# Scene IV explained — Coriolanus

> Chapter companion for Coriolanus by William Shakespeare.

## What happens

Menenius and Sicinius discuss Coriolanus's transformation into a dragon-like figure, with Menenius expressing despair that even his mother cannot sway him. A messenger arrives with news that the Roman ladies have prevailed, the Volscians have retreated, and Marcius is gone, leading to widespread rejoicing in Rome.

## Themes in this chapter

### Motherhood and Influence

Volumnia's potential to sway Coriolanus is discussed, highlighting the power of maternal influence over a warrior's wrath.

### Exile and Identity

Coriolanus's transformation from man to dragon is tied to his banishment, showing how exile has altered his identity and mercy.

## Character check-ins

### Menenius Agrippa

Describes Coriolanus as having grown from man to dragon, showing his despair and fear of Coriolanus's wrath.

### Sicinius Velutus

Engages with Menenius about Coriolanus's transformation and receives the news of the ladies' success.

### Caius Marcius Coriolanus

Referenced as having become a dragon-like figure, devoid of mercy, and now gone after the ladies prevailed.

### Volumnia

Mentioned as Coriolanus's mother, who may have prevailed upon him; celebrated as worth of consuls, senators, and patricians.

### Messenger

Brings news that the plebeians are attacking the tribune and that the ladies have prevailed.

## Key lines

> This Marcius is grown from man to dragon: he has wings; he’s more than a creeping thing.

Marcius has transformed from a human into a fearsome dragon, gaining wings and becoming far more than a lowly creature.

_Menenius uses this metaphor to emphasize Coriolanus's terrifying and inhuman nature after his banishment._

> there is no more mercy in him than there is milk in a male tiger

He has as little mercy as a male tiger has milk.

_Menenius asserts that Coriolanus is utterly devoid of compassion._

> The Volscians are dislodged, and Marcius gone: A merrier day did never yet greet Rome, No, not the expulsion of the Tarquins.

The Volscians have been driven out and Marcius has left; this is the happiest day Rome has ever seen, even happier than the expulsion of the Tarquins.

_The second messenger announces the joyful resolution, comparing it to a pivotal moment in Roman history._

## Links

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