Introduction and context:
- Passage taken from Coriolanus
- This particular instance/passage occurs toward the end of the play
- Act V, Scene III
- Important passage due to the fact that Shakespeare highlights Coriolanus' emotional connection with his mother, this is significant as throughout the entire play Coriolanus is portrayed as someone who is rather emotionless.
Overview:
- In the buildup to this passage, we are shown that Coriolanus and Aufidius unite.
- Aufidius’ people the Volscians walk towards Rome with Coriolanus
- There to meet Coriolanus is his mother
- Her main intention is to convince Coriolanus to spare Rome
Structure:
- The passage is structured chronologically
- There are no flashbacks to earlier instances in the play
- The organisation of the passage is fairly important as the audience is able to witness the effect of Coriolanus’ mother on his actions
Main Idea:
- The main idea communicated in this passage is that Coriolanus’ pride is defeated by his mother. His mother’s wishes are his commands and thus highlights that he is mortal and emotional after all. Much of the play Coriolanus is likened to fictional animals such as a dragon, which may highlight immortality as well as power and dominance. However, within this passage the audience witnesses how this power and dominance is subdued. Volumnia is used by Shakespeare as a catalyst to imply that Coriolanus is emotional and not emotionless.
- Essentially throughout this passage Coriolanus is overpowered by his mother which thus signifies that indeed he isn't the all powerful.
Commentary Structure:
Sequentially- As the passage is structured chronologically, it is easier to move swiftly through the lines explaining the stylistic devices as well as the significance of Shakespeare’s choice of language.
