Coriolanus is characterized by a formal, grand, and ceremonious style typical of Shakespearean tragedy, particularly in its portrayal of the political and social structures within ancient Rome. The play's formal elements, including densely metaphorical speech peppered with allusions to classical history and mythology, reflect the hierarchical and structured society of the Roman Republic.
The characters in Coriolanus, especially those of higher social status such as the patricians, employ a formal and elevated language. The dialogue is often written in iambic pentameter, a poetic meter that adds a rhythmic and dignified quality to the characters' speeches. This formal verse not only distinguishes the nobility from the commoners but also contributes to the play's overall sense of grandeur. Menenius is perhaps the play’s grandest orator, employing elaborate allegorical devices such as his “parable of the belly,” in which the organs of the body launch a self-destructive mutiny against the stomach.
Shakespeare's use of elaborate language and rhetorical devices, such as layered metaphors and classical allusions, contributes to the formality of the dialogue. The characters engage in sophisticated conversations and speeches, reflecting the cultivated and educated nature of the Roman elite. The formality of language is particularly pronounced in scenes of political discourse and public oratory, where characters address the citizenry or engage in debates within the Senate, drawing reference to figures in Roman history and myth. While upper-class characters in Shakespeare’s plays often speak in a grand and formal manner, a distinct feature of Coriolanus is the eloquence of “common” characters. The plebeian citizens and their political representatives are able to follow the complex speeches of the elite and respond similarly, often putting their own "twists" on the metaphors used by the wealthier patricians.
