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First performed in 1603, Hamlet is probably the best known of William Shakespeare's works, and may well be the most famous English language play ever written. But while Hamlet has been the subject of critical analysis since Elizabethan times, the 1960’s saw Tom Stoppard bring Hamlet back to life with “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead”. Using Shakespeare’s work as his own starting point, he makes the two minor characters from the title who were off-stage, become on-stage.
“All the world’s a stage…” William Shakespeare.
The transformation between these two texts is fascinating, as the past 350 years has had an incredible effect upon the English language and the ever transforming contexts of the times.
So, let’s make a stereotypical conclusion about the Elizabethans. They lived life in a hierarchical system, dominated by monarchs, priests to the wealthier citizens, right down to animals, plants and the basic elements. This is shown through Hamlet, as many of the protagonists are monarchs or high ranking members of their country’s nobility. Act 2, scene 1 of Hamlet, we see Reynaldo, a servant to Polonius, demonstrating this hierarchical system through his conversation.
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Guil: It’s like being given a prize, an extra slice of childhood when you least expect it… (act 1, p29)
The second act in “Hamlet” serves as for several dramatic functions. This scene serves to put some distance in between the time we next see Hamlet. Put bluntly, the protagonists cannot and do not understand the world they are put in. One other such technique linking the two is the striking use of metaphor and simile particularly in Hamlet. Observe his inclination in yourself. One distinct difference can, however, be drawn between the two plays.
Guildernstern: But we both obey,
And here give up ourselves in the full bent
To lay our service freely at your feet,
To be commanded. Although Christianity is still an importance to many people of today, it is not nearly as dominant in their lives as it was with the Elizabethans. Rather than making a direct statement, the two characters speak of nonsensical gibberish that doesn’t answer the question first asked (if there was one).
My news shall be the fruit to that great feast. 52)
“Rosencrantz and Guildenstern” uses this technique to a different extent. Some sentences found in act 2, when directly translated, would be perfect German. In the theatre, however, only a few minutes have gone by. We learn from the script that a few weeks have passed since the last act.
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