Power in Coriolanus – Coriolanus, Aufideus, Voluminia

Power in Coriolanus – Coriolanus, Aufideus, Voluminia

Power is the main theme in the play Coriolanus by William Shakespeare. Set in 491 B.C.E., when early Republican Rome has just transitioned from being ruled by a monarchy to a democratic political system with elected Rulers. When the last tyrant king (Tarquin) is overthrown, with the help of Coriolanus, there's tension and uncertainty on how to rule Rome and if it’s the right choice for everyone. The elected tribunes want the plebeians to have more power while Coriolanus feels the one with the most strength should have power and the easily manipulated plebeians should have none.

There is 3 main characters that have different types of power. Coriolanus has all the military power; he is a Roman general, and is given the name "Coriolanus" after he leads the Roman armies to victory against the Volscian city of Corioles. He is everything a warrior should be,Brave, fearsome in battle, and extremely honorable however he is also overly proud, and stubbornly aristocratic. These faults, combined with a fierce contempt for the lower classes of Rome, lead to his exile from Rome. Aufideus has the military power of the Volscians. He is Coriolanus's great rival in warfare but is not quite the equal of the Roman general. However Aufideus has the ability to change his resolve to see an end to his objectives. Voluminia is the mother of Coriolanus. She is devoted to her son and delights in his military exploits, having raised him to be a warrior; he, in turn, often allows himself to be dominated by her iron will. She is characterized as a strong independent mother than doesn’t fit the stereotypical loving mother.

Coriolanus’ power ends in his demise. Voluminia and Aufidues that wasn’t as tactically and military powerful but had the ability to change and suppress their faults is what kept them alive.