My Understanding of Coriolanus

Coriolanus had many different traits, qualities, and characteristics that made him a very unique individual. Coriolanus was a great soldier and a powerful individual, yet he had weaknesses, namely his mother. His mother, Volumnia, successfully talked Coriolanus out of attacking and getting his revenge on his hometown. Volumnia is, no doubt, the most significant figure in Coriolanus' life. However, by convincing him to not attack his home town, she also ensures his doom and demise. Even though he is accepted as a hero by the people when he returns, Aufudius knows what he has done and rejects Coriolanus.

"Coriolanus: I'll fight with none but thee; for I do hate thee worse than a promise breaker (1.9.1-2)."

The two tribunes, Brutus and Sicinius are harmful to the state and obstruct the public good. In my opinion, they don't really care for the good of the people; Shakespeare makes it sound like they only care about themselves, their positions, their current power, and their reputations as tribunes. The following quotes by Cominius and Sicinius indicate and hint at that possibility.

"Cominius: The people are abused; set on. This paltering [trifling] becomes not Rome, nor has Coriolanus deserved this so dishonour'd rub, laid falsely I' the plain way of his merit (3.1.61-64)."

"Sicinius: We charge you, that you have contrived to take from Rome all season'd [time honored] office and to wind yourself into a power tyrannical; for which you are a traitor to the people (3.3.66-69)."

That quote indicates that Sicinius and Brutus are being selfish and only thinking of themselves instead of the good of the people. Are these charges brought on Coriolanus fair ones? I certainly don't think they are. I'll give them the fact that Coriolanus can be a little power-hungry at times, but to as far as putting charges on him and completely banishing him from the land is absurd, in my opinion. The people clearly liked him and wanted him to be their consul, judging by their response to his return to Rome after conquering the Italian city of Corioles. He was greeted with a hero's welcome. Brutus and Sicinius brainwashed the common people, or Plebians, into believing that Coriolanus isn't the right person to be their consul.

I don't think Coriolanus should be banished. It is very workable for him to live stay in Rome, living amongst the people. As long as he is fine with doing so and doesn't get frustrated, speak out, and take action against not having a powerful political or military position. Rome could very well use him if a problem should arise, such as an invasion or a situation in which the city has to fight for its survival and existence.