Coriolanus is characterized by a serious and often cynical tone, reflecting the play's generally pessimistic handling of such heavy topics as political violence, warfare, and revenge. The seriousness of the play is reflected by the character of Coriolanus himself. His stoic and unyielding nature, coupled with a disdain for the political manipulations of the tribunes and the fickleness of the Roman populace, sets a tone of unyielding severity. Coriolanus's tragic inability to navigate the nuances of political diplomacy, driven by a rigid sense of honor and a patronizing disgust towards the common people of Rome, contributes to the serious and tragic undertones of the play. Coriolanus has little time for comedy, and the play named for him has very few moments of comic relief, even by the standards of Shakespeare's more somber tragedies.
Additionally, a strong sense of cynicism permeates Coriolanus, particularly in the play’s portrayal of politics as a game of deception. This cynical and pessimistic outlook motivates the actions of the tribunes, Brutus and Sicinius, who exploit Rome’s bitter class conflicts and the volatile nature of the plebeians to achieve their own ends. The play suggests a skepticism about the authenticity of political rhetoric and the motivations behind public sentiment. In Coriolanus, the most effective politicians are those most willing to cater their language to their audience in order to manipulate others and pursue power. The streets of Rome and the halls of political power become rhetorical battlegrounds in which words are both weapons and shields.
The serious and cynical tone is further amplified by the stark portrayal of class divisions within Roman society. The tension between the patricians and the plebeians, exacerbated by economic hardship and famine, contributes to a sense of societal discord that is not resolved by the play’s bloody ending. Coriolanus is beloved by the people when his martial prowess is needed to defend Rome from its enemies on the battlefield, but when he asserts his own individuality and resists the niceties of politics, the public quickly turns on him. The play questions the sincerity of political institutions and explores the fragility of social cohesion in the face of economic and political crisis.
