# Scene IV explained — The Comedy of Errors

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

## What happens

Antipholus of Ephesus is arrested for debt, and his wife Adriana, believing him mad, enlists Doctor Pinch to exorcise him. Amidst accusations and confusion, Antipholus of Syracuse and Dromio of Syracuse appear with drawn swords, causing a panic. They decide to flee Ephesus and retrieve their belongings from the Centaur.

## Themes in this chapter

### Madness and Perception

Antipholus of Ephesus is accused of madness by his wife and others, while he insists he is sane, highlighting the theme of perceived versus actual madness.

### Marriage and Jealousy

Adriana's suspicion and Antipholus of Ephesus's accusations of infidelity and conspiracy reflect marital discord and jealousy.

### Commerce and Money

The debt for the gold chain, the arrest by the officer, and the confusion over money and payment underscore the theme of commerce and financial obligations.

## Character check-ins

### Antipholus of Ephesus

Arrested for debt, accused of madness, and locked out of his own house; confronts Adriana and Pinch.

### Dromio of Ephesus

Brings a rope instead of money, is beaten by his master, and confirms the events of being locked out.

### Adriana

Believes her husband is mad, calls for Pinch to exorcise him, and later agrees to pay his debt.

### Pinch

A conjurer called to exorcise Antipholus of Ephesus; attempts to bind him and Dromio.

### Antipholus of Syracuse

Appears with a drawn sword, causing the others to flee; decides to leave Ephesus.

### Dromio of Syracuse

Accompanies Antipholus of Syracuse with a sword; suggests staying in Ephesus but is overruled.

## Key lines

> Here's that, I warrant you, will pay them all.

Dromio of Ephesus brings a rope instead of the money, sarcastically claiming it will settle the debt.

_Dromio's literal interpretation of 'rope' for payment highlights the comedic misunderstanding._

> I charge thee, Satan, housed within this man, To yield possession to my holy prayers

Pinch performs an exorcism, commanding the devil to leave Antipholus of Ephesus.

_Pinch's attempt to exorcise Antipholus reflects the belief that madness was caused by demonic possession._

> I see these witches are afraid of swords.

Antipholus of Syracuse observes that the people flee when he draws his sword, calling them witches.

_Antipholus of Syracuse's remark underscores his belief that Ephesus is a place of sorcery and danger._

## Links

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