Monologue

Menenius Monologue from Coriolanus

From Coriolanus by William Shakespeare

male · anguished · 1:29 min

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Now, you companion, I’ll say an errand for you. You shall know now that I am in estimation; you shall perceive that a Jack guardant cannot office me from my son Coriolanus. Guess but by my entertainment with him if thou stand’st not i’ th’ state of hanging or of some death more long in spectatorship and crueller in suffering; behold now presently, and swoon for what’s to come upon thee. (to Coriolanus.) The glorious gods sit in hourly synod about thy particular prosperity and love thee no worse than thy old father Menenius does! O my son, my son! Thou art preparing fire for us; look thee, here’s water to quench it. I was hardly moved to come to thee; but being assured none but myself could move thee, I have been blown out of your gates with sighs, and conjure thee to pardon Rome and thy petitionary countrymen. The good gods assuage thy wrath and turn the dregs of it upon this varlet here, this, who, like a block, hath denied my access to thee.

About this piece

Menenius pleads with his son Coriolanus, expressing deep concern for both his son's wrath and the fate of Rome, revealing the emotional turmoil of a father trying to reconcile with his child amidst political strife.

40s · longing · family · betrayal · power · redemption

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