Nearly every Shakespearean tragedy begins with a question. And rightfully so. Questions represent doubts, doubts represent problems. If everything were ok, then there wouldn't be anything in question. The objective of the next five acts is to unfold or try to arrive at possible answers, solutions, or resolutions to the opening question. For instance, one such question that immediately comes to mind is Kent's question about Albany and Cornwall--the very first line of King Lear. The play ends with Albany in charge (regardless of the issue as to whether or not he is fit or right for the job). In Hamlet, the question is "Who's there?" during a time in which Fortinbras is basically knocking on Denmark's door. The play ends with Fortinbras in charge.
Coriolanus begins, as does Julius Caesar, with the authority of Rome and the loyalty of Roman subjects in question. In Julius Caesar, Romans are just fickle. In Coriolanus, however, an actual quality-of-life issue is raised: the price and availability of corn, to which the following question is raised by the First Citizen:
You are all resolved rather to die than to famish?
This is an interesting question that not only incites further rabble, but that also raises the question about the value and sanctity of life. "Is not life more important than quality of life?' versus, "What is life without quality of life?" The First Citizen has an insightful response to this question: he speaks in hunger for bread, not thirst for revenge. His anger is, to take from The Godfather, business, not personal. If he were eating, then he wouldn't necessarily have a problem with the men in charge. Let them do whatever they want, as long as we get to eat.
The play begins with a question about Caius Marcius (later called, Coriolanus) and ends with an answer: the slaying of Caius Marcius.
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