# Scene II explained — Coriolanus

> Chapter companion for Coriolanus by William Shakespeare.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

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