Monologue

Coriolanus Monologue

From Coriolanus by William Shakespeare

male · defiant · 1:01 min

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You common cry of curs, whose breath I hate As reek o’ th’ rotten fens, whose loves I prize As the dead carcasses of unburied men That do corrupt my air, I banish you! And here remain with your uncertainty; Let every feeble rumour shake your hearts; Your enemies, with nodding of their plumes, Fan you into despair! Have the power still To banish your defenders, till at length Your ignorance—which finds not till it feels, Making but reservation of yourselves, Still your own foes—deliver you, As most abated captives to some nation That won you without blows! Despising For you the city, thus I turn my back. There is a world elsewhere. (Exeunt Coriolanus, Cominius, with other Senators.)

About this piece

Coriolanus confronts the citizens of Rome, expressing his disdain for their weakness and uncertainty while declaring his intention to distance himself from them and their city.

30s · anger · power · isolation · despair · identity

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