Mention Tonya Harding, Timothy McVeigh, or Monica Lewinsky, and immediately each individual's nefarious deeds come to mind. Each of these names meant nothing until actions such as sex and violence were associated with them. Monica Lewinsky's name became so recognizable that she used her name alone to try to sell a line of handbags. This concept of a name embodying a particular set of actions is important to understanding Coriolanus. Shakespeare uses nouns as metonymy to refer only to a person's actions, illustrating both beneficial and disastrous consequences of this simplistic association. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Despite the fact that the man's name is never revealed, the poor host who takes in Coriolanus is a prime example of the importance of linking a name and deeds. Coriolanus, in trying to graciously reward the people who helped him conquer Aufidius and the Volscians, speaks enthusiastically of a man who gave him shelter while he was in the field. He treated me kindly, he cried to me (I:ix 83), praises Coriolanus, establishing that men were close enough to cry together. Coriolanus saw the man taken prisoner at the very moment he saw Aufidius and asked Cominius to release [his] poor host (I: ix 87). Cominius is more than willing to comply with this request, and his fellow general Lartius simply asks Martius his name (I:ix 89). Despite crying with this man and the extraordinary kindness he showed him, Coriolanus replies: By Jupiter, I forgot! (I:ix 90) Not only has his name been forgotten, but in two lines Coriolanus discusses more important matters, such as the whereabouts of wine. In this case, having his name firmly established with his kind act would have freed the man from being a prisoner of war, illustrating the importance that his name represents to his actions. Shakespeare illustrates in a less subtle way the beneficial metonymy of stock names with the family name. Coriolanus being given to Caius Martius. Cominius, after listing many courageous military acts that the still bloody Caius Martius performed for Rome, proclaims: For what he did before Corioles, call him Coriolanus (I:ix 63-65). Shakespeare literally makes a name a representation of actions by giving it to him because of his heroic leadership. The name of Coriolanus would not exist in the play without the valiant deeds which earned the name of Caius Martius, and it is from the name of Coriolanus that the people of Rome decide to elect him consul. Instead of showing the people his wounds, another sign of his service to Rome, he was elected on the basis of obtaining his new surname, thus reinforcing the link between a name and actions. However, Shakespeare refuses to simply describe a heroic bond. between name and actions, and explores a different perspective during Coriolanus' exile. Coriolanus goes in disguise to his mortal enemy Aufidius, and Aufidius is wary of the wanderer in his house. He asks for Coriolanus' name, which Coriolanus is reluctant to give because of its meaning. “A name not very musical to the ears of the Volscians, and harsh in sound for yours (IV: v 58), replies Coriolanus, choosing to postpone giving his name until later. Coriolanus finally relents, confessing his name and that Aufidius should, witness my family name, Coriolanus (IV: v 67-68), was won after committing great evils and misdeeds (IV: v 67), against the Volsces. He continues on this point: despite its name symbolizing the atrocities committed against the Volscians, only this name remains (IV: v73). Coriolanus does not.