Coriolanus IOC Blog post

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Third Citizen. He said he had wounds, which he could show                                                      1

in private;

And with his hat, thus waving it in scorn,

'I would be consul,' says he: 'aged custom,

But by your voices, will not so permit me;                                                                                     5

Your voices therefore.' When we granted that,

Here was 'I thank you for your voices: thank you:

Your most sweet voices: now you have left

your voices,

I have no further with you.' Was not this mockery?                                                                     10

 

Sicinius Velutus. Why either were you ignorant to see't,

Or, seeing it, of such childish friendliness

To yield your voices?

 

Junius Brutus. Could you not have told him

As you were lesson'd, when he had no power,                                                                             15

But was a petty servant to the state,

He was your enemy, ever spake against

Your liberties and the charters that you bear

I' the body of the weal; and now, arriving

A place of potency and sway o' the state,                                                                                     20

If he should still malignantly remain

Fast foe to the plebeii, your voices might

Be curses to yourselves? You should have said

That as his worthy deeds did claim no less

Than what he stood for, so his gracious nature                                                                            25       

Would think upon you for your voices and

Translate his malice towards you into love,

Standing your friendly lord.

Sicinius Velutus. Thus to have said,

As you were fore-advised, had touch'd his spirit                                                                          30

And tried his inclination; from him pluck'd

Either his gracious promise, which you might,

As cause had call'd you up, have held him to

Or else it would have gall'd his surly nature,

Which easily endures not article                                                                                                   35

Tying him to aught; so putting him to rage,

You should have ta'en the advantage of his choler

And pass'd him unelected.

Junius Brutus. Did you perceive

He did solicit you in free contempt                                                                                               40

When he did need your loves, and do you think

That his contempt shall not be bruising to you,

When he hath power to crush? Why, had your bodies

No heart among you? or had you tongues to cry

Against the rectorship of judgment?                                                                                             45

Coriolanus Theme of Power

The play Coriolanus, written by Shakespeare in the Elizabethan era, is exhibited as a work of power throughout the context. During the era, the English public were attempting to overthrow king James VIII, searching for a pristine and modernized man. Shakespeare similarly portrays this in Coriolanus, categorizing the main protagonist as a faithful and god-like classical warrior who battles his way for the heart of Rome. Throughout the play, Coriolanus is contrasted with dragon imagery, relaying a sense of physical strength, authority and individualism, recurring with the theme of power. During the initial phases and building of the climax his acts are portrayed as dragon-like, once he’s banished and decides to work against Rome, yet in Act 5 Scene 2, Menenius states “This Martius is grown from man to dragon: he has wings”, explaining that he has fully developed into such a beast. Thus, Coriolanus is approached by his mother, wife and son who kneel towards him, leaving him indifferent until he is emotionally impacted by his mother’s words. This displays the prowess and control his mother has on her son, although her position is respected due to the achievements of her son, she is bound to tame the beast and sacrifice him for the goodwill of Rome. Tullus Aufidius does not display much of a powerful character after being defeated by Coriolanus in battle, however is provided with the chance to regain revenge upon his prior enemy once Coriolanus avoids overtaking his homeland. As a result, during this era Shakespeare was able to portray the transformation of England, as well as the global world, through the inclusion of an ancient demi-god coupled with two regular, yet highly corrupt human beings taking charge and admonishing such a power, emphasizing the point that goodwill and heroic influences have been casted aside.