Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead “Art” or Reality

Stoppard’s Dramatic Style Compare Act I with Hamlet Describe the mood and tone of the setting We already “think” we know these characters from the play Hamlet. The “Hamlet” figure becomes a plot device Rosencrantz and Guildenstern seem…What? Confused (I:47-48), paralyzed and unable to take action. Question about past memories. The illusion of uncertainty The characters do not know what to say or do

Use of Dialogue What might Stoppard want us to think about dealing with life? Why is Stoppard obsessed with understanding the meaning of life and death? Certainty? Doubt? (I:39) Note how the dialogue enlivens the tension between the characters Frustration – (I:40ff, II:62, III.104, III.107) But comedy also comes through the frustration What is the Player selling? Observe his insinuations and euphemisms

The Meaning of Life & Death Dialogue exposes the tedium of human life R & G “fumble about without direction” The characters struggle to ascertain the meaning of life (cf., remember Hamlet’s predicament when he returns to Elsinore Castle)

The Meaning of Life & Death (cont.) How do the characters’ actions affect the audience? Consider the following passages – (I.13; I:15 – fear) Stoppard addresses the social ills of society – the redistribution of wealth (I:16); deceptive behaviour (I:51); incest and adultery (I:50)

The Game: The Absurdity of Life Are Rosencrantz and Guildenstern unconsciously caught up in Claudius’ game? (I:35) Do they have prior any knowledge? Do they have a choice? What might Stoppard be saying about our modern society? Our choices? What role does the coin game play with the unfolding plot? Need for escape? (I:37) What do the mis-said clichés or colloquial expressions convey about the characters and their circumstances? (I:23; I:45; II:55; II:57; II:59; II:61; II:93)

Comedy and the Human Condition Recognizing different perspectives (II:56) Knowing where you stand on issues so that you won’t be surprised (II:58) Free Speech (II:60) -- Note Stoppard’s use of colloquial language Act III -- being on a boat. Is it a metaphor for freedom?

Influence of Two Major Works Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot – also “focuses on the absurdity of the human condition as two protagonists find themselves passing time, talking or playing games until the ‘action’ resumes.” T.S. Eliot’s “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock” – “Prufrock calls attention to his minor role in life by making a direct reference to Hamlet in the following passage: “No, I am not Prince Hamlet…”

Review of Major Themes ALIENATION – refers to an imminent sense of estrangement and exile (Camus’ L’Étranger). “The world is depicted as opaque and overwhelmingly incomprehensible. Characters are never able to achieve true understanding.” EXISTENTIALISM – philosophical movement focused on the plight of the individual seeking meaning and purpose IDENTITY – staccato dialogue. Sometimes difficult to distinguish one from another

More Themes DETERMINISM – fate; limited autonomy. Consider Stoppard’s use of the characters and what they present on stage FREE WILL – Question of free will. Are R & G presented with limited alternatives? If so, how do they handle these limited choices? AWARENESS OF SELF – Note R & G’s inability to pin down their own identities Lack of character development Do R & G recognize themselves as spies in Hamlet? Can they foresee their fate? Can they avert their own deaths?

ACT III Scene opens in darkness Guildenstern’s rambling about boats One moment of clarity about bearing the letter… END -- no surprise “Head” on coin foreshadows their deaths The Player insinuates it The title directly states it