Coriolanus
‘More a victim of his own arrogance than of political plotting.’ Using your knowledge of the
play as a whole, show how far you agree with this view of the character Coriolanus.
Remember to support your answer with reference to different interpretations.
Discuss Shakespeare’s presentation of different kinds of conflict in the play.
‘Plenty of hatred, not much love.’ How far and in what ways do you agree with this
comment on the play?
‘The female characters are always positioned outside the main events of the play.’ Using
your knowledge of the play as a whole, show how far you agree with this view of women in
Coriolanus. Remember to support your answer with reference to different interpretations.
‘Loyal protectors of the people.’ How far and in what ways do you agree with this view of
the role of the Tribunes in the play?
‘The most significant confrontation in the play Coriolanus is between the people of Rome
and their patrician masters.’ How far and in what ways do you agree with this view of the
play?
‘Coriolanus respects no man except his deadliest rival Tullus Aufidius.’ How far and in what
ways do you agree with this view of the relationship between Tullus Aufidius and
Coriolanus?
‘In Coriolanus, Rome is a place of anger and self-interest.’ How far and in what ways do you
agree with this view of the significance of Rome in the play?
‘Volumnia shapes her son’s entire career.’ How far and in what ways do you agree with this
view of the relationship between Volumnia and Coriolanus?
‘Coriolanus is a play in which actions speak louder than words.’ How far and in what ways
do you agree with this view?
‘As the play unfolds, it becomes increasingly hard to sympathise with Coriolanus.’ How far
and in what ways do you agree with this view
‘More a victim of his own arrogance than of political plotting.’ Using your knowledge of the
play as a whole, show how far you agree with this view of the character Coriolanus.
Remember to support your answer with reference to different interpretations.
Discuss Shakespeare’s presentation of different kinds of conflict in the play.
‘Plenty of hatred, not much love.’ How far and in what ways do you agree with this
comment on the play?
‘The female characters are always positioned outside the main events of the play.’ Using
your knowledge of the play as a whole, show how far you agree with this view of women in
Coriolanus. Remember to support your answer with reference to different interpretations.
‘Loyal protectors of the people.’ How far and in what ways do you agree with this view of
the role of the Tribunes in the play?
‘The most significant confrontation in the play Coriolanus is between the people of Rome
and their patrician masters.’ How far and in what ways do you agree with this view of the
play?
‘Coriolanus respects no man except his deadliest rival Tullus Aufidius.’ How far and in what
ways do you agree with this view of the relationship between Tullus Aufidius and
Coriolanus?
‘In Coriolanus, Rome is a place of anger and self-interest.’ How far and in what ways do you
agree with this view of the significance of Rome in the play?
‘Volumnia shapes her son’s entire career.’ How far and in what ways do you agree with this
view of the relationship between Volumnia and Coriolanus?
‘Coriolanus is a play in which actions speak louder than words.’ How far and in what ways
do you agree with this view?
‘As the play unfolds, it becomes increasingly hard to sympathise with Coriolanus.’ How far
and in what ways do you agree with this view
