Social Hierarchy In Shakespeare's The Comedy Of Errors

Critic Roland Barthes has said, “Literature is the question minus the answer.” In the case of William Shakespeare’s The Comedy of Errors, there are several questions proposed to the reader and limited answers. One of the central queries, however, is how social hierarchy affects one’s self-worth. The way Shakespeare provides evidence of change in the behaviors of characters in response to those around them and subtly displays their emotions works towards answering this question. As this is developed further, the meaning of the work as a whole is made more evident: that assuming a role in social hierarchy can alter someone’s personality to an extent.

To properly display the effects of the social hierarchy on the characters of The Comedy of Errors,

The authority of the Antipholus twins is made especially evident by the way others cower to them. It goes unquestioned when Antipholus of Syracuse beats Dromio of Ephesus: “What, wilt thou flout me thus unto my face, Being forbid? There, take you that, sir knave!” (101). Antipholus of Ephesus calls his wife “shrewish” (120) with no objection and no defense of Adriana’s. This is the societal norm and level of privilege given to the Antipholus twins. As Antipholus of Ephesus faces resistance for perhaps the first time, his frustration increases exponentially. “You’ll cry for this, minion, if I beat the door down.” (124). The harsh language Antipholus uses towards those in lower positions than him prove how aware he is of his power and portray a sense of brash superiority. His behaviors are self-justified and consistent with what he has been allowed to do throughout his life. His position in this social hierarchy has even taught him that he has the right to be disloyal to his wife. “I’ll knock elsewhere, to see if they’ll disdain me.” (127) Meanwhile, Antipholus of Syracuse blatantly ignores Luciana’s rejection of his pursuits because he had never been taught to accept no as an answer. Both characters are filled to the brim with entitlement. When this is challenged by other characters’ defying their unwritten set of rules of society, Antipholus of Ephesus is driven into an even more abusive authoritarian state: “buy a rope’s end. That I will bestow among my wife and her confederates” (138). The way Shakespeare develops Antipholus’ confusion into an irrational rage makes the point that those in power tend to be pushed to extremes when challenged. In the case of Antipholus, the preset state of entitlement became amplified over time. This is how Shakespeare