Summary Of Coriolanus By William Shakespeare. - Coriolanus-A Play By William Shakespeare - Summary

Summary

The video script presents a dramatic retelling of Shakespeare's 'Coriolanus,' set during the early Roman Republic. Caius Martius, a patrician and skilled warrior, is initially at odds with the commoners, who are suffering from famine and political unrest. Menenius Agrippa, a respected elder, attempts to mediate the conflict, but Martius's blunt disdain for the commoners exacerbates tensions. Despite his military prowess, which earns him the name Coriolanus, he struggles with the political process of seeking the people's favor for the consulship. His inability to win their support leads to his banishment, after which he allies with Rome's enemies, the Volscians, to exact revenge. However, his mother, Volumnia, persuades him to abandon his campaign against Rome, saving the city but ultimately leading to his tragic death at the hands of his new allies. The video also provides a brief overview of Shakespeare's life, highlighting his rise to fame and his enduring legacy as a playwright.

Takeaways

• 🏛️ In the early days of the Roman Republic, a famine led to a revolt by the common people against the aristocrats, particularly Caius Martius, who was seen as their biggest enemy due to his contempt for them.
• 👴 Menenius Agrippa, a respected Roman noble, attempts to placate the people by telling a fable about the belly, which initially helps to calm the situation.
• 🗣️ Caius Martius, despite the calming efforts, confronts the people bluntly, revealing his true feelings and exacerbating the tension.
• 📜 Junius Brutus and Sicinius Velutus are appointed as tribunes of the people, a move that reflects the political changes in response to the unrest.
• ⚔️ Caius Martius, later known as Coriolanus after his heroic deeds in the battle of Corioles, leads the Roman troops against the Volscians, showcasing his military prowess.
• 🏙️ Coriolanus is nominated for the position of consul, a high-ranking political office, due to his bravery and leadership in battle.
• 🤝 As part of the consul custom, Coriolanus is required to appeal to the people for their support, a task he approaches awkwardly and reluctantly.
• 😡 The tribunes exploit Coriolanus's lack of political acumen and his disdain for the common people, turning the crowd against him and leading to his rejection.
• 🏡 Coriolanus's family, including his mother Volumnia, wife Virgilia, and son, play a crucial role in his life, influencing his decisions and actions.
• 🚨 Accused of treason by the tribunes for his uncompromising stance against the people, Coriolanus is banished from Rome.
• ⛓️ Seeking revenge, Coriolanus allies with his former enemy, General Tullus Aufidius, and the Volscians, leading an army against Rome.
• 🏳️‍🤝 In a dramatic turn of events, Coriolanus is persuaded by his family to abandon his quest for vengeance against Rome, choosing family over personal grievances.
• 🗞️ The story of Coriolanus ends tragically as he is branded a traitor by the Volscians and is killed, highlighting the complex themes of loyalty, power, and the consequences of pride and hubris.

Q & A

What was the cause of the common people's uprising in the early days of the Roman Republic as described in the script?

The cause of the uprising was a famine that affected the common people.

Who is seen as the people's biggest enemy in the script and why?

Caius Martius is seen as the people's biggest enemy because he looks down on them.

How does Meninius Agrippa try to calm the people down?

Meninius Agrippa tries to calm the people down by telling them a story about the belly.

Who are the two individuals named as tribunes of the people?

Junius Brutus and Sicinius Velutus have been named tribunes of the people.

What is the significance of the name 'Coriolanus'?

The name 'Coriolanus' is given to Caius Martius after he takes the city of Corioles by himself, signifying his bravery in battle.

Why do the tribunes want to make Caius Martius the Roman president despite not liking him?

The tribunes want to make Caius Martius the Roman president because they believe his wounds from battle can be used to show that he is a good leader.

How does Coriolanus react when he is asked to ask the people for their voices as part of the custom of becoming a consul?

Coriolanus is very reluctant to ask the people for their voices and does so awkwardly while wearing the standard candidate's robe.

What does Coriolanus believe about the power of the people?

Coriolanus believes that the people should have no power.

Why do the tribunes decide to hold a public trial for Coriolanus?

The tribunes decide to hold a public trial for Coriolanus because they see his reaction to the people's change of mind and his belief that the people should have no power as treason.

How does Coriolanus's mother, Volumnia, convince him to give up the military mission against Rome?

Volumnia convinces Coriolanus to give up the military mission by talking about how close they are as a family.

What happens to Coriolanus after he tries to negotiate peace between Rome and the Volscians?

After trying to negotiate peace, Coriolanus is accused of being a traitor by Aufidius and his conspirators, leading to his death at the hands of the Volscian people.

Why did Shakespeare leave his family around 1590?

Shakespeare left his family to become an actor and writer in London.