Synopsis
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Pacing
- Moderate
- Mood
- Dark, Intense, Political, Tragic
- Read it if
- You enjoy complex political dramas, explorations of pride and ambition, or are a fan of Shakespeare's tragedies and historical plays.
- Skip it if
- You prefer lighthearted stories, straightforward heroes, or find dense, archaic language challenging.
Coriolanus Plot Summary
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
The Roman Citizens' Uprising and Coriolanus's Contempt
The play begins with a violent uprising of starving Roman citizens against the patrician class, whom they blame for hoarding grain. Their anger targets Caius Marcius, a renowned but arrogant general, accused of being an enemy of the people. Menenius Agrippa, an elderly patrician, tries to calm them with a fable about the body's parts, but his efforts fail. Marcius enters, openly showing his contempt for common people, calling them 'dissentious rogues' and 'mutable, rank-scented many.' He dismisses their complaints and mocks their demand for tribunes, revealing his disdain for democratic principles and the plebeians' ability to govern. The tribunes, Sicinius Velutus and Junius Brutus, are introduced, already aware of Marcius's dangerous pride.
War Against the Volscians and the Fall of Corioles
News arrives that the Volscians, led by their general Tullus Aufidius, are marching against Rome. Marcius, eager for battle, is appointed to lead a large part of the Roman army. He expresses admiration for Aufidius, seeing him as a worthy opponent. During the siege of the Volscian city of Corioles, Roman forces initially falter. Marcius, angered by their retreat, rallies the soldiers with a fierce speech and single-handedly storms the gates, entering the city. Wounded, he continues to fight, securing a decisive victory for Rome. For his bravery and capture of Corioles, he receives the title 'Coriolanus'.
The Triumphant Return and Volumnia's Influence
Coriolanus returns to Rome as a hero. His mother, Volumnia, a strong and ambitious woman, is proud of his military achievements and pushes him to seek the consulship, the highest political office. She believes it is his right and that he must overcome his disdain for the plebeians long enough to win their votes. Coriolanus, uncomfortable with political maneuvering and the custom of soliciting votes by showing his battle wounds, reluctantly agrees to run. He finds the process demeaning and struggles to act humble, seeing it as an insult to his honor and a concession to the 'common cry of curs.'
The Candidacy for Consulship and Coriolanus's Downfall
Following tradition, Coriolanus presents himself to the citizens in the Forum, seeking their 'voices' (votes). He struggles to appear humble, barely asking for their support without open scorn. Initially, the citizens, impressed by his military record, give him their votes. However, the tribunes, Sicinius and Brutus, use Coriolanus's obvious disdain. They manipulate the citizens, reminding them of Coriolanus's past insults and arguing he is unfit to rule due to his arrogance and contempt for their rights. They incite the plebeians to revoke their votes, turning the tide against him and blocking his path to consulship.
Exile and the Clash with the Tribunes
Angered by the plebeians' inconsistency and the tribunes' schemes, Coriolanus unleashes a torrent of abuse, openly declaring his hatred for common people and their perceived inability to govern themselves. He argues that giving them power is like giving a wolf a lamb. The tribunes, seeing their chance, accuse him of treason and tyranny, stirring the crowd into a frenzy. Despite Menenius's attempts to mediate, the situation escalates. The tribunes, with the support of the inflamed mob, exile Coriolanus permanently. Coriolanus, defiant even in banishment, declares that he banishes Rome, not the other way around, and leaves the city with his family and a few loyal friends.
Alliance with Aufidius
Driven by a desire for revenge against Rome, Coriolanus travels disguised to Antium, the Volscian capital. He presents himself to his enemy, Tullus Aufidius, in his home. He reveals his identity and offers his services to Aufidius, proposing to lead the Volscian army against Rome, the city that wronged him. Aufidius, initially stunned, feels joy and admiration for Coriolanus's boldness and military skill. He embraces Coriolanus, saying he is happier to see him than his own wife, and eagerly accepts the alliance, seeing it as a chance to conquer Rome with Coriolanus's help. The Volscian lords, though cautious, agree to the partnership.
