Coriolanus

How does the author use foreshadowing in Coriolanus?

Asked by
Last updated by Jill W
1 Answers
Log in to answer

In her first scene, Volumnia is every inch the mother of a warrior, shocking timid Virgilia with grim speeches about a soldier's honor. We next see her welcome Coriolanus after his victory at Corioles, when she makes the significant remark that only one thing is wanting to fulfil her dreams- one thing "which I doubt not but / Our Rome will cast upon thee"— obviously the consulship. Her son's reply foreshadows the conflict between them:

Know, good mother,
I had rather be their servant in my way
Than sway with them in theirs

Source(s)

Coriolanus, Act II, Scene I