Analytical Response
Throughout the play, the characterisation of Caius Martius Coriolanus not only bring to light that he is the tragic hero in Shakespeare’s play, but also emphasizes the gap between the Patrician and the Plebeians.
The play, written around 1605 by Shakespeare, is considered a political play. Therefore the play intertwines political motives, such as the tension between the Patricians and the Plebeians. In the first scene of the play, we encounter the plebeians revolting against the Patricians, since the grain isn’t distributed equally resulting in a famine amongst the Plebeians. Thus, they are blaming the Patricians for the famine. They agree to proceed especially against Coriolanus, as he is described as “a very dog to commonality” (Act I, Scene I). Thus Coriolanus is represented as the rigorous opponent, as he is a Patrician.
Despite Menenius’ attempt to soothe the revolt of the Plebeians, Coriolanus shows a despising behavior towards the Plebeians, fueling their hatred towards Coriolanus and the Patricians even more “We have ever your good word” (Act I, Scene I). This not only highlights the hierarchy of classes during the Roman times, but also the effect that it has on the Roman society as a whole--dissatisfaction and revolt. Shakespeare therefore shows the audience how this class system impact the proceedings of the characters in the play.
The neglecting attitude of Coriolanus, a patrician, emphasizes the gap and conflicts between these two groups; the Plebeians and the Patricians. It is clear that the Patricians look down upon the Plebeians, based on Coriolanus’ attitude towards them “you dissentious rogues, That , rubbing the poor itch of your opinion, Make yourselves scabs?” (Act I, Scene I). As shown, Coriolanus, a Patricians, does not shows any respect towards the Plebeians’ opinion, as they are seen as the inferior class of Romans. “They are dissolved: hang ‘em!” (Act 1, Scene I). The Patricians, Coriolanus, seem to want to get rid of the Plebeians as they do not form any importance in the Roman society, and are according to Coriolanus unnecessary and should therefore vanish.
In the play, Coriolanus is represented as a tragic hero; meaning that he is a “literary character who makes a judgment error that inevitably leads to his/her own destruction” (Bainbridge. 2008) In the play, Coriolanus is considered a classical hero in the full beginning scenes since he has been able to defeat the battles against the Volscians. “Misguide thy opposer’s swords! Bold gentleman, Prosperity be thy page!” (Act I, Scene 5) However, as soon as he returns back to Rome his arrogant and disrespectful attitude towards the Plebeians will lead him to his own destruction. Significant is that he is represented as a classical hero in the battle field, but in the capital of Rome he is rather rather a tragic hero since his arrogance towards the Plebeians arouses hatred towards Coriolanus. Coriolanus’ defeat against the Volsces arouse hate as well, which later on in the play will lead to his own destruction. “He’s the devil. Bolder, though not so subtle. My valour’s poison’d” (Act I, scene 10).
