# Scene I explained — Coriolanus

> Chapter companion for Coriolanus by William Shakespeare.

## What happens

Coriolanus bids farewell to his family and friends before leaving Rome, urging them to show courage and not weep. Volumnia and Menenius express their sorrow, while Cominius offers to accompany him for a time. Coriolanus insists on going alone, likening himself to a lonely dragon, and promises to remain true to his nature.

## Themes in this chapter

### Pride and Arrogance

Coriolanus's refusal to show vulnerability and his self-comparison to a 'lonely dragon' underscore his pride and alienation.

### Motherhood and Influence

Volumnia's attempt to guide Coriolanus's actions and her recollection of past precepts highlight her powerful role in shaping his character.

### Exile and Identity

Coriolanus's departure from Rome marks the beginning of his physical and psychological exile, questioning his place in the world.

## Character check-ins

### Caius Marcius Coriolanus

Bids farewell to his family and friends, displaying stoic resolve and a sense of isolation.

### Volumnia

Urges Coriolanus to take Cominius with him and recalls her own fierce spirit, though she is visibly distressed.

### Virgilia

Expresses her grief with cries of 'O heavens!' as her husband departs.

### Menenius Agrippa

Weeps openly but tries to maintain composure, offering to join Coriolanus if he were younger.

### Cominius

Offers to follow Coriolanus for a month to help plan his course and keep communication open for a possible recall.

## Key lines

> the beast With many heads butts me away.

The many-headed mob drives me out.

_Coriolanus disparages the Roman populace as a monstrous, mindless force._

> Like to a lonely dragon, that his fen Makes fear’d and talk’d of more than seen

Like a solitary dragon, whose swamp makes it more feared and spoken of than actually seen.

_Coriolanus portrays himself as a fearsome but isolated figure, whose reputation precedes him._

> My hazards still have been your solace

My dangers have always been a comfort to you.

_Coriolanus reminds Volumnia that she takes pride in his perilous exploits._

## Links

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