The Comedy of Errors (Renaissance)

The Shakespearean play the Comedy of Errors depicts a naïve society in which people need to look for unconventional explanations to every single event. Shakespeare criticizes this society by depicting a situation that is unlikely to take place in reality. Four individuals were involved in what can be considered a hilarious event. These individuals happen to be two slaves with their masters, but the two masters are named Antipholus and the slaves are named Dromio. These men are involved in a misunderstanding caused by their immature attitude, which represents English society. The misunderstanding also reveals troublesome relationships among masters and slaves, husbands and wives, and the general situation of this society. Shakespeare clearly uses the characters of the play to reveal their incapability of reasoning and dealing with simple aspects of life. The first scene, Aegeon’s execution, shows the only moment of real tragedy in the play. As the misunderstanding takes place, the title of play starts making sense since it is the constant errors of the characters what causes negative implications for themselves. A relevant issue in the play is also the lack of identity. The confusion makes the four main characters of the play feel frustrated, alienated and even aggressive because they have not a clear identity and, therefore, no influence or authority. Even the ending of the play seems to reinforce Shakespeare’s criticism but in a subtle way. When both Dromios find each other, they decide to act as equals in friendly manner. This ending portrays Shakespeare’s purpose of trying to make people think rationally and act as a civilized and close society.

By Erick Pérez