Comedy of Errors_Short Notes

 (e-content developed by Prof. (Dr) N A Jarandikar)

Egeon

Egeon is an important character from the play ‘The Comedy of Errors’. He is a merchant of Syracuse. Ephesus and Syracuse are the two rival cities. People of these cities are not allowed to cross the boundaries. If someone breaks the law, he is charged with death sentence. In Act I of the play, it is seen that Egeon is arrested by the soldiers of Ephesus because he has broken the law. The Duke Solinus asks him to submit one thousand marks or be ready for a death sentence. So, Egeon narrates his life story and explains his reason to come to Ephesus.

Few years ago, Egeon had been to Epidamium in connection with the business. There Emilia, his wife gave birth to two identical twins. They were named as Antipholus. Coincidently, in the same city, one poor woman gave birth to another twins. As she was unable to look after them, Egeon adopted them. They were named as Dromio. However, while returning to Syracuse, his ship was wrecked, and Emilia, along with one pair of Antipholus – Dromio was separated from him. He returned Syracuse along with one pair of Antipholus and Dromio. When Antipholus and Dromio of Syracuse grew old, they decided to search for their lost brothers. So, with due permission of Egeon, they departed. As they did not return, Egeon decided to search for them. He searched for his departed Son and Dromio at many places. Finally, he has come to Ephesus, though he knows the rule of Ephesus.

The Duke is moved by this story. Out of sympathy, he gives a time limit of one day to raise the needed money. However, Egeon is helpless because he knows no one in the city who could help him. In reality, his departed son, the lost son, two Dromios and even the wife – all are there in the same city. But no one knows about each other. It is only towards the end of the play, the suspense is disclosed. Egeon regains his lost family, and all ends well.

In this way, Egeon is portrayed as a noble, patient, and dignified character. He accepts his fate with a calm, philosophical outlook. He is a symbol of devoted family man.

 

Antipholus

Antipholus is an important character from the play ‘The Comedy of Errors’. In fact, there are two Antipholus in the play. Both of them are the identical twins. One Antipholus belongs to Ephesus, and the other belongs to Syracuse. Both of them have servants, and they too are the identical twins. Their name is Dromio. These twins were separated when they were babies. They were separated because of a shipwreck.

After the shipwreck, one Antipholus and Dromio was forcefully taken by a fisherman. He sold them to the uncle of Solinus. This is how they came to Ephesus. Antipholus of Ephesus has been married to Adriana. His servant Dromio is engaged with the kitchen maid Nell.

Egeon, the father of Antipholus returns Syracuse along with another pair of Antipholus and Dromio. When Antipholus and Dromio of Syracuse grow old the seek permission from Egeon and go in search of their lost brothers. While searching coincidently, they come to Ephesus. Both of them are unaware of their brothers being in the same city. Their identical identity creates confusion. Not only Antipholus – Dromio but also Adriana, Luciana, Nell, the goldsmith, the merchant, the concubine – all are confused due to the mistaken identity. All confusions are resolved only at the end of the play when all brothers come together and Emilia clarifies everything.

Antipholus of Syracuse is adventurous and philosophic. He is seen thinking about the larger issues of life. His journey is a symbol of self-discovery.  He is adaptable and romantic in nature. In the house of Adriana, he understands that something is wrong, and yet he proposes Luciana.

Antipholus of Ephesus is a successful merchant. He is very practical by nature. He is hot-tempered. When Adriana keeps him outside the home, he decides to break the door. If Antipholus of Syracuse is a composed character, Antipholus of Syracuse is frustrated and angered character.

In short, through the character of Antipholus, Shakespeare explores the themes of identity, confusion, and the human desire for connection.

Dromio

Dromio is an important character from the play ‘The Comedy of Errors’. In fact, there are two Dromios in the play. Both of them are the identical twins. One Dromio belongs to Ephesus, and the other belongs to Syracuse. Both of them have masters, and they too are the identical twins. Their name is Antipholus. These twins were separated when they were babies. They were separated because of a shipwreck.

Dromio of Ephesus is engaged with Nell, the kitchen maid of Antipholus of Ephesus. Dromio of Syracuse is not yet engaged with anyone. Both the Dromios are portrayed as the timid fellows. They are beaten by their masters frequently. They play very crucial role in crating humour through the word play. For example, Antipholus of Syracuse asks Dromio of Ephesus about his one thousand marks, Dromio of Ephesus tells him about the beaten marks. Or when Antipholus of Syracuse asks Dromio of Syracuse about Nell, he talks about ‘fat marriage’. He describes her as “spherical like globe”, and goes on describing different countries that can be located in her body.

In Shakespeare’s plays, there are ample of timid characters. These characters mainly create comic world. But very often they are wiser than the main characters. In ‘The Comedy of Errors’ too, Dromio often makes very wise comments. For example, Dromio of Syracuse talks philosophically about nature of time. He tells Adriana and Luciana, ‘Time is bankrupt. Time is thief and comes stealing on by night and day’.

Both the Dromios are faithful to their masters. They are witty and having sense of humour. They play a central role in ‘The Comedy of Errors’. Their misadventures, witty temperament and verbal humour make the play a classic Shakespearean comedy.