The Comedy of Errors

Transcription

1 Smarr Publishers English for Classical Studies A Student s Companion to The Comedy of Errors by Abigail E. Schoolfield Copyright Watson Educational Services, Inc., 2006 All rights reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording, or by any information storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. For information, please write Smarr Publishers, 4917 High Falls Road Suite 201, Jackson, Georgia or call (678) Any edition of the text is compatible with the study guide. $9.95 IN USA

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3 Introduction to The Comedy of Errors The Comedy of Errors / 1 E VEN though The Comedy of Errors is his first play and his shortest William Shakespeare writes nevertheless a well-developed plot with goodly surprises. From beginning to end, the audience is delighted with the comic situations in the play, regardless of the probability of such situations occurring. The audience really does need to suspend its disbelief for this play. Shakespeare borrows the story from Menaechmi, a Roman play by Plautus. Menaechmi (plural for Menaechmus) are twin brothers, one being a stranger in the town where his twin brother lives. However, Shakespeare adds material to his play that is not found in Menaechmi. The addition of the two servants, Dromio, the ominous beginning with Egeon, and the surprise ending with Aemilia are the inventions of Shakespeare. When Antipholus of Syracuse states to the merchant of Ephesus, I will go lose myself, / And wander up and down to view the city, the stranger truly does lose himself. In a short while, Antipholus begins to lose his identity by being mistaken for his lost brother. To account for these strange events, Antipholus thinks that he is bewitched and that he is in a fairyland. Even though Antipholus learns that he is married to a wife, he does not love her. Instead, he falls in love with Luciana who offers patience and sanity in a world that seemingly has gone mad. The plot becomes more tangled and more complicated that even the Duke, representative of law and order, concludes as Antipholus of Syracuse did: I think you all have drunk of Circe s cup. In short, the whole town is bewitched. However, this fairy enchantment becomes more violent with a false arrest, with the brandishing of swords, and with numerous beatings. At this point the wise Duke is unable to employ logic. But the audience understands early on what should be the simple resolution to the problem, which is for the two twins to appear at the same time on stage. This play is a good example of dramatic irony when the audience is aware of answers or knowledge unknown to the characters. Shakespeare leads the audience to think it has resolved the plot when he springs the surprise ending with Aemilia. It is Aemilia who clears up the confusion and brings order out of chaos. In one sense, The Comedy of Errors is a fairytale. The play fills the void in our souls that long for everyone to live happily ever after and for the lost of this world to be always found. ROBERT W. WATSON

4 2 / The Comedy of Errors The Comedy of Errors Lesson One 1.1 Vocabulary infringe v. seditious adj. peruse v. 1.2 Vocabulary Exercise: Circle two words that do not belong on each line. 1. infringe stitch defy transgress obey 2. seditious rebellious orderly insurrectionary calm 3. peruse overlook skim study read 1.3 Reading Assignment: The Comedy of Errors, Act I 1.4 Recall Questions 1. Why does Duke Solinus arrest Egeon and condemn him to death? 2. What caused the separation of Egeon s family? 3. How did Egeon get the two servants for his two sons? 4. What do the servants have in common with their masters? 5. Why has Egeon come to Ephesus? 6. What makes the Duke have pity on Egeon? 7. The Duke tells Egeon that he can live on one condition. What is that condition? 8. When a merchant gives Antipholus of Syracuse one thousand marks, what does Antipholus order his servant to do with the money? 9. Why does the merchant refuse Antipholus of Syracuse s invitation to dinner? 10. Who arrives while Dromio of Syracuse is obeying his master s order? 11. What message is he bringing and from whom?

5 The Comedy of Errors / Antipholus of Syracuse believes his servant is joking and acting foolishly by giving him this extraordinary message. What does Antipholus believe his servant has done with his money? 13. Antipholus of Syracuse loses his temper and does what to his servant? 1.5 Critical Thinking Explain how the reader must suspend his disbelief in the first act of this play. In other words, what details in the play would be improbable in real life?

