rosencrantz and guildenstern are dead play

To begin his lecture on the merits of atheistic existentialism, titled Existentialism is a Humanism, Sartre makes a clear distinction between humans and objects, one made on the basis that “existence precedes essence” (Sartre 20). Ros and Guil’s actions and many themes in the play can be explained with the philosophy of existentialism according to the principles of essence and existence, freedom and absurdity. Clearly Ros and Guil’s inability to take the initiative and decide the course of their actions clashes with a principle belief of existentialism. As Sartre defines it, existentialism is one of the most optimistic philosophies “since it declares that man’s destiny lies within himself” (Sartre 40).

However, this retelling comes with a twist: Ros and Guil know not of their identity and are therefore at the mercy of external forces which propel them along the play’s plot.īased on the fact that Ros and Guil are unable to make any significant choices throughout the play, superficially, it can be argued that Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead represents the antithesis of existentialism. Written in 1966 by Tom Stoppard based on William Shakespeare’s play Hamlet, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead is an existentialist comedy that explores Shakespeare’s world of Elsinore, the main setting of Hamlet, through the perspective of minor characters Rosencrantz and Guildenstern as they grapple with court politics and fulfill their roles as spies for the king. This is exactly what Ros and Guil do in Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead, a course of action that they will eventually regret. Groggy, confused, unsure, what would you do? Many would go along with it, open the door and do as the messenger asks in hopes of finding out more about their identity in the process.

You remember nothing identity, values and bonds, all seem to have been lost in the deep sleep. The exacting noise fills the house as you try to gather your bearings to no fruition. Imagine waking up disoriented, lost and confused.

Rosencrantz and guildenstern are dead play