The tragic flaw of Coriolanus, a proud and valiant Roman general, is his unyielding pride and inability to temper his arrogance. This fatal characteristic, often referred to as hubris, leads him to scorn the common people and the political system, ultimately causing his downfall.
Understanding Coriolanus’s Tragic Flaw: Hubris and Its Consequences
William Shakespeare’s tragedy Coriolanus presents a compelling study of a man undone by his own character. At the heart of his demise lies a profound and destructive tragic flaw, a concept central to classical and Shakespearean drama. For Coriolanus, this flaw is not a single act but a deeply ingrained aspect of his personality: his overwhelming pride and contempt for the populace.
What Exactly is a Tragic Flaw?
In literature, a tragic flaw, or hamartia, is a character trait that leads to the downfall of the protagonist. It’s not necessarily a moral failing but often an excess of a virtue or a fundamental misjudgment. This flaw, combined with fate or external circumstances, precipitates the hero’s ruin.
Coriolanus’s Pride: A Double-Edged Sword
Coriolanus is undeniably a heroic figure. His bravery on the battlefield is legendary, earning him immense respect from his soldiers and the Senate. He is a man of action, utterly devoted to Rome and its martial glory.
However, this same unwavering pride blinds him to the realities of Roman politics. He cannot stomach the idea of seeking the favor of the common citizens, the plebeians, whose votes are necessary to become consul. His disdain for their "base" opinions and his refusal to humble himself are direct manifestations of his hubris.
The Consequences of His Arrogance
Coriolanus’s inability to engage with the political process on its own terms is his undoing. When he is urged to show his "wounds" and beg for votes, he famously declares, "I had rather be called a fool, a beggar, illiterate, knave, / And to be full of all these, than a Roman." This stubborn refusal to compromise his honor, as he sees it, alienates the very people he needs to support him.
His banishment from Rome, a direct result of his clashes with the tribunes and the plebeians, is a pivotal moment. Instead of accepting his fate with grace, his wounded pride fuels a desire for revenge. He joins the Volscians, Rome’s enemies, and leads them against his own city.
Can Coriolanus’s Tragic Flaw Be Seen as a Virtue?
While his pride is ultimately destructive, it’s important to note that it stems from a place of genuine conviction and a belief in Roman martial values. He despises corruption and flattery, seeing them as weaknesses. His uncompromising nature makes him a formidable warrior, but a terrible politician.
This duality makes Coriolanus a complex and tragic character. His greatness in war is inextricably linked to the flaw that leads to his destruction.
Exploring the Manifestations of Coriolanus’s Flaw
Coriolanus’s tragic flaw isn’t a hidden secret; it’s on full display throughout the play. We see it in his interactions with almost everyone, from his mother to the common citizens.
Interactions with the Plebeians
His most blatant displays of contempt are directed at the plebeians. He views them as unworthy of his attention and incapable of understanding true Roman virtue.
- He refers to them as "crows," "vermin," and "the mutable, rank-scented many."
- He openly scoffs at the idea of seeking their votes or acknowledging their grievances.
His Relationship with His Mother, Volumnia
Even his mother, Volumnia, a woman of immense pride herself, recognizes the danger of his character. She urges him to be more politically astute, but he struggles to adapt his inherent nature.
The Climax: Revenge and Reconciliation
The ultimate test of his pride comes when he leads the Volscian army against Rome. His mother and wife, Virgilia, plead with him to spare the city. It is only his love for his mother that finally breaks through his stubborn resolve, leading him to withdraw his forces. This act, while saving Rome, seals his fate with the Volscians, who see his mercy as a betrayal.
Coriolanus’s Flaw in Historical and Literary Context
The concept of a tragic flaw has deep roots in ancient Greek drama, with Aristotle discussing hamartia in his Poetics. Shakespeare masterfully adapted this concept, creating characters whose internal struggles drive the external plot.
Comparing Coriolanus to Other Tragic Heroes
Like Oedipus, whose pride in his intellect led him to ignore warnings, or Macbeth, whose ambition drove him to murder, Coriolanus’s fatal flaw is central to his story. His unwillingness to compromise his perceived integrity is his Achilles’ heel.
The Enduring Relevance of Coriolanus’s Story
The play remains relevant because it explores timeless themes: the nature of leadership, the tension between public duty and private honor, and the destructive power of unbridled pride. Coriolanus’s story serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of self-awareness and the need for leaders to connect with the people they govern.
People Also Ask
### What is the main theme of Coriolanus?
The main themes of Coriolanus revolve around the conflict between the individual and the state, the nature of honor and integrity, the dangers of political manipulation, and the destructive consequences of extreme pride and social division. It questions what makes a true leader and the price of uncompromising principles.
### Why is Coriolanus banished from Rome?
Coriolanus is banished from Rome because of his outspoken contempt for the plebeians and his refusal to engage in political maneuvering to secure their votes for consul. His arrogance and hostility towards the common people, exacerbated by his clashes with the tribunes, lead to his expulsion.
### What does Coriolanus’s mother want him to do?
Coriolanus’s mother, Volumnia, initially wants him to become consul and achieve greater political power for himself and their family. However, when he is banished and leads an attack on Rome, she ultimately implores him to spare the city, even at the cost of his own life and his standing with the Volscians.
### Is Coriolanus a good person?
Coriolanus possesses a strong sense of honor and is an exceptionally brave and loyal soldier. However, his overwhelming pride, inability to show empathy, and contempt for those he deems inferior make him a difficult and often unsympathetic character. Whether he is