6 4 / The Comedy of Errors The Comedy of Errors Lesson Two 2.1 Vocabulary bereave v. beshrew v. voluble adj. jollity n. licentious adj. 2.2 Vocabulary Exercise: Circle two words that do not belong on each line. 1. bereave rob supply provide dispossess 2. beshrew bless curse condemn praise 3. voluble fluent taciturn talkative silent 4. jollity mirth glee gloom sadness 5. licentious wanton chaste immoral pure 2.3 Reading assignment: The Comedy of Errors, Act II 2.4 Recall Questions 1. What does Adriana believe is the reason for her sister Luciana s willingness to believe that men are masters to their females? 2. Dromio of Ephesus returns and tells Adriana of Antipholus s refusal to come to dinner. When Adriana orders him to go back and urge him to come, why does he refuse? 3. Dromio of Syracuse returns to Antipholus of Syracuse, and Antipholus demands to know why he had behaved so foolishly earlier. When Dromio denies the charge, how does Antipholus react? 4. Why doesn t Dromio of Syracuse want his master to eat the dry meat? 5. According to Dromio of Syracuse, what does a bald man have that a man with hair does not have? 6. For what two reasons does Dromio of Syracuse believe it is good for a man to lose his hair? 7. Adriana and Luciana arrive and demand that Antipholus and Dromio of Syracuse come home. Dromio denies ever seeing her before. What makes Antipholus believe he is lying?

7 The Comedy of Errors / 5 8. Because this strange woman claims to be his wife, what explanation does Antipholus of Syracuse have for what is happening to him? 9. When Adriana continues to demand that Antipholus of Syracuse come home with her, what does he finally decide to do? 10. What is Dromio of Syracuse ordered to do when they arrive to the house? 2.5 Critical Thinking Compare and contrast Adriana s and Luciana s views on marriage and love. Explain how Lucians s views regarding marriage and love agree with Paul s New Testament teaching.

8 6 / The Comedy of Errors The Comedy of Errors Lesson Three 3.1 Vocabulary carcanet n. churl n. minion n. shrewish adj. stealth n. 3.2 Vocabulary Exercise: Circle two words that do not belong on each line. 1. carcanet collar necklace belt watch 2. churl lout tyke tyro boor 3. minion pawn darling miscreant sycophant 4. shrewish nagging ill-tempered affable pleasant 5. stealth furtiveness openness candidness slyness 3.3 Reading Assignment: The Comedy of Errors, Act III 3.4 Recall Questions 1. After trying unsuccessfully to get into his house, who suggests that Antipholus of Ephesus go somewhere else? Why? 2. What does Antipholus of Ephesus tell Angelo to do when they leave? 3. Where does he decide to go after he leaves? Why? 4. What does Luciana beg Antipholus of Syracuse to do for his wife? 5. What does Luciana suggests Antipholus can do to show love even if he does not really love his wife? 6. What does Antipholus of Syracuse admit to Luciana about his feelings? 7. How does Luciana react? 8. After Luciana leaves, Dromio of Syracuse runs in. From whom and why is he running? 9. How does Dromio describe the kitchen maid?

9 The Comedy of Errors / Angelo then shows up with what for Antipholus of Syracuse? 11. When Angelo asks for payment, what does Antipholus tell him to do? 12. What does Antipholus of Syracuse decide to do at the end of the act?

10 8 / The Comedy of Errors The Comedy of Errors Lesson Four 4.1 Vocabulary courtesan n. importune v austere adv. revile v. 4.2 Vocabulary Exercise: Circle two words that do not belong on each line. 1. courtesan harlot vixen strumpet shrew 2. importune petition implore eliminate disregard 3. austere adorned barren intricate stark 4. revile revere vituperate abuse adore 4.3 Reading Assignment: The Comedy of Errors, Act IV 4.4 Recall Questions 1. Why does the merchant need the money Angelo owes him immediately? 2. What does he threaten to do if Angelo does not pay him? 3. In order for Angelo to get the money, Antipholus of Ephesus must pay him for the gold chain. At what time is he supposed to pay him? 4. What does Antipholus of Ephesus send Dromio of Ephesus to get? Why? 5. When Angelo asked Antipholus of Ephesus for the money, why does he refuse to give it to him? 6. Just as Angelo and Antipholus of Ephesus are being arrested for refusal to pay their debts, Dromio of Syracuse arrives with what message for Antipholus? 7. What does Antipholus of Ephesus send Dromio of Syracuse to get from his home? 8. Luciana tells Adriana of her conversation with Antipholus and his confession of love for her. What does Adriana mean when she says My heart prays for him, though my tongue do curse? 9. Dromio of Syracuse arrives and asked Adriana to give him the bail money. How does he describe time?

