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Cover of The Tragedy of Coriolanus

The Tragedy of Coriolanus

Written by William Shakespeare

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Tragedies (Drama)RomeGeneralsCoriolanus, Cnaeus Marcius

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About this book

"The Tragedy of Coriolanus" by William Shakespeare is a dramatic play written during the early 17th century, exploring themes of power, pride, and the complexities of political life in ancient Rome. The central character, Caius Martius Coriolanus, is a proud Roman general whose disdain for the common people and political machinations lead to his tragic downfall. The play delves into his struggles with both personal ambition and the public’s perception, illustrating the tensions between the patricians and the plebeians. The opening of the play sets the stage in Rome, where citizens are in a state of unrest due to food shortages and the perceived negligence of the patricians, particularly Martius, who is seen as their enemy. A group of rebellious citizens expresses their frustration and seeks revenge against Martius, whom they blame for their suffering. This initial scene introduces key themes of class conflict and introduces Martius, who arrives amid the citizens' rage, further igniting the tension. His confrontational attitude towards the plebeians foreshadows the conflict that will unfold as he grapples with his identity and the consequences of his pride.

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Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in The Tragedy of Coriolanus, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • advanced
  • Tragic
  • Political
  • Intense

William Shakespeare's "The Tragedy of Coriolanus" chronicles the downfall of Caius Martius Coriolanus, a formidable Roman general whose immense pride and aristocratic disdain for the common populace ultimately lead to his destruction. Despite his unparalleled military prowess, Coriolanus's inability to compromise or feign humility for political office results in his banishment from Rome. Driven by vengeful fury, he allies with his long-standing enemy, Tullus Aufidius, to march against his former city. However, the pleas of his mother, Volumnia, sway him to spare Rome, a decision that seals his fate as Aufidius, feeling betrayed, orchestrates his assassination.

“What's the matter, you dissentious rogues, That, rubbing the poor itch of your opinion, Make yourselves scabs?”

Key themes

Pride (Hubris) and Inflexibility
Coriolanus's defining characteristic, his excessive pride and inability to compromise or adapt, is the primary catalyst for his downfall. His honor is so rigid that it prevents him from engaging in the necessary political dissimulation, leading to his alienation and destruction.
Class Conflict and Social Division
The play vividly portrays the deep-seated antagonism between Rome's patrician aristocracy and the plebeian commoners. It explores the causes of this division (economic inequality, political representation) and its volatile consequences, highlighting the manipulation of both sides by their leaders.
The Nature of Leadership and Governance
The play scrutinizes different forms of leadership – military, aristocratic, and democratic – and questions what qualities make an effective leader. It highlights the conflict between a leader's personal integrity and the demands of public office, particularly the need for diplomacy and popular appeal.

Worth discussing

To what extent is Coriolanus a victim of his own pride, and to what extent is he a victim of political manipulation?

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