t it would take to sway him. Not only is it unexpected to him that this amount of power has been reached but it is also a blow to the reader. Sequential to the revelation of Coriolanus’ willingness to accept humility in the face of his family and emotions is his acceptance of its consequence. It presents a puzzling dilemma to the interpreter because there is a fine line of emotional distinction to be drawn from what Coriolanus is saying. In stating that Rome will stay untouched at the possible mortal demise of himself, Shakespeare is cleverly letting Coriolanus announce that he has just killed himself by giving in. Once again the brief lapse of pride within Coriolanus is immediately channeled to his acceptance of death, “But let it come” (l.189). It is another reiteration in the emotional and dramatic importance of this moment in that the strength of this decision could lead to death but he will nobly accept it. The next shift is equally as pivotal because it allows for Shakespeare to continue the play. Knowing Aufidius can’t take Rome without him, Coriolanus at least is comforted in “framing the convenient peace.” Instead of Aufidius killing Coriolanus immediately, Coriolanus is falsely convinced of Aufidius’ equal reception to the heartfelt arguments of Volumnia. What the conclusion of this section of speech points to is yet another shift, this time within the motive of Aufidius to get back his power at the cost of Coriolanus. It must be assumed then, that Aufidius waits because his conspiracy will be more beneficial carried out another time and that Volumnia’s words have genuinely effected him as well in his acceptance of peace. Also, now it is revealed that the convolution of Aufidius lies mainly in his struggles with Coriolanus and not with those of Rome which becomes very important in the last scene of the play.The rhetorical form of this speech in the play is dynamic and ...
