Virtus

Virtus is an important theme throughout the play Coriolanus. Virtus is represented through the city of Rome. Virtus is the overly masculine, and the first three letters of the word “vir” actually means man in Latin. It is in some ways ironic that Rome represents a masculine order considering Rome is in much hysteria. The play is full of stichomythia, and lots of motion-emphasizing words that promote the idea of panic and disorder. The idea of virtus is extremely important because men are always seen as the leaders, the rulers, but this play challenges this idea of male superiority.

Volumnia is the direct challenger of Virtus. Volumnia is the sole representation of Civitas, order and a feminine connotation. And, without Volumnia, Coriolanus is unable to function. As discussed in class, behind every man there is a great woman. Rome is in a state of uproar because Coriolanus desires this sense of control, order, and masculinity, but he fails at this and is completely held up by the support of his voluptuous Volumnia.In conclusion, Rome displays the virtus but deep down it is simply a hysterical nation in a masculine disguise.

Bridgette Wiener
142B, Section 1A