Pride In Coriolanus Caesar

Pride is defined as a feeling of pleasure derived from one's achievements, qualities or possessions. In the case of Shakespeare's Coriolanus, pride is a quality predominantly shown by Caius Martius.

Volumnia, Martius' mother, forced him into war at a young age to 'seek danger where he was like to find fame.' (Act 1 Scene 3) Martius acts aggressively, even during times of peace as all he knows is war and acts 'not as a citizen but a soldier.' (Act 3 Scene 3) His mother taught him that the plebeians are beneath the patricians, and this developed Martius' negative attitude towards them. She takes credit for his courage but not for his pride, as she tells him in Act 3 Scene 2 that 'thy valiantness was mine, but owe thy pride thyself.'

Another instance where his pride is shown is when he interacts with the plebeians. They have a great distrust and dislike for him, and feels the same towards them, calling them scabs and dogs. The plebeians are easily manipulated by Brutus and Sicinius, they are cowardly and cannot play a responsible role in government. They cannot think for themselves or make their own decisions and stick by them, as seen in the case where they recall their votes for Martius to
If he was not proud he would be seen as 'one that hath always loved the people' rather than a 'chief enemy to the people.' (Act 1 Scene 1) He speaks before thinking and often offends the plebeians, and the tribunes use their fears and Martius' short temper to their advantage. He responds to his banishment with pride, telling the plebeians that he banishes them. (Act 3 Scene 3) He also antagonizes Aufidius with whom he takes refuge with and 'bears himself more proudlier.' (Act 4 Scene 7) His pride is not helped by the fact that he is viewed as a god and his 'stolen name' Coriolanus boosts his ego. (Act 5 Scene 6) Pride is in his nature and he 'plays as the man he is,' (Act 3 Scene 2) yet many see it as a vice in him. (Act 1 Scene