11 The Comedy of Errors / Dromio of Syracuse mistakenly delivers the money to Antipholus of Syracuse. What conclusion does Antipholus of Syracuse come to about his servant and himself? 11. A courtesan then arrives and demands what from Antipholus of Syracuse? 12. What does the Courtesan decide to do when he refuses to give it to her? 13. Dromio of Ephesus returns to Antipholus of Ephesus with a rope instead of the money. What does he receive from his master? 14. Adrian and Luciana arrive with the courtesan and a doctor, and they all believe Antipholus and Dromio of Ephesus are crazy. What does the doctor suggests be done with them? 15. Who arrives to frighten Adriana and Luciana after Antipholus and Dromio of Ephesus have been taken? 4.5 Critical Thinking Discuss role of the courtesan in the play. Is the courtesan merely to incite jealousy? Or does she have a greater role? Even though Antipholus of Ephesus feels justified to punish his wife for her unfaithfulness, is he indeed correct according to the Scriptures? Why or why not?

12 10 / The Comedy of Errors The Comedy of Errors Lesson Five 5.1 Vocabulary ireful adj. 5.2 Vocabulary Exercise: Circle two words that do not belong on each line. ireful indignant irate peaceful smiling 5.3 Reading Assignment: The Comedy of Errors, Act V 5.4 Recall Questions 1. What are Angelo and the merchant shocked to see Antipholus of Syracuse wearing? 2. When Adriana tries to keep the merchant from fighting Antipholus of Syracuse, where do he and Dromio of Syracuse run for refuge? 3. Why does Aemelia refuse to give Antipholus of Syracuse to Adriana? 4. Who then arrives with the Duke Solinus? 5. One of Adriana s servants arrives with what news? 6. When Antipholus of Ephesus arrives, he asked for justice from the Duke in return for what service? 7. How does Antipholus of Ephesus react when he first sees his father? 8. The Duke calls for Aemelia to help straighten out everybody s conflicting and confusing stories. When she returns with Antipholus and Dromio of Syracuse, everything begins to be explained. Who does Aemelia turn out to be? 9. How was Amelia separated from Antipholus and Dromio of Ephesus after the shipwreck? 10. To what city were Antipholus and Dromio of Ephesus taken? 11. With whom does Shakespeare finally pair Antipholus of Syracuse? 12. What does the Duke decide to do with Egeon s death sentence?

13 5.3 Critical Thinking The Comedy of Errors / 11 In The Comedy of Errors, perception is important. Explain how the absence of the smallest detail can lead to misunderstanding. Explain how Aemelia represents balance and common sense in the play. Some critics claim that The Comedy of Errors is really a farce, which is a play to incite merely laughter. Explain how the play has elements that do not merely incite laughter, but the laugher is a weapon to create a change in human behavior.

14 12 / The Comedy of Errors Glossary for The Comedy of Errors austere (ô-stîr ) adj. Severe or stern in disposition or appearance; somber and grave; strict or severe in discipline bereave (b¹-r v ) v. To leave desolate or alone, especially by death beshrew (b¹-shr ) v. To invoke evil upon; curse carcanet (kär k -nμt ) n. A jeweled necklace, collar, or headband churl (chûrl) n. A rude, boorish person; a miserly person courtesan (kôr t¹-z n) n. A woman who is a harlot, especially one whose clients are men of rank or wealth importune (¹m pôr-t n ) v. To beset with insistent or repeated requests; entreat pressingly; to ask for urgently or repeatedly infringe (¹n-fr¹nj ) v. To transgress or exceed the limits of; violate ireful (ºr f l) adj. Full of ire; wrathful jollity (j¼l ¹-t ) n. Convivial merriment or celebration; mirth licentious (lº-sμn sh s) adj. Lacking moral discipline or ignoring legal restraint; having no regard for accepted rules or standards minion (m¹n y n) n. An obsequious follower or dependent; a sycophant; a subordinate official; one who is highly esteemed or favored; a darling peruse (p -r z ) v. To read or examine, typically with great care revile (r¹-vºl ) v. To assail with abusive language seditious (s¹-d¹sh s) adj. Of or having the nature of sedition shrewish (shr ¹sh) adj. Ill-tempered; nagging stealth (stμlth) n. Moving, proceeding, or acting in a covert way; the act of stealing voluble (v¼l y -b l) adj. Marked by a ready flow of speech; fluent

