"A Cup Of Hot Wine, With Not A Drop Of Allaying Tiber In It"
MENENIUS
I am known to be a humorous patrician, and one that loves a cup of hot wine, with not a drop of allaying Tiber in't; said to be something imperfect in favouring the first complaint, hasty and tinderlike upon too trivial motion; one that converses more with the buttock of the night than with the forehead of the morning. What I think I utter, and spend my malice in my breath. . . .
In this self-reflection, Menenius offers an unvarnished portrayal of his character. By admitting a preference for "a cup of hot wine, with not a drop of allaying Tiber in't," he signifies a fondness for indulgence and a life untempered by moderation, symbolized by the absence of water from the Tiber River. His candor about being "something imperfect in favouring the first complaint" and "hasty and tinderlike" suggests a tendency towards impulsiveness and partiality. Furthermore, his preference for "the buttock of the night" over "the forehead of the morning" paints him as a man who frequents the pleasures of nightlife rather than the responsibilities of the day. Ultimately, Menenius portrays himself as a man driven by whim and frankness, with neither his faults nor his virtues hidden. This transparency not only defines his personal philosophy but also provides insight into the broader political dynamics in "Coriolanus."
"Death By Inches"
MESSENGER
Sir, if you'd save your life, fly to your house.
The plebeians have got your fellow tribune,
And hale him up and down; all swearing, if
The Roman ladies bring not comfort home
They'll give him death by inches.
This quote captures the mounting tension and desperation within Rome as Coriolanus threatens the city with destruction. The messenger's warning to "fly to your house" underscores the chaos and fear gripping the populace. The image of the plebeians seizing a tribune, dragging him "up and down," vividly depicts their anger and readiness to enact brutal vengeance. The threat of "death by inches" is particularly ominous, suggesting a slow and painful end, reflecting the deep-seated fury and helplessness of the masses. Coriolanus, once a revered hero, has now become a catalyst for division and panic among the Romans. The quote highlights the irony of his transformation from a protector to a peril, and the precarious balance between power and the people's will, which can swiftly turn to violence when trust is broken.
"Fill Ithaca Full Of Moths"
VALERIA
You would be another Penelope; yet they say, all the yarn she spun in Ulysses' absence did but fill Ithaca full of moths. . . . Come you shall go with us.
In this passage from Coriolanus, Valeria playfully compares Virgilia to Penelope, the faithful wife of Odysseus in Greek mythology. Penelope is renowned for her loyalty and patience, having waited for Odysseus' return by weaving a tapestry, which she unraveled each night to delay choosing a suitor. Valeria suggests that Virgilia's similar devotion and seclusion are as futile as Penelope's endless spinning, implying that such steadfastness leads only to stagnation and decay—symbolized by Ithaca being "full of moths." This metaphor highlights the theme of inaction versus engagement, challenging Virgilia to reconsider her passive stance during her husband's absence. It underscores the societal expectation for women to participate actively in their communities rather than isolating themselves in idle anticipation. Thus, Valeria's chiding serves as both a gentle reprimand and an invitation to reintegrate into the social fabric, emphasizing a broader commentary on the roles women play in both the domestic and public spheres.
"Like A Great Sea-mark Standing Every Flaw"
VOLUMNIA
This is a poor epitome of yours,
Which by th' interpretation of full time
May show like all yourself.
CORIOLANUS
The god of soldiers,
With the consent of supreme...
(This entire section contains 187 words.)
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Jove, inform
Thy thoughts with nobleness, that thou mayst prove
To shame invulnerable, and stick i' th' wars
Like a great sea-mark standing every flaw,
And saving those that eye thee.
In this pivotal exchange from Shakespeare's Coriolanus, Volumnia confronts her son with his own child, attempting to stir his humanity and loyalty to his family. Her words suggest the potential within the child to grow into his father's likeness, paralleling Coriolanus's own internal conflict. Coriolanus's response invokes divine intervention, wishing for his son to embody nobility and resilience. The imagery of "a great sea-mark standing every flaw" illustrates an ideal of steadfastness amidst turmoil, a reflection of Coriolanus's own struggle to maintain honor against the tempest of vengeance and duty. This metaphoric sea-mark serves as an aspiration for both father and son, symbolizing the stability and guidance that Coriolanus must embody, even as he stands on the brink of monumental decisions affecting his life and legacy.
"Like An Eagle In The Dove Cote"
CORIOLANUS
Cut me to pieces Volces; men and lads,
Stain all your edges on me. Boy! False hound!
If you have writ your annals true, 'tis there,
That like an eagle in a dove-cote I
Fluttered your Volcians in Corioles.
Alone I did it, boy!
