Comedy of Errors

Comedy of Errors Irony

Antipholus Brothers

Of course, the central irony of the play is that none of the characters are aware that Antipholus of Syracuse has traveled to Ephesus to find his long lost twin brother. This dramatic irony is what drives the play, as characters constantly mistake Antipholus of Syracuse for Antipholus of Ephesus and vice versa (made all the more complicated by the fact that they share the same name).

Dromio Brothers

Along with the dramatic irony surrounding the Antipholus twins is the same dramatic irony about the Dromio twins. They, too, are mistaken for one another throughout the play, which often leads to undeserved beatings that the play presents as humorous for the audience.

Egeon's Sentence

While the audience knows that Egeon's sons and their servants are in Ephesus, Egeon is completely unaware of this fact when he arrives in Ephesus and receives his death sentence. That Egeon is set to be executed when his sons are in close proximity raises the suspense and stakes of the performance, which thwarts ther reunion of the family at every turn.

Luciana's Suitor

When Antipholus of Syracuse dines with Adriana, he cannot help commenting on the beauty of Luciana, his sister-in-law. Luciana is appalled by his behavior because she thinks that he is her sister's husband rather than an innocent stranger expressing his feelings for her. His remarks ultimately lead the sisters to scorn Antipholus of Ephesus even more for his lack of fidelity toward his wife.