theme?

There are several themes that Shakespeare uses which are only loosely related to the actual comedy. The conflicts between bondage and liberty, law and sympathy, death and rebirth all form a very serious undertones within the play. There is also the serious effect time. Shakespeare requires that all the action culminate at five o'clock, with that being the time of Egeon's execution, Antipholus of Syracuse's meeting with the merchant, and the moment when Angelo must pay the Second Merchant his money.