Act I heavily characterizes Coriolanus either through his
direct actions and thoughts or indirectly through statements made by other
active characters. The relationship between the Roman citizens and Coriolanus
is established since Scene 1, showing mutual conflict. “He’s a very dog to the
commonalty” summarizes how he treats those un-affiliated with him, to which he
subjects them as “rats”, “dissentious rogues” and “slaves”. Such ignorance to
the commons may foreshadow his fate to succeed to higher positions later in the
play. The strong Roman hate for Coriolanus is expressed further by the Volsces,
as Aufidius receives a letter which states Martius as “Rome worse hated than
you”. The famished plebeians are threatening to revolt against his rule in
order to lower corn prices, which he responds to with “Hang ‘em!”.
His arrogant personality is recognized, which however is
poked at as he states his envy for Aufidius’ nobility. Although detested by the
public, he is honored by higher status individuals such as Menenius, who hails
his entrance. Likewise, he is praised as a lord by his wife (Virgilia) with his
mother (Volumnia) confident in him claiming the battle. He is characterized as
a strong warrior, who has proudly fought several battles in Rome’s name. His sternly
proud character trait drives his actions.
As the fight breaks out in the Vulcan city of Corioli,
Coriolanus primarily represents a courage front, which is quickly masked with
heavy anger as they are submitted back to their trenches. Upon the battlefield,
he is viewed as an unstoppable figure, who is willing to do anything to serve
Rome’s name. However, submission drives his trait of perseverance, allowing him
to attain victory. This reveals his fearless figure as he then enters through
the gates by himself, returning with bloody wounds. His motivating speeches for
the soldiers soon turn into congratulatory speeches as they capture the city of
Corioles. A light of humble persona is seen through his congratulatory
statements (scene 6), as he owes his fighting success to the Roman Gods and
uses pronouns such as “we” and “us” when exclaiming how the battle was won. The
publics view of Coriolanus has as well shifted to honor his actions, as he is
welcomed back to Rome a hero. The end of the Act closes on Martius profiled as
respectable, thankful and modest towards the victory and others around. Given
the name Coriolanus, he even wishes for the freedom of his “poor host”
(Aufidius), who in turn would do anything to kill him.
The contrasting impressions garnered of Coriolanus in the
beginning of Act 1 to that of the end of the act are evident. His transition
from being communally detested to being welcomed back a hero are represented in
a swift manner, which may foreshadow how Coriolanus can easily lose this status.
Although finishing the act as a respected war figure, the strong mutual hate
between him and the commons established in scene 1 may follow through into the
next act, causing future problems with arising power statuses.
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