Coriolanus Act 3.2.1 & 3.2.2

Scene 3.2.1

The home of Coriolanus

The home of Caius Marcius, as we knew was a humble one for a noble. Its double level brick structure with only five bedrooms, one library and living area, with a modest kitchen was never designed for lawn parties of over twenty, but that today, they had bloated it to above the figure when the some of the Consuls followed Coriolanus there. The servants were kept on their toes, while the pantry was depleted by the seconds. There were calls for food delivery but none would come to anyone’ name which end with Marcius lest alone Coriolanus. The Audiles in tow with the consul took the attempt to get more food, for they were in need of it too. The ladies of the house had barred the upper level from the guests so that they would have some privacy. Volumnia did not appreciate anyone trampling on her Persian carpets laid on the upper corridor level. Her own grandson was forbidden to run on it; ‘gentle feet, darling’ was her order.

“Let them pull all about mine ears; present me on the wheel or at wild horses’ heels; or pile boulders over me.” 

Coriolanus cursed at the earlier reception. He held the glass of wine in his right hand while he squeezed past the Consuls there. They were everywhere, from the dining area to the living area and eve his father’s library. He went there just in time to see the Consuls there rummaging his father’s collection of books.

“Please have those put back. It’s my private …” Coriolanus corrected himself. “Those are my father’s.”

The Consuls consented and stood there holding the chinaware cups filled with wine. Improvisation called for during shortages. Coriolanus comforted them by handling over a bottle which he had retrieved from the cellar. He walked to the spot beneath his father hologram and called for the Consuls there to hear him out; before they looted his house.

“I muse my mother does not approve me of not speaking out. Our talks were why did you wish me milder? Would you have me false to my nature? Rather say I play the man I am.” Coriolanus was interrupted by the appearance of her mother. “To speak of peace...”

Coriolanus excused himself to greet his mother.

Scene 3.2.2

Coriolanus’ mother

The lady was dressed in her best; she had always donned her best for her guests. It was a tradition that was ingrained in her by her mother who was also a wife of the army officer. She had married one herself, albeit a higher rank than her father who was a Major. Her catch was already a Major when she married him. He was older than her by a decade, but who cares when the sex was just as great for a man of his age, even though it was not much love in it. He was like the Drill Sergeant; drill it until you have perfected it. She was not complaining then for he left her with a child before he was called for army duties. He left her with a peck on the cheeks as if he had earned his honor for the battle he had done. He was away most times, and the faithful wife could preserve her sanity with the thoughts of only her loving son.

While the father doted on the army, she did the same for the son. He was given the coaching that was soon to make his life as Noble complete; well it was to her dream of it that he become more than a General. She wanted him to be in the Senate. He was fifteen when the child last seen his father. Nevertheless, the Academy took on the act as guardian and in time drilled to the young lad what the mother had for him. Volumnia spare no idle time with him except to coached him be the best.

“So I amuse you?” Volumnia spoke. “Would you wish me milder?” Lady Volumnia expressed her support for her son. 

“Would you have me false to my nature? Rather I say play the man I am. I would have had you put your power well on, before you had worn it out.”

Volumnia was an officer wife; one that she held grand stage in all the public meets. She had stepped in for her husband; putting her words into his when it’s needed for the senior officers. She had build up a reputation among them as a strategist; awed by the younger officer wives, but scorned by the senior ones’. The later had called her thieving or huntress, but said no more, she was ever devoted to her husband. After his death, she still appeared at the functions, but she had led on the delegates to view her protégé.

Thankfully, Coriolanus her son had not failed her

“You might had been enough the man you are, with striving less to be so; lesser had been the thwarting of your disposition.” Those last words made her glare at her son. “If you had not showed them how ye were disposed. Here they lacked the power to cross you.”

“Let them be hung.” Coriolanus with his words of disgust with the Commoners.

“Ay, and burn too.” Volumnia smiled at her son. In her mind, she told herself that she had done well.