Meriana's Attitude In Shakespeare

The first notable aspect of this passage is Adriana's anger towards her naïve sister, Luciana. With the first line of the scene, we are able to gain an understanding of both who Adriana is as a person, as well as some of the more personal issues she may be experiencing within her marriage to Antipholus of Ephesus (2.1.1-3). Specifically, her statement that "neither my husband nor the slave returned that in such haste I sent to seek his master" indicates that this may not be the first time this has happened. The tone of her voice is not necessarily that of anger, but rather one that is both worried and hurt by the perceived adulterous acts committed by her husband. If his tardiness has developed into a pattern, Adriana may feel that she is losing her husband to another woman. Here, we not only see women in a larger role, but we also see the raw emotions of a wife who fears that her husband has been unfaithful. Oftentimes in plays, we only see the husband's side of the affair; Shakespeare is attempting to humanize and legitimize Adriana's emotions.
As we move through the passage, we see Adriana shift her emotions of anger and …show more content…
In Adriana, we are able to see and understand the viewpoint of a wife who has been cheated on and has now begun to question the established patriarchy. Not only do we see the real emotions of Adriana, but we are also introduced to the naïve Luciana who attempts to defend the culturally accepted role of women. Even though Luciana supports the established societal norms, she is also represented in a more three-dimensional manner. While she does speak in opposition to Adriana, she speaks up incessantly, something not typically associated with women of the time period. This passage serves to remind the audience that women do occupy a valuable place within society and should be listened to and respected by their husbands and other