Coriolanus · Chapter
Scene II explained
In the Capitol, officers discuss Coriolanus's pride and his disdain for the common people.
What happens
In the Capitol, officers discuss Coriolanus's pride and his disdain for the common people. The senate convenes to honor Coriolanus for his military service, with Cominius recounting his heroic deeds. Despite the senate's decision to make him consul, Coriolanus resists the custom of asking the people for their votes, revealing his contempt for them. The tribunes Sicinius and Brutus observe his attitude and plan to inform the people.
Themes in this chapter
Pride and Arrogance
Coriolanus's refusal to follow the custom of asking for votes and his disdain for the people highlight his pride and arrogance.
Class Conflict
The officers' discussion and Coriolanus's attitude reveal the tension between the patrician elite and the common citizens.
Honor and Valor
Cominius's speech emphasizes Coriolanus's exceptional bravery and military achievements, central to his honor.
Characters to notice
- Caius Marcius Coriolanus
Shows reluctance to participate in the customary appeal to the people for their votes, preferring to avoid the ceremony.
- Menenius Agrippa
Advises Coriolanus to follow the custom and speak to the people, urging him to accept the consulship.
- Cominius
Delivers a lengthy speech praising Coriolanus's valor and military achievements, including his deeds at Corioli.
- Sicinius Velutus
Observes Coriolanus's disdain for the people and notes his intent to require their votes as if he contemns them.
- Junius Brutus
Comments on Coriolanus's attitude and plans to inform the people of the proceedings.
- First Officer
Discusses Coriolanus's pride and his opposition to the common people, noting his 'noble carelessness.'
- Second Officer
Defends Coriolanus's worthiness and argues that his actions speak louder than flattery.
- Senator
Encourages Cominius to speak fully of Coriolanus's deeds and later calls for Coriolanus to be summoned.
Key passages
“He’s vengeance proud, and loves not the common people.”
He is extremely proud and does not like ordinary citizens.
First Officer describes Coriolanus's character.
“I had rather have my wounds to heal again than hear say how I got them.”
I would prefer to suffer my wounds again rather than listen to others recount how I received them.
Coriolanus expresses discomfort with public praise.
“He covets less than misery itself would give; rewards his deeds with doing them, and is content to spend the time to end it.”
He desires less than even a wretched person would accept; he finds reward in the act of doing good deeds and is satisfied to simply pass the time until death.
Cominius praises Coriolanus's selflessness.