POWER in CORIOLANUS in 250 words

The political setting of the play is Rome evolving from a monarchy to a democracy, however the social context brings about conflict of the distribution of power. This theme is developed using three characters that foil one another. Firstly, Volumnia (mother of Coriolanus) is bold and domineering, caring more about her son’s glory than his life. This sense of maternal possession yields her power not only over her son (i.e. convincing Coriolanus not to destroy Rome), but also in her own status as she is regarded as “masculine” in a society where women were dismissed. Therefore, her power is rooted in her independence and her motherly influence. Secondly, Menenius presents his power through his ability to ‘string’ the citizens due to their admiration for him because of this patrician’s charming honesty. For example, he was able to calm a riot simply using an extended metaphor about digestion. Knowing this, the respect attained from the people grants him an advantage in a citizen-driven government. Lastly, Coriolanus demonstrates power through the connotations attached to his name as it is a representation of fearlessness and bravery that was titled to him after defeating the city of Corioles. Contrasting with the others, he strives for control through tyrant and brutish behavior such as cursing his people and government that result in his eventual downfall. In conclusion, power is developed through the characters as each illustrate their own method of transitioning into the non-autocratic era; as, where some prosper (Volumnia and Menenius), others perish (Coriolanus).