Coriolanus Virtues

Coriolanus’ virtues of valour and integrity make him extremely unsuitable to fill the role of Consul in Rome. By exploring Coriolanus’ pure martial virtues, distinctive character and godlike status, it can be seen that to a very certain extent his is not Consul material.

Coriolanus has been raised to behold only martial virtues and because of this he excels in battles. His warrior nature makes him fearless, dangerous and brutal, leaving him with no ability to be patient, humble and considerate. This is evident when he threatens to kill the Roman soldiers who don’t fight honourably and who flee from war against Corioles; “He that retires, I’ll take him for a Volsce, and he shall feel mine edge.” Which results in Coriolanus defeating the Volsces completely on his own and for this being called a hero. During the same war, Coriolanus askes the soldiers: “Make you a sword of me?” which compares him to a weapon, something absent of any pity but full of sorrow. Coriolanus is also often left to ‘pretend’ to behave in a suitable manner that best suits the people. As seen when he says; “It is part/ that I shall blush in acting, and might well/ be taken from the people.” Although he is unable to do so; proving
Coriolanus demonstrates that anger when the tribunes call him a traitor. He then expresses his true feeling toward the people in his “You common cry of curs, whose breath I hate...” speech stating his strong dislike towards them, as a result to his banishment. Another imperative element to Coriolanus is his ‘godliness’. Menenius confirms this by commenting that Coriolanus’ nature is “too noble for this world”, suggesting that Coriolanus is not from this world. His name ‘Martius’ is also a direct reference to Mars, the god of war. Coriolanus is therefore unfit for the role of Consul as he lacks certain moral virtues, politeness and political