Chapter Act V of Coriolanus - Study Guide by William Shakespeare

on his return emphasises the military and financial advantages he has won, presenting defeat as a victory. Coriolanus has finally begun to understand the manner of the politician's rhetoric.

Aufidius refuses to address Coriolanus by his 'stol'n name/Coriolanus, in Corioles' (ll. 89-90) and brands him a traitor. Coriolanus has not developed enough however, and his predictable loss of self-restraint summons his downfall. He threatens to beat Aufidius, and worse recalls how 'like an eagle in a dove- cote, I / Flutter'd your Volscians in Corioles.' (ll. 114-15)

The conspirators stab Coriolanus to death. Aufidius tramples on his archenemy's body. Despite their sense of betrayal and desire for retribution, the Volscian nobles recognise Coriolanus' exceptional qualities - 'Let him be regarded / As the most noble corse that ever herald / Did follow his urn.' (ll. 142-4)