Twice in the play the description of Coriolanus is tied in with the invocation of the image of a wolf. The invocation of a wolf as a counter to the nature of Coriolanus shows the way in which Coriolanus is played against himself in the text. He is treated by the text as prey. He is a pitiful creature who falls prey to the motives of the other characters in the play. Not according to the prayer of the people, for they love not Marcius.
Nature teaches beasts to know their friends.
Even his friend and supporter Menenius sees that Coriolanus although feared by the people outside the walls of Rome is easy prey for Rome's own citizens. 4 Scene 6 Lines 115-119 when he is described as deserving the pity of the people because he is like a shepherd is to a wolf. In the play Coriolanus is portrayed as a brave warrior at the outset. He is arrogant and filled with pride. But Coriolanus's self assurance is hallow and the likening of him to a lamb in Act 2 provides a prophetic warning about his weaknesses.