The Great Political Fictions: Coriolanus

In the first episode of our new series on the great political fictions, David talks about Shakespeare’s Coriolanus (1608-9), the last of his tragedies and perhaps his most politically contentious play. Why has Coriolanus been subject to so many wildly different political interpretations? Is pride really the tragic flaw of the military monster at its heart? What does it say about the struggle between elite power and popular resistance and about the limits of political argument?More from the LRB:Colin Burrow on Ralph Fiennes as Coriolanus Michael Wood on Coriolanus in the Hunger Games Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Om Podcasten

Past Present Future is a bi-weekly History of Ideas podcast with David Runciman, host and creator of Talking Politics, exploring the history of ideas from politics to philosophy, culture to technology. David talks to historians, novelists, scientists and many others about where the most interesting ideas come from, what they mean, and why they matter.Ideas from the past, questions about the present, shaping the future. Brought to you in partnership with the London Review of Books.New episodes every Thursday and Sunday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.