Compare Rosencrantz And Guilde

Want to read the rest of this paper? Join Essayworld today to view this entire essay and over 50,000 other term papers

and Guildenstern an existence outside ‘Hamlet’, although it is one of little significance and they idle away their time only having a purpose to their lives when the play rejoins the ‘Hamlet’ plot, after they have been called by the King’s messenger: “There was a messenger...that’s right. We were sent for.” Their lives end tragically due to this connection with ‘Hamlet’, predetermined by the title, but the role provided them with a purpose to their otherwise futile lives, making them bearable. Their deaths evoke sadness and sympathy leaving the reader grieving for them.
In contrast to Stoppard’s play ‘Waiting for Godot’ is much bleaker in the respect that Vladimir and Estragon seem to have no purpose or direction in their lives. Their only hope rests on the mysterious Godot who never comes, however they do remain alive at the end. This leads the reader to question which pair of characters are ...

Get instant access to over 50,000 essays. Write better papers. Get better grades. Already a member? Login

Vladimir and Estragon in their interdependent relationship with one another, however characteristically they are very different. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are incompetent and unfortunate. They continually appear to be bemused and lost, unaware of what they are doing and why they are doing it, yet still feel omnipotent and able to escape. Martin Esslin comments on their situation; “Beckett’s characters are no antique heroes and they are mostly unaware of the depth of their predicament.” (2)

At one point Guildenstern says “We are entitled to some direction...I would have thought”. Guildenstern begins to accept this feeling that his life is out of his ...

Succeed in your coursework without stepping into a library. Get access to a growing library of notes, book reports, and research papers in 2 minutes or less.

CITE THIS PAGE: