Notes

The opening conversation between Brutus and Sicinius shows that all their moves have been planned in advance. They are manipulative and power-hungry, and if Coriolanus is exiled or executed, it will open the doors to even more power for them. Their despicable actions are, therefore, guided by the baser instinct of self-preservation rather than out of a genuine concern for the commoners. That Coriolanus speaks the truth when he accuses Sicinius of being a liar falls on deaf ears. By now, the crowd is bent on deposing Coriolanus and will believe anything the tribunes say. They cannot see that CoriolanusÂ’ character is much more noble than that of these conniving tribunes. Although Coriolanus is proud and unyielding, he is honest and honorable.

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