'Tulips' by Sylvia Plath IOC Practice

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B5PjQy2qRuoKY2h0ZnFlck5lenc/view?usp=sharing

Coriolanus Passage IOC Outline

Introduction:

This passage is form the play “Coriolanus” by William Shakespeare. This passage acts as the primary climax of Coriolanus’s inexplicit internal conflicts throughout the play. This passage ultimately highlights his banishment from Rome, as he is maladaptive to the political shift from monarchy to democracy. It marks the beginning of the tragic hero, Coriolanus’, downfall.

Shakespeare crafts his work as a social commentary to display the distribution of power in the Elizabethan era. In attempt to modernize Rome, the new distribution of power is deemed problematic and unfathomable for Coriolanus.

This Individual Oral Commentary will proceed in a sequential fashion.

Lines 1-10

• Sicinius utilizes sly imagery to coax the citizens to conform to their plan to “banish (Coriolanus from their) city.” à “In peril of precipitation From off the rock Tarpeian never more”
• The repetition and use of anaphora of “it shall be so” further motivates the citizens to agree with the banishment of Coriolanus.
• The chanting citizens are almost blindly following Sicinius and Brutus, which characterizes them as oblivious and impervious beings.
• Sicinius and Brutus are characterized as deceptive and manipulative in their nature.
• This dialogue builds tension towards the climax and emphasizes the conflicts within the play.

Lines 10-22

• Cominus demonstrates ethos by mentioning his credibility, hence has good rhetoric à “I have been consul.”
• Still embodies the old society, wherein wounds and military power were valued à “Her enemies marks upon me”
• Brutus has an insisting tone à “There is no more to be said”
• Again the repetition of “it shall be so”

Lines 22-39

• The use of animal imagery dehumanizes and demotes the citizens à “You common cry of curs!”
• Coriolanus’ hubris does not allow him to be banished, thus he banishes Rome. He also does not believe the citizens are able to make decisions, thus makes it appear as though it is his decision to leave. à “That do corrupt my air, I banish you”
• To further empathize the aforementioned claim à “Have the power still to banish you defenders”
• He insults the citizens, which characterizes his intolerance and desire to place a hierarchy. à “Your ignorance.”
• He takes charge of himself. Additionally, he turns his back, which indicates he has lost hope in his city. à “For you, the city, thus I turn my back.”

Conclusion

            This passage is the climax of the play as it marks the beginning of Coriolanus’ downfall. Additionally, it employs imagery to further highlight this. It is important to note that through the dialogue it is evident that good rhetoric is overruling Coriolanus’ speech. Thus, this reveals the power of linguistics and politics, rather than military power.