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.  

Pop Culture- Reflection

     Media messages are constructed using creative techniques, but the construction process is invisible to viewers, readers, and listeners. The audience who are exposed to constant streams of advertisements/other media messages are often un-informed about how they were strategically created. Corporations have groups of professionals who strategically decide on such media choices, in order for their content to be spread to large audiences. Such as, media messages are manipulated to suit current trends, are posted at certain times, are curated for specific audience values, etc. The audience is however left blind to this long process, and are only exposed to what is presented on their screens. This creates a large gap between the brand and consumer, which the consumer is often unaware of. This creates "Synth culture", as it is an unauthentic representation of current societal values. 

     Media messages are representations of the world. We depend on the media to understand our world and different cultures. Information which is projected through various media platforms often contain current trends/events etc, which originate from the country that the 'message' was sent from. As well, since these media messages are created and broadcasted from around the world, they contain international values and help people understand different cultures. However, ideas that are projected through media are simplified and only show small portions of very rich cultures. This limited information which is projected creates stereotypes and lack of global understanding. If one only relies on media projections to create an understanding of the world, it can be assumed that their global values would be corrupt and incorrect. These media messages are useful in seeing what differentiating values countries have, through which one can view cultures through the use of various platforms. 

     Media messages have economic and political purposes and contexts. Mass media industries sell audiences to advertisers. The vastly broadcasted media messages are heavily used for political reasons, such as the spreading of current state situations, government health, etc. Opinions on current political situations are as well heavily spread throughout the internet, through various media platforms. As well, economically, these media messages are part of corporate 'culture', as they are used to expand consumer bases and further connect with their target consumer groups. These large corporations and brands are able to understand specific values of their target audiences through virtual profiles, which they can then sell to advertisers. Advertisers often try to connect with and use current political events within their advertisements in order to show relevance. The public is as well further able to relate to current content. 

Individuals create meaning in media messages through interpretation. These media messages are often left to the individuals interpretation, which can create controversy over simple ideas. However, what the individual pulls away form these messages shows their values and what they understand form what they are exposed to. Often simple messages can be given deeper meaning through individual interpretation, such as through simple images or simplified text. A community's joint values are shown through what they choose to express through these media messages. 

Ad Target Audience

This advertisement by Nike is promoting their line of Nike Free shoes, which is directed towards women through their use of language, ad organization and style.  The common word "Fit" which is used throughout this print ad often relates to women as it can be perceived as a feminine word. Such as, men are more drawn to words such as "strong", etc. The pink on the soles of the shoes is as well  a color which relates to women, which are worn by stereotypical slim and toned legs. The styling of the ad further draws attention to the 'fit' legs, and the dark colors create a powerful tone which may motivate women to invest time/money into fitness. "Start with your feet, and get fit from the ground up" brings emphasis to the importance of shoes, which many women value as an important outfit piece. Such a statement also suggests that such comfortable shoes can help a women achieve the reflected toned body seen in the print. The statement "an unstoppable you" from the description further relates to women as they often feel inspired and connected to/by motivating quotes. As achieving the ideal stereotypical 'perfect body' is something chased by several women, such an ad promoting fitness can further relate to fitness-drawn/interested women. Women often like doing things independently, therefore "make yourself fit" stands out as it entails a job for women to conquer by themselves. 

Stereotypes in Advertisements

Advertisements throughout the years have often fallen into using traditional stereotypes which have been presented in similar styles for decades. Particularly the stereotype surrounding the way men and women are expected to look, as ads are visually heavy media sources which are required to be eye-catching. Therefore, these adverts have used heavily edited images in order to look aesthetically pleasing. Women are regularly seen as ‘decorative’ and passive beings within the advertisements, often boasting slim figures. Men contrast this image, as they showcase muscular bodies often interacting with what is being advertised. It can be debated that the ‘traditional’ men’s body is more realistic and more easily attained than the oppositely slim figure which is expected of women. However, both perfectly toned images of the genders do not depict the reality of the plethora of body figures seen everyday.

            These unrealistic images are projected around the world, and viewed by an audience of all ages. A common stereotype seen within these ads is the unrealistic body expectations given to men and women. Many advertisers have turned to using social media as a platform trough which they can share their advertisements. As many young adults are constantly using various social media platforms, they are being heavily exposed to these unrealistic figures which can affect the way they expect their own body to look. As these advertisements often only project certain body stereotypes, it can lead to unhealthy relationships surrounding body image. It can be argued that the fitness industry has as well flourished in the past decade due to people chasing after the ‘perfect body’, which is created through media/advertisements.

            Although advertisements are a form of visual media, and have a purpose of being eye-pleasing, these advertisers should begin using several other body types in order to celebrate body image diversity. As well, these different body styles should be used within the advertisements without heavily labelling them as “plus-size” or “curvy”. By showcasing other body types, societies view of the ‘perfect body’ would become less critical, and there would be less pressure on the way each gender is expected to present themselves. Advertisements are constantly seen by the public, weather virtually or in real life. It is important that this major media source begin eradicating such ‘traditional’ stereotypes in order to create more accepting communities. Children/teens should not be growing up having to please expected stereotypes, as this creates unhealthy mindsets and only further spreads these unrealistic labels.