Coriolanus (Book)

Coriolanus is one of Shakespeare’s late tragedies, offering a tragic portrait of the Roman Republic. This Turkish edition, published by Dergâh Yayınları in September 2023 as part of the World Literature series, is presented in the translation by Iclal Vanwesenbeeck.

Plot

The book centers on the conflict between the character Coriolanus’s dictatorial demeanor and the expectations of the people. Coriolanus, who earns great victories through his bravery, loses the respect he gained on the battlefield in the eyes of the public, who perceive it as arrogance. Caught between authority and the populace, the character, clinging tightly to his own class, is driven into profound isolation in both politics and life.

Themes

• Aristocratic-popular conflict: The direct confrontation between aristocratic values and direct democracy is explored.
• Power and individuality: The incompatibility between an individual in power and society is depicted.
• Arrogance and tragedy: The isolation and tragic transformation brought about by personal triumph are examined.

Style and Translation

Iclal Vanwesenbeeck’s translation aims to preserve Shakespeare’s tragic rhythm using modern language. The book includes comparative visual elements and textual examples alongside previous Turkish translations, offering intertextual interpretation and visualisation opportunities.