The Volscian March on Rome
Coriolanus, now a general for the Volscians, leads their army with great effectiveness, conquering Roman towns and laying waste to the countryside. Panic spreads in Rome as Volscian forces approach the city gates. The Roman Senate, desperate, sends Menenius and Cominius, Coriolanus's former mentor and general, to plead with him. Coriolanus, however, remains unyielding, refusing to show mercy to the city that exiled him. He dismisses their pleas, stating he is no longer Roman and will not be swayed by personal ties or past loyalties, to the dismay of his former comrades.
Volumnia's Plea and Coriolanus's Turning Point
As a last resort, Rome sends a delegation consisting of Coriolanus's mother Volumnia, his wife Virgilia, and his young son Marcius, along with other Roman matrons. Volumnia, using maternal love, Roman honor, and emotional blackmail, pleads with her son to spare Rome. She argues his victory would be a dishonor, making him a destroyer of his own country and family. Coriolanus is deeply torn; his desire for revenge clashes with his respect and love for his mother. After a long, internal struggle, he relents, agreeing to negotiate a peace treaty between Rome and the Volscians, sacrificing his personal vendetta for his mother's honor and Rome's survival.
The Peace Treaty and Aufidius's Resentment
Coriolanus, having agreed to his mother's pleas, negotiates a peace treaty between Rome and the Volscians, to the relief of the Romans. However, his decision angers Aufidius. Aufidius feels betrayed and humiliated, as Coriolanus's actions have robbed him of the glory of conquering Rome. He also resents Coriolanus's continued dominance and the admiration Coriolanus still commands among Volscian soldiers. Aufidius, his jealousy and ambition now fully ignited, begins to plot Coriolanus's demise, seeing him as a rival who must be eliminated for Aufidius to secure his own power and reputation among the Volscians.
Coriolanus's Return to Antium and Accusation
Coriolanus returns to Antium, expecting to be hailed for securing a favorable peace treaty. However, Aufidius has already spread rumors and turned the Volscian lords against him. In a public assembly, Aufidius dramatically accuses Coriolanus of treachery, calling him a 'traitor' and a 'boy of tears' for sparing Rome at his mother's bidding. He highlights Coriolanus's previous contempt for the Volscians and twists his actions into a betrayal of their cause. Coriolanus, his pride wounded and his honor challenged, reacts with his characteristic indignation, defending his actions and denouncing Aufidius's accusations.
Assassination of Coriolanus
The Volscian lords, swayed by Aufidius's accusations and their own resentment of Coriolanus's overbearing nature, turn against him. Coriolanus, in his fury, again lashes out with his customary arrogance, further alienating his audience. Aufidius, seizing the moment, signals his conspirators, a group of Volscian soldiers. They rush forward and, despite Coriolanus's valiant but futile resistance, stab him to death. Coriolanus falls, a victim of his uncompromising pride and Aufidius's calculated revenge. The Volscian lords express shock and regret, acknowledging his greatness even as they condone his death.
Aftermath in Antium
After the assassination, Aufidius stands over Coriolanus's body, initially triumphant but quickly showing mixed emotions. He laments the loss of such a great warrior, acknowledging Coriolanus's military genius even as he justifies his murder as necessary to secure Volscian interests and his own position. He orders that Coriolanus's body be carried out with honor, recognizing the fallen general's stature. The play ends with Aufidius reflecting on the tragedy and the cost of ambition, leaving a sense of moral ambiguity about the true victor in this story of pride, betrayal, and political maneuvering.
Coriolanus Characters
Caius Marcius Coriolanus
Protagonist
A Roman general of immense courage and pride, but with profound contempt for the common people.
Coriolanus is the epitome of the Roman warrior: brave, honorable in battle, and fiercely patriotic. However, his defining characteristic is his overwhelming pride and an unyielding disdain for the plebeian class. He views humility as weakness and public office as a demeaning spectacle. His integrity is absolute, but it is an integrity that cannot bend to political necessity or popular opinion. He is a man of action, not words, and his inability to compromise or flatter ultimately leads to his downfall. He values individual merit above all else.
