Comedy of Errors Summary Act V
When the goldsmith sees Antipholus of Syracuse with the chain around his neck he rebukes him. Antipholus takes affront at the accusation and a duel ensues between the merchant and Antipholus.
They are stopped by Adriana and Luciana. Thinking Antipholus to be well and truly mad she instructs people to tie both man and servant and send them home upon which both men run into a priory for protection. The abbess in charge accuses Adriana’s jealousy for making Antipholus mad and denies her entry into the priory.
Adriana and Luciana accompanied by the merchant and goldsmith seek the Duke’s help in the matter.
The Duke arrives to oversee egeons execution as he has failed to come up with the fine. Antipholus and Dromio of Ephesus escape and implore the Duke for protection from the madness. Egeon recognizes his missing son.
A free for all comedy of errors ensues with accusations and counter accusation. Adding to the confusion, Antipholus of Syracuse who arrives on the scene and recognizes his father Egeon. The Abbess then reveals she is Aemelia Egeon’s lost wife and was given shelter in a nunnery while fleeing from pirates.
The duke lends a patient ear to all and clears the air of the confusion. The Abbess invites all to the priory for a celebration after which Egeon leaves Ephesus with his united family.
Dromio and his brother are left on shore and they end the play with a remark
“We came into the world like brother and brother; and now let’s go hand in hand, not one before another.”