Coriolanus: Theme of Power

            The theme of power is thoroughly established throughout the play, as it able to influence the political structure and hierarchy status of the characters. Each character has traits which can be used for power, no matter the monarchic class they have been labelled as. Varying from war-gained power or ability to manipulate surrounding characters, Shakespeare has established how power is used in several ways. The theme of power is established straight from Act 1 Scene 1, showing how the discontent communes have the ability to alter the political structure of the state. This further foreshadows the power the communes have in depicting the future state of Roman, as they not only hold elective power, but are as well strongly represented through the Tribunes. Although Martius dismisses their communal needs throughout the play, he ironical begs for their acceptance to allow him to attain consulship. Their communal power gives the Tribunes their power in state, as they are able to influence the way the the citizens act. This reflects the citizen’s ability to control changes in political structure, and the idea of not being able to rise in the political system independently. Coriolanus, Menenius and Cominius are collectively powerful through their past war achievements and their courageous attributes allowing them to lead roman soldiers successfully through battles. This signifies the importance that being a soldier has, with this title allowing one respected power. Similarly, Aufidius, a strong war-figure holds power which is promoted through his separate and foreign army. However, a character such as Volumnia does not hold military achievements or ability to influence political structure changes, but is still viewed as one of the most powerful characters in the production. With the power and ability to use Coriolanus’ weaknesses against him, she was ultimately able to save Rome.

Characterization of Coriolanus through Act I

            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.