How we cite our quotes: (Act.Scene.Line)
Quote #4
VOLUMNIA
I have lived
To see inherited my very wishes
And the buildings of my fancy. Only
There's one thing wanting, which I doubt not but
Our Rome will cast upon thee.
CORIOLANUS
Know, good mother,
I had rather be their servant in my way
Than sway with them in theirs. (2.1.215-222)
We can see why Volumnia might just be the ultimate stage mother. When her son returns from war a hero, she's all like, "oh, that's great, but there's just one more tiny little thing …"—i.e., she wants Coriolanus to be elected Rome's consul. Coriolanus makes it pretty clear that he'd rather just be a warrior so he doesn't have to play any political games with the voters but Volumnia's not having it.
Quote #5
CORIOLANUS
What must I say?
'I pray, sir?'—plague upon 't! I cannot bring
My tongue to such a pace. 'Look, sir, my wounds!
I got them in my country's service when
Some certain of your brethren roared and ran
From th' noise of our own drums.'
MENENIUS
O me, the gods!
You must not speak of that. You must desire them
To think upon you.
CORIOLANUS
Think upon me! Hang 'em!
I would they would forget me, like the virtues
Which our divines lose by 'em.
MENENIUS
You'll mar all.
I'll leave you. Pray you, speak to 'em, I pray you,
In wholesome manner. (2.3.53-67)
This is where Menenius coaches Coriolanus through his public appearance and tells him what he should and shouldn't say to the voters, just like a campaign advisor—or a play director.
BRUTUS
Ay, spare us not. Say we read lectures to you,
How youngly he began to serve his country,
How long continued, and what stock he springs of,
[...]
Say, you ne'er had done't—
Harp on that still—but by our putting on.
And presently, when you have drawn your number,
Repair to th' Capitol. (2.3.262-264; 280-283)
Speaking of politicians who act like directors, did you notice how Sicinius and Brutus basically "stage" the whole mutiny against Coriolanus by manipulating the plebeians? Not only do they tell the plebian voters how to storm the capitol and take back their votes for Coriolanus, they also tell the people what to say. Sounds like there are some director's chairs with their names on them.
Quote #6
CORIOLANUS
You have put me now to such a part which never
I shall discharge to th' life. (3.2.129-130)
After Volumnia tells her son how to act and what to say to the voters, Coriolanus says that his mother has given him a kind of acting role to play. Not only that, but it's a tough "part" for him to play because (1) he's terrible at acting and (2) being nice to the plebeians doesn't come naturally to him. Double whammy.