Coriolanus Allusions & Cultural References

When authors refer to other great works, people, and events, it’s usually not accidental. Put on your super-sleuth hat and figure out why.

Major Literary Sources

Shout-Outs to Elizabethan Politics and Culture

  • English Food Riots of 1607 (1.1)
  • Fires built on the frozen River Thames in January 1608 (1.1)

Literary and Philosophical References

  • Penelope from Homer's Odyssey (1.3)

Historical References

  • Cato the Censor, ancient Roman moralist (1.4)
  • Galen, ancient Greek physician (2.1)
  • King Tarquin, ancient Roman king (2.2)

Mythological References

  • Hecuba, Queen of Troy (1.3)
  • Hector, Hecuba's son (1.3)