The Comedy of Errors Read online

  On their journey, however, they were shipwrecked. Egeon's wife tied the younger twin and his servant to one end of the mast, while Egeon tied the other son and servant to the other. During the storm they became divided; one parent each with one son and one servant boy. Egeon watched as his wife and the two boys were rescued by a Corinthian fishing boat, while his own party was rescued and taken back to Syracuse. Both his son and his servant were renamed after their lost brothers, a device that reinforces the complex nature of identity. When they reached the age of eighteen they asked permission to go and seek for their lost twins. Egeon "hazarded the loss" of another son and agreed. But his son disappeared and Egeon has now spent "Five summers" searching for him, eventually deciding to chance looking in Ephesus despite the danger.

  Lines 139-157: The duke comments that Egeon has been "marked" by the fates to "bear the extremity of dire mishap." He sympathizes and wishes that he could alter the laws, but "passed sentence may not be recalled." He grants Egeon one day, however, to raise the thousand marks to save his life, establishing the play's time frame and creating a sense of pace and urgency to the subsequent action. Egeon merely sees this reprieve as "procrastinat[ing] his lifeless end."

  ACT 1 SCENE 2

  Lines 1-40: A merchant advises ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE to pretend that he is from Epidamium to avoid trouble. He describes a "Syracusan merchant" who was unable to "buy out his life" and will therefore be executed "ere the weary sun set in the west." The merchant returns some money he has been keeping for Antipholus, who sends his servant Dromio back to the inn with it, commenting on Dromio's "merry" temperament. Antipholus invites the merchant to walk around the town with him but he has business to attend to. Alone, Antipholus muses on his unhappiness and his quest to find his brother, likening himself to "a drop of water / That in the ocean seeks another drop."

  Lines 41-105: Dromio of Ephesus enters and, mistaking him for his own Dromio, Antipholus questions why he is "returned so soon." Confused, Dromio of Ephesus says that he is actually "approached too late," and goes on to tell a bewildered Antipholus that his dinner is burned and his wife is angry. Antipholus asks Dromio for the money he has just given him, and Dromio asks if he means the "sixpence" he gave him to pay the saddler. Assuming this is another of Dromio's jokes, Antipholus insists he is "not in a sportive humour" before asking again for the money. Dromio repeats his request that Antipholus return home for dinner and they continue to talk at cross-purposes, each assuming that he is addressing the other's identical twin, until Antipholus loses his temper and beats Dromio, who runs away. Antipholus fears that his servant has been cheated out of his money and goes back to the inn to find him.

  ACT 2 SCENE 1

  Lines 1-43: Adriana wonders where her husband and servant are as "it is two o'clock," one of the play's many references to time. Luciana suggests that he has been invited to dinner by "some merchant," adding that men have little regard for time and are masters of their own liberty. Adriana questions why men should have more liberty than women. Luciana comments that all males, even "The beasts, the fishes and the winged fowls," "Are masters to their females." Adriana argues that it is easy for Luciana to urge "helpless patience": she has no "unkind" husband to "grieve" her.

  Lines 44-117: Dromio enters and tells them that Antipholus has just struck him. He says that his master "is stark mad": on being asked to come home for dinner, he asked Dromio for "a thousand marks in gold" and said that he knew of "no house, no wife, no mistress." Adriana beats Dromio and sends him back to fetch his master. When he has gone, Adriana complains of Antipholus' treatment of her, suspecting that he is neglecting her for other women. She argues that he has "ruined" her looks and temper through his neglect and wishes that he would give her a "sunny look." Luciana accuses her sister of "self-harming jealousy" but Adriana continues, saying that she will weep away what is left of her beauty.

  ACT 2 SCENE 2

  Lines 1-108: Antipholus of Syracuse has been back to the inn and found that his gold is safe and that Dromio has set out to look for him. Confused, he feels that there has not been time for him to have spoken to Dromio since he first sent him from the market. Dromio (of Syracuse) arrives, and Antipholus asks if he is still in "merry humour" or whether it was madness that made him speak of his house and dinner. Dromio insists that he has not seen Antipholus since he gave him the money to take to the inn. Frustrated at his denials, Antipholus beats him and says that he must learn to judge his master's humors better and not take advantage of Antipholus' familiarity with him. They continue their quick-fire verbal exchange until interrupted by the arrival of Adriana and Luciana.

