The Comedy of Errors · Chapter
Scene II explained
Luciana confronts Antipholus of Syracuse, believing him to be her brother-in-law, and urges him to treat her sister Adriana with more kindness.
What happens
Luciana confronts Antipholus of Syracuse, believing him to be her brother-in-law, and urges him to treat her sister Adriana with more kindness. Antipholus of Syracuse, confused by the mistaken identity, declares his love for Luciana instead. Dromio of Syracuse then enters, reporting that a kitchen wench named Nell claims him as her husband, describing her in grotesque, comedic terms. Antipholus of Syracuse resolves to leave Ephesus, but Angelo arrives and gives him a gold chain intended for Antipholus of Ephesus, which he accepts before planning his departure.
Themes in this chapter
Identity and Mistaken Identity
The entire scene hinges on Antipholus of Syracuse being mistaken for his twin brother, leading to Luciana's rebuke, Angelo's delivery of the chain, and Dromio's encounter with Nell.
Marriage and Jealousy
Luciana's lecture on marital fidelity and Antipholus of Syracuse's romantic pursuit of her highlight themes of marriage, jealousy, and infidelity.
Commerce and Money
Angelo's delivery of the gold chain and the expectation of payment underscore the commercial transactions and monetary misunderstandings that drive the plot.
Characters to notice
- Luciana
Luciana scolds Antipholus of Syracuse for neglecting his husbandly duties toward her sister, then is bewildered by his romantic advances toward her.
- Antipholus of Syracuse
Antipholus of Syracuse is mistaken for his twin by Luciana and Angelo; he courts Luciana, receives a gold chain meant for his brother, and decides to flee Ephesus.
- Dromio of Syracuse
Dromio of Syracuse humorously describes being claimed by the kitchen wench Nell, using a globe metaphor to detail her appearance, and flees from her.
- Angelo
Angelo delivers the gold chain to Antipholus of Syracuse, mistaking him for Antipholus of Ephesus, and refuses immediate payment.
Key passages
“And may it be that you have quite forgot A husband’s office? shall, Antipholus, Even in the spring of love, thy love-springs rot?”
Have you completely forgotten your duties as a husband? Will your love wither so early?
Luciana chides Antipholus of Syracuse for neglecting his marital responsibilities.
“Not mad, but mated; how, I do not know.”
I am not insane, but I am bewildered and paired with someone; I don't understand how.
Antipholus of Syracuse responds to Luciana's accusation of madness, punning on 'mated' to mean both confused and matched.
“I am an ass, I am a woman's man and besides myself.”
I am a fool, I am a man claimed by a woman, and I am out of my senses.
Dromio of Syracuse complains about being claimed by Nell, expressing his confusion and distress.
“She is spherical, like a globe; I could find out countries in her.”
She is round like a globe; I could identify countries on her body.
Dromio uses a comedic geographical metaphor to describe Nell's large size.
“I see a man here needs not live by shifts, When in the streets he meets such golden gifts.”
A man here doesn't need to rely on clever tricks when he can find such valuable gifts just by walking down the street.
Antipholus of Syracuse marvels at receiving the gold chain unexpectedly, seeing it as a stroke of luck.