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Coriolanus Study Guide

by William Shakespeare

Coriolanus study guide contains a biography of William Shakespeare, literature essays, a complete e-text, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

Act I:

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…

Read the full Coriolanus Summary

• Coriolanus Summary
• About Coriolanus
• Character List
• Major Themes
• Summary and Analysis of Act 1
• Summary and Analysis of Act 2
• Summary and Analysis of Act 3
• Summary and Analysis of Act 4
• Summary and Analysis of Act 5
• About Shakespearean Theater
• Related Links on Coriolanus
• Test Yourself! - Quiz 1
• Test Yourself! - Quiz 2
• Author of ClassicNote and Sources

• Coriolanus: Major Themes
• Coriolanus: Essays
• Coriolanus: E-Text
• Coriolanus: Questions
• Coriolanus: Purchase the Novel and Related Material
• William Shakespeare: Biography