  Lines 109-219: Antipholus is mystified as Adriana beckons him over. She interprets his expression as ill temper, accusing him of giving his "sweet aspects" to "Some other mistress." Recalling the time when her husband loved her, she asks him how he has become "estranged from" his previous self. She continues to complain of his infidelities until Antipholus tells her that he does not know her: he is "but two hours old" in Ephesus. Luciana remonstrates with him for his treatment of Adriana, adding that she has already sent Dromio to fetch him to dinner. Dromio denies this. Antipholus wonders whether he is dreaming, but decides to go along with events until the mystery is solved. Dromio furthers the sense of unreality by deciding that they must be in "fairy land." Exasperated, Adriana insists that Antipholus go in to dine, and sets Dromio to "keep the gate," telling him to "let no creature enter."

  ACT 3 SCENE 1

  Lines 1-48: Antipholus of Ephesus enters, accompanied by his own Dromio. He explains to the men he is with that his wife is "shrewish" when he is late, asking them to help him make excuses and say that he was at Angelo's organizing the making of her necklace. His Dromio has told him of the encounter in the market, when Antipholus supposedly asked him for a thousand marks, denied his "wife and house," and beat him, and Antipholus says he is a "drunkard" and an "ass." They arrive at the house to find the door locked. Dromio of Ephesus calls to the other servants to let them in, and, on the other side of the door, Dromio of Syracuse refuses. Each unaware that he is speaking to his twin, the two men exchange insults through the door. Dromio of Syracuse announces his name, and Dromio of Ephesus accuses him of stealing both his "office and [his] name."

  Lines 49-129: Concealed from the men, Luce calls to "Dromio" to ask who is at the gate, unaware that she is addressing two people with the same name. A confusing, bawdy conversation ensues until Adriana, also concealed from the men's view, asks what all the noise is. Antipholus of Ephesus calls to his wife to let him in, but believing her husband to be inside the house, she orders him away. Antipholus threatens to break in but Balthasar persuades him that this will create "vulgar comment" and suggests he dine at an inn instead. Antipholus agrees, deciding he will dine with "a wench" who is "Pretty and witty" and "wild" and, moreover, he will give her Adriana's necklace to spite her for refusing him entry.

  ACT 3 SCENE 2

  Lines 1-73: Luciana remonstrates with Antipholus of Syracuse, believing him to be her brother-in-law. She tells him that he should remember "A husband's office" and be kinder to Adriana, even if he did only marry her "for her wealth." She adds that if he does "like elsewhere," he should conceal it. Antipholus again denies that Adriana is his wife and it becomes clear that he has fallen in love with Luciana. Sustaining the play's water imagery, he describes her as a "sweet mermaid" and a "siren." Luciana says that he is mad, insisting that his loving words should be for Adriana, but he continues, describing Luciana as the "better part" of himself. Luciana runs to find Adriana.

  Lines 74-188: Dromio of Syracuse enters, running. When Antipholus questions him, it seems that Dromio has begun to doubt his sanity and his identity, asking "Am I Dromio?" He reveals that he is being pursued by "the kitchen wench," who lays "claim" to him. Displaying a bawdy wit, he gives an entertaining but coarse geographical description of her. He tells Antipholus that she must be a witch since she knew his name and the location of "privy marks" on his body. Anti
pholus sends Dromio to see "if the wind blow any way from shore," declaring that they will not remain in Ephesus as it is inhabited by "none but witches." He considers Luciana's "grace" and "enchanting presence," but vows that he will "stop [his] ears against the mermaid's song." He is joined by Angelo, who mistakes him for Antipholus of Ephesus and gives him a necklace, saying that he will call at suppertime for payment. Antipholus is surprised, but accepts the necklace and goes to wait for Dromio.

