The Comedy of Errors Act Three – “There is something in the wind, that we cannot get in.”

The Comedy of Errors Act Three – “There is something in the wind, that we cannot get in.”

Can Dromio be on stage at the same time as Dromio? Can Antipholus of Ephesus appear on stage 30 seconds after Antipholus of Syracuse? Antipholus of Ephesus is having a necklace made by the goldsmith Angelo for his wife. Dromio complains of how Antipholus treated him badly before but Antipholus doesn’t know what Dromio is talking about.

They then go off to Antipholus’ house, but the gate is locked and Dromio of Syracuse refuses to let them enter. Like his name, Dromio causes confusion. Adriana’s maid comes out to tell the men to go away and then Adriana comes out and does the same. Antipholus then demands his Dromio get something to break through the gate.

Inside the house, Luciana reprimands Antipholus on the way he treats his wife and puts her down.

“And let her read it in thy looks at board:

Shame hath a bastard fame, well managed;

Ill deeds are doubled with an evil word.”

Antipholus claims he has no wife but that he finds Luciana herself to be beautiful and makes advanced towards her.

“Thee will I love and with thee lead my life:

Thou hast no husband yet nor I no wife.”

Luciana is shocked so she goes to get Adriana.

Then, Dromio enters complaining that he is being followed by a woman. This is the straw that breaks the camel’s back. Antipholus then suggests that he and Dromio leave Ephesus that very night and he asks Dromio to find out what ships are leaving.

“Go hie thee presently, post to the road:

An if the wind blow any way from shore,

I will not harbour in this town to-night:

If any bark put forth, come to the mart,

Where I will walk till thou return to me.

If every one knows us and we know none,

'Tis time, I think, to trudge, pack and be gone.”

Angelo returns with the gold chain and gives it to Antipholus of Syracuse who doesn’t know what he will do with the chain now. He then decides to leave and rejoin Dromio so that they can escape from Ephesus which now seems like the maddest place on earth.