Coriolanus · Chapter
Scene I explained
Coriolanus returns to Rome as consul but immediately clashes with the tribunes Brutus and Sicinius, who accuse him of plotting against the people.
What happens
Coriolanus returns to Rome as consul but immediately clashes with the tribunes Brutus and Sicinius, who accuse him of plotting against the people. The tribunes incite a mob to seize Coriolanus and throw him from the Tarpeian rock. Menenius tries to calm the situation and persuades the tribunes to give him a chance to bring Coriolanus to a lawful hearing, while Coriolanus's proud and unyielding nature threatens to spark civil conflict.
Themes in this chapter
Pride and Arrogance
Coriolanus's refusal to flatter the people or temper his speech reflects his overwhelming pride, which leads to his downfall.
Class Conflict
The tribunes and citizens accuse Coriolanus of wanting to strip them of their liberties, highlighting the deep divide between patricians and plebeians.
Political Manipulation
Brutus and Sicinius manipulate the crowd's anger to consolidate their own power and destroy Coriolanus.
Characters to notice
- Caius Marcius Coriolanus
Defiant and unyielding, he refuses to flatter the people and openly despises the tribunes, leading to his near-arrest.
- Menenius Agrippa
Acts as a peacemaker, trying to calm both sides and arranging to bring Coriolanus to a lawful hearing.
- Sicinius Velutus
Aggressively leads the tribunes in accusing Coriolanus of treason and demands his execution.
- Junius Brutus
Supports Sicinius in denouncing Coriolanus and inciting the citizens against him.
- Cominius
Defends Coriolanus and urges him to withdraw to avoid further conflict.
- Titus Lartius
Briefly reports on Aufidius's movements and Coriolanus's past encounters with him.
Key passages
“His nature is too noble for the world: He would not flatter Neptune for his trident, Or Jove for's power to thunder.”
His character is too honorable for this world; he would not flatter even the gods themselves.
Menenius explains that Coriolanus's inability to flatter is a noble flaw.
“What is the city but the people?”
The city is nothing without its citizens.
Sicinius argues that the people are the essence of Rome.
“He would not flatter Neptune for his trident, Or Jove for's power to thunder.”
He would not flatter even the gods for their power.
Menenius emphasizes Coriolanus's stubborn honesty.