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The Comedy of Errors
The Comedy of Errors | William Shakespeare
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JennAndrew
The Comedy of Errors | William Shakespeare
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I thoroughly enjoyed the #shakespearereadalong of yore, even though life got in the way and I drifted away a few plays in. I‘m taking my kids to see their first Shakespeare this year (in Stratford-upon-Avon, at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, I‘m so excited, haven‘t been for years!) and feel a reignited passion! I‘ve decided to set myself a year of Shakespeare, following the old format of an act or two a week. Starting here- let‘s see how it goes!

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lil1inblue
The Comedy of Errors | William Shakespeare
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review
anushareflects
...The Comedy of Errors | William Shakespeare
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Pickpick

A very quick, light and entertaining Shakespeare read today, I enjoyed the process. A pretty amusing play.

review
Graywacke
Comedy of Errors | William Shakespeare
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Pickpick

Twin confusion, with everyone desperately pleading their case and beating up their servants. Fun, clever, but a bit mindless. One of the early plays of those credited to the Bard. Certainly a lot lighter than some predecessors, like what Christopher Marlowe or Thomas Kyd was putting out. Happy to have read it with the #shakespearereadalong

merelybookish Not his finest work but I enjoyed it more than some comedies! 5y
Graywacke @merelybookish yes, exactly. And it works. It‘s fun. It‘s just not very filling. 5y
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merelybookish
Comedy of Errors | William Shakespeare
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Twins have inspired some pretty silly plotlines. Another first for Shakespeare? 😃👯👬
Act V, one long scene where everything is revealed, even Egeon and his wife are reunited. Reactions? Is all well that ends well? (I did think the As seemed pretty underwhelmed.)
Thanks for joining this #Shakespearereadalong! As always, you make reading his plays more enjoyable!
Watch for an announcement from @Graywacke about our next play Julius Caesar.

jewright I don‘t have a great deal to comment about this one. Mistaken identities are fun. The humor is obvious, but I want to see it performed live. My theatre professor in college liked to set Shakespeare in different times. We did Twelfth Night in the 1970‘s. This one seems like it would be fun for that too. I enjoyed it, but it‘s not my favorite. 5y
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Lcsmcat I didn‘t have too much trouble suspending disbelief except over the Aemilia losing track of A of S. Who raised him then? 5y
GingerAntics I was pretty underwhelmed. 5y
Graywacke Well, first, in theme with the title, I left my book at home when I went to a coffee shop to read it (benefit of kids at Hebrew school). So, I just now finally snuck in some time to rush to the end. Entertaining, but lite. (But have to wonder what could have happened and AoS had lunch with Adriana. I think the bard did what he could to suggest the possibility of interesting mistaken coupling, without condemning anyone.) Alas, not much to add. (edited) 5y
Graywacke @merelybookish appreciate your pictures. I think the movie Twins had about the same depth...but without the language. 5y
Graywacke @jewright what time period were you thinking? Contemporary? Could replicate with virtual twins... the epic fb wars or whatnot. 5y
Graywacke @Lcsmcat and Emilia not recognizing them. And then there‘s the 33 years comment. My edition just says “the timeline is confusing” 5y
Graywacke Oh, I had one thought while reading. I think Shakespeare liked the play on honesty and disbelief. He sets up scenes where every character says the truth, a truth that can‘t possibly be truth, and then has to deal with valid disbelief. So many variations and explorations of pleading sincerely for contrasting truths. 5y
Melismatic I thought the ending was a little underwhelming - I agree with the timeline being unclear. 5y
Sunraven I‘m with the general consensus for once. As a whole, not one of my favorite Shakespeares, but I didn‘t dislike it. I think I need more contrast in my Shakespeare, and someone to get really intense about something so that Shakespeare can wax extra-poetic at length. 😆 5y
MrsMalaprop I liked but didn‘t love it, but agree that without seeing it performed, it‘s hard to judge. Luckily I have a local production to attend in August 😊. Thank you @merelybookish for helping me get back on the horse 😆. I look forward to another #newtome Shakespeare this month 👏👏. 5y
Gezemice @jewright @MrsMalaprop I agree that this probably depends on how it is performed. My library has a version by the BBC which is underwhelming. I saw some teasers for the Globe production that looked a lot better but I did not feel like paying for it. This is Shakespeare‘s first and he was probably putting his work where the money was - into a light farce. He needed to get well known first to tackle more weighty material later, I guess. 5y
Gezemice @Graywacke That‘s true! The whole play is built on honest disbelief and feeling like being mocked, which does make one mad. I did find the parts when A of E gets increasingly mad very believable and funny. 5y
batsy @Lcsmcat Yes, I thought the same and was wondering if I missed something 😅 5y
batsy Absolute banana pants, but I was happy to suspend disbelief even as I rolled my eyes and muttered under my breath ? I thought the Abbess/Emilia had some good lines. And the Duke at the end with "which is the natural man, which is the spirit" raised some serious existential questions about selfhood in the time of Shakespeare, I suppose? Twinhood, loss of self, "possession", etc. (Thanks for leading us so ably on this bizarre ride ???) 5y
Lcsmcat @batsy I had to go back and check. And I watched a performance online. I guess he rested himself. 😀 5y
MoonWitch94 I didn‘t comment much, but I did read along. I was reminded why this work isn‘t super memorable for me. It‘s funny, but that‘s it. I found it underwhelming the first time I read it in college and 13 years later I find it the same. Looking forward to Julius Caesar. 5y
MoonWitch94 I didn‘t comment much, but I did read along. I was reminded why this work isn‘t super memorable for me. It‘s funny, but that‘s it. I found it underwhelming the first time I read it in college and 13 years later I find it the same. Looking forward to Julius Caesar. 5y
Alliterati So wish I would've been able to be more active for this one, but now that the new kitty is settled in I think I'll be able to chat with you all for our next one. =D Beware the Ides of March! 5y
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GingerAntics
Comedy of Errors | William Shakespeare
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Mehso-so

Even with an audio version with David Tennant as one of the twins and a friend who raves about it, this just didn‘t do it for me. It seemed a little too implausible, especially with one half of each of the twins out looking for their twins. These guys aren‘t that thick; it should have dawned on them at some point they were being mistaken for the very people they were looking for.
👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻

GingerAntics As with other Shakespearean comedies, the ending seemed to come out of nowhere and be just a bit too convenient. #Shakespeare #ComedyOfErrors #shakespearereadalong 5y
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CoffeeNBooks
...The Comedy of Errors | William Shakespeare
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Pickpick

This play was fun to read, with a lot of mistaken identity. You really had to suspend disbelief, however. A lot, lol!
@merelybookish #ShakespeareReadalong

merelybookish Indeed! And right up to the very end. Even in the last act, everyone was still clueless! 5y
batsy So true! 😆 5y
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batsy
The Comedy of Errors | William Shakespeare
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Pickpick

I enjoyed this ludicrous farce quite a bit more than my three-star rating on Goodreads might suggest, but ultimately feel it's just too slight to be deserving of a higher rating. Quite a bit of Shakespeare's genius with language and character is missing here. The language is mainly a vessel to convey information to propel the plot along. Still, an extremely entertaining "light read" as far as Shakespeare goes! Lots of LOL. #ShakespeareReadAlong

BookishMe Hey... Will you be able to help suggest a 'readable' version of Hamlet? Not necessarily an abridged edition ;)) Friend will be watching the play and is looking for suitable version to read before the performance 5y
batsy @BookishMe Hi! If by readable you mean a helpful annotated version? I definitely recommend the Signet editions, pictured above. It's what we used in uni and I find the notes very useful and provides for a kind of seamless reading. Plus good intros and supplementary reading material :) 5y
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BookishMe @batsy that's great! Thanks for the helpful info ☺️☺️ 5y
batsy @BookishMe You're welcome 🙂 5y
erzascarletbookgasm Definitely lots of LOL 👍 5y
Sunraven Pretty much how I felt about it, too! 5y
merelybookish I enjoyed this one more than I expected! 5y
Melismatic Same here. Planning on scooping out a live production on YouTube to see if my thoughts change. 🤗 5y
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erzascarletbookgasm
Comedy of Errors | William Shakespeare
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Pickpick


#Shakespearereadalong I finished reading it ahead as I wanted to know how it all resolved in the final act. The Comedy of Errors opens with a serious atmosphere, but soon mounts to plenty of fun, buffoonery, and chaos with not one, but two sets of identical twins! A hilarious play all took place in one day..of mistaken identities, lots of beatings, wild coincidences, and play on words. I was entertained.

erzascarletbookgasm I‘m glad I didn‘t miss this one @merelybookish . I enjoyed it. 👍 5y
merelybookish I'm glad it worked out your could join us! And I am surprised by how much I have enjoyed this play, since his comedies don't always work for me. But maybe I just need the to be beyond ridiculous. 😃 5y
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Daisey
Comedy of Errors | William Shakespeare
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Pickpick

I listened to Act IV this morning and just had to finish today to see how the confusion worked itself out. The mix up with the twins in this play was ridiculous but I thoroughly enjoyed it. Additionally, the ArkAngel production was wonderful! Listening as I follow along in the text is my favorite way to experience Shakespeare other than a live play.

