Note #16
The Theme of Power in Coriolanus
Coriolanus is a highly political play that delves into the dynamics of social hierarchy and power in the newly formed Republic of Rome. The theme of power is mainly built around three characters- Coriolanus, Aufidius, and Volumnia, all representative of different kinds of power.
Coriolanus is projected as an authoritarian ruler that disregards public opinion. The nature of his power is absolute, at the cost of repressing the very voices he was meant to serve. This aspect anchored his fallibility.
Au contraire, Aufidius, possessing the acumen to steer strategically through the political arena was unsurprisingly successful in his ventures. Deceit and coyness are considered synonymous with politics and the possession of these qualities allowed him to maintain the power he so cherished. When he realized the receptiveness of the public of Corioles to Coriolanus was a threat to his status as the sole ultimate power of the land, he devised a plan to eliminate this threat. He capitalized on Coriolanus' naiveté to eradicate him from the power struggle.
Volumnia can be thought of as the figure in the shadows that pulls the strings. Although devoid of a public title, the power she wielded was a force to reckon with. She executed her political will through utilizing her son. Her own son, on whom she exerted a tight emotional grip, was victimized in this ploy of artful manipulation. The nature of her power can be summarized as being inconspicuously indomitable.
The time period in which the play was developed against the backdrop of changing political dynamics in England. Many aspects of the play can be considered to be derived from events unfolding in England. The shifting nature of power and its infallibility as evident in the unison of Scotland and England, two traditionally opposing parties is reminiscent of the common goals that both Aufidius and the Romans aspired to achieve, i.e. the eradication of Coriolanus.
The Theme of Power in Coriolanus
Coriolanus is a highly political play that delves into the dynamics of social hierarchy and power in the newly formed Republic of Rome. The theme of power is mainly built around three characters- Coriolanus, Aufidius, and Volumnia, all representative of different kinds of power.
Coriolanus is projected as an authoritarian ruler that disregards public opinion. The nature of his power is absolute, at the cost of repressing the very voices he was meant to serve. This aspect anchored his fallibility.
Au contraire, Aufidius, possessing the acumen to steer strategically through the political arena was unsurprisingly successful in his ventures. Deceit and coyness are considered synonymous with politics and the possession of these qualities allowed him to maintain the power he so cherished. When he realized the receptiveness of the public of Corioles to Coriolanus was a threat to his status as the sole ultimate power of the land, he devised a plan to eliminate this threat. He capitalized on Coriolanus' naiveté to eradicate him from the power struggle.
Volumnia can be thought of as the figure in the shadows that pulls the strings. Although devoid of a public title, the power she wielded was a force to reckon with. She executed her political will through utilizing her son. Her own son, on whom she exerted a tight emotional grip, was victimized in this ploy of artful manipulation. The nature of her power can be summarized as being inconspicuously indomitable.
The time period in which the play was developed against the backdrop of changing political dynamics in England. Many aspects of the play can be considered to be derived from events unfolding in England. The shifting nature of power and its infallibility as evident in the unison of Scotland and England, two traditionally opposing parties is reminiscent of the common goals that both Aufidius and the Romans aspired to achieve, i.e. the eradication of Coriolanus.
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