SOURCE: “The Paradox of Greatness and the Limits of Pragmatism in Shakespeare's Coriolanus,” in CLA Journal, Vol. 38, No. 1, September, 1994, pp. 97-107.

In the essay that follows, Datta states that the central dilemma faced by Coriolanus is his disgust for, and battle to come to terms with, the pragmatism practiced by Rome's leaders and his admirers.

Coriolanus is the only Shakespearean tragic hero who has failed to evoke ungrudging critical sympathy. Some critics even refuse to recognize him as a tragic hero. The critical apathy stems partly from Shakespeare's unflattering portrayal of a ruthless hero in whom virtues and vices are not easily distinguishable. Shakespeare's portrayal of all the characters with complete detachment also adds to the confusion of the critics. Most critics emphasize the central paradox of Coriolanus' character: the military hero with an undying constancy and an absolute sense of honor turns traitor to his country.¹ The...