Coriolanus

by William Shakespeare , Edited by Rex Gibson

• ISBN13: 9780521648639
• ISBN10: 0521648637
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1999-11-28
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Summary

This Roman play is one of Shakespeare's last tragedies, best known for its political and military themes. Its hero, Coriolanus, is a proud General who does not hesitate to show his arrogant and outspoken contempt of the Roman rabble. The Tribunes banish him and he raises an army to take his revenge on Rome. He finally concedes to the pleas of his mother to spare the city and leaves only to be publicly killed by his former allies. Peter Holland is a former Director of the Shakespeare Institute in Stratford upon Avon and President of the Shakespeare Association of America. He is a pre-eminent international scholar. His comprehensive Introduction and commentary notes open up the language, themes and ideas in this complex yet richly rewarding play for the student and teacher.

Author Biography

Roma Gill, has taught Shakespeare at all levels. She has acted in and directed Shakespeare's plays, and has lectured on Shakespeare all over the world

Table of Contents

List of characters	1	(1)
Before the play begins	2	(3)
Coriolanus	5	(223)
What is Coriolanus about?	228	(4)
Characters	232	(6)
The language of Coriolanus	238	(4)
Rome: patricians and plebeians	242	(2)
The sources for the story	244	(2)
Critics' forum	246	(2)
Staging Coriolanus	248	(4)
William Shakespeare	252