How we cite our quotes: (Act.Scene.Line)
Quote #7
VALERIA
O' my word, the father's son! I'll swear, 'tis a
very pretty boy. O' my troth, I looked upon him o'
Wednesday half an hour together. H'as such a confirmed
countenance. I saw him run after a gilded
butterfly, and when he caught it, he let it go again,
and after it again, and over and over he comes,
and again, catched it again. Or whether his fall
enraged him or how 'twas, he did so set his teeth
and tear it. O, I warrant how he mammocked it!
VOLUMNIA
One on 's father's moods.
VALERIA
Indeed, la, 'tis a noble child. (1.3.60-70)
This is where Valeria tells everyone how she saw Coriolanus' little boy get mad and tear apart a butterfly with his teeth. (After he tortured it for a while, that is.) Notice how Young Martius is repeatedly compared to his father? Sounds like he's growing up to be a Mini-Me version of his dad. But does that mean Volumnia has her clutches in him too … or do moms not actually make that much of a difference?
Quote #8
COMINIUS
Let me speak.
I have been consul, and can show for Rome
Her enemies' marks upon me. I do love
My country's good with a respect more tender,
More holy and profound, than mine own life,
My dear wife's estimate, her womb's increase,
And treasure of my loins. (3.3.137-143)
It's obvious that family bonds are important in this play, but as we can see here, loyalty to Rome is more important. Even Cominius claims to love Rome more than his own family.
Quote #9
CORIOLANUS
Wife, mother, child I know not. (5.2.88)
When Coriolanus is banished by his metaphorical Roman "family," he also tries to break ties with his literal family by denying any association with them. This might be the only way Coriolanus can bring himself to carry out his vengeance on Rome without feeling guilty about it.