Dynamics of Power in the play Coriolanus

Coriolanus could be seen as a commentary of James I’s England, as the story revolves around the political state of Rome undergoing transitions from a monarchy into a democracy. The story’s protagonist is Coriolanus, a military general from Rome who eventually turns against his city due to his inability to balance between military and political power. Coriolanus thus dominates military power but lacks in political strategic understanding. His fate leads to his death by the hands of Tullus Aufidius because he was unable to be flexible in his values and to strategize politically. Aufidius, on the other hand, is a Volsce and is the enemy of Rome. He is vastly different to Coriolanus because of his understanding of politics, and his ability to be flexible in his values. When Coriolanus comes to offer his service after being banished, Aufidius is able to place his grudges aside to create an alliance that will provide him with the upper hand later in the play. His opportunistic nature makes him powerful. As for Volumnia, Coriolanus’ mother, she is powerful in her disguised political sate of Coriolanus and her influence over him. She has the ability to convince him to forge a peace treaty with Rome instead of invading it. Lastly, Sicinius and Brutus, the tribunes, are politically powerful in their ability to influence and continuously change the opinion of the citizens and change the course of Roman politics with their votes. 

By analyzing the types of ways in which the different characters are powerful, Shakespeare is implying, first that political knowledge, strategizing and flexibility in terms of values is crucial for gaining political power. Secondly, that an autocratic government is unstable or at least, autocrats that are ignorant to the interests of the lower classes will lead to chaos. This also implies that there is no perfect politician and that the one that acquires power is the one that is aware of the sacrifices and changes that are required in order to get that position. 

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