IOC

https://soundcloud.com/luiza-helena-33/ioc

Consolidation of theme of power in Coriolanus

The theme of power is a prevalent theme in the play of Coriolanus written by Shakespeare. As the play is set in 491 B.C.E., the context of the time constitutes of when the early Republican Rome had just transitioned from being ruled by a monarch to a government run by officials elected by the people of Rome. Previously, the ruling class in Rome had all the power (The Patricians) while the plebeians (the common people/citizens) had no power whatsoever and contributed towards the transition of the government but rioting in the streets. 


To summarise the play, Coriolanus a strong and respected soldier defends Rome in many battles and takes over the city of Corioles defeating his enemy Aufidius in war. Subsequently, Coriolanus decides to run for Consul however his bad reputation amongst the plebeians and the tribunes (Brutus and Sicinius) he is denied the role of Consul and is banned from Rome. Coriolanus holds a grudge towards Rome as a whole and goes to Antium seeking help from Aufidius, whom he promises to stand aside when attacking and defeating Rome. Volumnia, Coriolanus’s mother, then convinces him to spare Rome and she gets declared the “saviour of Rome” while Aufidius executes Coriolanus for treason. 

Coriolanus, Volumnia and Aufidius are essential characters whom contributed towards the development of the theme of power in the play. Coriolanus has military power because in the army whoever is the best rules. While Volumnia has influential maternal power on Coriolanus by being able to make him spare Rome knowing that he would be executed. In Addition, Aufidius’ power is balanced between military and politics as in he is the leader of the army but he also ruled the city of Antium.Furthermore Coriolanus comes from the old world, he is just like a god and his mind is stuck in the hierarchical era because he cannot accept the new governmental system. However, Volumnia and Aufidius are able to do something that Coriolanus cannot which is to sacrifice something (their pride and emotions) in order to get what they want. They are long-term oriented (patient). The nature of power within the context of evolving Rome revolves around the idea that one must be able to change and to accept input from others into their work by sacrificing pride and thinking of the greater good.