Volumnia's Triumph in Shakespeare's "Coriolanus"

Because Coriolanus is largely a stage of competing self-interests, it seems wholly unnecessary to acknowledge their centrality in the play. Most of these interests are ephemeral or situational, and are thus without true devotion. Thus however "enraged" particular interests are, they are rarely triumphant. However, Volumnia's self-interest warrants noting, as she is consistently resolute and passionately advocates her opinions. Her self-interest ultimately triumphs over Coriolanus psychologically, and in consequence leaves him vulnerable to be triumphed over physically.

Assumingly on account of the marginalized status of and opportunities for Roman women, Volumnia uses her son Coriolanus to satisfy her otherwise unrealizable longing for power. She makes her intentions of raising a warrior, as well as her value system quite apparent.

"I, consider-/ ing how honour would become such a person- was pleased to let him seek danger where he was like to find fame. To cruel war/ I sent him, from whence he returned his brows bound/ with oak. I tell thee, daughter, I sprang not more in/ joy at first hearing he was a man-child than now/ in first seeing he had proved himself a man." (1.3.10-17)

Furthermore, while most mothers in her situation would beg the gods to spare their 16 year-olds from injury, Volumnia does just the opposite.

"O, he is wounded; I thank the gods for't...I' the shoulder and I' th' left arm. There will be large cicatrices to show the people, when he shall stand for his place." (2.1.118; 143-147)

Coriolanus' valor is the primary source of her pride. She cherishes anything associated with bravery, even if it is also associated with death.

"The breasts of Hecuba/ When she did suckle Hector looked not lov...

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...ivates him to seek out Aufidious, his most respected enemy. With him, Coriolanus hopes to fight against the land that challenged him in ways he was poorly equipped to fight off.

Once joined with Aufidious, Coriolanus is hardened and has turned down even his closest friends' pleas that he spare Rome from attack. Yet he still proves vulnerable to Volumnia's influence and cannot turn down her dramatic appeal for peace. Coriolanus thus proves that he cannot stand alone. Volumnia embodies him and triumphs over his psyche. Coriolanus himself recognizes his weakness and says, "O mother, mother!/ What have you done? Behold, the heavens do ope, / The gods look down, and this unnatural scene/They laugh at." (5.3.184-186) So when shortly after Aufidius orders his men to kill Coriolanus and stands upon his defeated corpse, Aufidius triumphs over Volumnia, not Coriolanus.