Coriolanus is so affected by his mother’s appeals that he attempts to leave, as he has done at other highly emotional times during the play when force cannot be used. When Volumnia continues, he cannot leave, for he is in her power. She suggests that Coriolanus effect an agreement that will be honorable to both the sides, where he Volscians can earn praise for their mercy and the Romans can show their gratitude. Coriolanus, in turn, will be lauded by both sides for securing peace. Although her argument sounds perfectly logical, Coriolanus maintains a steely silence. When she sees that logic and “cold reason” is not working, Volumnia changes her appeal to emotion. She resolves to shame him by kneeling and bids the others to follow suit. She points out that the sight of a little boy kneeling in supplication before his father should have a stronger impact than her pleas. She also accuses him of showing more pride than pity to his family. Coriolanus, however, still maintains silence. Volumnia’s last effort works as she says that they shall leave because Coriolanus “had a Volscian to his mother;/ His wife is in Corioli, and his child/ Like him by chance.” This humiliating comment stirs Coriolanus.

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