What is Shakespeare’s larger purpose in his characterization of Coriolanus in Act I?
Throughout Act I of the political play Coriolanus (1605-1608), Shakespeare’s direct and indirect characterization of Caius Martius (Coriolanus) illustrates his tragic, heroic qualities within the ongoing conflict between the commonalty and the patricians of Rome. By doing so, Shakespeare portrays Martius’ motif of power and settings of politics, power, and war.
In Act I, scene I Shakespeare introduces the fundamental conflict between the plebeians and patricians through the intertwining political motives of power. The scene is set during the rioting and revolts against the patricians, as they accuse them of hoarding grain during the famine. They strongly command to configure the price of grain instead of the Senate. Within these riots, the citizens single out Caius Martius and refer to him as a “chief enemy to the people,” (I.i.7-8) who “a very dog to the commonalty” (I.i.27-28). This illustrates his opposing and brash character, which foreshadows his downfall in Act V. While Menenius’ efforts to subdue the plebeians through the body parable metaphor of the belly, Coriolanus depicts his distinct attitude towards the citizens referring to them as “dissentious rogues” (I.i.174), “curs” (I.i.179) and “Hang ‘em!” (I.i.203). Shakespeare has introduced this attitude to display the existing hierarchy during the Roman time in its effects on society’s revolts.
Volumnia also helps round Coriolanus’ character as she states to Virgilia that “if my son were my husband, I should freelier rejoice in that absence wherein he won honor than in the embracement’s of his bed where he would show most love.” (I.iii.1-5). Volumnia’s love for violence, yet caring nature, allows Coriolanus’s motivation to spark as he encourages him to seek political office.
During the battle at Corioles with the Volsces, Martius’ character is further displayed by his similar attitude of the citizens to his soldiers, claiming they are “souls of geese” and “plagues.” However, due to his bravery and desperation, many seem to look up to him as a role model to eliminate the Volsces. This can be seen in his inspiring yet threatening announcement; “If any think brave death outweighs bad life, And that his country’s dearer than himself; Let him alone, or so many so minded, Wave this to express his disposition And follow Martius.” His bravery and singular importance are particularly noticeable in the quote “who sensibly outdares his senseless sword, and when it bows, stands up.”Not only does Shakespeare characterize Martius with these heroic traits, but his actions also reinforce this notion. Martius singlehandedly fights and opens the gates of Corioles, allowing the Romans to capture the city. The act of one man versus an army of a city portrays him as a godlike, perhaps supernatural fighter, a typical trait of classic heroes. These acts contrast his attitudes towards the commonalty of his nation. During the battle, Martius is proven to display generosity and high strength and bravery for his city. Whereas in the first scenes, the commonalty sees him as a “chief enemy of the people.” Hence, Shakespeare demonstrates Martius’ ability to adapt to his power to provoke a demigod representation and bold (yet provincial) characteristics.
While Shakespeare displays Coriolanus as a classic hero, his continuing arrogant attitude in his return to Rome foreshadows his downfall in Act V. Shakespeare’s contrasting portrayal of a conventional hero in both scenes are present; a godlike hero in the war yet a tragic hero in Rome. This, in return, further stimulates Shakespeare’s purpose of Act I in his characterization of Coriolanus.
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