dismisses his achievements.
- Volumnia
Proudly announces her son's return and his wounds, which she sees as marks of honor; eager for his political advancement.
- Virgilia
Coriolanus's wife, who weeps at his triumph and is affectionately greeted by him.
Key passages
“Nature teaches beasts to know their friends.”
Even animals instinctively recognize who their allies are.
Sicinius uses this proverb to imply that Marcius is an enemy to the people.
“He’s a bear indeed, that lives like a lamb.”
He is fierce on the outside but gentle in behavior.
Menenius defends Marcius by suggesting his fierce reputation belies a gentle nature.
“I had rather be their servant in my way than sway with them in theirs.”
I prefer to serve the people on my own terms rather than rule according to their wishes.
Coriolanus expresses his disdain for populist politics and his commitment to his own principles.