# Scene III explained — Coriolanus

> Chapter companion for Coriolanus by William Shakespeare.

## What happens

In the Volscian camp, Coriolanus prepares to march on Rome but is confronted by his mother Volumnia, his wife Virgilia, his son, and Valeria. Volumnia delivers a powerful plea, arguing that his attack would destroy his family and legacy. Coriolanus yields to her, agreeing to make peace, which sets the stage for his downfall as Aufidius plots revenge.

## Themes in this chapter

### Motherhood and Influence

Volumnia's emotional appeal and kneeling demonstrate the profound influence of a mother over her son, swaying his martial resolve.

### Honor and Valor

Coriolanus grapples with his honor as a warrior versus the honor of familial duty, ultimately choosing the latter.

### Exile and Identity

Coriolanus's identity as a Roman is challenged by his alliance with the Volscians, and his mother's plea forces him to reconcile his past.

## Character check-ins

### Caius Marcius Coriolanus

Struggles between his vow of vengeance and his familial bonds, ultimately yielding to his mother's plea.

### Volumnia

Leads the delegation to Coriolanus, using emotional and rhetorical force to persuade him to spare Rome.

### Virgilia

Appears with Volumnia, silently supporting the plea and reminding Coriolanus of his family.

### Valeria

Accompanies the family as a noble witness to the confrontation.

### Tullus Aufidius

Observes Coriolanus's capitulation and privately plots to exploit this weakness for his own advantage.

## Key lines

> I melt, and am not Of stronger earth than others.

I am weakening and realize I am not made of stronger stuff than other men.

_Coriolanus admits his emotional vulnerability upon seeing his family._

> O mother, mother! What have you done? Behold, the heavens do ope, The gods look down, and this unnatural scene They laugh at.

Oh mother, what have you done? The gods are watching this unnatural moment and mocking it.

_Coriolanus laments that his mother's plea has forced him to break his vow._

> I am glad thou hast set thy mercy and thy honour At difference in thee: out of that I’ll work Myself a former fortune.

I am pleased that you have made mercy and honor conflict within yourself; from that I will rebuild my own fortunes.

_Aufidius privately rejoices at Coriolanus's internal conflict, seeing it as an opportunity for revenge._

## Links

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