Drops of Water
When Antipholus of Syracuse explains why he has come to Ephesus, he says, "I to the world am like a drop of water / That in the ocean seeks another drop, / Who, falling there to find his fellow forth, / Unseen, inquisitive, confounds himself" (1.2). Here, Antipholus of Syracuse uses a simile to compare himself to a drop of water in a vast ocean, suggesting that he is isolated not only from the family he seeks but also from himself.
Football
In the first half of the play, Dromio of Ephesus receives a number of beatings from his master(s). He inquires about this behavior eventually, saying, "Am I so round with you, as you with me, / That like a football you do spurn me thus?" (2.1). Here, Dromio uses a simile to compare himself unfavorably to a football that gets tossed around, showing how his approach to this abuse is relatively lighthearted and playful.
Old Age
At the end of the play, when Antipholus of Ephesus appears before his father, Egeon, he does not recognize him. Egeon mourns this reaction, questioning whether his old age has really changed his appearance in the seven years that Antipholus of Syracuse has been gone. He says, "Though now this grainèd face of mine be hid / In sap-consuming winter's drizzled snow..." (5.1). Here, Egeon uses a metaphor to compare his white hair to a face buried in the snow, emphasizing what he thinks is the old age that prevents his son from recognizing him.
Lamps
In the same speech in which Egeon admits his old age, he expresses hope that he is not yet dead and that his family might recognize him after all. He says, "Yet hath my night of life some memory, / My wasting lamps some fading glimmer left" (5.1). Here, Egeon uses a metaphor to compare his mind to a lamp that still has fire left in it, suggesting that he is still capable of memory and a reunion with his son(s).
Adriana's Ruins
When Adriana expresses her self-doubt over whether her husband has been unfaithful, she rails against Antipholus of Ephesus and blames him for any aspects of her character that he may find undesirable. She says, "What ruins are in me that can be found / By him not ruin'd?" (2.1). Here, Adriana uses a metaphor to compare herself to ancient, dilapidated ruins that were made that way by her husband. She suggests that any signs of age, weathering, or disrepair are his own fault.
