The Fable of the Belly
In many ways, Menenius's "Fable of the Belly" is a moment of dramatic irony because the fable encourages the plebeians to see Rome as a body in which every citizen plays a part. While Menenius provides what many would consider an ideal portrait of Roman society, the audience is aware that the lack of food and resources available for the lower classes means that this "body" is not actually healthy at all.
Coriolanus's Exile
In Act Four, Coriolanus has been exiled from Rome. Brutus and Sicinius discuss the fact that they have not heard anything of him, and Menenius enters only to share that he has no idea where Coriolanus is. The general tone of their conversation is that nobody is worried about Coriolanus and the effect his banishment could have on Rome. However, the audience knows that Coriolanus has just joined forces with the Volscians and is preparing to invade his former home.
Treatment of the Slave
When a messenger tells the tribunes in Act Four that an imprisoned slave has claimed that the Volscians have entered Roman territory, the tribunes order the slave to be whipped in front of the people. Writing the claims off as impossible, the tribunes ironically demonstrate the same kind of rash behavior for which Corionalus had previously criticized them. Of course, the audience is also aware that the claims of the slave are true, and Coriolanus is preparing his revenge.
Slippery Tongues
Coriolanus accuses the plebeians of having "slippery tongues," meaning that they are fickle and will change their alliances quickly and rashly. By contrast, Coriolanus lauds himself for his constancy and firmness. However, by the end of the play, Coriolanus is easily swayed by his mother, Volumnia, demonstrating that he himself is not exempt from other people's influence.
