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Shakespeare's Coriolanus: Exploring Themes of Identity and Conflict


Shakespeare's Coriolanus: Exploring Themes of Identity and Conflict
Shakespeare's Coriolanus: Exploring Themes of Identity and Conflict

CORIOLANUS


Coriolanus," one of Shakespeare's final political tragedies, penned around 1608 and included in the First Folio of 1623, retains some characteristics of the original manuscript. This five-act play, an expansion of Plutarch's biographical account, revolves around Gnaeus Marcius Coriolanus, a legendary Roman hero. The narrative, although structured in the Elizabethan style, carries a distinctly classical essence.


Renowned Roman general Coriolanus earns his acclaim through victorious battles. The Senate proposes him as consul, yet public favor eludes him. Exiled and forming an alliance with a former adversary, he stages an assault on Rome. His mother's counsel prevents disaster, but his newfound comrade betrays and kills him.


Major Characters


  • Caius Martius: Roman general, gains name "Coriolanus" for Corioles victory. Brave, skilled, proud, exiled due to aristocratic arrogance.

  • Volumnia: Mother of Coriolanus, nurtures warrior spirit. Dominates his actions.

  • Menenius: Witty Roman noble, mediates conflict adeptly.

  • Brutus: Plebeian tribune, views Coriolanus as a threat.

  • Sicinius: Clever tribune, allies with Brutus against Coriolanus.

  • Tullus Aufidius: Volscian general, rival to Coriolanus in warfare.

  • Cominius: Coriolanus's friend and Roman general.

  • Titus Lartius: Roman noble, general against the Volscians.

  • Virgilia: Coriolanus's faithful wife, Roman noble.

  • Valeria: Friend of Virgilia and Volumnia, Roman noblewoman.

  • Young Martius: Coriolanus and Virgilia's son, next generation.


Summary


Act I: In Rome, discontented citizens protest food scarcity. Menenius Agrippa, a respected aristocrat, calms them. Caius Martius, a proud young general, belittles plebeians. Amid this turmoil, the Volscians threaten Rome. Senate sends Martius against them, led by Aufidius.


Act II: Martius's mother, Volumnia, praises his bravery. He conquers Corioli, earns the name Coriolanus. Appointed Consul, he faces reluctance. The people ratify but later reverse the decision.


Act III: In a fiery dispute, Coriolanus scorns plebeians' rights. Encouraged by senators and Volumnia, he's exiled. He allies with Volscians, plans to attack Rome.


Act IV: Rome rejoices at Coriolanus's absence until learning of his alliance with Aufidius. Diplomatic efforts fail. Volumnia pleads, Coriolanus agrees to peace.


Act V: Aufidius kills Coriolanus in anger, then mourns him.






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