Coriolanus · Chapter
Scene V explained
Coriolanus, disguised and in exile, enters Aufidius's house in Antium.
What happens
Coriolanus, disguised and in exile, enters Aufidius's house in Antium. He is initially mistreated by the servingmen but reveals his identity to Aufidius, offering to fight against Rome in exchange for revenge. Aufidius, moved by Coriolanus's words, forgives past enmity and welcomes him as an ally, offering him command of half the Volscian army. The servingmen comment on the transformation and the impending war.
Themes in this chapter
Exile and Identity
Coriolanus, stripped of his Roman identity, redefines himself through his alliance with Aufidius and his vow for revenge.
Political Manipulation
Coriolanus manipulates his own banishment to forge a new political and military alliance against Rome.
Honor and Valor
Aufidius honors Coriolanus's martial prowess, setting aside personal enmity in favor of mutual respect and military ambition.
Characters to notice
- Caius Marcius Coriolanus
Arrives at Aufidius's house in disguise, reveals his identity, and offers to ally with the Volscians against Rome.
- Tullus Aufidius
Welcomes Coriolanus, forgives past conflicts, and offers him command of half the Volscian army.
- First Servingman
Initially dismissive of Coriolanus, later comments on his strength and the shift in allegiance.
- Second Servingman
Also mistreats Coriolanus at first, then discusses the upcoming war with the other servants.
- Third Servingman
Brings news of Coriolanus's welcome and the planned attack on Rome.
Key passages
“My name is Caius Marcius, who hath done To thee particularly and to all the Volsces Great hurt and mischief; thereto witness may My surname, Coriolanus”
I am Caius Marcius, known as Coriolanus, who has caused you and the Volscians great harm.
Coriolanus reveals his identity and acknowledges his past actions against the Volscians.
“O Marcius, Marcius! Each word thou hast spoke hath weeded from my heart A root of ancient envy.”
Oh Marcius, your words have removed the old jealousy from my heart.
Aufidius expresses forgiveness and admiration for Coriolanus.
“Let me twine Mine arms about that body, where against My grained ash an hundred times hath broke”
Let me embrace the body that my spear has struck a hundred times.
Aufidius symbolically embraces his former enemy as a new ally.