Inspired by Beckett's literary style, particularly in 'Waiting for Godot', Stoppard wrote 'Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead'. As a result of this, many comparisons can be drawn between these two plays. Stoppard's writing was also influenced by Shakespeare's 'Hamlet'. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern as minor characters exist within Shakespeare's world providing Stoppard with his protagonists. However, the play is not an attempt to rewrite 'Waiting for Godot' in a framework of Shakespeare's drama.

In studying these texts, the reader is provoked into analysing, comparing and contrasting them. In particular the characters in 'Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead' provide intriguing material to consider the human condition. The characters, their personality traits and responses to stimuli, as well as what directs and motivates them, is worthy of discussion.

Stoppard gives Rosencrantz and Guildenstern an existence outside 'Hamlet', although it is one of little significance and they idle away their time only having a purpose to t

Player "It was chance, then?" (coincidental)

Rosencrantz "Thats why were here" < He looks around, seems doubtful>

Estragon "Well, don't lets do anything, its safer."

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 control and says "We move idly towards eternity, without possibility of reprieve or hope of explanation" "We'll know better next time".

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Approximate Word count = 1387
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)