# Scene I explained — The Comedy of Errors

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

## What happens

The final scene resolves the confusions of mistaken identity. Adriana accuses the Abbess of harboring her mad husband, but the Abbess insists on treating him herself. The Duke arrives to witness the execution of Aegeon, but the revelation of the twin Antipholuses and Dromios, along with the Abbess's identity as Aemilia, leads to a joyful family reunion. All misunderstandings are cleared, and the Duke pardons Aegeon.

## Themes in this chapter

### Family and Reunion

The climax of the play where the separated family members are reunited, including the recognition of Aegeon and Aemilia and the twin brothers.

### Madness and Perception

Adriana and others believe Antipholus is mad, but the Abbess argues that his behavior stems from marital strife, highlighting the blurred line between madness and emotional distress.

### Order and Disorder

The chaotic events of mistaken identity are finally resolved, restoring social and familial order under the Duke's authority.

## Character check-ins

### Adriana

Accuses the Abbess of keeping her husband and pleads with the Duke for justice.

### Abbess

Refuses to surrender Antipholus of Syracuse, claiming sanctuary, and later reveals herself as Aemilia, Aegeon's long-lost wife.

### Duke Solinus

Presides over the execution of Aegeon but ultimately pardons him after the recognition.

### Aegeon

Led to execution but saved by the reunion with his wife and sons.

### Antipholus of Syracuse

One of the twins; his identity is clarified during the recognition scene.

### Antipholus of Ephesus

The other twin; his arrest and confusion are resolved in the final reunion.

## Key lines

> The venom clamours of a jealous woman Poisons more deadly than a mad dog’s tooth.

The harsh accusations of a jealous woman are more harmful than the bite of a rabid dog.

_The Abbess criticizes Adriana for causing her husband's distress through constant jealousy._

> These are the parents to these children, Which accidentally are met together.

These are the parents of these children, who have come together by chance.

_The Duke recognizes that Aegeon and Aemilia are the parents of the twin Antipholuses._

> Thirty-three years have I but gone in travail Of you, my sons; and till this present hour My heavy burden ne’er delivered.

For thirty-three years I have been in labor with you, my sons, and until now I have not been relieved of this heavy burden.

_The Abbess (Aemilia) expresses the long years of separation and the joy of finally being reunited with her sons._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_comedy_of_errors_se/chapters/act-v-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