Many of Shakespeare's plays explore the issue of political power. These works investigate how political power is acquired; how it is wielded; and most importantly how it effects the individual. Shakespeare seeks to illustrate through the tragic lives of his characters Coriolanus, Julius Caesar, and Marcus Antony that political power is a destructive force when it is not respected and utilized responsibly.

The character Coriolanus was a man accustomed to power. He was a great warrior skilled in the art of physical domination and was adept at controlling thousands of men. Coriolanus was comfortable in his position as a leader of the armies of Rome because no one questioned his authority. In his capacity as a soldier, he gained great wealth, fame and respect. He received quite a different reception though when he attempted to enter into the world of politics.

Coriolanus began his foray into the political...