What is Shakespeare’s larger purpose in his characterisation of Coriolanus in Act I?
Shakespeare gives purpose to the characterisation of Coriolanus in Act 1 as he introduces a character that is easily recognisable with his similarities to classical hero and also accentuates the complexity of Coriolanus’ character’s attributes. He also does so to be able to show the importance of language in political matter that is different than the warlike language and behaviour that Coriolanus uses only of, seemingly showing this may be the only language he is able to communicate in. This shows the setting of two different worlds which are the battlefield and the city, which will eventually lead to the establishment of upcoming conflict that Coriolanus will have to face.
From the beginning of Scene 1, Shakespeare shows the hatred the Plebeians, common citizens of Rome affected by increase of prices of corn, have for Coriolanus and the notable reciprocal attitude Coriolanus has for them. Coriolanus is immediately described as ”chief enemy to the people (1.1. 7)” Afterwards he is defended by Menenius and shortly after enters the scene, he proceeds to insult the plebeians “What's the matter, you dissentious rogues, That, rubbing the poor itch of your opinion, Make yourselves scabs? (1.1.164)”
The character of Coriolanus is immediately shown as both as protagonist and antagonist as the people of Rome have contrasting views about him and this could establish a conflict which may lead to him being kicked out of Rome in upcoming acts as well as show the political and the start of political debates. This could be largely justified due to his lack of control and shift of behaviour as he acts and speaks of the same warlike language in all situations which could also hint his honesty as he stays true to himself, causing him to respect more those who are familiar in that and has no respect for the plebeians, who are seen as "fickle".
Although his attitude may not be the most pleasant towards all characters in the play and he is certainly not the perfect hero as he is flawed in many ways, Coriolanus is shown to be fearless, brave, skillful, motivational, strong, proud, loyal and a natural leader. Shakespeare characterizes him in a way that his exploits are similar to those being given to demigods in Greek mythology in which some skills may almost be seen as supernatural, giving him the classical hero aspect to the character which may portray a tragic ending.
Surprisingly, Coriolanus despises praise and is a bad speaker with a bad temper and this foreshadows the fatal political mistakes he will later on make in which he will have much more struggles to receive confirmation from the people as he acts tend to be spontaneous and unreflective as he lacks self awareness.
The character of Coriolanus is immediately shown as both as protagonist and antagonist as the people of Rome have contrasting views about him and this could establish a conflict which may lead to him being kicked out of Rome in upcoming acts as well as show the political and the start of political debates. This could be largely justified due to his lack of control and shift of behaviour as he acts and speaks of the same warlike language in all situations which could also hint his honesty as he stays true to himself, causing him to respect more those who are familiar in that and has no respect for the plebeians, who are seen as "fickle".
Although his attitude may not be the most pleasant towards all characters in the play and he is certainly not the perfect hero as he is flawed in many ways, Coriolanus is shown to be fearless, brave, skillful, motivational, strong, proud, loyal and a natural leader. Shakespeare characterizes him in a way that his exploits are similar to those being given to demigods in Greek mythology in which some skills may almost be seen as supernatural, giving him the classical hero aspect to the character which may portray a tragic ending.
Surprisingly, Coriolanus despises praise and is a bad speaker with a bad temper and this foreshadows the fatal political mistakes he will later on make in which he will have much more struggles to receive confirmation from the people as he acts tend to be spontaneous and unreflective as he lacks self awareness.
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