# Scene III explained — The Comedy of Errors

> Chapter companion for The Comedy of Errors by William Shakespeare.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_comedy_of_errors_se/chapters/act-iv-scene-iii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_comedy_of_errors_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_comedy_of_errors_se/chapters