Relationships: Volumnia (Son, deeply influenced by her ambition and Roman ideals.); Virgilia (Wife, devoted and submissive.); Tullus Aufidius (Sworn enemy turned ally, then betrayer; a complex rivalry fueled by mutual respect and intense competition.); Menenius Agrippa (Elderly patrician friend and mentor, attempts to mediate.); Cominius (Fellow Roman general and friend, loyal but unable to sway Coriolanus.)
Volumnia
Supporting
Coriolanus's ambitious and fiercely Roman mother, who embodies the traditional martial virtues.
Volumnia is a formidable and dominant figure, a true Roman matron who instills in her son an uncompromising sense of honor, courage, and duty to Rome. She is intensely proud of his military prowess and is the driving force behind his ambition to become consul. She values martial glory and public acclaim above all else, even personal happiness. Her influence over Coriolanus is immense, and she is the only person capable of persuading him to act against his own will, ultimately leading him to spare Rome and, inadvertently, to his death. She represents the stern, unyielding spirit of old Rome.
Relationships: Coriolanus (Son, whom she adores and manipulates for his and Rome's glory.); Virgilia (Daughter-in-law, whom she dominates with her strong personality.)
Tullus Aufidius
Antagonist
The courageous and ambitious general of the Volscians, Coriolanus's primary rival.
Aufidius is Coriolanus's mirror image and sworn enemy, a warrior of comparable skill and ambition. He deeply respects Coriolanus's military genius but is consumed by a desire to surpass him. His admiration is mixed with intense rivalry and jealousy. He is a cunning politician, capable of manipulating events and people to achieve his goals. Initially, he welcomes Coriolanus as an ally, but when Coriolanus's actions threaten his own standing and the Volscian cause, Aufidius ruthlessly plots his downfall, revealing a pragmatic and vengeful nature beneath his warrior's exterior.
Relationships: Coriolanus (Sworn enemy turned ally, then betrayer; a complex rivalry fueled by mutual respect and intense competition.); Volscian Lords (Leader and manipulator of the Volscian political faction.)
Menenius Agrippa
Supporting
An elderly, wise, and respected Roman patrician, a friend and mentor to Coriolanus.
Menenius is a moderate and diplomatic patrician who attempts to bridge the gap between the patricians and plebeians. He is a loyal friend to Coriolanus, often acting as his advocate and attempting to temper his pride. He possesses a keen understanding of Roman politics and the volatile nature of the common people. Despite his efforts to reason with both sides, he is ultimately unable to prevent Coriolanus's exile or persuade him to spare Rome. He represents the voice of reason and tradition, often using fables and wit to make his points, but his influence wanes in the face of extreme passions.
Relationships: Coriolanus (Elderly friend and mentor, attempts to mediate and defend him.); Roman Tribunes (Sicinius & Brutus) (Political adversary, often debates with them.); Roman Citizens (Attempts to pacify and explain to them.)
Sicinius Velutus and Junius Brutus
Antagonists
The two tribunes of the people, who represent the plebeian class and actively work against Coriolanus.
Sicinius and Brutus are shrewd and manipulative politicians who represent the interests of the plebeians and are fiercely opposed to Coriolanus. They understand the power of public opinion and skillfully exploit Coriolanus's arrogance and contempt for the common people to turn the citizens against him. They are masters of rhetoric and political maneuvering, using their positions to undermine the patrician class and secure their own power. Their actions are driven by a mix of genuine concern for the plebeians' rights and personal ambition to humble Coriolanus.
Relationships: Coriolanus (Political adversaries, orchestrate his downfall.); Roman Citizens (Leaders and manipulators of the plebeian faction.)
Virgilia
Supporting
Coriolanus's quiet, devoted, and gentle wife.
