Fifteen Fictions for Summer re-release: Coriolanus
Aug 18, 2024
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David, an expert on Shakespeare and political literature, delves into the complexities of Coriolanus. He discusses the play's exploration of the clash between elite power and popular resistance, revealing its timeless relevance. David examines the protagonist's pride as a tragic flaw, shaped by his mother's influence and political disconnection. The conversation highlights the delicate balance between personal identity and societal expectations, reflecting broader political tensions. Tune in for an insightful analysis of one of Shakespeare's most contentious works.
Shakespeare's 'Coriolanus' explores the tension between elite authority and popular resistance, showcasing timeless themes of class conflict.
The protagonist's pride and inability to engage with the populace lead to his tragic downfall, exemplifying the flaws of heroic identity.
The play critiques the disconnect between personal authenticity and political performance, underscoring the complexities of leadership and public perception.
Deep dives
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Exploring Shakespeare's Political Commentary
The discussion centers on Shakespeare's 'Coriolanus,' regarded as one of his most political works, which is set in the early Roman Republic. Unlike his other plays that often feature kings and dynasties, 'Coriolanus' highlights the binary struggle between elites and the masses, thus providing a more timeless narrative about class conflict. The temptation for audiences to search for Shakespeare’s political stance within the text is addressed, yet it’s argued that Shakespeare’s intention may not be to advocate for a particular viewpoint but rather to showcase the complexities of human nature within political scenarios. The focus is on how the characters' actions and motivations stem from their situations rather than Shakespeare’s personal beliefs.
The Tragedy of Coriolanus
Coriolanus, the protagonist, exemplifies the archetype of a tragic hero whose downfall is rooted in his pride and inability to navigate the political realm. After his military success, he is celebrated yet finds himself unable to appeal to the Roman populace for the consulship, demonstrating his disdain for the masses. His rejection of their support leads to his banishment, and in a cycle of vengeance, he turns against Rome, revealing the tragedy of his character. Ultimately, his isolation and failure to reconcile his identity with political necessity culminate in his demise.
Pride and Political Manipulation
Pride is a recurring theme throughout 'Coriolanus,' affecting not only the titular character but also the supporting cast. Coriolanus’ mother, Volumnia, instills in him a pride that blinds him to the need for political cunning, while others like Menenius and the tribunes also wrestle with their self-importance. Their pride ultimately leads to political miscalculations that highlight the absurdity of their convictions, as they fail to acknowledge the harsh realities of power dynamics. This shared pride serves as a catalyst for conflict, revealing a human tendency to overestimate one's influence within the larger political landscape.
The Complex Relationship Between Action and Essence
The relationship between appearance and essence emerges as a key theme in 'Coriolanus,' questioning the authenticity of character in a political arena. Coriolanus desires his actions to reflect his true self, yet his inability to perform the necessary political roles leads to tragic consequences. This dissonance between his martial prowess and political rhetoric highlights the complications inherent in leadership and identity. The play suggests that true identity can often become obscured in the performance of politics, resulting in profound loss and failure when one cannot reconcile the two.
In the first episode of the summer daily re-release of our series on the Great Political Fictions, David talks about Shakespeare’s Coriolanus (1608-9), the last of his tragedies and perhaps his most politically contentious play. Why has Coriolanus been subject to so many wildly different political interpretations? Is pride really the tragic flaw of the military monster at its heart? What does it say about the struggle between elite power and popular resistance and about the limits of political argument?
Tomorrow: Jonathan Swift’s Gulliver’s Travels
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