#ShakespeareReadalong #ArkAngelShakespeare

Daisey @merelybookish I was so glad to join in on this one. I hope to participate consistently this year as I would really like to read more Shakespeare and reading with others makes it so much more enjoyable. 5y
merelybookish @Daisey I understand reading it ahead! I'm curious how it will sort itself out! Glad you joined us. Julius Caesar is up next. 5y
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merelybookish
Comedy of Errors | William Shakespeare
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Act IV and there's double the scenes and double the confusion! Fights, arrests, accusations and exorcisms. The Bard is testing the limits of this ole "twin mix-up" plot line. It's ridiculous but I'm still kind of enjoying it.
What say you #shakespearereadalong peeps? Has Will finally gone too far? Does sorcery seem more plausible at this point? Or are you still laughing along, in spite of yourself? Can it all get sorted out in Act V?

merelybookish Also, I nominate the Courtesan as the most sensible character in this play! 5y
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Riveted_Reader_Melissa As long as your going to play with the twin mix-up thing...I say go full tilt! (edited) 5y
Riveted_Reader_Melissa And yes! I agree about the Courtesan! 5y
merelybookish @Riveted_Reader_Melissa True! And it's no more ridiculous than pretending Danny Devito and Arnold Schwarzenegger are twins! 5y
Riveted_Reader_Melissa @merelybookish Or a boy and girl twin are interchangeable and indistinguishable for that matter, because obviously they weren‘t identical twins. 😂 5y
Melismatic This was my favorite Act yet, if earned actual laughs from me. Lol 5y
merelybookish @Melismatic Yes, I laughed as well. The word play is still on point. Want to share what made you LOL? 5y
Melismatic @merelybookish Particularly the witches/she‘s the devil bit with the Courtesan. The Syracuse pair are much more enjoyable to me bc they are so goofy. Didn‘t they come to perhaps find their brothers? And the Courtesan‘s nonplussed reaction was kind of the best. She‘s definitely my fave character at the moment. 5y
batsy Yes, definitely lol :) Particularly when Antipholus of S is like, people are nice to me & calling out to me so this must be ... a land of sorcerers!! And then in the final scene when Antipholus of E is borne off with Pinch (what a name, Pinch the schoolmaster-exorcist) and A of S shows up with swords and Luciana mistakes him for A of E & is like, "Good god they are loose again!!" & A of S goes, "I see these witches are afraid of swords" ?? 5y
batsy @Melismatic The Courtesan is one of my faves, as well. She's so unruffled. Especially that line, "And tell his wife that, being lunatic, he rushed into my house... " lol 5y
batsy And as usual I'm amazed that it's all going to be sorted out in Act V! 5y
Melismatic @batsy lol yes exactly. The equivalent of “lol this dude is nuts 🤷🏻‍♀️” 5y
CoffeeNBooks It is definitely getting a bit more far-fetched than it already was, lol! I'm enjoying it despite, or perhaps because of, its complete ridiculousness. 😂 5y
Graywacke Just finished this act. Oye 5y
Graywacke What confuses me is why Adriana and the courtesan are so buddy buddy. I would have expected (yet another source of some) violent tension. 5y
jewright This play is really reminding me of the Twelfth Night twin mix up. I made the costumes for a performance of Twelfth Night in college, and we dressed the twins alike, and it was really fun. Has anyone ever seen this play performed live? I can see it being hilarious. 5y
TheBookHippie @jewright I was just thinking this would be great live! 5y
Daisey It's gotten completely ridiculous to me at this point, but I'm very much amused and enjoying it. 5y
TheBookHippie This act had me giggling !!!! The Courtesan is gold. @merelybookish TWINS ha that could have been Shakespearean 🤣👏🏼 The sheer ridiculousness was what I needed to read this week. Maybe at the time it was needed as well. 5y
erzascarletbookgasm @batsy I like that final scene too! 😂 And Dromio - “..give us gold..Me thinks they are such a gentle nation...mountain of mad flesh..” 😂 Oh this Act is a riot and I am so entertained! 5y
Lcsmcat I‘m loving the silliness! I‘ve not seen it live, but there are good videos of live performances on YouTube. 5y
Lcsmcat @Graywacke Me too! All Adriana‘s angst earlier and we‘re supposed to believe that they‘re buddies now? 5y
merelybookish @Lcsmcat @Graywacke Maybe Adriana was so busy rustling up an exorcist that she didn't have time to get mad at the courtesan. 5y
Lcsmcat @merelybookish 😂🤣😂 5y
Graywacke @merelybookish @Lcsmcat 🤣🤣 all makes sense now. Pinch was really entertaining. I associate making fun of religion as a contemporary thing, but Shakespeare has nailed a kind of fraud (is it between the lines?) 5y
GingerAntics Well, his comedies do tend to get sorted abruptly with little sense at the last minute. I‘m not as excited about this play as I was before we started it, even with David Tennant in the cast of my audio version. I think it‘s plausibility has come into question early on this one. The exorcism made me roll my eyes. It‘s funny, because people keep her slapped around and told off for being themselves, I just don‘t find it plausible. 5y
GingerAntics @Graywacke @merelybookish @Lcsmcat I feel like it is a commentary on religious fraud. It could be between the lines, it‘s probably safer that way. It seems glaringly obvious to me (modern readers?) because we‘re more open to religious charlatans. At least some people are. Most people? 5y
Graywacke @GingerAntics I think religious charlatans have a long track in literature through all ages. But if we take him as not a charlatan, as really believing what he says, well, that feels like a deeper critique on all religious belief. Well, I think it does. ?? (edited) 5y
Graywacke @GingerAntics what I‘m trying to say, is if you argue that people will believe anything, you might also be arguing that by extrapolation belief itself has no weight on what‘s true and what‘s not. Then, you can extrapolate further from there... 5y
Lcsmcat @MrsMalaprop That‘s so cool! Let us know how it is. 5y
GingerAntics @Graywacke oooooh, I see what you‘re saying. Yes, that‘s almost an even better critique, and even more unusual in Shakespeare‘s day. I can see that. 5y
Sunraven Well, I think my favorite bit in this act was the exorcism — sort of the cherry on top of the whipped cream on top of the sundae of all the ridiculousness. It does seem like the wrap-up is going to be very sudden, since we don‘t have much time left in which to do it ... and so, onward! 😉 5y
Gezemice Finally I am caught up! Well, I read to the end. I find it very difficult to read one act at a time. Never worked for me in school either. So I read it to the end - it is so short! This is Shakespeare‘s first play and clearly he was honing his skills, especially the believability. 5y
Gezemice @GingerAntics Yes, my edition made comments on how this requires suspension of disbelief so much. For example, the two from Ephesus are really particularly dim not to guess that the reason everyone seem to know them is because their twins are living in the city. They are traveling to find them, hey, search is over! Also, you‘d think a wife or a life-long servant/master could tell that they are not the same person. 5y
Gezemice @Graywacke @GingerAntics I think exorcism was pretty common in the day for people who were thought mad... I doubt it was religious criticism. Also, am I the only person who has the line “oh Dromio, wherefore art thou Dromio” running through their head? 5y
GingerAntics @Gezemice that is SO true. People who know twins, especially identical ones, for a long time genuinely don‘t see the “identical” looks unless they see a picture of them side by side. They did go looking for their twins, so wouldn‘t their first reaction to this odd behaviour be “hey, did your husband/master once have a twin? Did you?!” 🤦🏼‍♀️ 5y
GingerAntics @Gezemice I didn‘t until now...now I won‘t get rid of it, will I? lol 5y
Graywacke @Gezemice oh dromio. 😂 5y
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Melismatic
...The Comedy of Errors | William Shakespeare
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Act IV was a riot - I laughed outloud a few times. The Syracuse A & D are certainly much more likeable & goofy. Looking forward to seeing a live adaptation of this Stooges-esque tomfoolery. #shakespearereadalong

merelybookish Agree that this is is proving funnier as it goes along. I wish we could all join up and see it live! 5y
Melismatic @merelybookish right? That would be fun! 5y
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batsy
The Comedy of Errors | William Shakespeare
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Shakespeare: Please suspend your disbelief & enter into the spirit of the farce with me

Me: *scribbling outraged notes in the margin*

I'm enjoying yelling at Shakespeare, with great affection, while reading this. I love the energy that I can feel reading him in a different era—you know he knows that you know he's playing, but I'm ready to go along with it anyway. Towards the end of Act 4, I was cackling.

