# Scene III explained — Coriolanus

> Chapter companion for Coriolanus by William Shakespeare.

## What happens

Coriolanus, wearing the gown of humility, solicits votes from the citizens for the consulship, but his contemptuous and mocking demeanor alienates many. After being approved, the tribunes Brutus and Sicinius manipulate the citizens into revoking their support, plotting to exploit Coriolanus's pride and anger to prevent his confirmation.

## Themes in this chapter

### Pride and Arrogance

Coriolanus's disdain for the common people and his mockery during the vote solicitation highlight his overwhelming pride.

### Political Manipulation

Brutus and Sicinius manipulate the citizens into revoking their support, using Coriolanus's own behavior against him.

### Class Conflict

The tension between Coriolanus, a patrician, and the plebeian citizens is evident in his contempt and their eventual rebellion.

## Character check-ins

### Caius Marcius Coriolanus

Solicits votes for consul with visible scorn, mocking the citizens and revealing his disdain for the common people.

### Menenius Agrippa

Accompanies Coriolanus and informs him that the tribunes have endorsed the people's voice.

### Sicinius Velutus

As a tribune, he orchestrates the citizens' reversal and plots to use Coriolanus's anger against him.

### Junius Brutus

Works with Sicinius to manipulate the citizens, urging them to revoke their election and blame the tribunes.

### First Citizen

Initially supports Coriolanus but later joins the dissent after being swayed by the tribunes.

### Second Citizen

Expresses that Coriolanus mocked them and leads the call to deny him the consulship.

### Third Citizen

Points out Coriolanus's scornful behavior and joins the movement to revoke the election.

## Key lines

> Better it is to die, better to starve, Than crave the hire which first we do deserve.

It would be better to die or starve than to beg for what I have already earned.

_Coriolanus expresses his resentment at having to solicit votes for a position he feels he deserves by merit._

> I will counterfeit the bewitchment of some popular man and give it bountiful to the desirers.

I will pretend to be charming like a popular politician and generously offer that pretense to those who want it.

_Coriolanus reveals his plan to feign friendliness to win votes, showing his contempt for the process._

> He mock'd us when he begg'd our voices.

He insulted us while asking for our votes.

_A citizen accuses Coriolanus of treating them with scorn during his canvassing._

## Links

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