  ACT 4 SCENE 1

  A merchant demands that Angelo pay him the money he owes or he will have him arrested. Angelo assures him that he will get the money for the necklace from Antipholus "At five o'clock." Antipholus and Dromio of Ephesus enter, returning from his visit to the Courtesan. He sends Dromio to buy a rope so that he can flog Adriana for locking him out and asks Angelo why he did not bring him the necklace. Assuming that he is joking, Angelo presents his bill and asks Antipholus to settle up with the merchant. Antipholus refuses to give him the money without the necklace, while Angelo demands payment for the goods he believes he has already delivered to Antipholus. The merchant insists that the officer arrest the merchant, and the merchant asks him to arrest Antipholus, which he does. As they argue, Dromio of Syracuse arrives and tells Antipholus that he has secured them places on a ship to Epidamium. Antipholus is amazed, having just sent Dromio of Ephesus to buy a rope. He asks if his servant has gone mad, and suggests he is "drunken." Dromio insists that he sent him to "hire waftage," but Antipholus angrily sends him to Adriana with a key to the desk where he keeps his money and a message that he is "arrested in the street" and to use the money to bail him. He is led away, and a bewildered Dromio reluctantly goes to do as he is asked.

  ACT 4 SCENE 2

  Luciana has told Adriana about Antipholus' declaration of love to herself, still believing him to be her brother-in-law. Bitter and angry, Adriana questions her and Luciana admits that had Antipholus' suit been an "honest" one, his words would have moved her. Adriana rails against her husband, but confesses that her "heart prays for him." Dromio of Syracuse arrives with the key, breathlessly urging Adriana to "the desk, the purse!" Startled, the women question him and he tells them of Antipholus' arrest, and Luciana fetches the money. Adriana sends Dromio to pay the bail and bring Antipholus home.

  ACT 4 SCENE 3

  ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE is puzzled as to why the people of Ephesus keep greeting him as though he were "their well-acquainted friend." He is now convinced that Ephesus is filled with witches, and that he is enchanted. Dromio of Syracuse rushes in with the gold from Adriana and expresses surprise that his master has got rid of the law officer. Confused, Antipholus asks about the ship and Dromio says that he has already spoken to him "an hour since" about it. Antipholus decides that both he and his servant are "distract" and "wander in illusions."

  As Dromio gives him the purse, they are accosted by the Courtesan. Believing Antipholus to be his twin, she asks him for the chain which he "promised" to her. Antipholus and Dromio accuse her of being "the devil" and "the devil's dam," and Antipholus "conjure[s]" her to "be gone." She demands that he give back a ring she gave him worth forty ducats, or else give her the promised chain, but Antipholus and Dromio leave, calling her a witch. Alone, the Courtesan concludes that Antipholus must be mad, and this is why his wife barred the door against him earlier. She decides to go to Adriana and tell her that her husband, "being lunatic," rushed into her house and stole her ring.

  ACT 4 SCENE 4

  Lines 1-128: Antipholus of Ephesus promises the jailer that he will have the money needed to release him. Dromio of Ephesus enters, bringing the rope that he was sent for in Act 4 Scene 1. Antipholus asks him for the money that he sent Dromio of Syracuse for and, when his Dromio denies any knowledge of this, beats him. Adriana arrives accompanied by Luciana, the Courtesan, and Pinch, in time to see Antipholus beating his servant. The Courtesan argues that this is proof of Antipholus' madness and Adriana agrees. She asks Pinch, as a "conjurer," to restore her husband's "true sense." Pinch tries to feel his pulse but Antipholus strikes him. Pinch then tries to exorcise the devil from Antipholus, who insists he is not mad. He turns to his wife and asks if Pinch was the man she had to "Revel and feast" at his house while he was denied entry. Adriana takes this as further proof of his madness. She assures him that he "dined at home" which he denies, backed up by Dromio. Antipholus then accuses her of sending Angelo to arrest him, but she protests that she sent Dromio with the money to "redeem" him. Despite the others' insistence that he collected the money, Dromio insists that he was "sent for nothing but a rope." Pinch declares that both Antipholus and Dromio are "possessed." Again, Adriana denies that Antipholus was locked out, and he begins to threaten her violently. Several men try to tie him up as he struggles and the officer protests that if his prisoner is taken away, he becomes liable for the debt. Adriana says that she will pay and instructs the men to take her husband home. They leave, taking Antipholus and Dromio.

