The Comedy of Errors is one of Shakespeare’s best loved plays. It has been dramatized, filmed and translated into many languages.
The basic plot involves a pair of twin brothers – both named
Antipholus – who have been separated at birth.
Syracuse, the other in Ephesus where the action unfolds.> This is an old and established theme among story-tellers. However, Shakespeare has added a twist to this tale by having a second pair of twins (both named Dromio) who are the personal attendants to the first pair. This dramatic device allows for a great deal of permutations and combinations, and an unending series of misunderstandings, thus giving the play its title of The Comedy of Errors. In the words of Antipholus, as he sums up the play thus:
“I see we still did meet each other’s man;
And I was taken for him, and he for me;
And thereupon these errors are arose.”
The action unfolds as Antipholus (of Syracuse) comes to Ephesus in search of his long-lost brother. There he comes across Dromio (of Ephesus) who invites him home for dinner. Adriana, the wife of Antipholus (of Ephesus) suspects that something is amiss, but mistakenly attributes it to infidelity on his part. The situation is further complicated by the fact that Antipholus (of Syracuse) has fallen in love with Luciana, who is sister and confidant to Adriana… This a short play, one of Shakespeare’s shortest plays, and there are few other characters of note.
The action in this play has been compressed in forty-eight brief hours. There is never a dull moment in the play, never any respite from action. But, it is not the situation alone that provides the comedy; the use of the language contributes to the comedy. Though in essence this is a witty and light hearted play, it is not without Shakespeare’s trademark philosophy on matters human and humane.
As is the wont with Shakespeare, the climax builds up to the last (and the fifth) act of the play – where the conflicts are duly resolved to the satisfaction of all concerned. This device is used in common by the playwright in both his tragedies as well as his comedies; the only difference being that the resolution is tragic (in the tragedies) and happy in the comedies. There are no villains in this piece, nothing to mar the happy ending; which perhaps helps to explain the enduring popularity of the play.