#ShakespeareReadAlong @merelybookish

Lcsmcat I‘ve been thinking about the name problem a lot because, while I get it as a plot device, no parent would do that. And Aegean even says they were so alike you could only tell them apart by their names. So here‘s my theory: In the chaos of the storm and the sinking ship, each parent thinks they have the elder set (Antipholus & Dromio) while in reality one parent had Aristotle & Domingo. They were babes, so wouldn‘t be able to correct it. 5y
Lcsmcat I realize this doesn‘t negate the “you‘re looking for your lost twin and can‘t understand why strangers act like they know you” issue. But it solves one problem. #shakespearereadalong 5y
batsy @Lcsmcat Yes, I think you're right. It's only Antipholus of E who is aware that he has a brother because Egeon mentions it at the start. And if I remember correctly both the mother and Antipholus of S probably aren't aware that the father and son are still alive or out there. 5y
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batsy @Lcsmcat My apologies to Will for that outraged margin note 😆 5y
Lcsmcat @batsy Don‘t apologize! I was screaming he same thing in my head. 😀 5y
merelybookish Yes, obviously this is the reasonable response. I've landed in a world of sorcery. NOT I must look a lot like another resident, like that twin I'm searching for. 🙄🤣 5y
batsy @merelybookish Bahaha yes! 5y
Daisey @Lcsmcat This theory about the same names makes perfect sense to me. @batsy @merelybookish I was thinking the same thing at this point! Isn't this the whole reason you are here, to look for your twins? 5y
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Melismatic
...The Comedy of Errors | William Shakespeare
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Oh boy, this guy has lines. 😂🤣 Catching up on Act III since I missed last week. #shakespearereadalong

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Alliterati
Comedy of Errors | William Shakespeare
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So, I'm supposed to be participating in #SkakespeareReadAlong but then this little one happened, and she's a pretty great excuse. =]

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merelybookish
Comedy of Errors | William Shakespeare
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Act III and the plot thickens! We finally meet AofE who returns home but is rebuffed. He gets revenge by going to spend time with another woman. AofS woos Luc and is (understandably) rebuffed. DofS rebuffs Nell, the kitchen maid. AofS and DofS decide it may be time to sail home. Lots of rejection and less beating this time.
Thoughts, observations, quotes? You know that gold chain is going to be important!
#shakespearereadalong

merelybookish I must admit I am enjoying this comedy more than I expected. I found the exchange between Luc and AofS quite beautiful. In spite of some of the silly plot devices, there is a gravitas to the emotions expressed. 5y
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TheBookHippie @merelybookish I am enjoying it quite a bit!!! I love the language in this one. ❤️ I have more to say I‘ll be back 👩🏽‍🍳people here seem to think it‘s Sunday dinner time 🤷🏽‍♀️🤣🤣 5y
Graywacke (Non sequitur) I‘m still reading, but wondered about the name Antipholus. This didn‘t help much, but: https://www.behindthename.com/name/antipholus/submitted 5y
Lcsmcat ❤️ A‘s speech to L: “It is thyself, mine own self's better part, Mine eye's clear eye, my dear heart's dearer heart, My food, my fortune and my sweet hope's aim, My sole earth's heaven and my heaven's claim.” 5y
Daisey I haven‘t been commenting, but I have definitely been enjoying the play! The humor has become more enjoyable as I‘ve gotten further in. 5y
batsy I'm surprised by how much I'm enjoying it; didn't know slapstick farce could be my thing! I really appreciated the exchange between L & A of S, as well ("Lay open to my earthy-gross conceit", such lines!). And though I rolled my eyes at D of S having a rant about the "kitchen wench", I have to admit I did also chuckle at the sheer creativity of the sexist insults. I'm not sure what that says about me ?? 5y
merelybookish @batsy Well you're not alone. Reading that exchange about Nell I was aware of how sexist and fatphobic it was. But damn it, it was so clever! 5y
merelybookish @Daisey Me too! Once I got the "sense" of the comedy, I started enjoying it more Glad you're enjoying it thus far! 5y
merelybookish @Lcsmcat Great passage! So beautiful..and made more poignant by his confusion. He genuinely does not understand her position. 5y
merelybookish @Graywacke Hmmm. That confused me..does the name mean anti-trifle? 5y
merelybookish @TheBookHippie Feed your folk! We'll be here when you have time. 🙂 5y
Graywacke @merelybookish 🤷🏻‍♂️ A trifle against itself? A war of dens? 5y
batsy @merelybookish Yes, exactly this. I both love and hate Shakespeare for that section. 5y
Graywacke Ok, my first thought is The Princess Bride:
No more rhymes now, I mean it.
Anybody want a peanut.
5y
Graywacke My second thought is Luciana‘s speech is brilliant. It‘s Lovefool from a 3rd person perspective. The lines...!! 5y
Lcsmcat @Graywacke “anybody want a peanut”. 🤣 😂 great comparison! 5y
Graywacke lines to remember:
“Look sweet, speak fair, become disloyalty; “
or
“Though others have the arm, show us the sleeve;”
5y
Graywacke My third thought is why has Luce become Nell? 5y
TheBookHippie @batsy I was saying to self why are we laughing so hard...but seriously it‘s brilliant I have to admire it and shhh enjoy. It made me want a new apron saying kitchen wench 🤣🤷🏽‍♀️👩🏽‍🍳🤦🏽‍♀️ just for the fun of it all. So yah. Who knows what this says about me 😳🤪 5y
TheBookHippie @Graywacke anybody want a peanut 🤣🤣🤣 5y
Graywacke As for the sexism, weight-shaming, an other wanton awful humor - it‘s all, well, brilliant. Sorry... 5y
Graywacke @TheBookHippie 🤣🤣 yes. (I think I‘ll not offer my wife this apron....) 5y
batsy @TheBookHippie 😂 I don't mind one of those aprons! Gotta ironically reclaim the sexist Shakespearean insults 💅🏽 5y
Lcsmcat @Graywacke Nell is the kitchen wench who‘s after Dromio, and her name is just to have the pun “an ell and three quarters would not measure her from hip to hip.” In other words she‘s 42” wide. 5y
Graywacke @Lcsmcat according to edition Nell and Luce (involved in the door scene) are the same servant. 5y
merelybookish @Graywacke Maybe they are twins! 😛 5y
Lcsmcat @Graywacke Hmm. My edition didn‘t denote it that way. I‘ll have to rewatch a performance and see if that‘s one of those Folio 1 v 2 things, or if it just got combined for convenience‘s sake. 5y
Graywacke @merelybookish ah, could be! (Maybe Shakespeare was thinking deep physics and this is all a coded play on the intersection of parallel universes.) 5y
KarouBlue These intros crack me up. Just the naming convention is a comedy of errors! It‘s amazing how Shakespeare kept them straight both on the page and for the reader! That being said, I think I‘ll have to see this one to catch the humor. On the page it‘s not so funny, but it does remind me of Eddie Izzard and his slapdash humor. 5y
Graywacke @Lcsmcat from my introduction: “The earlier work that most closely resembles The Comedy of Errors is the Roman comedy Menaechmi, by Plautus (c. 254—184 B.C.). ... In adapting Menaechmi, Shakespeare made many changes, including doubling the twins, by adding twin slaves for the twin masters; expanding the role of the wife and demoting the Courtesan to a minor player; introducing the wife‘s sister, Luciana, a love interest for the Syracusan twin;👇👇 5y
Graywacke 👆👆 combining two characters, the Courtesan‘s maid and cook, into one, Luce/Nell (whose two names Suggest that Shakespeare may have revised the play to eliminate the confusion caused by the similarity between the names Luciana and Luce); and adding the Egeon—Emilia framework.” 5y
Graywacke @Lcsmcat on the other hand, it seems possible that Nell is a nickname for someone whose name begins in an “L”... 5y
Carolyn11215 I try to remember that a book is of its time and read it with that understanding. It‘s sometimes difficult though and I don‘t always succeed. Sexism in a book of this age doesn‘t upset me the way blatant racism does. I would love to see a performance of this play! I think I‘d get more out of it...but I am enjoying reading the quips! (edited) 5y
GingerAntics @Carolyn11215 I agree with that. I think it might be easier to keep the twins separate if I could see them on stage. It‘s possible they‘d find two sets of identical twins to play those parts (in theory), but unlikely. Part of me wanted someone to ask a question only the real husband would know when they were at the door. That must be a newer concept in clearing up identity confusion. 5y
Lcsmcat @GingerAntics It would be interesting to see it with actual identical twins! The production I saw did a good job matching the Antipholi, but the Dromio twins were just costumed and wigged alike. D of E was a woman (dressed like a man, but still) so it took some willing suspension of disbelief. 5y
GingerAntics @Lcsmcat oh I think it would be really fun with identical twins!!! They could do something little like something one on side of one and the other on the other twin that the audience might pick up on or not to try to tell them apart. That would be a hoot. 5y
merelybookish @MellieAntoinette Yes maybe Will did get confused. Hence the Live/Nell confusion. 😛 I generally feel the comedies work better in performance. It's easier to get the innuendo and whatnot. And this one is so physical, I bet it's quite good live. 5y
Melismatic I like all the mermaid references. It‘s getting harder to recall who‘s who at any given time - I‘m seeing out a filmed version for when we finish to watch it all at once as I‘m sure I‘ll appreciate the *comedy* more live. 5y
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review
Riveted_Reader_Melissa
Comedy of Errors | William Shakespeare
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Pickpick

