Power in Coriolanus

This play depicts the political system of Rome throughout this time as there is a transitioning period from a monarchy to a democracy which can be seen as closely mirroring James I's England. Featured throughout as the main protagonist is Coriolanus, whom the book is named after, who contains a very selfish and egotistical personality and with his inability to strategize politically, he is exiled from Rome. Power is demonstrated by Coriolanus on the battlefield with his strong military power however heavily lacks political intelligence which explains his rejection from consul with no support from the plebeians. He is murdered at the end of the play by Aufidius who is the complete opposite of Coriolanus in terms of political understanding. He is able to see the lower class as valuable to his rise instead of insulting and worthless like Coriolanus. He strategizes every scenario in his life to receive benefit and can be very flexible in his values. This is shown where Aufidius creates the alliance with Coriolanus only under the condition that he is benefited as it enforced his military power. Volumnia, who is Coriolanus' mother, is also very strategic politically and she is also another powerful character in this play. She is able to maneuver her way around politically through the use of her son with her matriachal influence. Sicinius and Brutus who are tribunes are also politically intelligent as they also possess the ability to influence and entirely reverse the plebeians opinions in their voting.

This analyzation throughout the play showcases how Shakespeare is depicting success through being political strategic. Maneuvering throughout the classes and being flexible in terms of personal values is the only way depicted in Coriolanus to be the way to survive. Lastly, emphasizing on a whole how one can be politically powerful through the awareness of sacrifices and the one bold enough to make the required positional changes as this is seen with Volumnia and her success even though she was a woman.