Coriolanus
Caius Marcius Coriolanus is the central figure of the play. He is loud, boisterous, and a man of decisive action. His physical strength and bravery seem almost beyond human capability. Coriolanus stands as the greatest warrior of his time. His personal heroism inspires other soldiers, who follow him into battle with near-religious fervor. However, the play does not depict him as a natural leader who is comfortable with or respectful of his subordinates. When the Romans are driven back to their trenches outside Corioles, he reverses the situation by cursing his men. He bellows for "boils and plagues" to afflict them, calls them "souls of geese / That bear the shapes of men," and threatens to turn his sword on them if they do not "stand fast" (I.iv.31, 34-35, 41).
The traits that make him Rome's most celebrated soldier are not the ones needed for successful political leadership. Coriolanus seems to recognize this, despite not being introspective. His mother appears to be the driving force behind his decision to run for consul. He himself is not skilled at campaigning. He uses language as a blunt tool, as seen in the earlier passage, rather than for persuasion or cajoling. It goes against his nature, he admits, to ask people for their votes: "It is a part / That I shall blush in acting" (II.ii.144-45). Menenius tries to coach his performance, reminding him that "the worthiest men" in Rome have had to don the robe of humility and appeal directly to the citizens (II.iii.49). Coriolanus behaves as if his exceptional military service alone should entitle him to the office of consul—he shouldn't have to woo the voters.
He holds the citizens he would need to serve in contempt. "Bid them wash their faces, / And keep their teeth clean" (II.iii.60-61), he mockingly remarks as the first group of citizens approaches him. Coriolanus's disdain for the people is evident throughout the play. He calls them rogues, curs, rats, and foul-smelling cowards. His political views are rooted in his belief that only aristocrats are fit to govern. He thinks it was a grave error for the senators to distribute corn to the people for free; he believes the common soldiers were cowardly in the battle outside Corioles and should not be rewarded for "this kind of service" (III.i.123). He argues that distributing corn will only make them expect more handouts in the future. Additionally, Coriolanus believes that the people will think the senators acted out of fear, encouraging them to believe they can intimidate their rulers. He feels the citizens have been granted too much power and does not think a stable government is possible if, as he sees them, ignorant citizens have a say in policy and elections.
Many commentators highlight Coriolanus's arrogance, viewing his immense pride as central to his character. Several have pointed out what they consider to be the hero's egotism or self-centeredness. Nearly all note Coriolanus's uncontrollable temper, which frequently leads to catastrophic outcomes. The tribunes exploit this trait by provoking him until he vehemently defies them and shows disdain for the people, effectively ensuring his banishment. Similarly, Aufidius knows that Coriolanus can be provoked into a self-destructive rage and incites him to a furious display in the play's final scene. Like a child who hasn't learned to think before speaking, Coriolanus expresses his emotions immediately and bluntly. "His heart's his mouth: / What his breast forges, that his tongue must vent," Menenius observes (III.i.256-57).
To many readers, Coriolanus seems immature. He appears unusually reliant on his mother's praise and approval. He pursues a course of action he knows...
(This entire section contains 1154 words.)
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is wrong—seeking the consulship—because it's what she desires. In III.ii, he compromises his integrity by agreeing to pretend to the people that he regrets his words. He also breaks his soldier's oath to the Volscians when, in V.iii, Volumnia makes an emotional appeal. Some commentators suggest that Coriolanus is subconsciously aware of his immaturity, and when Aufidius calls him a "boy of tears" (V.vi.100), the insult hits home and triggers uncontrollable rage. Coriolanus hurls the word "boy" back at Aufidius three times, as if in disbelief. To disprove the accusation, he reminds everyone of his achievements at Corioles. "Like an eagle in a dove-cote," he scattered everyone before him, and did it single-handedly: "Alone I did it. Boy!" (V.vi.114, 116).
Some view Coriolanus's stubbornness as a sign of immaturity, but others see it as a mark of his unwavering commitment to the principles and ideals instilled by his mother and society. In Coriolanus's world, honor is an end in itself, and he cannot fathom compromising it for political convenience. "You are too absolute" (III.ii.39), his mother tells him. Coriolanus scorns the idea of making concessions to the people, believing he should not betray his nature for the votes of ordinary citizens. He resists giving power to the people and creating the office of tribune because he knows these actions will weaken the authority of the patricians—the group he belongs to and believes is best suited to govern Rome. The ideals he strives to uphold—truthfulness, keeping one's word, and steadfastness—are virtues in a soldier. Unfortunately, Coriolanus discovers that these values are less appreciated in civil society.
His estrangement from society can be attributed to his differing values. Alternatively, it may stem from his arrogance. Regardless of the cause, Coriolanus remains a solitary figure. He confides in only one person and appears entirely self-reliant. He perceives no shared humanity between himself and ordinary individuals. In Act I, Scene ix, Lines 90-92, after the battle of Corioles, he forgets the name of a Volscian who once showed him kindness; consequently, this man, now a Roman prisoner, will likely be executed. Coriolanus's inhumanity is highlighted by other characters frequently referring to him with terms like "thing" and using inanimate or subhuman imagery. Menenius remarks, "When he walks, he moves like an engine" (V.iv.18-19). As Coriolanus departs Rome for the final time, he likens himself to "a lonely dragon" (IV.i.30). In his sole soliloquy (IV.iv.12-26), he intentionally distances himself from emotions such as love and friendship.
Ironically, as many commentators have noted, it is precisely when Coriolanus allows himself (or is convinced) to reveal his shared humanity that he seals his own fate. When he consents to spare Rome, he is aware it will cost him his life. Yet, for once, the fierce warrior shows a sense of compassion. He chooses his destiny and embraces it. In the play's final scene, he appears to almost welcome death. He boldly reminds the Volscians that he was responsible for many of their compatriots' deaths, prompting them to demand his life in return. "Cut me to pieces" (V.vi.111), he exclaims. Coriolanus's death acts as an atonement for the lives of many Volscians and represents a brave sacrifice for the sake of Rome.