What a mixed mess life can be when 2 sets of identical twins, separated since birth, end up in the same town on the same day without any knowledge of the other....a Comedy of Errors indeed!

#ShakespeareReadAlong

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merelybookish
Comedy of Errors | William Shakespeare
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Act II. Again two lengthy scenes full of mistaken identities. Adriana and Luciana debate a wife's position in marriage while awaiting AofE. DofE arrives with strange news of his master. Adr & Luc find AofS and DofS. There is quarreling and more beating of servants. Also a long euphemistic conversation about hair. 🤷‍♀️
No one believes anyone.
No one considers the twin thing. 🤦
Thoughts, questions, quotes, complaints?
#shakespearereadalong

merelybookish For anyone looking for an accessible translation, @IamIamIam shared this link. 👍🙂 www.sparknotes.com/nofear/Shakespeare/errors/page_2 5y
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TheBookHippie Soooo lots of oxymorons in this 🤣🤣 to start Adriana is pissed because her husband can do what he wants but she can‘t and the she tells her sister to marry?????? And the balding 🙄...men are always obsessed with growth or lack of 🤷🏽‍♀️ what is he trying to say ...and the mistaken beating ? Or am I losing my mind ??! 5y
Melismatic So far, all of the characters seem pretty unlikeable except the Dromios who just keep getting beat up. 😂🤷🏻‍♀️ 5y
Graywacke Bard is having fun, often appropriately. Also, he‘s managing the witnessing Dromios well. (A of S to Adriana: By Dromio? Dromio of S: By me? ) 5y
TheBookHippie @Graywacke 🙌🏻 exactly 5y
IamIamIam I already want to beat Dromio myself! What a PITA!!!! 5y
TheBookHippie @IamIamIam 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 5y
merelybookish @TheBookHippie I took Adriana as saying "Get married and then you'll see!" to Luciana since Luc. has opinions on how a wife should act but isn't married herself. Like people without kids who tell parents how they should raise their kids. 5y
merelybookish @Melismatic Agreed, although I was sympathetic to Adriana. She's not wrong that her rights as a wife are different from her husband's! 5y
Melismatic @merelybookish totally! And it‘s clear this isn‘t the first time her husband has wronged her or she wouldn‘t have reacted she did. 5y
TheBookHippie @merelybookish like newlyweds telling decades old married people how it is 🤣🤣in reverse 🤣. And yes good comparison. 5y
TheBookHippie @Melismatic I thought that too! 5y
Lcsmcat @merelybookish I agree with your interpretation of Adriana‘s remarks to her sister. The comedies depend on tone and delivery to catch some of that. 5y
IamIamIam Adriana is crazy whiny too!!! Slaps all around!!! 5y
Lcsmcat @TheBookHippie There‘s not a “fool” per se in this comedy, so I see the Dromios as filling that role. And thus the hair scene is to allow that kind of foolery. 5y
IamIamIam @Lcsmcat It reminds me of a Marx brothers skit. Lol 5y
Graywacke @IamIamIam or three stooges with all the smacking around? 5y
IamIamIam @Graywacke Definitely with the slapping!! The Marx Brothers was totally the hair conversation. I can hear it between Groucho & Chico!! 😂 5y
TheBookHippie @Lcsmcat Ahhhh first time through this 🤣🤷🏽‍♀️🤦🏽‍♀️ I should have caught that. Oye. 5y
Lcsmcat @IamIamIam @Graywacke Marx Bro‘s or Stooges - both work! 5y
batsy I got my copy a few days ago, just finished the intro 🙈 Hope to catch up on Acts 1 and 2 soon and join in! 5y
GingerAntics Have we really yet to see AofE? As far as I‘ve noticed, it‘s all AofS so far. Where is AofE? He‘s just MIA for now? Off with his mistress? Passed out drunk behind the pub? 5y
merelybookish @batsy Yay! We look forward to your thoughts. 🙂 5y
merelybookish @GingerAntics I think we meet him in Act III (when he will no doubt be confused when he's mistaken for someone else. 😛) 5y
merelybookish @Lcsmcat @IamIamIam @Graywacke Perfect comparison! I imagine the physical comedy really works in performance. 5y
GingerAntics @merelybookish well, I certainly hope so. It would be REALLY odd if he wasn‘t. “Oh, you think I‘m someone else? Cool. That‘s perfect, in fact. I guess I don‘t have to pay that mob guy to disappear mused. Great.” 5y
Carolyn11215 Oh, that Sparknotes translation is so much more helpful than Wikipedia! I‘m enjoying the sarcasm of this comedy. Still struggling a bit with Shakespearean language. I had a comic moment about the mention of a football 🏈 in second act. Took my honey to remind me that a round ball kicked with your foot would be a football in Shakespeare‘s time before I could get the image of a scrimmage out of my mind. :) 5y
Lcsmcat @Carolyn11215 😀 That‘s funny! I can picture them in a huddle in their doublet and hose! 5y
Riveted_Reader_Melissa Such a mess already, obviously these babies were separated so young they don‘t remember they have twins.....although really, they both should know from their parents that they have twins. Maybe they‘ve never seen an identical twin anywhere else so don‘t realize it could be THAT identical. Plus I keep waiting for someone to ask why they‘ve changed their clothes since they left home this morning, or something along those lines. 🤷‍♀️ (edited) 5y
Riveted_Reader_Melissa Definitely a suspend belief for his mix-up comedies. 😂 5y
CoffeeNBooks @Riveted_Reader_Melissa I was thinking the same thing- has Antipholus never been told that he's a twin? And that Dromio is also a twin? 5y
Sunraven These acts are still confusing me with being much shorter than I expect...

I liked some of the things Adriana said near the beginning of her bits, at least, about how it‘s easy for people who don‘t have a problem to tell other people to stop making a big deal about it. 😆 Pretty true, I think.

