Conversation Piece - Monday, December 8, 2008
"Oh, come not near me, sir; I shall defile you.
I am that of your blood was taken from you
For your better health. Look no more upon't
But cast it to the ground regardlessly;
Let the common sewer take it from distinction.
Beneath the stars, upon yon meteor
Ever hung my fate, 'mongst things corruptible;
I ne'er could pluck it from him. My loathing
Was prophet to the rest, bu ne'er believed;
Mine honor fell with him, and now my life."
(The Changeling V.iii.158-67)
I am that of your blood was taken from you
For your better health. Look no more upon't
But cast it to the ground regardlessly;
Let the common sewer take it from distinction.
Beneath the stars, upon yon meteor
Ever hung my fate, 'mongst things corruptible;
I ne'er could pluck it from him. My loathing
Was prophet to the rest, bu ne'er believed;
Mine honor fell with him, and now my life."
(The Changeling V.iii.158-67)
Friday, October 31, 2008
These words by Coriolanus seen to be very honorable, considering his circumstances. Coriolanus has every right to be angered by the public, and it would be so easy for him to fight back by speaking of his pride and power. This passage reveals an inner struggle in Coriolanus that exists between the proud man that he is and the humble man that he should be to the people. He recognizes his faults, and he wishes to change and become a better man. This struggle that Coriolanus faces is distressing because he must come to terms with himself before he confronts the people. He cannot portray a humble nature if he cannot feel it within himself. It is honorable that Coriolanus realizes what he must do to become a better leader, and we can only hope that he can convey this to the people.
