The Comedy of Errors · Chapter
Scene III explained
Antipholus of Syracuse, bewildered by the constant greetings and offers from strangers in Ephesus, is further confused by Dromio of Syracuse's talk of gold and an officer.
What happens
Antipholus of Syracuse, bewildered by the constant greetings and offers from strangers in Ephesus, is further confused by Dromio of Syracuse's talk of gold and an officer. A courtesan approaches, demanding a ring and a chain promised to her, but Antipholus, thinking her a witch, drives her away. The courtesan concludes that Antipholus must be mad and decides to tell his wife that he stole her ring.
Themes in this chapter
Madness and Perception
The courtesan interprets Antipholus of Syracuse's behavior as madness, while he perceives her as a witch, highlighting the theme of distorted perception.
Commerce and Money
The courtesan's demand for a ring and chain, and Dromio's talk of gold and an officer, underscore the play's focus on debts and material transactions.
Characters to notice
- Antipholus of Syracuse
Confused by the strange familiarity of strangers; mistakes the courtesan for a witch and flees.
- Dromio of Syracuse
Brings gold and delivers news of a ship; engages in wordplay about an officer and the courtesan.
- Courtesan
Demands a ring and chain from Antipholus of Syracuse; concludes he is mad and plans to inform his wife.
Key passages
“There’s not a man I meet but doth salute me As if I were their well-acquainted friend; And everyone doth call me by my name.”
Every person I encounter greets me like an old friend and knows my name.
Antipholus of Syracuse expresses his confusion at the strange familiarity of the Ephesians.
“Avaunt, thou witch! Come, Dromio, let us go.”
Get away, you witch! Dromio, let's leave.
Antipholus of Syracuse rejects the courtesan, believing her to be a sorceress.
“Now, out of doubt Antipholus is mad, Else would he never so demean himself.”
There is no doubt Antipholus is insane, otherwise he would never act this way.
The courtesan concludes that Antipholus of Syracuse must be mad after he denies her requests.