Coriolanus Flaws

Coriolanus arguably is a play not about politics, but about human fallacy. Coriolanus has many flaws in his personality that contribute to his downfall, but this does not apply to him only. Everyone within the play has their own flaws which they all fail to understand or accept. The flaws that will be discussed particularly in this essay are that of Coriolanus and the plebeians. Coriolanus’ and the plebeian’s flaws contribute largely to the politics of Rome and the way in which they treat each other. Coriolanus is a man who is brought low by his flaw of excessive pride and arrogance; we see this in the way in which he treats the plebeians. Throughout the play Coriolanus displays nothing but contempt to them by referring to them as “various curs,” “cowards,” “dissentious …show more content…
His temper is exploited by the tribunes, who purposely provoke him so that he speaks against the people thus securing his banishment. This is yet another flaw that makes him a bad politician, as he doesn’t think before he speaks.
A human fallacy possessed by the plebeians is how easily manipulated they are. When Coriolanus runs for consul, they agree to give him their “voices,” but when the tribunes come along they easily convince them to take their votes back. Coriolanus conveys the impression that they are unable to make sound and rational decisions by themselves. In Act V, the plebeians support the banishing of Coriolanus. But when he returns with an army they act innocent and argue that “it was against our own will.” This proves that they are unable to make rational decisions and that they are unable to take responsibility for their actions.
In conclusion, Coriolanus is a play mostly based on human fallacy. Human fallacy plays a huge role in the way politics is handled in Coriolanus. It is also difficult for the characters to accept and see these