Homoerotic overtones are not uncommon in Shakespeare’s plays. For example, we find them in Twelfth Night in Antonio’s relationship with Sebastian. Likewise, in The Merchant of Venice we can interpret Antonio’s actions towards Bassanio as an indication of homosexual feelings. While the previous cases provide examples of homoeroticism between friends, Shakespeare’s canon also contains examples of homoerotic overtones between hated enemies. In Coriolanus, there is undeniable homoeroticism in the relationship between Aufidius and Coriolanus. The homoerotic tones illuminate their paradoxical love/hate relationship between the two men, making that relationship as believable a match as any of Shakespeare’s heterosexual couples. Importantly, this relationship is characterized by their long history of fighting one and another.
It is quite clear from the beginning of the play that Aufidius and Coriolanus are hated enemies. The two are on opposite sides of the war: Aufidius serves the Volscians, while Coriolanus serves the Romans. Aufidius states that “If we and Caius Martius chance to meet, tis sworn between us we shall ever strike till one can do no more” (Shakespeare, P. 15). Before the characters meet in battle, Coriolanus describes Aufidius as “the man of my soul’s hate” (Shakespeare, P.23). When the two are engaged in battle, Coriolanus tells Aufidius, “I’ll fight with none but thee, for I do hate thee worse than a promise breaker” (Shakespeare, P.28). Aulfidius returns these sentiments, telling Coriolanus, “We hate alike. Not Afric owns a serpent I abhor more than thy fame and envy” (Shakespeare, P.28). Following the battle Aufidius relates his hatred for Coriolanus to his soldiers, expressing that nothing “shall lift up their rotten privilege and custom ‘gainst my hate to Martius” (Shakespeare, P.34). The two men do not merely fight for opposing sides; they each hate the other specifically and with a passion.
Despite their hatred for each other, it is clear...