Estimated read time: 5 min read
One Sentence Summary
A Roman general's pride and political ambition lead to his downfall.
Table of Contents
Introduction
"Coriolanus" is a tragedy play written by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1605 and 1608. The play is based on the life of the legendary Roman leader Gaius Marcius Coriolanus. It explores themes of pride, betrayal, and the struggle between the aristocracy and the common people.
Brief Synopsis
Plot Overview
The play is set in ancient Rome, which is in a state of unrest due to a famine. The common people, or plebeians, are demanding grain from the patricians, the ruling class. The play follows the life and downfall of the Roman general, Coriolanus, who is renowned for his military prowess but finds himself at odds with the common people.
Setting
The play is primarily set in ancient Rome, both within the city and on the battlefield. The political landscape and social hierarchy of Rome play a significant role in the unfolding of the plot.
Main Characters
The play features several key characters, each with their own motivations and roles in the story.
| Character | Description |
|---|---|
| Coriolanus | A Roman general known for his military valor and arrogance. He struggles with his pride and loyalty to Rome. |
| Volumnia | Coriolanus' mother, who is fiercely proud of her son's military achievements and encourages his pursuit of political power. |
| Menenius | A Roman patrician and a friend of Coriolanus. He tries to mediate between the common people and the aristocracy. |
| Aufidius | The leader of the Volscians, Rome's enemy. He forms a complex and adversarial relationship with Coriolanus. |
| Sicinius and Brutus | Two Roman tribunes who manipulate the citizens of Rome and conspire against Coriolanus. They represent the interests of the plebeians. |
Story Points Over Chapters
Act 1
The play opens with the citizens of Rome demanding grain from the patricians due to a famine. Caius Marcius, later known as Coriolanus, emerges as the valiant hero who quells a riot. However, his disdain for the common people becomes evident.
Act 2
Coriolanus' military victories lead to his nomination for the position of consul, the highest office in Rome. However, he struggles with the necessary politicking and flattery required to win the people's approval.
Act 3
Coriolanus is urged by his mother, Volumnia, to seek the consulship, despite his reluctance to engage in the political arena. He is eventually persuaded and receives the approval of the Senate but faces opposition from the tribunes, Sicinius and Brutus.
Act 4
Coriolanus is declared a traitor and banished from Rome after a heated confrontation with the plebeians and the tribunes. He seeks refuge with his former enemy, Aufidius, the leader of the Volscians, and forms an alliance to seek revenge on Rome.
Act 5
Coriolanus leads the Volscian army to the gates of Rome, but when his mother, Volumnia, and his wife, Virgilia, plead with him to spare the city, he relents. His change of heart incites the Volscians' anger, leading to his tragic demise.
Main Events
- Coriolanus' military successes and disdain for the common people lead to his nomination for consul.
- Coriolanus' struggle to win the approval of the plebeians and the political machinations of the tribunes.
- Coriolanus' banishment from Rome and alliance with the Volscians, led by Aufidius.
- The Volscian army's advance on Rome and Coriolanus' change of heart, leading to his tragic fate.
Themes and Insights
Pride and Hubris
The play delves into the destructive nature of excessive pride and hubris, as seen in Coriolanus' uncompromising nature and disdain for the common people. His pride ultimately leads to his downfall.
Political Manipulation
Shakespeare explores the theme of political manipulation through the characters of Sicinius and Brutus, who exploit the plebeians' grievances for their own gain and conspire against Coriolanus.
Loyalty and Betrayal
The play examines the complexities of loyalty and betrayal, particularly in Coriolanus' shifting allegiances and the conflicts between personal convictions and societal expectations.
Class Conflict
The tension between the patricians and the plebeians underscores the broader theme of class conflict, highlighting the power dynamics and struggles for influence within society.
Reader's Takeaway
"Coriolanus" offers a compelling exploration of pride, power, and the complexities of human nature. The play's timeless themes and intricate character dynamics continue to resonate with audiences, prompting reflection on the nature of political ambition, loyalty, and the consequences of unchecked pride.
Conclusion
"Coriolanus" is a gripping tragedy that delves into the complexities of power, pride, and the human condition. Through its vivid characters and thought-provoking themes, the play continues to captivate audiences with its timeless exploration of political intrigue and the consequences of unchecked ambition. Shakespeare's masterful storytelling and profound insights ensure that "Coriolanus" remains a compelling and enduring work in the realm of classic literature.
Coriolanus FAQ
What is the plot of Coriolanus?
Coriolanus is a tragedy by William Shakespeare that follows the Roman general Caius Marcius Coriolanus as he rises to power and then falls from grace due to his pride and lack of political savvy.
Who are the main characters in Coriolanus?
The main characters in Coriolanus include Caius Marcius Coriolanus, Volumnia (his mother), Menenius Agrippa, Aufidius, and Tullus Aufidius.
What are some major themes in Coriolanus?
Some major themes in Coriolanus include pride, power, betrayal, politics, and the role of the individual in society.
Is Coriolanus based on historical events?
Yes, Coriolanus is loosely based on the life of the Roman leader Gaius Marcius Coriolanus, who lived in the 5th century BC.
What is the significance of the title 'Coriolanus'?
The title refers to the main character, Caius Marcius Coriolanus, and his association with the city of Corioli, where he achieved military victory.
