Themes of Power in Coriolanus


Shakespeare’s Coriolanus is a political play that shows the early ages of transforming into a democracy after its monarchy style of ruling. Coriolanus in this play, symbolizes the old fashioned way of power, like the survival of the fittest. He believes that a person needs to strive and fight for himself, in order to go up the hierarchy. He is unable to adapt to the new democratic perspective, which, the Plebians represent. Rome now being a citizen driven country, enables the people to choose their government, which Coriolanus dislikes, since he thinks that the Plebians are too foolish and selfish to think of their State’s benefit and that they aren’t capable to recognize worthy people, nor their “defenders”. Aufidius, Rome’s enemy, on the other hand, adjusts to the situation and is an opportunist: taking advantage of every moment. This is seen when Coriolanus goes to him, accepting defeat, and Aufidius instead of killing him (like he previously said he would), he instead took him as an ally. This did help him move against Rome, especially by using Coriolanus’ position against Rome. Volumnia, Coriolanus’ mother, on the other hand is a patriotic and does anything for the country, although, even she dislikes the Plebians. This is evident when she curses at the people of Rome when her son was banished. The characters of the play, all project different types of power and loyalty in terms of political setting. 

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