Coriolanus Annotated And Illustrated Book With Teacher Edition PDF Download

Coriolanus opens in Rome, with a group of citizens who believe that Caius Martius, one of the most distinguished generals of the state, is their main enemy; if they kill him, they believe they will get what they want, meaning grain. Menenius, a patrician respected because of his wit and reason, comes and speaks to them about their wish for rebellion. He tells them that without the senate, they will be like a body without a stomach, lacking nutrition and a vital part. But, then Martius marches in, insults the people, and sends things into uproar again. He clearly does not know what to do in tricky domestic situations like this one; however, he knows exactly what to do in battle, and news that the Volscians have raised an army against Rome is exactly what he wants to hear. Martius has a rivalry with the Volscian leader, Tullus Aufidius. Aufidius is very canny, knowing that the Romans probably know of their army already; overall, he seems to be a good general of excellent judgment. He decides to take his army out into the field, and if he finds Martius, he knows that they must fight to the death. Volumnia, Martius' mother, and Virgilia, Martius' wife, are at home sewing. Virgilia is sad that her husband is away, though Volumnia tells her it would be more suitable to be cheerful about her husband's triumphs and the glory he can achieve in battle. Volumnia is extremely proud of her son's achievements, and sent him to battle as a boy so that he could gain honor and become a man. Valeria, another Roman gentlewoman and friend of theirs, comes by to urge them to go out of the house; Virgilia, however, refuses, even after her mind is eased by good news about her husband's victories. Martius, Lartius, and other Roman leaders are at the gates of Coriole, a city of their enemies the Volscians. Martius inquires about his main enemy, Tullus Aufidius, but he is not within the city. Martius tells the soldiers to get ready for the battle, and steel themselves against the enemy they are about to attack. Martius curses the soldiers who retreat from the battle; he enters the city alone, and the gates are shut with Martius inside the enemy city. But, Martius escapes the city, wounded and bloodied; this finally gives the men courage, and they rush into the city to fight the battle.