Also, @Riveted_Reader_Melissa, good point about the clothes! It‘d be funny in another way if they miraculously had the same wardrobe.
5y
Riveted_Reader_Melissa @CoffeeNBooks I read ahead tonight...and that part makes a bit more sense now. 5y
Riveted_Reader_Melissa @Sunraven I think we have to just suspend belief there...they wore the same outfit and have the same facial hair and haircuts. 😂 5y
merelybookish @CoffeeNBooks @Riveted_Reader_Melissa Is it your understanding that neither Andopholus nor Dromio knows that he is a twin? I'm unclear on that. 5y
Riveted_Reader_Melissa @merelybookish That‘s my understanding now...although I‘m still unclear why the father didn‘t tell his group, because he obviously knew and was aware and in contact with his set of the twins from the beginning...so I don‘t know why he didn‘t tell his group. 5y
CoffeeNBooks It seems like that's the case, but I'm not sure why they wouldn't know, especially if Egeon is looking for the missing twin- you would think he would have mentioned that to Andopholus. 5y
merelybookish @Riveted_Reader_Melissa I've been reading assuming that at least the pair from Syracuse know they had twins...Isn't that why Egoen came Epheus? And didn't they accompany him? I *think* the confusion makes more sense if they don't know. But why are they there if not to look for them? 🤷‍♀️ Or are they just dumb. 😂 5y
merelybookish @CoffeeNBooks Yes. What I wondered too. 👆 5y
Riveted_Reader_Melissa @merelybookish That was my assumption too, that with the set up at the beginning they went looking for the lost twins... but either they are really dumb or their father didn‘t tell them why they were there....which is also crazy. Having read ahead, my understanding unless I‘m missing something big, is that the set that was with the mother has no idea though. 5y
merelybookish @Riveted_Reader_Melissa @CoffeeNBooks They do know! Or at least AofS knows. He has that speech in I.ii about how he's a drop of water looking for another drop in the ocean. So dumb it is! 😛 5y
Riveted_Reader_Melissa @merelybookish 😂 maybe he‘s just feeling existentially lost, like a phantom limb (twin) that he doesn‘t even know he‘s missing. Because if he went to find his twin and then people speak to him as if they know him and he still doesn‘t get it...🙈 5y
MrsMalaprop @Riveted_Reader_Melissa @Sunraven Not sure I could tell you what my husband left the house wearing today 😄. The bard is messing with us 😂. Think I now properly understand it when someone uses the expression ‘comedy of errors‘ to describe a chaotic, messed-up situation. 5y
Sunraven @MrsMalaprop Good point! But what about hair? It‘d be odd for two pairs of geographically separated twins to have the same hairstyles and facial hair, like Melissa pointed out. 😆 5y
Riveted_Reader_Melissa @MrsMalaprop True there, if it was only once...but as the poor servant goes back and forth you would think he‘d notice his master has changed repeatedly, or the master the servant has changed. Especially as they keep meeting the other one. 5y
merelybookish @Sunraven Maybe it's all about the uncanny connection between twins. So even though they are separated, they still have the same taste in hairstyles. 😆 5y
merelybookish @greenreads Have I been forgetting to tag you on our #shakespearereadalong discussion posts? If so, my apologies! 5y
merelybookish @Carolyn11215 Glad the link helps! All the credit goes to @IamIamIam 5y
IamIamIam @merelybookish @carolyn11215 Lol, I'm beyond happy to share!!! I'm super rusty at Shakespeare but I do enjoy the stories. SparkNotes were always the best for Shakedown when I was in school so oir was second nature to look up their site. The translation was just an added bonus! 👍😁 5y
Sunraven @Riveted_Reader_Melissa Maybe part of the comedy if you watch the actual play is that it‘s so ridiculous that no one notices the ever-changing appearances of the twins. 😂

@merelybookish Or yes, maybe another part of the funny is that twins have a psychic fashion link. To make it extra silly, they should have wacky taste in hair and clothing! 😆
5y
Carolyn11215 Agreed that I thought Adriana was suggesting that her sister Luciana should be married before giving advice about marriage, rather than encouraging her to get married because “misery loves company.” Didn‘t get that whole interaction about hair. Went over my head. I am having to completely suspend belief re the frequent mixups of the A‘s and the D‘s. Only characters I have sympathy for are the two Dromios. (edited) 5y
erzascarletbookgasm What a farce! 😆 As @merelybookish rightfully pointed out, AofS does know of his twin! And it never occurs to him when the mistaken identity started?🤦‍♀️ And so much beating?? Even Adriana beats D. It‘s comedy, but a little violent. I‘m enjoying the play and can‘t wait to see how the confusions will play out. 5y
merelybookish @erzascarletbookgasm Farce indeed! I'm glad you're enjoying it (in spite of having to read it electronically!).The Three Stooges and Marx brothers comparisons have helped me appreciate the humour more. 5y
batsy Love the Three Stooges and Marx Brothers comparison! The slapstick farce is extreme but seems to work for me in my current state of mind ? I am getting a kick of how outraged everyone is. And @merelybookish I agree with you about Adriana and enjoyed her soliloquies. The brief one in Scene 1—"Are my discourses dull? Barren my wit?“ etc. had a bit of that" if you prick us, do we not bleed" vibe to my ears though they're far from the same. 5y
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Daisey
Comedy of Errors | William Shakespeare
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Last week I listened quickly and wasn‘t paying close enough attention to get all the mixed identities clear. This morning I listened again to both Acts I and II, and I enjoyed it much more. I really like this audio production, but I don‘t think it would make any sense whatsoever without the text to follow the names.

#ShakespeareReadalong

AvidReader25 I‘ve got the same mug! That‘s my favorite way to read Shakespeare. I listen to an unabridged audio and read the text at the same time! 5y
Daisey @Avidreader25 It‘s absolutely my favorite way to read Shakespeare as well. I struggle to stay engaged with just the text and often can‘t keep track of the actions or characters with only audio. This method lets me keep track of everything and still get the performance aspect. 5y
AvidReader25 @Daisey Exactly. I love to watch a film version after I read put too. Or a live play if I can find one! 5y
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Bookishlie I think I‘m going to try it this way! Sounds interesting. Maybe I‘ll do all my classics like this:) 5y
BrieHive Hey we did this play at my high school! It‘s so much fun once you get everyone and everything clear. The situations become so funny when you get it. 5y
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GingerAntics
Comedy of Errors | William Shakespeare
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I‘m enjoying some Antipholus of Syracuse, but that may be because that part is played by David Tennant.
#Shakespeare #ComedyOfErrors #shakespearereadalong #DavidTennant

Scochrane26 Have you listened to David Tennant‘s podcast? I enjoy his accent. 5y
GingerAntics @Scochrane26 I‘ve listened to one episode (the one with Catherine Tate), but I‘m really bad about podcasts. I just always decide to watch something or read something instead of listening to a podcast. I prefer music when I‘m walking or running. His accent is great. I love it. 5y
Daisey I‘m listening to this same audio, and I‘m enjoying David Tennant as well. 5y
GingerAntics @Daisey David makes everything better. 5y
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DarcysMom
...The Comedy of Errors | William Shakespeare
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Pickpick

🌟🌟🌟🌟
#Shakespeare2020

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merelybookish
Comedy of Errors | William Shakespeare
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Oh Shakespeare, he knows how to write a good insult! 🐌😆
#shakespearereadalong

GingerAntics 💙💙💙 5y
TheBookHippie 🙌🏻🙌🏻❤️❤️📖 5y
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MrsMalaprop
Comedy of Errors | William Shakespeare
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Pickpick

I did it! As always reading Shakespeare is enhanced by discussion with others, reading about it & of course viewing performances, so I‘m sure my appreciation will grow.

Not sure of the timelines for our #Shakespearereadalong @merelybookish but I‘ll look out for your discussion posts. 🎭😊🙏

merelybookish Nicely done! Did you like it? You are ahead. We read an act a week. (We move quite slowly.) So will be discussing Act II tomorrow. 5y
MrsMalaprop @merelybookish I‘m glad to have read another comedy & interested by the similarities with other comedies. I‘m amused by him messing with us. I look forward to the discussion 🤗🙏. 5y
Rissreads Well done! 👏🏻 5y
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AliceFaustus
Comedy of Errors | William Shakespeare
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"ill deeds are doubled with an evil word."

#shakespeare2020

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DarcysMom
...The Comedy of Errors | William Shakespeare
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MrsMalaprop
Comedy of Errors | William Shakespeare
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#shakespearereadalong Ok, so this has been tough. At first reading it in bed at night seriously put me to sleep 🥱. Next I tried during the day, but with my family around....ahhh, nope.
Yesterday I had a day at home while kids & hubs at school & work (kids have been home on summer hols for 6 weeks). And BINGO, I‘m in!
I have to admit to watching a video that summarised the play in 1 minute & that helped 😂.

Cathythoughts What a mad cover 👍🏻❤️ 5y
merelybookish I'm glad you found the perfect time to read it! This first act was confusing, and needed attention. Also smart move on the video. 🙂 5y
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Dogearedcopy
Comedy of Errors | William Shakespeare
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At a second-hand shop, I found an oversized book called, ‘Shakespeare's Characters and Scenes‘ (1888.) Considering that the cover has seen some abuse and many of the pages are foxed, I probably paid too much for it. OTOH, I fell in love with the prints inside! Most of the prints still have the tissue paper to protect them! Engravings from steel plates & a couple wood cuts. This print is from “The Comedy of Errors“ section.