Virgilia is the antithesis of Volumnia: soft-spoken, tender, and deeply emotional. She fears for her husband's safety and is distressed by his absence in war. She represents the domestic, private side of Coriolanus's life, a stark contrast to the public, martial world he inhabits. Her quiet devotion and tears are a powerful counterpoint to Volumnia's stern resolve. Her presence, along with her son's, is crucial in finally breaking Coriolanus's resolve to destroy Rome, appealing to his deepest human affections rather than his pride or duty.
Relationships: Coriolanus (Wife, devoted and submissive.); Volumnia (Daughter-in-law, often overshadowed by her.)
Cominius
Supporting
A respected Roman general and a loyal friend to Coriolanus.
Cominius is a noble and honorable Roman general who recognizes Coriolanus's military genius and courage. He serves as Coriolanus's superior officer and friend, often praising his valor and attempting to defend him in political disputes. He tries to persuade Coriolanus to be more diplomatic and later pleads with him to spare Rome, demonstrating his loyalty and concern for the city. Despite his efforts, he is ultimately unable to sway Coriolanus's unyielding nature, highlighting the protagonist's isolation.
Relationships: Coriolanus (Fellow general and loyal friend, attempts to intercede for him.)
Young Marcius
Mentioned
Coriolanus's young son.
Young Marcius is Coriolanus's son, a minor character whose presence is significant. He is described as spirited and showing early signs of his father's fierce nature, particularly when he tears a butterfly apart. His appearance alongside his mother and grandmother during the plea to Coriolanus is a key emotional trigger, reminding Coriolanus of his lineage and the future of Rome, contributing to his decision to spare the city. He represents the continuation of Coriolanus's line and the innocent future of Rome.
Relationships: Coriolanus (Son, a symbol of his lineage and future.)
Coriolanus Themes
Pride and Hubris
Coriolanus's overwhelming pride is the central theme and his tragic flaw. His inability to humble himself, even for political reasons, and his disdain for common people come directly from his hubris. This pride, encouraged by his mother, makes him incapable of compromise or flattery, leading to his exile. Even in exile, his pride drives him to seek revenge, and only when confronted by his mother's plea is his pride momentarily broken. Ultimately, his proud defiance in Antium seals his fate, as he refuses to back down from Aufidius's accusations, leading to his murder. His pride makes him a great warrior but a poor politician.
“'I banish you!'”
The Nature of Leadership and Governance
The play explores different leadership models and the challenges of governance in a republic. Coriolanus embodies a militaristic, aristocratic ideal, believing only the elite are fit to rule and that the populace is too inconsistent and ignorant. The tribunes, Sicinius and Brutus, represent a more democratic, though manipulative, form of leadership, able to sway the masses. The constant tension between patricians and plebeians shows the fragility of Roman society and the difficulty of balancing power. The play questions if a society can function when its leaders hold such contempt for those they govern, and if the 'voice of the people' is truly wise or easily manipulated. Menenius's attempts at mediation show the need for a balanced approach.
“'What's the matter, you dissentious rogues, / That, rubbing the poor itch of your opinion, / Make yourselves scabs?'”
Motherhood and Influence
Volumnia's powerful and often destructive influence on Coriolanus is a key theme. She shapes his martial identity and his uncompromising pride, pushing him toward military glory and political ambition. Her Roman ideals are instilled deeply in him, making him a formidable warrior but an inflexible politician. Her ability to sway him from destroying Rome is the play's emotional high point, showing her deep power over him. However, this act of persuasion, while saving Rome, ultimately leads to Coriolanus's death, making her 'most mortal' to her own son. Her ambition for him, and for Rome, ultimately costs him his life.
“'O, my son, my son! Thou art too absolute; / Though therein thou art just, thou art too dear.'”
Betrayal and Revenge
Betrayal is a recurring element that drives much of the plot. Coriolanus feels betrayed by Rome, especially by the inconsistent plebeians and manipulative tribunes, leading to his desire for revenge. This feeling of betrayal prompts him to ally with his enemy, Aufidius. However, Aufidius, in turn, feels betrayed when Coriolanus spares Rome, seeing it as a personal humiliation and a threat to his own ambition. This cycle of perceived betrayal fuels Aufidius's vengeful plot against Coriolanus, leading to his assassination. The play explores how personal slights can escalate into devastating conflicts, blurring the lines between honor and vengeance.
