Peter G. Phialas stands somewhat apart from other critics on the subject of love and marriage in The Com edy of Errors. He argues that the relationships between men and women in the play are not explored in any significant way, concluding that the inclusion of the contrasting male/female relationships (Antipholus of Syracuse/Luciana and Antipholus of Ephesus/ Adriana) is merely a precursor of things to come in Shakespeare's romantic comedies. Ralph Betty argues that Shakespeare avoids "taking sides" in the marital troubles of Adriana and Antipholus and that overemphasizing what has been called Adriana's "possessiveness" gives too much credence to her view of love.
Marilyn French calls the "marriage relation" the "central concern" of the play. She argues that there are too many deviations from and expansions of Plautus's play to conclude otherwise. Dorothy Kehler agrees.....
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