Death on the wheel or at wild horses' heels,
Or pile ten ihlls on the Tarpeian rock,
That the precipitation might down stretch
Below the beam of sight, yet will I still
Be thus to them."
(III.2.1-6)
In my opinion, Coriolanus exemplifies his naivete and immaturity via this passage. He is basically saying that regardless of what the mob does, he will not take back what he said. His ignorance may play a very crucial role in the future of this play. In addition, his overbearing hubris is causing him to form this idea that he is better than everyone else based on his success with the Roman army. Thankfully, his mother steps in and tries to talk him down. She pleads with his stubborn attitude and then finally makes him agree to talk to the plebeians. Volumnia is not only being a good mother in this situation, but to me she is also taking on this pseudo role of being his wife. Moreover, I feel that her ability to talk to him in a sane and comforting manner is something that is often done by a man's lover. Generally, men need women to keep them in check and make sure that they are not out of line. Men have been generalized as being overly egotistic and narcissistic. Coriolanus has fallen right into this category, and thankfully Volumnia has talked some sense into him.
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