“'I am that he that makes thy wars. / And false to Rome.'”
Identity and Self-Knowledge
Coriolanus struggles with his identity throughout the play. He defines himself almost entirely by his military prowess and his Roman patrician status. When exiled, he tries to shed his Roman identity, declaring 'I banish you!' and offering himself to the Volscians. However, he cannot truly escape who he is. His encounter with his mother forces him to confront his deepest loyalties and the human bonds he has tried to deny, revealing a conflict between his public, warrior persona and his private, filial self. Ultimately, his inability to compromise his core identity – his pride and disdain for common people – leads to his destruction. He knows who he is, but this knowledge is rigid and ultimately fatal.
“'My name is Caius Marcius, who hath done / To thee particularly and to all the Volsces / Great hurt and mischief; thereto have I added / A dearer action, performed to the heart / Of your great city, Corioles: these marks / Of what I did to them, for you, and for myself / (Which was to make me a name and a power / In my own land) I do not now repent.'”
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
The Body Politic Metaphor
Menenius Agrippa's fable comparing the state to a human body.
Menenius uses the fable of the belly and the other body parts to explain the interdependence of the patrician and plebeian classes. The belly (patricians) receives all the food, but it processes it to nourish all other parts (plebeians). This metaphor attempts to illustrate the necessity of each part for the functioning of the whole, and to persuade the rebellious citizens that the patricians, though seemingly privileged, serve a vital role. While it temporarily calms the citizens, its failure to fundamentally change their perception or Coriolanus's attitude highlights the deep-seated divisions and the limits of rhetoric in the face of extreme class conflict.
Dramatic Irony
The audience's awareness of consequences unknown to the characters.
Dramatic irony is prevalent, particularly concerning Coriolanus's fate. The audience understands that his unyielding pride and contempt for the plebeians will inevitably lead to his downfall, even as he triumphs militarily. His declaration 'I banish you!' when exiled is ironically fulfilled as his actions lead to his death among those he embraced. The audience also perceives Aufidius's underlying jealousy and ambition even when he welcomes Coriolanus as an ally, foreshadowing the eventual betrayal. This device heightens the tragic tension, as the audience foresees the disaster that Coriolanus, blinded by his hubris, cannot.
The Plebeian Mob
The fickle and easily manipulated Roman citizenry.
The plebeian mob serves as a crucial plot device, representing the volatile 'voice of the people.' They are depicted as easily swayed by hunger, rhetoric, and fear. Initially demanding grain, then cheering Coriolanus, then revoking their votes, and finally demanding his exile, their changing allegiances drive the political conflict. The tribunes skillfully manipulate their emotions and opinions, using them as a tool against Coriolanus. This device highlights the dangers of direct democracy when public opinion is easily influenced, and serves as a direct catalyst for Coriolanus's banishment and the subsequent war with the Volscians.
The Soliloquy
Characters revealing their inner thoughts and intentions directly to the audience.
While less frequent for Coriolanus himself, soliloquies are effectively used by characters like Aufidius to reveal their true motivations and plans. Aufidius's soliloquies expose his deep-seated jealousy and ambition regarding Coriolanus, laying bare his eventual plot for revenge even as he outwardly embraces Coriolanus as an ally. These moments provide crucial insight into the characters' psychological states, often foreshadowing future events and adding layers of complexity to their actions, particularly Aufidius's duplicity, which is not always apparent to other characters in the play.
Coriolanus Quotes
“I hate him as I do hell-pains, with all his degenerate 'ciples.”
“What's the matter, you dissentious rogues, that rubbing the poor itch of your opinion make yourselves scabs?”
“He that depends upon your favours swims with fins of lead and hews down oaks with rushes.”
