The Shakespeare Book

303

Coriolanus is outraged that he
must appear before the people
once more, and cannot contain
his disdain. He gladly leaves the
city that has shown him ingratitude
and joins the enemy Volscian
army. Together with Aufidius,
his old enemy, he plots Rome’s
destruction. Aufidius secretly
plans Coriolanus’s downfall.
When the people of Rome hear
about Coriolanus’s intention to burn
the city, they send Menenius to
discourage him, but Coriolanus’s
mind is resolved. In a final attempt
to change his mind, Volumnia and

Coriolanus’s wife and son visit the

Volscian camp to plead with the

soldier to spare them and the

city. Coriolanus is steadfast at

first, but his resolve melts when

his mother pleads on her knees

before her son. In sparing Rome,

Coriolanus sacrifices his own life

by betraying the Volscian army.

While the people of Rome rejoice,

Coriolanus’s mother acknowledges

the sacrifice her son has made.

He is brutally murdered by the

Volscians, but Aufidius states

that he should be given a

warrior’s burial. ❯❯

THE KING’S MAN

It is held

That valour is the chiefest

virtue, and

Most dignifies the haver.

Cominius

Act 2, Scene 2

2.3

3.1 4.4 5.3

3.3 4.5 5.4

Coriolanus

unwillingly shows

the people his

wounds to win

their votes.

Tribunes Sicinius and Brutus

turn the people against

Coriolanus.

Coriolanus joins the

Volscian army and

plans Rome’s

destruction with

Aufidius.

Coriolanus’s mother,

wife, and son travel

to plead with him

for mercy.

Coriolanus scorns the

common people and is

banished from Rome.

The Volscian

army, along

with Coriolanus,

prepares to

attack Rome.

Coriolanus calls off the

attack. The people of

Rome are delighted at

the news.

5.6

Coriolanus is murdered

by the Volscian people,

but given a military burial.

Act 3 Act 4 Act 5