15 The Comedy of Errors Vocabulary Quiz Instructions: Match the word with its definition. A. Austerely B. Bereave C. Beshrew D. Carcanet E. Churl F. Courtesan G. Importuned H. Infringe I. Ireful J. Jollity K. Licentious L. Minion M. Peruse N. Revile O. Seditious P. Shrewish Q. Stealth R. Voluble 1. to break or violate 2. angry; furious 3. a favorite or darling 4. to deprive; make desolate 5. reproach or treat with contempt 6. a rude; ill-bred man 7. excite violent opposition, turbulent 8. severely; harshly 9. froward; peevish, clamorous 10. examine; read with attention 11. loose, wanton, unrestrained 12. secret act to gain something; theft 13. to wish a curse on; to execrate 14. fluent or flowing with ease 15. request or urge unceasingly 16. chain or collar of jewels 17. merriment or festivity 18. a prostitute

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17 Vocabulary Exercise, Lesson 1 1. stitch, obey 2. orderly, calm 3. overlook, skim Answer Keys to The Comedy of Errors Lesson 1 1. There was a feud between Syracuse and Ephesus. 2. A shipwreck 3. A woman had twins at the same time his wife did; he bought the boys as servants for his sons. 4. They are twins. 5. To look for his other son 6. Egeon s sad story 7. He must come up with a sum of money for his ransom. 8. To Centaur, the inn where they are staying 9. He was invited to eat with other merchants. 10. Dromio of Ephesus 11. He is to come home for dinner, supposedly demanded by his wife. 12. He believes Dromio has stolen the money. 13. He beats him. Vocabulary Exercise, Lesson 2 1. supply, provide 2. bless, praise 3. taciturn, silent 4. gloom, sadness 5. chaste, pure Lesson 2, 1. The fact that she is not married. 2. He does not want to be beaten again. 3. He beats him. 4. He is afraid that it might make him angry and he does not want to be beaten. 5. Wit 6. He can save the money he would spend cutting it; his hair would not fall into his food. 7. He remembers that Dromio of Ephesus delivered a message to him from her. 8. He thinks he is dreaming. 9. He decides to go ahead and go home with her. 10. To watch the gate and let no one in Vocabulary Exercise, Lesson 3 1. belt, watch 2. tyke, tyro 1

18 3. pawn, miscreant 4. affable, pleasant 5. openness, candidness Lesson 3 1. Balthazar; because it would not look good if Antipholus broke in by force. 2. To go home and get a chain 3. To go to another woman s house to eat in order to spite his wife. 4. To show his love more for her 5. She suggests that he behave like he loves her and that he speak lovingly to her. 6. He loves her, not her sister. 7. She is angry and tells him he should love her sister. 8. He is running from the maid because she claims to be his wife. 9. Nell is described as greasy, ugly, and fat. 10. The chain for Antipholus of Ephesus 11. Antipholus tries to give him the money, but Angelo believes he s jesting. 12. To get a ship and leave town Vocabulary Exercise, Lesson 4 1. vixen, shrew 2. eliminate, disregard 3. adorned, intricate 4. revere, adore Lesson 4 1. He is leaving shortly for Persia. 2. He will have Angelo arrested o clock 4. A rope s end with which to beat his wife 5. Antipholus does not have the money on him; Angelo has not given him the chain. 6. He had found a ship for them. 7. A purse of ducats (money) 8. She is angry with him, but still loves him. 9. Time is bankrupt; he s a thief. 10. He thinks they are both crazy. 11. The chain 12. To tell his wife that he went crazy and stole her ring 13. Another beating 14. The doctor suggests that both should be bound and locked away. 15. Antipholus and Dromio of Syracuse appear with drawn swords. Vocabulary Exercise, Lesson 5 peaceful, smiling 2

19 Lesson 5 1. The chain 2. They escape Into the priory. 3. Adriana nagged Antipholus with her jealousy 4. Egeon 5. Antipholus and Dromio have escaped. 6. He had once suffered wounds in order to save the Duke s life. 7. He does not recognize him. 8. The mother of the twin Antipholuses and wife of Aegeon 9. They were taken by fishermen 10. Corinth 11. Luciana 12. He decides to overrule the sentence. Comedy of Errors 1. H 2. I 3. L 4. B 5. N 6. E 7. O 8. A 9. P 10. M 11. K 12. Q 13. C 14. R 15. G 16. D 17. J 18. F 3

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