Shakespeare’s last great tragedy is also his most politically abrasive. The Roman general Coriolanus is a figure of absolute military virtue and absolute political incompetence — brilliant in battle, contemptuous of the common people whose votes he must seek for the consulship, and ultimately betrayed by his own inflexibility. The play’s argument about democracy, elitism, and demagogy feels thoroughly contemporary.
Written around 1608–1609, Coriolanus rewards careful reading. This free EPUB is formatted for Kindle, Kobo, or any device.