Structure and Summary (Coriolanus)

This section explores the structure and provides a summary of the play Coriolanus by William Shakespeare. Coriolanus is a five-act tragedy, structured in a way that mirrors the classical form of a tragic hero's rise and fall. The play moves from Coriolanus’ triumph in war to his downfall in politics and, ultimately, his tragic death. Shakespeare follows a roughly chronological progression, with key moments of conflict and turning points that mark Coriolanus' journey through the political and personal spheres.

Structure of Coriolanus

Exposition (Acts I and II)

The play opens with political unrest in Rome, providing background on the conflict between the patricians and the plebeians. The exposition introduces the key characters, including Coriolanus, Volumnia, and the tribunes, and establishes the protagonist's heroic reputation in battle.

Rising Action (Acts II and III)

Coriolanus returns to Rome after his military victory at Corioli and is encouraged to stand for consul. The rising action revolves around his struggles to adapt to the political world, particularly his disdain for pandering to the plebeians.

Climax (Act III)

The climax occurs when Coriolanus, after a public confrontation with the tribunes and plebeians, is banished from Rome. This moment marks the turning point where his military success is undone by his failure in the political arena.

Falling Action (Act IV)

Coriolanus, enraged by his banishment, seeks revenge by allying with the Volscians, his former enemies. The falling action sees Coriolanus preparing to lead an army against Rome, as his personal vendetta takes precedence over any sense of loyalty to the city.

Catastrophe/Denouement (Act V)

The play concludes with Coriolanus’ death. His mother, Volumnia, persuades him to spare Rome, but this decision leads to his betrayal and assassination by the Volscians, particularly Tullus Aufidius.

The symmetrical structure of Coriolanus reflects the tragic arc of the protagonist, with the first half of the play showcasing his rise in war and politics, and the second half focusing on his fall due to his character flaws.

Summary of Coriolanus

Act I

The play opens with a riot in Rome, where the plebeians protest the shortage of grain and accuse the patricians of hoarding food. Their anger is directed at Caius Martius (later Coriolanus), a patrician general known for his arrogance and contempt for the common people.

Martius leads the Roman army against the Volscians, a neighbouring tribe led by Tullus Aufidius, Martius’ long-time enemy. Martius triumphs in the battle and is given the honorary name "Coriolanus" after capturing the city of Corioli.

Returning to Rome as a war hero, Coriolanus is encouraged by his mother, Volumnia, to run for consul, a prestigious political position.

Act II

Coriolanus reluctantly agrees to stand for consul, despite his disdain for the plebeians. To win the position, he must seek the approval of the common people by showing humility and soliciting their votes.

Although the Senate supports his candidacy, the tribunes of the people, Sicinius and Brutus, distrust Coriolanus and fear he will become a tyrant.

Coriolanus struggles with the demands of Roman politics, particularly the need to show humility to the people. His pride and refusal to flatter the plebeians sow the seeds of conflict.

Act III

In a public confrontation, Coriolanus’ disdain for the plebeians leads to a volatile situation. He criticises the people openly, calling them unworthy of political power.

The tribunes incite the crowd against Coriolanus, leading to an uproar. They accuse him of being a tyrant and demand his banishment from Rome. Despite his resistance, Coriolanus is ultimately exiled.

Furious and feeling betrayed by his own city, Coriolanus vows revenge on Rome.

Act IV

After his banishment, Coriolanus travels to the Volscian city of Antium, where he meets his former enemy, Aufidius. He offers his services to the Volscians, swearing to lead their army against Rome.

Aufidius welcomes Coriolanus as an ally, and together they plan a military campaign against Rome.

Meanwhile, back in Rome, the citizens and the Senate are deeply concerned about the impending Volscian invasion, led by the exiled Coriolanus.

Act V

The Roman Senate sends various envoys, including Coriolanus' old friends Cominius and Menenius, to persuade him to abandon his attack on Rome, but he refuses to listen to them.

In a final effort, Coriolanus’ mother Volumnia, along with his wife Virgilia and his young son, confront him. Volumnia delivers an emotional appeal, urging Coriolanus to spare Rome for the sake of his family and his honour.

Torn between his loyalty to his family and his desire for revenge, Coriolanus relents and agrees to make peace with Rome.

Upon returning to the Volscians, Coriolanus is accused of betrayal by Aufidius. In a climactic moment, Aufidius and his conspirators murder Coriolanus, bringing the tragedy to a close.

Key Features of the Play's Structure

Classical Tragic Structure

Shakespeare follows the classical structure of tragedy, with the hero’s downfall stemming from a fatal flaw (hamartia). In Coriolanus’ case, his excessive pride (hubris) leads to his political and personal destruction.

Conflict Between Public and Private Spheres

The play’s structure shifts between Coriolanus’ role in public life (as a soldier and political figure) and his private relationships, particularly with his mother, Volumnia. The tension between these spheres plays a key role in his downfall, as his personal pride clashes with the demands of public life.

Symmetry of War and Politics

The structure of the play mirrors the balance between war and politics. The first part focuses on Coriolanus’ military triumph, while the second part centres on his political downfall. The two realms: war and politics; are portrayed as intertwined, with Coriolanus’ skills in one not translating into success in the other.

Repetition and Parallels

The play is structured with several parallels, particularly between Coriolanus and Aufidius, who mirror each other as warriors and enemies. There are also recurring moments of public conflict (e.g., the plebeians’ riot in Act I and Coriolanus’ confrontation with them in Act III) that highlight the cyclical nature of political unrest in Rome.

Conclusion

The structure of Coriolanus follows a traditional tragic form, focusing on the rise and fall of its titular character. The five-act structure allows Shakespeare to explore themes of power, pride, and class conflict, while the interplay between the public and private spheres adds emotional complexity to Coriolanus’ character arc. The symmetry of war and politics and the repetition of key conflicts contribute to the play’s overarching themes of loyalty, identity, and the tensions within society.