As stated in my previous blog post, In Shakespeare's play; Coriolanus, he began presenting the political context within English during King James' Rule (1603- 1625) rather than his conventional tragedies, where Shakespeare introduces the setting of the play, in Ancient Rome. Additionally, Shakespeare illustrates the two perspectives of the characteristic of Coriolanus' King James I ways of ruling. Shakespeare utilizes the plot of Coriolanus to explore King James I's totalitarian methodology of ruling. The way Shakespeare describes the Roman society in Coriolanus is similar to the England society during this time period.
Corresponding to this, Power is one of many themes presented in the play of which is most consistent. Due to the time period, Ancient Rome is going through the shaping of its political hierarchy. Each individual character; Coriolanus, Volumnia and Aufidius, all display a different sense of power throughout the play. Beginning with the main character of the play; Coriolanus, also known as the protagonist, demonstrates this theme of power through his characteristics. 'God-like' figure is one of many titles he is portrayed as, even given the comparison to a dragon. Gods in Ancient Rome were recognized as the powerful leaders/mythological figures. Indulging into this concept, Shakespeare uses the setting and the mythological believes in emphasizing the theme of power through Martius Coriolanus as well as the idea of being fearless, independent and of course, powerful similarly to a dragon.
Volumnia is Martius Coriolanus' mother where she has a different sense of power. She portrays a motherly power over her son as she has a significant influence towards his decisions; specifically when asking him not to attack Rome. Due to Coriolanus' arrogance and anger, he wanted to take revenge on Rome as he was banished by the common people and the capitol. Although, Volumnia was able to use her motherly speech such as "Sweet son" to grab Coriolanus. In response, "Oh my mother, mother! You have won a happy victory to Rome; But, for your son,- believe it, O, believe it, Most dangerously you have with him prevail'd, If not most mortal to him... Good Aufidius, were you in my stead, would you have heard a mother less? or granted less, Audifius ?" (5.3.208-215). This illustrates how Volumnia has her own sense of power in the presentation of a mother figure rather than a political body.Finally, Audifius is hated by Martius Coriolanus and hates "thee worse than a promise-breaker."(1.8.2) and this is thought the same by Aufidius towards Coriolanus. Aufidius is quite a manipulative character who suddenly contrasts his hatred in Act 1 to a beloved partner in war in Act 3 in order to fulfill the desire to take war on Rome. Resulting in the belief of him potentially having a manipulative power towards Coriolanus.
