The Tragedy of Coriolanus

By William Shakespeare and William Aldis Wright

Book Overview

William Shakespeare's powerful tragedy, "Coriolanus," explores themes of politics, revenge, and the complexities of leadership in ancient Rome. This meticulously prepared edition brings to life the story of a celebrated Roman general whose pride and disdain for the common people ultimately lead to his downfall.

Set against a backdrop of political intrigue and social unrest, "Coriolanus" examines the tumultuous relationship between a noble warrior and the society he is sworn to protect. Shakespeare masterfully crafts a narrative that resonates with timeless questions about power, honor, and the price of ambition. Readers will be captivated by the dramatic tension and the exploration of human nature within the context of Roman history. A classic work of dramatic literature, "Coriolanus" remains a compelling and relevant exploration of the human condition.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it.

This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.

Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1023001144
• ISBN13: 9781023001144
• Release Date: March 2025
• Publisher: Anson Street Press
• Length: 166 Pages
• Weight: 0.53 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 6.1" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

Books

I’ve yet to read this. I ordered this books and can’t seem to find it.

Surprisingly good

Having heard virtually nothing about this play, I picked it up with very low expectations. I was amazed, however, to find myself totally enthralled with the story, not the least reason being its relevance to events of the past eight years. If I ever hear of it being performed, I will definitely buy a ticket! I did not read this Dover edition, but I do not think that things such as footnotes and explanatory essays will add that much to this particular play.

VASTLY underrated.

This is one of those Shakespearean plays that very few casual readers know of; it is not, generally, a play that is required reading in any but the most in-depth literature courses, and most people have never heard of it or know of it only by title. This is truly a shame, because it is one of Shakespeares BEST works. It is the story of a man too honorable for his own good, who loses all due to the conniving of clever politicians because he refuses to play the game by their rules and flatter the people with weasel-words and empty promises. Truly, a wonderful story with a far better plot than most of Shakespeare's plays, and language just as musical as any of them. If you've read Shakespeare's better-known plays and enjoyed the language, do yourself a favor and make yourself familiar with this lesser-known play.

Incredible Characters of a "Lesser-Known" Masterpiece ...

"Thy valientness is mine. Thou suckest it from me." That would be Volumnia's (Coriolanus' mother) quote -- and one of my favorites. "Coriolanus" is an intriguing story and the characters are marvelous. I have yet to see a better portrayal of a suffocating mother. Volumnia will live in my heart forever.

Shakespeare's Greatest

Shakespeare's last and greatest tragedy, *Coriolanus* dramatizes the conflict between pride and envy--those two antagonists which were the favorite characters of ancient myth.Coriolanus is a man of Virtue, when virtue meant 'manliness' not 'modest chastity.' Above all, he had the virtue of pursuing virtue, which he refused to compromise and which he refused to hide. In contrast, the aristocracy and the mob whom they serve despised Coriolanus precisely because he was good and refused to be otherwise.*Coriolanus* is Shakespeare at the height of his powers, and the real tragedy is that this work is not better known.