How Does The Influence In Shakespeare's Comedy Of Errors?

In The Comedy of Errors, William Shakespeare raises the question: in what ways are both Antipholi and Dromio’s impacted by their surroundings and preconceptions and made to feel isolated and vulnerable in their society? Antipholus and Dromio of Syracuse are both affected by sources of witchcraft around them which make them feel vulnerable and blind them from the truth. In addition Antipholus and Dromio of Ephesus are isolated from their own society because of fear and suspicion of what is happening around them.The feelings of isolation and vulnerability the characters experience show how being governed by fear and suspicion become obstacles in the search for a sense of belonging.

Antipholus and Dromio of Syracuse have both been impacted by sources of witchcraft that have caused fear and suspicion in both of them from the moment of their arrival in Ephesus. Antipholus of Syracuse says, “ There’s not a man I meet but doth salute me as if I were their well-acquainted friend, and everyone doth call me by my name. Some tender money to me, some invite me...Sure, these are but imaginary wiles, and Lapland sorcerers inhabit here.” ( Act IV scene III lines 1-11). As a result of what is happening around them, Antipholus and Dromio of Syracuse feel vulnerable and isolated in Ephesus as they search for their long lost twins and are convinced that Ephesus is full of witches. In addition, as they are walking

Antipholus of Syracuse says, “I to the world am like a drop of water that seeks another drop, who, failing there to find his fellow forth…So I, to find a mother and a brother…” ( Act I scene II lines 35-39). This shows how Antipholus of Syracuse has been searching for his brother for a long time already and being fearful of the witchcraft that surrounded him in Ephesus almost drove him away therefore, becoming an obstacle in his search for his brother and a sense of belonging in