Method of the Study
described as a soldier of Rome. Before he is given an honorary name, his name is only Caius Marcius. He is given an honorary
name „Coriolanus‟ because of his heroic deed after defeating Corioli, one of Volscian towns, the enemy country.
Then he is famous with the name Coriolanus. Physically, Caius Marcius is described as a bareheaded man. This description can be seen through
Coriolanus‟ speech. Coriolanus
‟ expression “my unbarb’d sconce” means “bare head” as noted by the editors of the play. Explicitly
through the way of main character‟s speech as quoted below, readers can imagine that physically Coriolanus is a
bareheaded man. CORIOLANUS. Must I go show them my
unbarb‟d sconce? Shakespeare, 1942:1313
Another physical characterization of Coriolanus is that he grows beard.
Through other character‟s speech, Shakespeare gives information about physical appearance of the main character. In the play Aufidius, soldier of Volsce, Caius
Marcius‟ enemy, through his speech he describes that Marcius grows beard. AUFIDIUS.
By th‟ elements, if e‟er again I meet him beard to beard, he is mine, or I am his.
Shakespeare, 1942:1298 When Coriolanus is in the battle field he looks different from any ordinary
soldier. The enemies shrink from him because of his grim look. Coriolanus‟
appearance which is described as a man with a grim looked means that as a grim- looked man,
Coriolanus‟ facial expression is very serious. That is why he looks so gamely in the war. Thus Coriolanus
‟ voice which is associated with thunder-like percussion can be considered that his voice is loud when shouting in the
battlefield. This is another thing that makes Coriolanus so special in front of the enemies.
LARTIUS. O noble fellow Who sensibly outdares his senseless sword and,
when it bows, stand‟st up. Thou art left, Marcius; a carbuncle entire, as big as thou art, were not so rich a jewel. Thou wast a soldier
even to Cato‟s wish, not fierce and terrible only in strokes; but, with thy grim looks and the tunder-
like percussion of thy sounds, thou mad‟st thine enemies shake, as if the world were feverous and did tremble.
Shakespeare, 1942:1295 Lartius, through his speech significantly, describes that Coriolanus
‟ physical appereance affirms that he is a tremendous soldier of Rome. Coriolanus
is so worthy. Rome‟s safety depends on Coriolanus. That is proven by Coriolanus
through his heroic deed of defeating enemies‟ country. Coriolanus‟ combat ability
is undoubted. This makes him so important for Rome. Lartius describes that Coriolanus is the most horrible soldier for the enemies. There is no other fear for
enemies especially fear in front of Coriolanus. Coriolanus‟ combat ability, face,
voice are some elements which is considered of his greatness. According to information above the writer notes that physically
Coriolanus is a bareheaded man and he grows his beard. His face is described as serious-looking and he is described as a man with loud voice when talking.
Coriolanus‟ physical appearance affirms that he is not only as an ordinary soldier but also recognized as a kingly leader of Rome.