In this climactic moment from Shakespeare's "Coriolanus," the titular character stands defiant before the Volcians, inviting them to kill him. The imagery of "like an eagle in a dove-cote" vividly captures his dominance and strength in his initial conquest of Corioles. By equating himself to an eagle, Coriolanus underscores his prowess and superiority, as if a majestic predator among helpless prey. He challenges the Volcians to recall their history, where his singular might uprooted their defenses. His use of "boy" and "false hound" reflects his scorn for their perceived betrayal and cowardice. This passage encapsulates Coriolanus' tragic flaw: his unyielding pride and inability to navigate the political nuances that ultimately lead to his downfall. His bravado and refusal to compromise even in the face of death highlight the tragic trajectory of his character, compellingly illustrating the destructive nature of hubris in Shakespearean tragedy.
"Nature Teaches Beasts To Know Their Friends"
MENENIUS
The augurer tells me we shall have news to-night.
BRUTUS
Good or bad?
MENENIUS
Not according to the prayer of the people, for they love not Martius.
SICINIUS
Nature teaches beasts to know their friends.
MENENIUS
Pray you, who does the wolf love?
This exchange from "Coriolanus" exposes the bitter tension between the Roman elite and the common people. Menenius, a supporter of the proud general Coriolanus, predicts news that is unlikely to please the masses, given their disdain for him. Sicinius's remark, "Nature teaches beasts to know their friends," suggests that even animals recognize their allies, implying that the people should know better than to oppose Coriolanus. Menenius counters by asking rhetorically, "who does the wolf love?" This question insinuates that a creature like a wolf—or Coriolanus himself—may not have any friends, emphasizing the isolation and hostility faced by those who, like wolves, stand apart from the herd. Ultimately, the dialogue underscores the disconnect between Coriolanus and the populace, highlighting themes of pride, alienation, and societal division.
"Pride, Which Out Of Daily Fortune Ever Taints The Happy Man"
AUFIDIUS
. . .
First, he was
A noble servant to them, but he could not
Carry his honours even: whether 'twas pride,
Which out of daily fortune ever taints
The happy man; whether defect of judgement,
. . . or whether nature, . . .
. . . made him feared,
So hated, and so banished:
. . .
In this passage from Shakespeare's "Coriolanus," Aufidius reflects on the downfall of the play’s tragic hero, Caius Martius Coriolanus. Initially a celebrated Roman general, Coriolanus's inability to maintain his stature results from his "pride" and "defect of judgement," as pointed out by Aufidius. His hubris, a common pitfall for those in positions of power, corrupts his achievements and relationships, highlighting a central theme: the corrosive nature of unchecked pride. Aufidius's words suggest that Coriolanus's virtues — his nobility and service — were overshadowed by his arrogance. This arrogance alienated him from the people he once protected, leading to his banishment. The quote underscores the idea that success can breed pride, which in turn can lead to isolation and downfall, making it a timeless commentary on the human condition.
"The Mutable, Rank-scented Many"
. . . My nobler friends,
I crave their pardons.
For the mutable, rank-scented many, let them
Regard me as I do not flatter, and
Therein behold themselves. I say again,
In soothing them, we nourish 'gainst our senate
The cockle of rebellion, insolence, sedition,
Which we ourselves have ploughed for, sowed, and scattered,
By mingling them with us, the honoured number,
Who lack not virtue, no, nor power, but that
Which they have given to beggars.
In this passage from Shakespeare's Coriolanus, the titular character openly scorns the plebeians, referring to them as the "mutable, rank-scented many." His disdain for the common people is palpable, as he believes they are fickle and unworthy of respect. Coriolanus suggests that by attempting to appease them, the aristocracy unintentionally sows the seeds of rebellion and sedition. He views the act of seeking their approval as beneath the "honoured number"—those in power who possess virtue and strength. This disdain highlights the chasm between the ruling elite and the ordinary citizens, underscoring the play's exploration of class conflict and the dangers of pride. Coriolanus's refusal to compromise his principles ultimately isolates him, setting the stage for his tragic downfall.
"What Is The City, But The People?"
SICINIUS
[addressing throng.]
You are at point to lose your liberties
Martius would have all from you; Martius,
Whom late you have named for consul.
MENENIUS
Fie, fie, fie,
This is the way to kindle, not to quench.
FIRST SENATOR
To unbuild the city, and to lay all flat.
SICINIUS
What is the city, but the people?
In "Coriolanus," Sicinius' question "What is the city, but the people?" is a powerful reminder of the foundational role citizens play in the identity and functioning of a state. The quote underscores the tension between the ruling elite and the common people, a central theme in the play. This line is a rhetorical question aimed at rallying the crowd against Coriolanus by highlighting their collective power and rights. It suggests that the city’s essence and strength lie not in its leaders, but in the populace itself. Sicinius uses this sentiment to inflame the crowd against Coriolanus, who is portrayed as a threat to their freedom. By emphasizing the crowd's importance, Sicinius seeks to unite them against the perceived tyranny of Coriolanus, illustrating the fragile balance of power between the governed and their governors.
