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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