Scene 5-5's shortness emphasizes the shallowness of Rome's victory. The senators hail Volumnia as saviour, the city is spared destruction — but Coriolanus has not truly changed his mind about Rome. He has simply chosen his mother over his war. That choice is personal, not political. The senators treat it as if Rome has been saved through some virtue, through Volumnia's wisdom or mercy. But what has actually happened is that Coriolanus has been manipulated by familial obligation into sparing a city he still despises. This mercy is temporary, contingent, fragile. The moment Aufidius suggests that Coriolanus's agreement is a betrayal of Volscian interests and of his own manhood, the reprieve will evaporate. Rome's safety is not secured — it's merely deferred.