#Shakespeare2020Project

MrsMalaprop What a find! 5y
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kristenm
Comedy of Errors | William Shakespeare
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(Clarified with help from RSC):
He that commends me to mine own pleasure,
Commends me to the thing I cannot get.
I to the world am like a drop of water
That in the ocean seeks another drop,
Who, failing there to find his fellow forth —
Unknown, inquisitive — loses himself.
So I, to find a mother and a brother,
In quest of them, ill-fated, lose myself.
#Shakespearereadalong

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merelybookish
Comedy of Errors | William Shakespeare
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Act 1 Discussion. Anybody else confused already? 🤪😅 A short act with only two scenes but lots of info. We begin with tragedy: a shipwreck, two sets of separated twins, an ongoing search to reunite. And a death sentence and bad blood between two nations. Scene 2, the hijinks begin as AofS mistakes DofE for DofS and DofE mistakes AofS for AofE. Phew! 😯 Thoughts? Questions? Predictions? Fave lines? Will the names get easier? #shakespearereadalong

Melismatic I was surprised it was so short. Lol - it amuses/confuses me that the parents were also separated and apparently renamed the children the same way? 5y
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merelybookish @Melismatic Yes, me too! Although I wasn't sad it was short since there was a lot to figure out. And yeah, renaming the kids! Obviously helpful to plot if not to their development. 😁 5y
Carolyn11215 Lol. I was definitely confused. It‘s been years since I read any Shakespeare and I had forgotten how much concentration it takes, even if act is short. I figured out that nations were enemies and that there was a shipwreck that led to family being separated but I had to go to Wikipedia to figure out what was going on between the son and person he thought was his slave and their miscommunication about money. :) 5y
merelybookish I did like AofS's little soliloquy in I.ii.33-40 about "I to the world am like a drop of water/ that in the ocean seeks another drop" 5y
Carolyn11215 And it saddens me that throughout history and in so many different cultures/countries the poor have had no choice but to sell their infants/children into slavery in order for their family to survive. 5y
merelybookish @Carolyn11215 No shame is checking other sources! It was confusing. My text always gives a little scene summary that helps! And yes, good point about the slavery. For a comedy, it is rooted in a lot of tragedy and pain. 5y
IamIamIam I've been recovering from vacation & getting ready for my son's birthday but after I saw this post, I looked up Thug Notes to see if they had any videos on this!!! 😂 I'll catch up asap and probably be as confused as everyone else!!! 5y
Trashcanman DofE is already on my nerves and I don't know how he'd put up with that shit as it would drive me crazy. 5y
Trashcanman But in away I feel bad for DofE because he gets neat from his wife and master. I'd go drown myself. 5y
Graywacke @IamIamIam Thug Notes? 🤣 I don‘t know what that is, but it sounds appropriate. 5y
IamIamIam @Graywacke Absolutely hysterical!!! I love their synopsis of The Great Gatsby and Lord of the Flies & Catcher in the Rye!! 5y
Graywacke Did everyone in Shakespeare‘s London smack their slaves around? (Or Ephesus?) Wondering what time period we‘re in. 5y
Graywacke @merelybookish that soliloquy - it was the one little serious moments in scene of continual bitter humor. Even Egeon‘s pain is spoofed - “Yet this my comfort: when your words are done, My woes end likewise with the evening sun.” ... “But here must end the story of my life; And happy were I in my timely death...” (edited) 5y
Lcsmcat You can watch a good production here: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=BkaHAPDPBaQ The naming is for plot purposes, and you just have to suspend disbelief. Like many of the comedies it has fast and furious puns. I think a lot of the beating @Graywacke is to facilitate them. Think Three Stooges rather than Sean Penn. 5y
TheBookHippie I have to remind myself this is a comedy- like a dark comedy with massive puns, this may be a see it to believe it Shakespeare ! So far I‘ve referenced spark which tells me we‘re in a made up place ...as for me I‘m having flashbacks to parochial school with all the places mentioned very biblical and religious undertones of twins and splitting kids up and slaves and begging for ones life .. 5y
Lcsmcat @merelybookish I liked that quote too, and (I read ahead) it comes back later from a different character. 5y
merelybookish @IamIamIam We are happy to have you jump in.whenever you can! And happy birthday to your son! 5y
merelybookish @Trashcanman Yes,.it sounds like the mistress might be worse than his master. 🙄 5y
TheBookHippie @Lcsmcat oh thanks for the link!! 5y
merelybookish @Graywacke Good point. Maybe that's why it stood out so much! It gave me something heartfelt to connect with. I hadn't noticed the bitterness or violence but you're right. I think @Lcsmcat comparison to The Three Stooges makes sense. 5y
merelybookish @TheBookHippie I wasn't thinking Biblical - more ancient Greece I think -- but I see what you mean. And OT Biblical!! 5y
Kristy_K @merelybookish @carolyn11215 My text gave me footnotes which helped immensely. I also haven‘t read Shakespeare in years. He can be so dramatic but it translates so well on the stage. 5y
merelybookish @Graywacke @Lcsmcat The illustration I used also made me think of Carroll's Tweedledee and Tweedledum. 5y
merelybookish @Kristy_K Footnotes are good too! 👍 I tend to find the comedies hardest to read since so much depends on delivery and physical humour. I think they make more sense when performed. 5y
Lcsmcat @merelybookish I like the TweedleDee reference! I have to admit that, when he knows he‘s a twin - he‘s actively searching for his twin! - he can be so obtuse when the confusion starts. But it‘s all for the comedy, so I just go with it. 5y
GingerAntics Well, since the father changed the name of the twin he still had to the name of the twin he lost, I‘m guessing it‘s staying just as confusing as it is now. 5y
Graywacke @merelybookish ( @TheBookHippie ) - Ephesus flags Acts and the Pauline epistles - NT 5y
TheBookHippie @Graywacke I know!!! Right??? First thoughts! 5y
jewright As soon as I read the character list, I was like, “Here we go for the mistaken identities!” 5y
kristenm I‘m just glad this is Shakespeare‘s shortest play because these mistaken identity jokes would get old really fast! 5y
Graywacke @kristenm 🤣 I was glad today was short. Fun, but my head, straining to keep this all straight, was getting tired. 5y
Graywacke @TheBookHippie 🤷🏻‍♂️ 5y
KarouBlue “But ere they came - O, let me say no more! Gather the sequel by that went before” 5y
CoffeeNBooks I feel bad for Egeon (whose name I keep pronouncing like Egon from Ghostbusters, lol). Surely he knew he shouldn't go to Ephesus, but his woeful words are so sad. "Hopeless and helpless doth Egeon wend, But to procrastinate his lifeless end." Also, Shakespeare seems to write situations with mistaken identities or miscommunications often- the current situation reminds me of Twelfth Night. 5y
Sunraven @Graywacke It looks like this is largely based on another play that was written in the second century BC, and as far as time period, it might be set in Ancient Greece? 5y
Riveted_Reader_Melissa @CoffeeNBooks I thought that too...twins separated by a shipwreck...that seems so familiar.🤔 5y
Panic70 I‘m a bit late in getting to today‘s reading. It‘s a reread for me, but decades ago. The mother of the slaves is described as mean. And then Egeon‘s wife is described as meanly proud. “A meaner woman was delivered
Of such a burden, male twins, both alike:
Those, for their parents were exceeding poor,
I bought, and brought up to attend my sons.
My wife, not meanly proud of two such boys”. Does anyone know what mean might mean in this passage?
5y
merelybookish @Panic70 I checked my edition. It's says she is not meanly proud signifies she was not moderately proud. In other words, she was very proud.of her two boys. Meaner applied to the woman would suggest she was of lower class. 5y
merelybookish @CoffeeNBooks @Riveted_Reader_Melissa Now I need to check to see which one he wrote first. There's also a shipwreck in the tempest. He certainly has plot points he likes to revisit. 5y
Panic70 @merelybookish Thank you! 5y
Linsy Looks like you guys are having fun! I bit off a bit more than I could chew reading-wise for February, so I'm skipping this one, but I'm definitely tagging along for Julius Caesar! 5y
Geenie May I participate? @merelybookish 5y
erzascarletbookgasm Okay, I read it online since I don‘t have the book, but a lot went completely over my head. I think I need to reread, and reread. 5y
merelybookish @Yoshi-and-a-book Of course! Jump in! And I'll add you to the group.tag. We'll be discussing Act II on Sunday. 5y
merelybookish @erzascarletbookgasm It is confusing! A long speech to launch the play in act I, a confusing exchange in act II. 😧 5y
merelybookish @Linsy Understandable! I may keep tagging you, just so I don't forget. Let me know if that's a problem. 5y
batsy I just finished Act 1 ? @merelybookish I liked that "drop of water" quote a lot too, and I thought the opening of Scene 1 felt quite tragic—which it is, if we take the story for what it is. I looked it up and Errors was written before Tempest... Interesting that he revisited the shipwreck theme with more depth later on. 5y
merelybookish @batsy Thanks for checking! Not surprised Tempest came later since it seems more sophisticated than this play. But yes, interesting he would revisit it. I also thought it was a particularly tragic beginning to a comedy. 5y
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GingerAntics
Comedy of Errors | William Shakespeare
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A the confusion and frustration seems to have started quickly.
#Shakespeare #ComedyOfErrors #shakespearereadalong

batsy I can't wait to start! Still waiting for my copy to arrive 😢 5y
GingerAntics @batsy oh no!!! It‘s in the public domain. You should be able to find a free copy online or on an e-reader until it comes in. The free ones aren‘t preferable, but at least the text of the play is there. (edited) 5y
batsy @GingerAntics I struggle to read plays as a digital text, for some reason. I'm not sure why. But if my copy doesn't arrive soon that's probably what I'll do 👍🏽 5y
GingerAntics @batsy that‘s understandable. Sometimes the screen causes weird layout issues. Printed is always better for plays, so hopefully it‘ll be there soon. 5y
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GingerAntics
Comedy of Errors | William Shakespeare
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Oh yeah, this is healthy. Twin boys, one is lost, so you give the one left the name of the one you lost because you liked that one better. I can‘t wait to read this kid‘s memoirs.
#Shakespeare #ComedyOfErrors #shakespearereadalong

