English Lang. & Lit. Blog | Tómas Egilsson

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Power as a word has a lot of different connotations to it, and can mean many different things depending on the context it is used in and who is actually using the word. In terms of politics, it can be used to describe someone who has a lot of control over a state or government, or maybe is very influential in the way they act and speak. It can also be associated with raw, physical strength, and being able to exert a lot of force onto something or someone. When bringing this word into the William Shakespeare play 'Coriolanus', the word has the same flexibility. Some consider the play to be set in two worlds. One being set in the politically charged city of Rome, and the other being the battlefield. In order to prevail in this historical context, one had to have both the political power of being an influential speaker, and the raw physical strength on the battlefield. Cominius had both of these, and therefore was a Consul before the play took place. However, times are changing.

Throughout Act I of Coriolanus, Shakespeare aims to characterize Caius Martius. Not only does he do this through the words and actions of Martius himself, but also his friends, family, and enemies. Scene I characterizes Caius as a mean and egotistical brute, that the commonalty hate. They showcase this by stating that "Caius Martius is chief enemy to the people," in the first few lines of the play. Then when he himself enters, this statement is justified when he calls the citizens "dissentious rogues," and to "hang 'em!" which helps the audience understand why he is considered an enemy. This hatred is then furthered by Aufidius, his biggest rival and enemy saying in a letter he received that "Martius your old enemy, Who is of Rome worse hated than of you." This really solidifies the citizens opinions, stating that the man fighting against their country at war is less hated than their own general. This also establishes the conflict between Au