Coriolanus very evidently is characterized as the nearly stereotypical alpha male in the first Act, primarily in how his pride and brute force are his most prominent virtues. Essentially, he is looked upon as a figure of authority due to his physicality and valor, primarily portrayed in how he was able to defeat the Volsces single handedly when he trapped in Corioles. However, this is only one facet of his personality. The other side of the coin that the audience is exposed to is that of his arrogance and condescension, observed in his harsh treatment of the plebeians. Nevertheless, whilst this may show a subtle complexity in his personality, it all serves a larger political purpose. Shakespeare has created a parallel between post-monarchy (King Tarquin) Rome and pre-Civil War England (King James I). Both Coriolanus and King James share coincide in their egotistical treatment of the lower classes, and hence, Shakespeare makes a commentary on what ground should authority be justified ...
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