“Had I a dozen sons, each in my love alike, and none less dear than thine and my good Marcius, I had rather had eleven die nobly for their country than one voluptuously surfeit out of action.”
“The common file, a crew of patches, rude mechanicals, that work for bread.”
“There is a world elsewhere.”
“O, my mother, mother! O! You have won a happy victory to Rome; but for your son, believe it, O believe it, most dangerously you have with him prevailed, if not most mortal to him.”
“Nature teaches beasts to know their friends.”
“He bears himself more proudly than when he was consul.”
“Let me have war, say I; it exceeds peace as far as day does night; it's spritely, waking, audible, and full of vent. Peace is a very apoplexy, lethargy, palpable as sleep, an untreaded dulness.”
“Anger's my meat; I sup upon myself, and so shall starve with feeding.”
“Better to starve than crave.”
“The tartness of his face sours ripe grapes.”
“I'll run from 's company till I can tell how to rail him with a piece of a drum.”
Quiz
10 questions on the plot and the characters. Each answer comes with a short explanation.
Question 1
What is Coriolanus's original name before his victory at Corioles?
- Titus Lartius
- Cominius
- Caius Marcius
- Menenius Agrippa
Show answer
C. Caius Marcius The play's description explicitly states that Caius Marcius is renamed Coriolanus in honor of his victory at Corioles.
Question 2
Which character is described as Coriolanus's ambitious mother who spurs him on to take the city of Corioles?
- Virgilia
- Valeria
- Volumnia
- Sicinius Velutus
Show answer
C. Volumnia The provided text clearly identifies Volumnia as Coriolanus's ambitious mother who influences his actions.
Question 3
What is the primary reason for Coriolanus's exile from Rome?
- His defeat in battle against Aufidius
- His ambition to become a dictator
- His contempt for the citizens and refusal to humble himself
- His secret alliance with the Volscians
Show answer
C. His contempt for the citizens and refusal to humble himself The text states that his 'contempt for the citizens... ultimately leads to his exile.'
Question 4
Which historical figures are mentioned as sources for Shakespeare's 'Coriolanus'?
- Herodotus and Thucydides
- Plutarch's Lives and Livy's History of Rome
- Tacitus and Suetonius
- Cicero and Virgil
Show answer
B. Plutarch's Lives and Livy's History of Rome The description specifies that the play is 'based on the Roman chronicles of Plutarch's Lives and Livy's History of Rome.'
Question 5
What does Coriolanus call the citizens of Rome, demonstrating his disdain?
- Rabble and curs
- Scabs and musty superfluity
- Worms and beggars
- Fools and knaves
Show answer
B. Scabs and musty superfluity The text directly quotes Coriolanus referring to the citizens as 'scabs' and 'musty superfluity.'
Question 6
Who is Coriolanus's 'deadly foe' with whom he forms a 'destructive alliance' after his exile?
- Cominius
- Menenius Agrippa
- Titus Lartius
- Aufidius
Show answer
D. Aufidius The provided summary explicitly states that Coriolanus forms a 'destructive alliance with his deadly foe, Aufidius,' after his exile.
Question 7
What theme is highlighted by the description of the play as 'one of Shakespeare's harshest and most challenging studies of power, politics and masculinity'?
- The triumph of love over adversity
- The corrupting nature of absolute power and the complexities of male identity
- The importance of divine intervention in human affairs
- The beauty of nature and the simplicity of rural life
Show answer
B. The corrupting nature of absolute power and the complexities of male identity The introductory sentence directly states these themes, making it a central focus of the play's analysis.
Question 8
Which playwright particularly admired the opening scene of 'Coriolanus'?
- Samuel Beckett
- Bertolt Brecht
- Arthur Miller
- Anton Chekhov
Show answer
B. Bertolt Brecht The text explicitly mentions, 'Its famous opening scene, particularly admired by Bertolt Brecht.'
Question 9
How does the play portray the relationship between Coriolanus and his mother, Volumnia, in terms of its ultimate impact?
