# Scene I explained — The Comedy of Errors > Chapter companion for The Comedy of Errors by William Shakespeare. ## What happens Adriana and Luciana discuss the absence of Antipholus of Ephesus, debating gender roles and marital obedience. Dromio of Ephesus reports that his master denied knowing his wife and house, claiming madness. Adriana grows increasingly jealous and distressed, while Luciana advises patience. ## Themes in this chapter ### Gender Roles and Power The scene debates the extent of male liberty versus female submission, with Luciana advocating obedience and Adriana questioning the double standard. ### Marriage and Jealousy Adriana's jealousy and suspicion of her husband's fidelity drive the emotional conflict, highlighting marital insecurity. ## Character check-ins ### Adriana Fretting over her husband's absence and expressing jealousy and frustration about his possible infidelity. ### Luciana Advises patience and submission to male authority, arguing that men are masters of their liberty. ### Dromio of Ephesus Returns beaten and reports that Antipholus of Ephesus denied knowing his wife and house, claiming madness. ## Key lines > A man is master of his liberty: Time is their master, and when they see time They'll go or come: if so, be patient, sister. Men control their own freedom; time controls them, so they come and go as they please. You should be patient. _Luciana advises Adriana to accept her husband's independence._ > Why should their liberty than ours be more? Why should men have more freedom than women? _Adriana challenges the double standard in marital freedom._ > I know not thy mistress; out on thy mistress! I don't know your mistress; away with her! _Antipholus of Ephesus denies knowing his wife, as reported by Dromio._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_comedy_of_errors_se/chapters/act-ii-scene-i - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_comedy_of_errors_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_comedy_of_errors_se/chapters