Blog Post #16 - Coriolanus Act 1

What is Shakespeare’s larger purpose in his characterization of Coriolanus in Act 1?

One of the plays written in the final years of Shakespeare’s life, Coriolanus, was a political play. All though this play was considered his worst, Shakespeare still made the character of Coriolanus demonstrate the greater significance of a classical hero's role in society. The focal purpose of Shakespeare characterizing Coriolanus in Act 1 is to elaborate on the idea of a demigod-like character that ends with his warriors triumphant. Shakespeare creates a theme of downfall throughout the play by imitating forces of conflict in the play while still reminding the audience of the importance of the setting and genre.
Within Act 1, Shakespeare deliberately introduces Coriolanus also known as Caius Martius to be a brave, worthy and frightening warrior in battle by giving calling him a demigod. Shakespeare regularly reminds the audience of the genre the play complies to; an unconventional political tragedy which happens when Coriolanus runs for consul. Coriolanus' ability on the battlefield seem to make him an ideal hero for most of the people; however, he lacked the ability to be a suitable leader to fulfil the needs of the plebeians. The only way to win consul, Caius must first win the vote of the plebeians. The imagery Shakespeare used to create a demigod-like status for Coriolanus, made the plebeians feel obligated to praise and thank Coriolanus seen as "he has done nobly ... and therefore let Coriolanus be consul".
Shakespeare develops the theme ‘downfall’ using severe destruction throughout the play. Set in the aftermath of the transition from monarchy to republic in Rome, the play portrays Coriolanus as if he were trapped among two distinct worlds. One, a world of violence, action and warriors which represents the battlefield and the other world is political representing the capitol. In Act 1 it was evident that Coriolanus was seen to be a kingly figure, born to command soldiers for war, kill without remorse and follow no man's tactics, adding to the image of a demigod-like individual. Shakespeare vividly portrayed Coriolanus as a character on the battlefield to show the vast contrast in personality in which was needed to be in politics. This just reiterates that Coriolanus may have been a skilful and brave demigod on the battlefield but his natural savage approach won't work to win the citizens.
To complete, the larger purpose behind Shakespeare's characterisation of Coriolanus is to develop Coriolanus' warrior traits, allowing him to highlight and contrast between his ability as a warrior on the battlefield and as a politician in the capitol, accentuating the theme of his demigod-like downfall at the end of the play.

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