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Daisey
Comedy of Errors | William Shakespeare
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I‘ve got my new copy of Shakespeare‘s works and the #audiobook to listen along as I read Act I of The Comedy of Errors for #ShakespeareReadalong. #ArkAngelShakespeare

jewright I‘m so glad you like your complete works. 5y
Daisey @jewright I‘m excited about finally reading more Shakespeare. You‘re going to have to make sure I stay caught up! 5y
merelybookish I have never done the plays on audio. Maybe I should try that! 5y
Daisey @merelybookish Audio while following along in print is my favorite for reading Shakespeare on my own. It lets you get some of the performance aspect while also keeping track of characters and stage directions. 🎭 5y
EllisBell I‘ve been watching an outdoor performance on youtube - helps me to remember that it‘s a slapstick comedy, otherwise I just keep reading it all melodramatically in my head! 5y
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MrsMalaprop
Comedy of Errors | William Shakespeare
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#Shakespearereadalong

Well I fiiiinally got my hands on a copy at a local library today. No bookshop new or used within cooee had it on their shelf. I‘d left it too late to buy online.

I have not read/studied/viewed it before and look forward to getting stuck in. 🤗👏🤓

Rissreads Good luck! 😬 5y
merelybookish Glad the library came through! 5y
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Alliterati
Comedy of Errors | William Shakespeare
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Ok, I haven't started re-reading this, yet, but I saw this online and it made me think of you all! ::laughs:: #ShakespeareReadAlong

@merelybookish

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Melismatic
...The Comedy of Errors | William Shakespeare
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My local library had the ebook available so I‘m officially joining this round of #shakespearereadalong! I‘ve never read this one...hope it‘s as funny as it seems... 👯‍♀️

merelybookish Excellent! I'll add you to our group tag! 😀 5y
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GingerAntics
Comedy of Errors | William Shakespeare
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Found this gem as an audio option for this play. It always helps to have audio to go with the play whenever possible.
@merelybookish #Shakespeare #ComedyOfErrors #shakespearereadalong

Daisey I really enjoy the ArkAngel Shakespeare productions. I‘m going to listen to this audio along with the print as well. 5y
GingerAntics @Daisey oh, I‘m glad someone loves them. I‘ve never heard archangel Shakespeare before, so I‘m not sure. I got it for David Tennant. lol I feel much better now. 5y
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GingerAntics
Comedy of Errors | William Shakespeare
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Ready to rock and roll with this little gem. I‘ve heard good things, but I tend to struggle with the comedies so fingers crossed.
@merelybookish #Shakespeare #ComedyOfErrors #shakespearereadalong

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kristenm
Comedy of Errors | William Shakespeare
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Time to drag out the ginormous Modern Library/RSC Shakespeare time for the #Shakespearereadalong of A Comedy of Errors! Act I discussion is next Sunday so there‘s plenty of time to still join. (@merelybookish has the details post)

merelybookish Thanks for sharing! I see you're prepared for whatever play we read! 5y
GingerAntics I‘ve got the digital version of this on my wishlist. I feel like it would be totally worth the $20, since each individual play and the poetry are all $3-$5. The Modern Library/RSC editions are my favourite. 5y
kristenm @GingerAntics Absolutely! Digital would probably be better too because a) this is HEAVY and b) it‘s on onionskin paper so it‘s fragile and see-through. I did love replacing random beat-up paperbacks though! (edited) 5y
GingerAntics Oh, I was wondering what the paper in the physical copy would be like. I hate reading on onionskin. It‘s just so easy to get distracted by what‘s on the other side of the paper. 5y
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merelybookish
Comedy of Errors | William Shakespeare
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My used bookstore came through, and I'm ready for #Shakespearereadalong. Just a reminder that discussion of Act 1 is next Sunday, Feb 2nd.
We have lots of new participants which is exciting. Typically we read an act/week. Each Sunday am, the current host makes a post and everyone is welcome to comment when they can. Also okay to lurk. 🙂
Feel free to share your copy, whether the cover is classic, creepy, Kindle, or whatever! And tag me!

TheBookHippie How fun they had a copy!!! And new people yay!! 5y
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merelybookish 👆I should clarify I untagged people who have been inactive on Litsy for more than a few months. I won't remove anyone for not actively commenting on #shakespearereadalong posts. I know people join and read some, don't read others, or like to follow the conversations. That all a-okay by me. 5y
merelybookish That said, if you are being tagged and want to be removed, please tell me. No bother at all! 5y
MrsMalaprop I‘m still searching for a copy. I‘ll get to it as soon as I get my hands on it. 🤗😊 5y
batsy Once my copy arrives, I'll dive right in! 5y
Lcsmcat I look forward to seeing everyone‘s covers. I‘m probably going to read from my Kindle Complete Works of Shakespeare, which has a boring stage curtain for a cover. But if I change my mind I‘ll post a picture. 5y
Melismatic I may skip this round but jump in the next round - this sounds fun! 🤗 5y
Carolyn11215 Thank you for tagging me! I just checked out e-version from Hoopla so planning to get the 1st act read! (edited) 5y
Alliterati Ahahaha, now to decide if I drag out my Norton complete or one of my mini book copies... apparently I can't do anything normal sized. =] 5y
merelybookish @Alliterati Fortunately there's no end of choices or sizes.😀 5y
readinginthedark "Also okay to lurk." ? Always! Introverted lurking encouraged! 5y
merelybookish @readinginthedark Hey Hannah! ? Nice to "see" you! How are things? Of course we'd love you to join us! 5y
readinginthedark @merelybookish I'm doing well, thank you! Although still not uber-social, obviously. Not sure if I'll catch up to you now; I got my copy late. Do you know what you'll be reading next? 5y
readinginthedark @merelybookish Also, thanks! Nice to "see" you, too! ? 5y
merelybookish @readinginthedark Yes. We are doing Julius Caesar next. Will start mid-March. Then a history play, one of the Henry's. 🙃 5y
merelybookish @readinginthedark Also Comedy of Errors is on the shorter side. There is only two scenes in both Acts 1 & 2 so might not be too hard to catch up. 5y
mollyrotondo Are you doing this again in March? How can I find out about the Shakespeare pick and the discussion times? This looks fun and I love Shakespeare! Thank you! 5y
merelybookish @mollyrotondo Hey! We are doing Julius Caesar next, starting in a few weeks. You can search the hashtag #shakespearereadalong for post. And follow @Graywacke as he is hosting next. He just posted the schedule. Comment on the post and he will add your name to the group tag. Welcome! 5y
mollyrotondo @merelybookish thank you so much! Can‘t wait! 5y
Graywacke @mollyrotondo i‘m catching this here. I‘ll tag you. 5y
mollyrotondo @Graywacke thank you! 5y
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NataliePatalie
The Comedy of Errors | William Shakespeare
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olivia.ferz 😂😂 5y
TiredLibrarian Good one! 5y
sprainedbrain Oh that‘s a good one! 😂 5y
Blueberry 😆😆 love it! 5y
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LitsyHappenings
Comedy of Errors | William Shakespeare
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Repost for @merelybookish :

It's the official schedule for our first #Shakespearereadalong for 2020. Please join us!
This is my first time reading this comedy and I have NO idea what to expect (well some idea, word play, hijinks, disguises, mix-ups ?).
What I discovered today is there are some creepy/weird posters for this play! ? Just Google "Comedy of Errors poster" to see for yourself!
Meet you back here in 2 weeks for discussion of Act 1!

merelybookish Thank you! 5y
Panic70 I‘m excited for this one! It‘s my favorite comedy. First time I read it I actually laughed aloud. Mix ups a plenty. 5y
Carolyn11215 I‘ll try to remember this....I‘d love to do some Shakespeare read alongs! 5y
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LitsyHappenings @merelybookish of course! Also 👆👆 5y
slategreyskies Count me in! I‘ve been meaning to read this for years! :) 5y
merelybookish @Panic70 @Carolyn11215 @slategreyskies Excellent! Always glad to have new people join us! Will add you to the group tag! 🙂 5y
EllisBell Ooh can I partake please?! I‘ve got a copy to hand... 5y
merelybookish @EllisBell Hey! By all means you can join. We just started and if you go to my page you can see the post for Act I. We'll read Act II for next Sunday. Lots of time to catch up/join in! I will add you to the group tag! 5y
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LitsyHappenings
Comedy of Errors | William Shakespeare
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Repost for @merelybookish :
#Shakespearereadalong is back, baby! After an extended hiatus, we've selected our first three plays for 2020. We will kick off with Comedy of Errors on February 2nd, followed by the tragedy Julius Caesar, and then the history play Henry V. So get your copies ordered and join us!
To take part, comment below. Or comment if you wish to be untagged. We welcome one and all!
Here's to more Shakespearean fun! Huzzah!

