It's In His Face

"Though thy tackle's torn, / Thou show'st a noble vessel." (IV.v.62-63)
"Nay, I knew by his face that there was / something in him. He had, sir, a kind of face." (IV.v.157-158)

Today we associate nobility with actions. Whether one acts virtuously or fights bravely, one earns the title "noble" through how we live. This doesn't seem to be the case in Shakespeare's play. Something is inherently different about Coriolanus; both Aufidius and the servants can see the nobility and power in his face. I find it interesting that even the servingmen remark on Coriolanus's countenance. Although they are from Antium and not Rome, these lower status characters are acknowledging a difference between themselves and Coriolanus that does not deal with status but their inherent makeup. Coriolanus was born more noble than them. This presents a contrast between the Roman citizens and the Volscians. I can't see the Romans admitting Coriolanus was born more noble than them.