- Coriolanus is a political play written by William Shakespeare in the 1600s. By many it is considered one his worst plays while it is also one of his last ones. Caius Marcius Coriolanus is a true war hero and leader who seemed very much appreciated among the senators of Rome. Some consider this play to be satire due to the parallel Shakespeare draws between Coriolanus and King James the First.
- This passage is situated in Act 4 Scene 5 of the play, where Coriolanus has gone over to Aufidius and desperately begged him to join forces in order to defeat Rome. This act/scene has a significant role in establishing further development of Aufidius' character. Throughout the play, the conflict between Aufidius and Coriolanus has developed.
- There is a tone of love and admiration present throughout this passage, which highlights one of the key features within Shakespearian plays. Because there is no narrator, and merely a dialogue between characters, it is certain that the effect of the characters tone will play a significant role in setting the mood of the scene/play.
- Coriolanus banishment and lust for power has led him to join Aufidius.
Section 1
- Aufidius' warm welcome confirms the shifting relationship between him and Aufidius, in which there is still a sense of hostility present in the interaction with one another.
- The passage immediately establishes Aufidius' respectful tone. Aufidius' regard for Coriolanus is immediately present in his words "each word thou hast spoke hath weeded from my heart a root of ancient envy". This metaphor conveys the effect of Coriolanus' dialogue to him
- Aufidius' allusion to Jupiter showcases how he trusts Coriolanus' honour and honesty. He also says that Coriolanus is the "moon" which is another metaphor that portrays Coriolanus' importance to Aufidius
- There is the theme of love vs. battle, as Aufidius in line 9 and lines 14-18 Aufidius tells Coriolanus that he is more excited about seeing him than he was about seeing his new bride on his wedding night.
- Aufidius' description of dreaming about fighting Coriolanus perhaps foreshadows the future downfall of Coriolanus. In these dreams he says they "Unbuckling helms, fisting each other’s throat," These terms could be harmless but do question their relationship.
Section 2
- At the end of the passage, Coriolanus thanks the gods when previously he was seen as one of them. This symbolises his loss of power and degradation from noble to citizen.
- Earlier on in the scene Coriolanus is presented as calm and persuasive. As for now he is in his most powerful state due the manipulation, which Aufidius fell for. However, it reveals that this manipulation will lead to his downfall, as Aufidius will eventually see the truth due to the servants.
Conclusion
- Shakespeares political play can be compared to modern issues that include the flaws of greed and the desire to control.