Carolyn11215 I‘d love to be tagged for these! 5y
TheBookHippie So excited!!! 5y
LitsyHappenings @merelybookish here too 👆☺️ 5y
slategreyskies Tag me! This sounds awesome!! Thanks! :) 5y
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merelybookish
Comedy of Errors | William Shakespeare
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It's the official schedule for our first #Shakespearereadalong for 2020. Please join us!
This is my first time reading this comedy and I have NO idea what to expect (well some idea, word play, hijinks, disguises, mix-ups ?).
What I discovered today is there are some creepy/weird posters for this play! ? Just Google "Comedy of Errors poster" to see for yourself!
Meet you back here in 2 weeks for discussion of Act 1!

GingerAntics There are two sets of twins that get separated as small children and they are reunited to comic effect as adults. Apparently they are both identical twins. 5y
merelybookish @GingerAntics I guess that explains the poster with the four creepy doll heads. 😬😆 5y
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IamIamIam YAY!!! I'll catch up after we get home from Disney next week! 😘 5y
merelybookish @IamIamIam Awesome! Have a fabulous trip! 5y
Lcsmcat Looking forward to it! 5y
Lcsmcat @IamIamIam I‘ll be in Orlando this week too, but not at Disney- at a conference for work. 5y
merelybookish @Lcsmcat Excellent! And safe travels! 5y
Trashcanman Woooot! 5y
merelybookish @Trashcanman 🎉🎉😀 5y
merelybookish Can you share @LitsyHappenings Thank you! 5y
Graywacke Requested several different copies from the library. Oddly... I don‘t know exactly what I requested. Latest library update doesn‘t provide the publisher info. 5y
mhillis Nice! It‘s available on Serial Reader too! 5y
erzascarletbookgasm If I don‘t have a copy by then, I‘ll read online! But then, I don‘t like reading Shakespeare online! 😆 5y
merelybookish @Graywacke I don't have my copy yet. Will see what is available at my libraries. Worst case I can order on my Kindle although I agree with @erzascarletbookgasm about reading Shakespeare on a screen! 5y
merelybookish @mhillis Good to know! 5y
merelybookish @erzascarletbookgasm Maybe a comedy will be easier to read online? Wasnt your last attempt Troilus and Cressida which is.a.challenge in any format! 5y
Kristy_K I haven‘t read Shakespeare in years. I‘m going to try to join in! 5y
Alliterati Yeeeeeeeees! I just found #shakespearereadalong, I'm so excited! Former Shakespeare Club pres and fellow nerd, here. Looking forward to joining in! =] 5y
TheBookHippie Yay!!! So excited. 5y
Gezemice I saw this as a kid with my parents. I dont remember a thing. So it will be the first time 5y
merelybookish @Kristy_K Sorry for the late reply! Glad you're joining us!! 5y
readinginthedark Yes, I've never read this one either! 5y
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merelybookish
Comedy of Errors | William Shakespeare
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#Shakespearereadalong is back, baby! After an extended hiatus, we've selected our first three plays for 2020. We will kick off with Comedy of Errors on February 2nd, followed by the tragedy Julius Caesar, and then the history play Henry V. So get your copies ordered and join us!
To take part, comment below. Or comment if you wish to be untagged. We welcome one and all!
Here's to more Shakespearean fun! Huzzah!

Trashcanman Just when I thought I was out.... 5y
Trashcanman In for the win 5y
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IamIamIam Ooooh!!! I should be able to keep this time! Lol 5y
MoonWitch94 Ohhh yay!!!! Wahoo! Can‘t wait 😊 5y
Lcsmcat I‘m in! 5y
catebutler How exciting!! Can‘t wait to start up again. 5y
TheBookHippie YAAAAAS!!!! 5y
TheBookHippie I am in. 5y
ladyneverwhere I'm in 😁 5y
Graywacke 👍 ready - well, I should hunt down a copy 1st before I say that. But ready in spirit! 5y
MrsMalaprop I‘ll give it a go. Haven‘t read any of those 😊. 5y
CoffeeNBooks Awesome! I can't wait! 5y
jewright I‘m excited! I love reading the plays together! 5y
Sunraven Yay, I want to play again! Er ... I guess that means I want to play with plays. 😅 5y
Riveted_Reader_Melissa Yea! Count me in for a few more! 5y
merelybookish Glad you're along too @ladyneverwhere 5y
TheBookHippie @Graywacke same 🤣🤣🤣 5y
batsy I'm so excited! I might not make it for the early discussions for Comedy of Errors (need to order my copy from Book Depo as local bookstores don't seem to have it) but hopefully it arrives on time and I can catch up with the discussions towards the end. 5y
mhillis This looks great! My daughter is reading Julius Caesar for school so I‘d like to read it too! 5y
erzascarletbookgasm Thanks for the tag! I‘ll need to hunt for them! Like @batsy said, if I need to order from BD, it‘ll take forever but 🤞 I can get them on time! 5y
merelybookish @batsy @erzascarletbookgasm Obviously we are happy to have you join whenever! I'm sorry we scrambled a bit at the last minute and didn't give much warning! But hopefully you can be ready for Julius and Henry when the time comes. 5y
merelybookish @mhillis Great! Glad to have you along! We probably won't start Julius Caesar till mid March. 5y
merelybookish @LitsyHappenings Will you share? Thank you!! 5y
saresmoore I so want to participate, but I don‘t think I‘ll be able to make time for it. 😕 I will still watch for the posts, though, because I love the discussions! 5y
GingerAntics Just confirming, because I‘m slow. The first discussion for Comedy of Errors is February 2nd, right? 5y
merelybookish @saresmoore I understand! Happy to have you joining us in spirit! 🙂 5y
merelybookish @GingerAntics Yes, Feb 2nd will be Act I. Will try to get my act together and out a schedule out. 😛 5y
GingerAntics You‘re good. When I saw the 2nd was a Sunday I figured that was the first discussion, but I just wanted to make sure. 5y
Liz_M @saresmoore ditto what Sara said. 5y
kristenm I will try and join in! 5y
Alliterati Yes please! =] Though I've never done one of these before, so I'm not sure how this all works. Love the Shakespeare, though! 5y
merelybookish @Alliterati Welcome! We read an act/a week. Each Sunday, the host (me this time) creates a post. I tag everyone and discussion ensues. 😀 5y
Alliterati @merelybookish Huzzah, that sounds like great fun! =] Thank you for the info, and I'll be sure to tune in! 5y
Gezemice Yay! I needed the break but now I am ready! 5y
slategreyskies Count me in for at least the first one and maybe the others as well! :) 5y
merelybookish @Gezemice I understand! I enjoyed our break too but glad to be back! 5y
merelybookish @kristenm Adding your name to the group!! 👍 5y
Linsy Oooh, I'm joining! Shakespeare was some of the best parts of my English degree, but I haven't even come close to reading everything. (edited) 5y
merelybookish @Linsy Glad you've decided to join us! The more the merrier! 😃 5y
readinginthedark Just saw this, luckily! I'll try to pick up a copy tomorrow and catch-up! 5y
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BarbaraJean
Comedy of Errors | William Shakespeare
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This week‘s literary adventure: Shakespeare by the Sea‘s production of Comedy of Errors, on a beautiful evening in a local park. A park that is really not at all “by the sea.” But still. We brought a picnic, and it was so much fun!

Ruthiella Outdoor theater and concerts are wonderful in the summer!😀 5y
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