Similarities Between Tom Stoppard's Rosencrantz And Guildenstern Are Dead

The people in the world around us are a compilation of various experiences and influences from society that shape them into the person they are today. These influences of society take place on mixed platforms such as through television shows, social media, and social interaction. Often times, one does not realize that they are changing their mannerisms and ways to conform to the society around them because it is much easier than being unique and determining who you want to be and accomplish in your life. Acclaimed American author Betty Friedan once stated, “It is easier to live through someone else than to complete yourself. The freedom to lead and plan your own life is frightening if you have never faced it before. It is frightening when [someone]

In the play, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead, by Tom Stoppard, he conveys the idea of characters lacking identity because he never completes the outline he creates for the minor characters of Hamlet, Ros and Guil. Throughout the play, no one gives them instructions of what to do, sending the two utterly confused men in circles increasingly bewildering them as the play progresses. These characters, due to their fear of making the wrong choice that could affect their fate, never make any influential decisions during the play, which is the main reason for their demise and lack of identity. Another text that conveys a similar message is Joyce Carol Oates’s novel, Black Water. Kelly Kelleher, the main character of the novel, is a young woman who was previously deeply hurt by a man noted as G-- and seeks approval from men to determine her self worth and identity. After G--, Kelly does not have much interactions with men due to her fear of loving them more than they love

After their initial confusion, Ros and Guil are met with more unknowns that increase their bewilderment and at one point Guil even says, “I’m sorry it wasn’t a unicorn. It would have been nice to have unicorns” (21). It is important that he says that because if there were unicorns in the woods with them, they would understand that something is unjust, not just them. Another scene where they become increasingly more baffled is when they confuse their own identities when introducing themselves to The Player and the actors, “ROS: My name is Guildenstern, and this is Rosencrantz. GUIL confers briefly with him. (Without embarrassment) I’m sorry- his name’s Guildenstern, and I’m Rosencrantz” (22). In mixing up their own names, it shows how they are even beginning to question what they know because of their lack of given identity and purpose. Also, in conversing before he reiterated their names, it shows that Ros and Guil are reliant on each other to keep some sense of sanity between the two of them. After introducing themselves and conversing with The Player and actors for a little while, Ros catches onto something and “(his voice has changed: he has caught on): Excuse me!” (27). This is a noteworthy quote because the only one who seems to care is Guil that they