Their lapses of memory mocks what could have been , contributing to the sense of powerlessness undercurrent in the play. I would argue that Rosencrantz and Guildenstern do not deserve to die. The first and foremost reason and the only reason that holds justification is the treason of friendship.
Furthermore What does Guildenstern say about death? Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are minor characters of major importance. They serve as the go-between between Hamlet and King Claudius on several occasions. The boat symbolizes surrendering to fate. Just as the boats are subject to the force of the sea, people are subjects to the caprice of the fates. When Guildenstern first steps on the boat, he feels a sense of freedom rocking against the waves.
In traditional theater, characters have clearly defined roles with clearly defined motives and desires. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are not villains but a couple of toadies who are spying on their friend Hamlet because they hope to get rewarded by the King. They did not know the contents of the letter they were carrying to England, but they were nonetheless escorting Hamlet to his execution.
Back on the parapet — the outer walls of Castle Elsinore — Hamlet follows the Ghost, who admits that he is the spirit of King Hamlet and tells his son to hear him out. Hamlet was once friends with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern.
As he dies, the lights dim and the Player says that death is common and that light vanishes with life. Guildenstern replies that real death is not theatrical but is simply the absence of anything. Rosencrantz slowly stops clapping. The stage is silent.
Rosencrantz realizes the end is near and wonders how they were caught up in this terrible situation. He asks if they might remain on the ship and just avoid their fates, then he gives way to anguish, saying that they have done nothing wrong. But he also asks Guildenstern if they did in fact go wrong somewhere.
Tellingly, neither man can remember. Rosencrantz announces that he is glad to be done with it all, and he vanishes from the stage. Guildenstern does not notice, and instead he tries to recall their actions from the beginning, believing that they must have had an opportunity to prevent all that has befallen them.
Guildenstern realizes he is alone and begins crying out for his friend, but he is unable to remember if he is Guildenstern or Rosencrantz.
He says that they will be better off the next time around, and he vanishes, leaving the stage in momentary darkness. An Inspector Calls Dr. Jekyll and Mr. SparkTeach Teacher's Handbook. Themes Motifs Symbols. Important Quotes Explained.
They encounter a troupe of actors, known as the Tragedians. The leader of the group, called the Player, indicates that the Tragedians specialize in sexual performances and gives Rosencrantz and Guildenstern the chance to participate for a fee.
Guildenstern turns the improbable coin-flipping episode to their advantage by offering the Player a bet. The Player loses but claims he cannot pay. Guildenstern asks for a play instead. Guildenstern starts to leave as the Tragedians prepare, and Rosencrantz reveals that the most recently flipped coin landed tails-up. The scene changes suddenly. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are now inside Elsinore, the royal castle of Denmark, watching as Hamlet and Ophelia burst onstage and leave in opposite directions.
Mistaking Rosencrantz for Guildenstern, Claudius explains that he sent for the pair so that they could ascertain what is bothering Hamlet, their childhood friend. Bewildered, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern discuss how they might probe Hamlet for the cause of his supposed madness.
They play a game of question-and-answer, further confusing themselves about their purpose and even their identities. Guildenstern suggests that he pretend to be Hamlet while Rosencrantz questions him. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern overhear Hamlet speaking riddles to Polonius. Hamlet confuses Rosencrantz and Guildenstern with an enigmatic speech.
Polonius comes in to tell Hamlet that the Tragedians have arrived. They cannot decide whether he is insane. Polonius, Hamlet, and the Tragedians enter, and Hamlet announces that there will be a play the next day. The Player departs while Rosencrantz and Guildenstern discuss what happens after death. As Claudius, Gertrude, Polonius, and Ophelia enter, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern explain that Hamlet wants them all to attend the play.
The group leaves, but Hamlet enters. Not noticing Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, Hamlet wonders whether he should commit suicide. Ophelia enters, praying. After a short conversation, she and Hamlet exit.
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