Blog Post 14 - Coriolanus Act 1
What is Shakespeare's larger purpose in his characterization of Coriolanus in Act 1?
Coriolanus, a brave, strong and noble hero in the play. Shakespeare establishes his character in a Roman era with countless conflicts in battlefield and in the capitol. Shakespeare used political views and perspectives to initiate the characterization of Coriolanus. He used this because he wanted to reveal the countless conflicts Roman people had. Firstly during this era, plebeians and patricians had a great divide between social status and wealth. However, Shakespeare depicts Caius Martius as being envied by patricians and most plebeians admire his bravery and hard work in the war.
Since he is illustrated to be in the lower - class, he still thinks plebeians do not deserve to have any power or wealth, therefore, he is depicted to be an arrogant man who has no emotion and awareness of other people's feelings. In ancient Rome, heroes would go out of their way to be seen by others, in other words, make themselves be noticed by doing things that people would find admirable. However, Shakespeare illustrates Coriolanus as model and hero because he refused to please the plebeians in order for them to vote for him. Furthermore, this makes him admirable because he is not willing to change his values for anyone. He would prefer to let his work ethic speak for itself. Also, in ancient Rome, people were often elected s officials t protect the native common people, in this case, Coriolanus.
Ancient Rome was filled with countless battles and armies. Shakespeare used the characterization of Coriolanus to depict what is seen to be noble and worthy in battlefield. He presents Coriolanus as a strong and brave character who is capable of defeating an army by himself. This justifies why he is seen as a worthy asset by most of the plebeians. Throughout this act, Shakespeare does illustrate Coriolanus to be a man with some desire, whereby Coriolanus admits that he is jealous of Tullus who is his enemy and had respect for the leader. And, by the acceptance of his new name 'Coriolanus' establishes that he himself is proud of his victory and hard work. The act ends by the victory win against Tullus. Shakespeare foreshadows how the Volscians would have conflict with Coriolanus or his community later in the play. Or any transitions that will happen, because of the way Coriolanus is being treated and how he reacts to each situation, from being envied to being treasured.
Coriolanus, a brave, strong and noble hero in the play. Shakespeare establishes his character in a Roman era with countless conflicts in battlefield and in the capitol. Shakespeare used political views and perspectives to initiate the characterization of Coriolanus. He used this because he wanted to reveal the countless conflicts Roman people had. Firstly during this era, plebeians and patricians had a great divide between social status and wealth. However, Shakespeare depicts Caius Martius as being envied by patricians and most plebeians admire his bravery and hard work in the war.
Since he is illustrated to be in the lower - class, he still thinks plebeians do not deserve to have any power or wealth, therefore, he is depicted to be an arrogant man who has no emotion and awareness of other people's feelings. In ancient Rome, heroes would go out of their way to be seen by others, in other words, make themselves be noticed by doing things that people would find admirable. However, Shakespeare illustrates Coriolanus as model and hero because he refused to please the plebeians in order for them to vote for him. Furthermore, this makes him admirable because he is not willing to change his values for anyone. He would prefer to let his work ethic speak for itself. Also, in ancient Rome, people were often elected s officials t protect the native common people, in this case, Coriolanus.
Ancient Rome was filled with countless battles and armies. Shakespeare used the characterization of Coriolanus to depict what is seen to be noble and worthy in battlefield. He presents Coriolanus as a strong and brave character who is capable of defeating an army by himself. This justifies why he is seen as a worthy asset by most of the plebeians. Throughout this act, Shakespeare does illustrate Coriolanus to be a man with some desire, whereby Coriolanus admits that he is jealous of Tullus who is his enemy and had respect for the leader. And, by the acceptance of his new name 'Coriolanus' establishes that he himself is proud of his victory and hard work. The act ends by the victory win against Tullus. Shakespeare foreshadows how the Volscians would have conflict with Coriolanus or his community later in the play. Or any transitions that will happen, because of the way Coriolanus is being treated and how he reacts to each situation, from being envied to being treasured.
Hi Keasha,
ReplyDeletei liked how you stated the divide between the plebians and patricians, and how both groups have opposing ideas towards Coriolanus to show the foretelling of conflict that is bound to happen later on in the story.
You described your depictions of Coriolanus well, which made your analysis good (established Coriolanus' character) and helped explain why Shakespeare had specifically chosen for Coriolanus to be seen in that light.
You could explore more how some of Coriolanus' traits could be an advantage or disadvantage for him later on in the play.
Overall, Good job!