Coriolanus [19] -

The story opens in Rome shortly after the expulsion of the Tarquins. There are riots in progress, after stores of grain were withheld from ordinary citizens. The rioters are particularly angry at Caius Martius, a brilliant Roman general whom they blame for the grain being taken away. The rioters encounter Caius Martius in the street and tells them that they are unworthy of grain because they have not given military service. After a large battle in which Martius beats an incoming Volscian army, he is given the “nickname” Coriolanus. Thought largely about war, this play explores the themes of ethics and the appropriateness of violence and use of power.see less