- As a source of unwavering support and comfort for Coriolanus.
- As a relationship where Volumnia ultimately proves 'most mortal' to her own son.
- As a distant and largely irrelevant bond in the play's main events.
- As a purely political alliance with no emotional depth.
Show answer
B. As a relationship where Volumnia ultimately proves 'most mortal' to her own son. The description highlights the 'extraordinarily intimate scenes between Coriolanus and both his mother, who ultimately proves 'most mortal' to her own son.'
Question 10
What is unique about the language and representation of political life in 'Coriolanus' compared to other Shakespearean tragedies?
- It features remarkably simple and straightforward language, making it accessible to all.
- Its language is dense and complex, reflecting the tensions built into Roman political life.
- It primarily uses lyrical poetry, avoiding political discourse.
- It focuses solely on individual psychology, neglecting broader political themes.
Show answer
B. Its language is dense and complex, reflecting the tensions built into Roman political life. The text states, 'Its language is dense and complex, as its representation of the tensions built into the fabric of Roman political life.'
Coriolanus FAQ
What is the central conflict that initiates the plot of 'Coriolanus'?
The play opens with a severe famine in Rome, leading to a rebellious populace demanding grain from the patricians. Caius Marcius, a proud Roman general, confronts these starving citizens with disdain and insults, immediately establishing the deep class divide and his contempt for the plebeians, which sets the stage for his later political downfall.
How does Caius Marcius earn the name 'Coriolanus'?
Caius Marcius earns the name 'Coriolanus' through his extraordinary valor in battle against the Volscians. He single-handedly breaches the gates of the city of Corioles and leads the Roman forces to victory, a feat so impressive that it becomes his distinguishing honorific.
What role does Volumnia play in Coriolanus's life and political career?
Volumnia is Coriolanus's fiercely ambitious and dominant mother, who instills in him a warrior's ethos and a contempt for weakness. She actively pushes him to seek political office and later compels him to humble himself before the plebeians, a task he finds agonizing, ultimately shaping his destiny through her unwavering influence.
Why is Coriolanus ultimately exiled from Rome?
Coriolanus is exiled due to his unyielding arrogance and refusal to humble himself before the plebeians to gain their votes for consul. His open contempt for the common people, calling them 'scabs' and 'musty superfluity,' and his inability to feign politeness, are exploited by the tribunes Sicinius and Brutus, leading to his banishment.
How does Coriolanus's exile lead to his downfall?
After his exile, Coriolanus, filled with rage and a desire for revenge, defects to the Volscians and allies with his archenemy, Tullus Aufidius. He then leads the Volscian army against Rome, threatening its destruction, which ultimately puts him in an impossible position between his past loyalties and his new alliance, leading to his murder by Aufidius.
What is the significance of the 'body politic' metaphor used by Menenius Agrippa?
Menenius Agrippa uses the 'body politic' metaphor, comparing the Roman state to a human body where the patricians are the stomach and the plebeians are the other limbs, to argue for interdependence. This metaphor tries to quell the plebeian uprising by illustrating that all parts, even the seemingly idle patricians, are essential for the health of the whole, though it fails to fully convince the starving populace.
What is the nature of the relationship between Coriolanus and Aufidius?
The relationship between Coriolanus and Aufidius is a complex blend of intense rivalry, mutual respect, and homoerotic undertones. They are mortal enemies on the battlefield, yet Aufidius expresses a 'rapt heart' at seeing Coriolanus, even welcoming him more warmly than his own wife, suggesting a deep, almost obsessive fascination that transcends mere hatred.
How do the tribunes, Sicinius and Brutus, manipulate the Roman citizens?
The tribunes, Sicinius and Brutus, manipulate the Roman citizens by exploiting their grievances and Coriolanus's contemptuous nature. They incite the plebeians against him, twisting his words and actions to portray him as a tyrant who despises the people, thereby orchestrating his downfall and exile.
What subtle hints suggest Coriolanus's internal conflict regarding his mother's influence?
