The language of the Roman senate is a dense thicket of archaic terms and military jargon, that defines the status of the speaker. To pass the Coriolanus Vocabulary Quiz, you’ll need to know what fusty, mummers, and cautelous mean. Hone your language skills before the first question comes up.
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Coriolanus Vocabulary Quiz Questions
- In the play, the word “patrician” most nearly means what?
- What does “plebeian” refer to in Coriolanus?
- The term “tribune” in the play describes whom?
- When Coriolanus speaks of “honor,” what does he most often mean?
- What does the word “exile” mean as used in the play?
- The word “consul” in the Roman context refers to what?
- When Coriolanus calls the citizens “scabs,” he uses what type of language?
- What does “mutiny” mean in the context of the Roman crowd?
- What does the word “valor” signify in Coriolanus’s world?
- What is meant by the term “banish”?
- What does “foe” mean in the line “he is our chiefest foe”?
- When Volumnia says “thy honor’s at the stake,” what does “stake” mean?
- What does “humbly” mean when the tribunes ask Coriolanus to speak “humbly” to the people?
- In the context of Roman politics, “grievance” means what?
- What does “recompense” mean when Menenius speaks of rewarding service?
- The word “traitor” refers to someone who does what?
- What is meant by the word “tumult” when describing the people’s mood?
- What does “peril” mean in the line “he ventured his life in peril”?
- What does “implore” mean when Volumnia begs her son to listen?
- The word “entreat” as used by Virgilia means what?
- What does “renown” signify in Coriolanus’s speeches?
- What is the meaning of “resign” in the political context of the play?
- When Coriolanus is accused of “tyranny,” what does this term mean?
- What does “petition” mean when the people ask for food?
- The word “audience” in the line “I crave an audience” means what?
- What does “meek” mean when Virgilia is described by Valeria?
- What is meant by “cowardice” when contrasted with valor?
- When Aufidius calls Coriolanus “a serpent,” what does this metaphor imply?
- What does “mercy” mean in Volumnia’s plea before Coriolanus?
- The term “doom” as used near the end of the play most nearly means what?