# Scene II explained — Coriolanus

> Chapter companion for Coriolanus by William Shakespeare.

## What happens

In a room in Coriolanus's house, Coriolanus remains defiant against the plebeians, refusing to show humility. Volumnia, Menenius, and Cominius urge him to adopt a conciliatory tone to secure the consulship. After intense persuasion, Coriolanus reluctantly agrees to go to the marketplace and speak mildly to the people.

## Themes in this chapter

### Pride and Arrogance

Coriolanus's refusal to feign humility and his disdain for the common people exemplify his pride, which conflicts with political necessity.

### Motherhood and Influence

Volumnia's persuasive power over Coriolanus is central, as she uses her maternal authority to bend his will toward political expediency.

### Political Manipulation

The scene depicts the art of political maneuvering, where Volumnia and Menenius coach Coriolanus to use flattery and dissemblance to achieve his goals.

## Character check-ins

### Caius Marcius Coriolanus

Defiant and proud, he struggles against the necessity of flattering the plebeians, ultimately yielding to his mother's counsel.

### Volumnia

Uses her influence to persuade Coriolanus to dissemble and speak mildly, arguing that honor and policy can coexist in peace as in war.

### Menenius Agrippa

Supports Volumnia's advice, urging Coriolanus to return to the tribunes and repent his harsh words.

### Cominius

Reports the anger in the marketplace and advises Coriolanus to make a strong party or defend himself with calmness.

## Key lines

> I would have had you put your power well on, Before you had worn it out.

I wish you had exercised your authority wisely before you exhausted it.

_Volumnia criticizes Coriolanus for squandering his political capital through arrogance._

> Why force you this?

Why are you pressing this point?

_Coriolanus questions his mother's insistence on dissembling._

> I will not do't, Lest I surcease to honour mine own truth And by my body's action teach my mind A most inherent baseness.

I refuse to do it, for fear of betraying my own integrity and allowing my actions to corrupt my character.

_Coriolanus expresses his internal conflict between honor and political necessity._

## Links

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