The play
Coriolanus is a political tragedy written by Shakespeare, that seems to
reverberate themes surrounding the power of language in politics, which
accounts for Coriolanus’ downfall. The play overall bestows social and
political matters, specifically discussing
the rift between political and military power. These
themes are shaped through the actions of the protagonist, Coriolanus, who is
a man of immense valor and equally great pride. However, he holds flawed traits
as he is displayed as an arrogant and stubborn aristocrat. He is a member of the patrician class and
is contemptuous of the plebeians. Act 1 is dynamic in terms of Coriolanus’
character development, which ultimately drives the plot and foreshadows his
demise.
The play opens
with the citizens rioting in the streets of Rome because they are starving and
believe the aristocrats bogart the food supply. They particularity blame Coriolanus
(Caius Martius) for the meager supply of grain. Coriolanus’ characterization
was first revealed as he was indirectly introduced by the acrimonious remarks
of the plebeians or common people. This acts as the Coriolanus’ first political
conflict, as he is resented and unpopular. This is explicitly stated by the
‘First Citizen’ as he states “…Caius Martius is
chief enemy to the people”(1.1.7). A nobleman by the name of Menineus arrives
and is able to assuage the plebeians using his potent rhetoric. His garrulous
nature led him to introducing “Fable of the Belly” parable, as he uses a
metaphor of a “belly” to calm the citizens down. The plebeians refer to him as
the “one that hath always loved the people” (1.1.44-45). In arrant
disparity, Coriolanus’ enters the scene and displays violent resent towards the plebeians. His
first words were “What’s the matter, you dissentious
rogues/that, rubbing the poor itch of your opinion/make yourselves scab.”
(1.1.164-166). There appears to be a stark juxtaposition between the two
characters, which is evident through their lexicon. The audience is immediately
stunned by his tawdry attitude towards the common people. This foreshadows Coriolanus’ downfall and
external conflicts in the play, when his political language incapacity betrays
him. His arrogance acts as the root to the calamities that appear in the next
sequel of events.
In contrast to these flawed traits, moving
forward onto the battlefield as he manifests
great heroism. A mirror image of Scene One is presented when entering warzone,
with Coriolanus as the hero. His character on the battlefield is extremely contradictory
to that in a political setting. “Sir, praise me
not/my work hath yet not warm’d me: fare you well.” (1.5.590-591) His tone portrays
him as a paladin, deeming traits of heroism and chivalry.
In the battle
with the Volsces, Coriolanus displays great heroism, with a hint of arrogance
that never seems to fade. Despite this when it comes to boasting of his martial
exploits, he cannot bear to be publicly praised. This is one of the qualities
that portrays him a complex character, full of contradictions. “Let the first
budger die the other’s slave/and the gods doom him after!” (1.8.742-743). The
first noticeable thing in the conversation between Coriolanus and Aufidius is
the great respect Coriolanus has for him, in comparison to the way he talks to
the plebeians. This can be attributed to the fact that Aufidius is a
general, a role of honor and bravery. This means that since Coriolanus respects
Aufidius, his enemy, and not his own people, proves that he treats people according
to their status; another one of his tragic flaws. He then goes on and says that
whoever loses the battle becomes the others’ slave. This describes great esteem
and ego in Coriolanus, implying that he values his own honor and power over his
own death.
The complexity
of his character is extremely fallacious, he displays heroism in spite of his
flawed inability when it comes to public relations. He demonstrates
aristocratic arrogance and unwillingness to compromise, however this can
be interpreted conversely when considering his dedication to his own values.
This heroism is grounded in warfare rather than politics, which creates an
imbalance and thus begetting his downfall. The first Act embeds foreshadowing of upcoming events leading to his demise.
