Intro to Political Science - Ps 118

Felicia McCaw
PS 118
Introduction to
Political Science

Hobbes argues that the equality of mankind leads to a natural state of “war” among all people.

Yet, a ”common power” can establish a peace of sorts. Does Coriolanus represent that “common power” for Rome? How so? Hobbes clearly asserts that people are “naturally” good and cooperative. Do you agree with this claim? Coriolanus uses power throughout the play. What types? What does he hope to achieve through his use of power? When, if ever, is “force” an ethical form of power? Do, or should, Rome’s citizen bow to Coriolanus because of his superior military skills? What powers are used against Coriolanus? When, if ever, should citizens use force to further political goals?

Coriolanus does not represent that the “common power” is equitable to all of those who dwell within the confines of Rome. Rome’s Power is to be held and established by the patricians only and not to be ceded to the unworthy plebeians (common people). Coriolanus felt vengeful because of the battle lost and that the plebeians won representation by the tribunes and still felt that the sole distribution of power by the patricians should be retained and any other distribution would be the sole creator of unrest. Coriolanus was a factor of the “common power” but not its sole distributor.

The Power Coriolanus uses throughout this play is force to curtail and subjugate the plebeians to the will of Rome. He hopes to maintain control and not allow the plebeians (common people) any will to say nay or refusal of any commands.

Force is an ethical form of power to be exerted in the battle of war against a foe or the protection of a stance taken.

Rome’s citizens if required by tradition and rank to acknowledge the level of his worked and waged power wrested by him by his ambition may bow to acknowledge his superior military skills due to his protection of Rome.

The power used against Coriolanus is the Power of Manipulation…his position against the plebeians was usurped and countered. Despite his stance and contempt for the plebeians he was removed.

Force should never be used by citizens to further political goals this can only result in conflict and
violence and refusal of change.