The Comedy of Errors facts for kids
The Comedy of Errors is one of the earliest plays written by William Shakespeare. He wrote it sometime between 1589 and 1594. It is a very funny play, known as a comedy. The story is full of mistaken identities and silly mix-ups.
Shakespeare got ideas for this play from two older Roman plays. These plays were Menaechmi and Amphitruo. Both were written by a Roman playwright named Plautus.
Contents
What is The Comedy of Errors About?
The Comedy of Errors tells the story of two sets of identical twins. They were separated at birth during a shipwreck. One set of twins is named Antipholus, and the other set is named Dromio.
The Lost Twins
One Antipholus and one Dromio live in the city of Ephesus. The other Antipholus and Dromio live in Syracuse. One day, the Syracuse twins travel to Ephesus. They do not know their long-lost brothers live there.
Mistaken Identity Fun
When the two sets of twins meet, no one can tell them apart. This leads to many funny misunderstandings. People confuse the brothers, which causes a lot of chaos. Wives do not recognize their husbands. Friends think their friends are acting strangely. Even servants get confused!
Who is Plautus?
Plautus was an ancient Roman playwright. He lived from about 254 BC to 184 BC. He wrote many popular comedies. His plays often featured funny characters and tricky plots. Shakespeare learned a lot from Plautus's style of writing.
Why is it a Comedy?
A comedy is a type of play that aims to make the audience laugh. It usually has a happy ending. The Comedy of Errors fits this perfectly.
Elements of Comedy
- Mistaken identities: This is a key part of the humor.
- Silly situations: The characters often find themselves in absurd predicaments.
- Wordplay: Shakespeare uses clever jokes and puns.
- Happy ending: Everything gets sorted out in the end.
Where Was it First Performed?
We do not know exactly when The Comedy of Errors was first performed. It was likely shown in London in the late 1500s. It was a popular play for audiences who enjoyed lighthearted stories.
Images for kids
-
Antipholus of Ephesus returns home and is refused entry to his own house. A 2011 production by OVO theatre company, St Albans, Hertfordshire
-
An 1816 watercolor of Act IV, Scene i: Antipholus of Ephesus, an officer, and Dromio of Ephesus.
-
The first page of the play, printed in the First Folio of 1623
-
The Dromios from a frontispiece dated 1890
See also
In Spanish: La comedia de las equivocaciones para niños
