拨弄舆情:论《科利奥兰纳斯》中的护民官

Manipulating Public Opinions: the Politics of the Tribunes in Coriolanus

莎士比亚的罗马悲剧向来以其深刻而广泛的政治寓意而受到研究者的重视,但是,研究者的目光多集中在剧本如何反映罗马政治生活、如何塑造政治英雄人物等方面。在重读《科利奥兰纳斯》时发现,剧中的舆情摆动是一个十分有意思的现象,其成因、进展与后果,不仅成为情节的主线,甚至还使莎氏的这部戏与当代社会和政治文化生活语境产生了微妙的关联。以《科利奥兰纳斯》剧中的护民官为切入点,详细剖析护民官促成、调动和拨弄民众舆论以实现自身政治目的的手法,指出莎士比亚对罗马历史叙事的改编,在一定程度上体现了他对这一政治制度的疑虑和拷问,同时也从一个特殊角度再次展示莎士比亚的当代普适性。

Shakespeare＇s Coriolanus has long been a favorite topic for political studies,with focuses ranging from Roman political system to political allusions to the Elizabethan England. While most studies consider Coriolanus versus citizens as the core of the tragedy,this paper argues for critical attention toward the role and function of the two tribunes. Through close reading,the author points out the tribunes＇ unique and advantageous position in their confrontations with Coriolanus and their political consciousness and strategy,especially the way they manipulate public opinions,which lead to their victory over the latter. The paper also emphasizes on the significance of the Shakespeare＇s adaptation of Roman history and Coriolanus as a present day political allusion.