  Lines 129-157: Adriana asks who Antipholus owes money to, and how much. The jailer tells her about the chain, and Adriana asks to be taken to Angelo. Just then, Antipholus and Dromio of Syracuse enter, swords drawn, and everyone assumes that Antipholus and Dromio of Ephesus have escaped. They all run away and Antipholus observes that "these witches are afraid of swords." He orders Dromio to fetch their belongings from the inn, insisting that they will leave that night.

  ACT 5 SCENE 1

  Lines 1-37: Angelo apologizes to the merchant, insisting that Antipholus has the necklace, "Though most dishonestly he doth deny it." As they speak, ANTIPHOLUS OF SYRACUSE enters, and Angelo challenges him for "openly" wearing the chain that he has denied having. As they argue, Adriana and her companions arrive and tell the merchant and Angelo that Antipholus is mad. They try to apprehend Antipholus and Dromio, who escape into a priory.

  Lines 38-131: Emilia demands to know why Adriana's party is disturbing the priory. Adriana explains that they are trying to find her "poor distracted husband." She explains that he has been "heavy, sour, [and] sad" for a while, but that he has been much worse that afternoon, in an "extremity of rage." Emilia says that Adriana has turned Antipholus mad with her jealousy: "The venom clamours of a jealous woman / Poisons more deadly than a mad dog's tooth." Luciana defends her sister, but Adriana says that Emilia speaks the truth. She asks her companions to "lay hold" of Antipholus but Emilia will not let them in. She argues that Antipholus has taken "sanctuary" in the priory, and that she will not release him until she has "brought him to his wits again." Adriana insists that she wants to nurse her husband but Emilia refuses. Luciana says that they should complain to the Duke of Ephesus. The merchant comments that "the dial points at five," and observes that the duke himself is approaching to oversee the execution of Egeon.

  Lines 132-191: The duke enters with his officials, leading Egeon and asking "If any friend will pay the sum for him." Adriana asks him for "Justice ... against the abbess" and explains that her husband has had an "outrageous fit of madness" and escaped into the abbey but Emilia will not release him. The duke promises to investigate and tells them to "knock at the abbey-gate." As they do so, a messenger brings Adriana the news that her husband and servant "are both broke loose" and have attacked Pinch. He begs her to send help, but she tells him that Antipholus and Dromio are in the abbey. He tells her that Antipholus is threatening to attack Adriana and, as a cry is heard within, urges her to fly. The duke tells her not to fear, but Adriana cannot understand how her husband has got out of the abbey.

  Lines 192-283: Antipholus and Dromio of Ephesus enter and Antipholus asks the duke to grant him justice. Egeon, apparently unheard by the others, recognizes his son, but believes that he is looking at Antipholus of Syracuse. Antipholus continues to ask for justice against Adriana for shutting him out of his house. Backed up by Luciana, Adriana insists that she dined at home with her husband. Antipholus recounts the whole day's events from his perspective and Angelo confirms that he was locked out, but still insists that Antipholus h
as the chain and was wearing it when he ran into the abbey. Antipholus denies ever entering the abbey but the Courtesan says he did and, moreover, he has her ring. He freely admits to this and the duke, presented with events that apparently both did and did not happen, declares that they all must be under some enchantment, or "stark mad." He sends for the abbess.

  Lines 284-428: Egeon tells the duke that he sees "a friend" that will save his life by paying the thousand marks. He addresses Antipholus and Dromio by name (assuming that they are of Syracuse) but they deny knowing him. Distressed, Egeon insists that they must at least recognize his voice and tells Antipholus that he is his son, and reminds him of their parting in Syracuse seven years previously. Antipholus argues that he has never seen either his father or Syracuse, and the duke backs him up. Just then, Emilia leads in Antipholus and Dromio of Syracuse. Everyone is amazed. She then reveals that she is Egeon's lost wife and recounts how she was separated from her son and his servant shortly after their rescue. As their stories unfold, the day's events become clear. The necklace, the ring, and the money all find their rightful owners and Egeon is pardoned. Emilia invites them all into the abbey. The two sets of twins are reconciled with one another and follow the others in, and the restored order is symbolized by the two Dromios exiting "hand in hand, not one before another."