Absolutely Absolutism. Political structure. Undoubtedly, it is something that affects an entire community. Its role is crucial in that decisions must be made "to keep the good of the people." (Cicero, 2005, p.1) Coriolanus, a tragedy by William Shakespeare, takes place during a time of war in ancient Rome. At this time, republicanism was relatively new in society, only having been around for twenty years. Tone, an important factor in the comprehension of literature, shows the "…showed first 75 words of 1653 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1653 total…for there's such a difference in the way we ought to live that the man who neglects the real to study the ideal will learn how to accomplish his ruin, and not his success. (Machiavelli, p.18) Shakespeare described the heroism of an absolutist that viewed leadership as a role to control others. He followed Cicero's moral instructions, but also did what was "right" and pragmatic. This is the "real truth of the matter." (Machiavelli, p.18)