English Lan & Lit

IOC Act 3, scene 1 Annotated Passage Add caption

'Power' is considered the most dominant theme throughout the play of Coriolanus, Each character within the play holds a great sense of power which is reflected by their actions and perceptions. Coriolanus, who is the protagonist, holds great power throughout the play whereby constantly comparing himself to a dragon and also having a 'GOD - LIKE' stature towards other individuals. a dragon can refer to powerful, mythical, unique and fearless. In this case, that is how he is seen as. However, he has one weakness which is Volumnia's love for him. This further evokes the sense that he is often faced between love and battle, whereby he was determined to attack Rome, however, the only person who could stop him from doing so was his mother.  This is where Volumnia's power comes in. Her mother - like figure influences Coriolanus not to attack Rome. However, doing so will put his life in danger. Thus evokes the sense that she is willing to sacrifice her son for the safe