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William Shakespeare in Hamlet and Tom Stoppard in Rosencrantz and Guildenstern both explore themes such as appearance versus reality, fate, destiny, and the illusion of human control over life. They also address the theme of transformation by distinguishing between deceptive characters and self-deception.
Hamlet was published during the Elizabethan era in England around 1603, a time when society was highly structured with a clear class system and the monarchy at the head.
Rosencrantz and Guildenstern was first premiered in 1966 at The National Theatre in 1967, reflecting the cultural atmosphere of the era.
The play's modern comedy classic status is enhanced by its philosophical depth inspired by the progressive and liberating spirit of the sixties.
The introductions of Hamlet and Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are contrasting. In Hamlet, the tone is solemn as it opens with news of his father's passing, whereas Rosencrantz and Guildenstern starts with a reflective query on the meaning of life.
Both Hamlet and Rosencrantz and Guildenstern have unique language styles.
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While Hamlet utilizes rhymed verse and formal prose, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern incorporates comical interplay and colloquial language. Despite these differences, both plays exhibit similarities in their language usage.
When comparing the two texts, they both share the theme of death and how it contrasts with life. However, the way in which this theme is portrayed differs in each play.
Hamlet's underlying fear of death is evident in Shakespeare's play, as he contemplates suicide as a means of escaping his torment. His fear stems from the unknown nature of death and the idea that his father is suffering in purgatory for his sins, highlighting the prevailing religious beliefs of the era.
But in Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, the concept of death is humorously portrayed through the comparison to life in a box or a never-ending void, asking the question "Hey you in there get out, what's your name?"
Both plays explore the concept of fate as the driving force in our lives, challenging the idea that we have full control over our destinies.
In Hamlet, Hamlet believes he has control over his life and that there is a god, while Rosencrantz and Guildenstern firmly believe in fate and that there is no god guiding their path.
"Ros do you believe in god? Well, no I can't say that I do".
This also reflects the values of the time as in the sixties there was a lot of freedom of ideas and acceptance of differences. Voicing the idea that god was a misconception in the Elizabethan era would have been shocking, but with Stoppard writing in the sixties, it was a notion that could be openly discussed.
Both plays explore the theme of the nature of man, questioning whether Rosencrantz and Guildenstern live in a world better or worse than Hamlet's. Stoppard depicts their world as darker, with emphasis on the violence that exists. The Player, recognizing R and G as fellow artists, makes profound comments on the world and its inhabitants, stating "I can't do your love and rhetoric without the blood. Blood is compulsory - they're all blood, you see."
Stoppard reflects the essentially violent nature of the world through the players specialising in "deaths for all occasions".
The tragedians, as seen by Stoppard, epitomize the corrupt moral values of society. They are willing to sell themselves, both literally and metaphorically, for money. The Player acts as a regulator of the greed exhibited by these individuals as they compete for a coin tossed by Rosencrantz. The Player emphasizes the value of even a single coin, noting that it carries significance. The Tragedians' performances are filled with themes of death and moral decay, reflecting the preferences of their audience as acknowledged by the Player.
The Player states that society's decline has been occurring for a significant amount of time with the phrase "Don't clap too loud, it's a very Old World".
Despite all the death and loss in Shakespeare's Hamlet, the characters are quite distinct from those in Stoppard's world as described.
In Hamlet, despite feeling grief and anguish, Hamlet marvels at the complexity and capability of man, proclaiming "What a piece of work is a man! How noble in reason, how infinite in faculties; in action how like an angel". Shakespeare portrays an idealistic and romantic perspective that is at odds with Stoppard's belief that Hamlet is driven by his primal instincts.
Another difference in Hamlet is that even when the characters are facing treachery and death, they still hold onto their sense of nobility. For example, Laertes, after admitting he was killed by his own treachery, requests Hamlet to "exchange forgiveness with me, noble Hamlet".
Hamlet's response is just as courageous and kind: "Heaven make thee free of it! I follow thee."
Despite the tragedy in Hamlet, the play highlights many positive aspects, especially pertaining to man's virtues, albeit in a tragic manner towards the conclusion. Therefore, when examining the connection between texts, it is apparent that they present contrasting perspectives on the value of humanity, prompting us to contemplate which one aligns more closely with reality.
Both plays delve into the theme of freedoms and constraints. Stoppard illustrates how chaos surrounds R and G, depicting a more complex, though morally and socially, life in contrast to the era of Hamlet. During Hamlet's time, people existed within a clear moral structure and followed established rules and social hierarchies.
Stoppard's work portrays the uncertainties arising from major historical events of the 20th century, contrasting them with the certainties depicted in Shakespeare's Hamlet. Stoppard's characters are portrayed as lacking free will and their actions as predetermined, similar to actors following a script, whereas Shakespeare's characters make decisions based on situations and likely responses. Stoppard's characters are likened to actors, while Shakespeare's characters are portrayed as individuals.
Stoppard's work highlights the limitations of characters R and G, depicting them as innocent and helpless. Their lack of memory, inability to make impactful choices, and the symbolism of the boat all emphasize this theme. Stoppard urges viewers to acknowledge that in today's world, people are frequently taken advantage of and controlled, despite their belief in their own independence.
Stoppard's work is important because it shows how Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are limited by their roles as actors following a script. They are depicted as having no control over their actions or ability to affect change, serving as a constant reminder to the audience that they are watching a staged performance.
The concepts presented challenge the audience to reflect on the level of authority we possess over our own lives, and if this has evolved from the structured society depicted in Hamlet.
Comparing Fate and Transformation in Hamlet and Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. (2016, Jul 11). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/tom-stoppards-rosencrantz-and-guildenstern-are-dead-essay
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