Coriolanus often struggles with his mother's demands, particularly when she forces him to humble himself before the plebeians. His reluctance and visible discomfort, despite ultimately obeying her, suggest an internal conflict between his ingrained pride and his filial duty, hinting at the psychological burden of her overwhelming influence.
How does Coriolanus's pride function as both a strength and a fatal flaw?
Coriolanus's pride fuels his extraordinary military courage and uncompromising integrity as a soldier, making him Rome's most valiant warrior. However, this same pride prevents him from engaging in necessary political humility or compromise, alienating the citizens and leading directly to his exile and eventual death, thus proving to be his fatal flaw.
Analyze Volumnia's psychological impact on Coriolanus's masculinity.
Volumnia’s relentless emphasis on martial glory and disdain for emotional weakness profoundly shapes Coriolanus's rigid, almost inhuman, masculinity. She fosters an identity entirely defined by battle and stoicism, leaving him ill-equipped for the emotional and political nuance required for civic life, effectively stifling his capacity for empathy and adaptability.
How does Coriolanus's inability to 'play the part' of a politician reflect his psychological makeup?
Coriolanus's inability to 'play the part' of a politician, to feign humility or flatter the common people, reveals a deeply ingrained psychological rigidity and uncompromising honesty. He views such performativity as demeaning and dishonest, preferring the straightforward, brutal honesty of the battlefield, indicating a profound discomfort with social artifice.
What psychological vulnerabilities does Coriolanus display despite his warrior persona?
Despite his formidable warrior persona, Coriolanus exhibits significant psychological vulnerabilities, particularly his profound dependence on his mother's approval and his extreme sensitivity to perceived slights. His rage at the citizens and his subsequent defection reveal a deep wounded pride and an inability to cope with rejection, underlying his stoic exterior.
Is Coriolanus a tragic hero in the classical sense, or something more complex?
Coriolanus can be seen as a tragic hero due to his noble birth, extraordinary valor, and a fatal flaw (hubris) leading to his downfall. However, his profound contempt for the populace and lack of self-awareness make him a more challenging and less sympathetic figure than typical classical heroes, adding a layer of complexity to his tragic status.
To what extent is Coriolanus a victim of his own character versus the machinations of others?
Coriolanus is largely a victim of his own unyielding character and pride, which prevent him from adapting to political realities. However, he is also undeniably a victim of the manipulative machinations of the tribunes, Sicinius and Brutus, who expertly exploit his flaws and the populace's discontent to engineer his exile, creating a dynamic interplay between internal and external forces.
How does the play comment on the nature of democratic governance in early Rome?
The play offers a cynical view of early Roman democratic governance, portraying the plebeians as easily swayed and the tribunes as manipulative demagogues. It highlights the inherent tensions between aristocratic power and popular will, suggesting that an uneducated populace, easily inflamed, can lead to chaos and the downfall of even the most valiant leaders.
Could Coriolanus have avoided his fate, and if so, how?
Coriolanus theoretically could have avoided his fate by humbling himself before the plebeians and feigning respect, as advised by his mother and Menenius. However, his deeply ingrained pride and contempt for the common people made this act of political theater psychologically impossible for him, suggesting his fate was largely sealed by his uncompromising character.
What is the play's ultimate message about the relationship between military prowess and political leadership?
The play strongly suggests that military prowess alone is insufficient, and often detrimental, for effective political leadership. Coriolanus excels as a soldier but fails miserably as a politician because the virtues of the battlefield (uncompromising will, disdain for weakness) are antithetical to the skills required for governance (compromise, diplomacy, public relations).
About the author
William Shakespeare was an English playwright, poet and actor. He is widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's pre-eminent dramatist. He is often called England's national poet and the "Bard of Avon". His extant works, including collaborations, consist of some 39 plays, 154 sonnets, three long narrative poems, and a few other verses, some of uncertain authorship. His plays have been translated into every major living language and are performed more often than those of any other playwright. Shakespeare remains arguably the most influential writer in the English language, and his works continue to be studied and reinterpreted.
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