Comedy of Errors early Shakespearian comedy

Comedy of Errors probably written ~ 1591 – first or second of Shakespeare’s comedies. written after some of the histories. written for both the public stage in London and for private Christmas celebrations for barristers at inns of court. shortest of Shakespeare’s plays. no surviving quarto editions.

Who’s Who 2 sets of identical twins born on same day –Antipholus – sons of merchants –Dromio – purchased servants Egeon – father of Antipholus twins Duke of Ephesus (runs the town) 2 sisters –Adriana (wife of Ephesus brother) –Luciana (whom Syracuse brother falls for) Amelia – abbess of Ephesus

Some minor characters Courtesan (mistress of Antipholus of Ephesus) – in this play, the wife, not the concubine, has a name Balthazar & 2 more merchants Dr. Pinch – who declares Antipholus to be a madman Angelo – goldsmith Luce / Nell – round wife of Dromio Ephesus

Ideas to look for Water imagery (separated by the sea; alike as two drops of water). What brings couples together. Sense of individual identity missing in Plautus’s play – brothers are different people and want different things. Witchcraft and sorcery – fear of what one does not understand.

Contrasts with Plautus’ play Double twinning Setting changed to Ephesus in response to St Paul’s letter to the Ephesians (which talks about Christian marriage, and clearly Antipholus Ephesus and Adriana need to work on their marriage) Addition of parents Element of real danger in Egeon’s threatened death