How far does Coriolanus succeed in and surpass hisDestiny shaped by his mother?

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Ikenna Igboaka        Page         09/05/2007

How far does Coriolanus succeed in and surpass his

Destiny shaped by his mother?

Coriolanus is a Roman soldier fighting a war against the Volsces, a barbarian tribe in the North. His mother, Volumnia, has been his main influence during his life. Volumnia brought him up in a tough way To a cruel war I sent him, from whence he returned his brows bound with oak. I tell thee, daughter I sprang not more in joy at first hearing he was a man-child than now in first seeing he had proved himself a man. Therefore her expectations are for him to be a tough man. Expectations which we see fulfilled when Coriolanus is out in battle. Where his wife Virginia’s reaction is one of worry, as one could expect O Jupiter, no blood. Volumnia’s is one very different I had rather had eleven died nobly for their country than one voluptuously surfeit out of action. She promotes Coriolanus’ mad courage, by which I mean risking anything to fulfil his plan. An example is him pursuing the Volsces into their own walls when the Romans were too cowardly to follow him. They only looted from the enemy rather than defeating them. For this victory he is honoured by Rome as a great hero and soldier. O noble fellow! If there is to be a blot on Coriolanus’ reputation it is his contempt of the Plebeians. Who deserves greatness deserves your hate.  This is what gives Brutus and Sicinius, two tribunes of the people, their opportunity to manipulate the sheepishness of the Plebeians and to remove Coriolanus from power as consul. Let them not lick the sweet that is their poison. The question we must ask ourselves is if Coriolanus really was their poison and ultimately if Coriolanus’ banishment necessary or just an act of jealousy by Brutus and Sicinius because they feel threatened by him?

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We already know that the plebeians like complaining. We seldom see them doing anything else. Let us fight with our pikes ere we become rakes, this hinting at a rebellion because they’re hungry. And again we’ll have corn at our own prices. After Coriolanus has explained to them how he has fought far more bravely and at greater cost than anyone else. Look, sir, my wounds! I got them in my country’s service // When some certain of your brethren roared and ran from th’noise of our own drums, they are soon back on his side. It is this volatile temperament of ...

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