# Scene VI explained — Coriolanus

> Chapter companion for Coriolanus by William Shakespeare.

## What happens

In Antium, Aufidius conspires with his faction to kill Coriolanus, accusing him of betraying the Volscians by making peace with Rome out of love for his family. Coriolanus arrives to present the peace treaty, but Aufidius publicly denounces him as a traitor. The conspirators and people attack and kill Coriolanus, after which Aufidius, struck with sorrow, orders a noble funeral procession.

## Themes in this chapter

### Pride and Arrogance

Coriolanus's refusal to humble himself and his boastful claim of single-handedly defeating the Volscians provoke his downfall.

### Political Manipulation

Aufidius manipulates the Volscian lords and people by framing Coriolanus as a traitor, using rhetoric to turn public opinion.

### Exile and Identity

Coriolanus, banished from Rome, struggles with his identity as a Volscian ally, ultimately dying as a man caught between two nations.

## Character check-ins

### Caius Marcius Coriolanus

Returns to Antium as a victorious soldier but is accused of treason by Aufidius and killed by conspirators.

### Tullus Aufidius

Leads the conspiracy against Coriolanus, accusing him of betrayal, and ultimately kills him, then shows remorse.

### First Servingman

Appears as a conspirator in Aufidius's faction, urging the assassination.

### Second Citizen

Part of the crowd calling for Coriolanus's death, shouting 'Tear him to pieces.'

### Senator

Lords of the city who hear Aufidius's accusations and witness Coriolanus's death.

## Key lines

> At a few drops of women’s rheum, which are As cheap as lies, he sold the blood and labour Of our great action

He gave away the fruits of our entire campaign for a few cheap tears from his wife and mother.

_Aufidius accuses Coriolanus of betraying the Volscian cause out of sentimental weakness._

> Cut me to pieces, Volsces; men and lads, Stain all your edges on me. Boy! false hound!

Kill me if you dare, you Volscians—I alone defeated you in Corioli, and you call me a boy?

_Coriolanus defiantly challenges his attackers, recalling his past military glory._

> Though in this city he Hath widow’d and unchilded many a one, Which to this hour bewail the injury, Yet he shall have a noble memory.

Even though he caused many deaths here, we will still honor him with a dignified funeral.

_Aufidius orders a respectful burial for Coriolanus despite his earlier rage._

## Links

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