After reading "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead" by Tom Stoppard, I thought that such a literary masterpiece of that same caliber could not be equaled. However, Samuel Beckett, author of "Waiting for Godot" has also created a stunning work about two lost men seeking a point to their existence, always looking to the nonexistent for enlightenment. This similarity is so striking that at several points during the story, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern merged with Estragon and Vladimir, so similar were the four characters.
             One of many things that made Estragon and Vladimir similar to Rosencrantz and Guildenstern is their inclination to play games with the world. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern played the "question game" where they would ask each other nothing but questions.
             In turn, Estragon and Vladimir also seek ways to distract themselves from the realities of life through word games.
             "Estragon: That's the idea, let's abuse each other.
             They turn, move apart, turn again and face each other.
             Vladimir: How time flies when one has fun! "
             Another striking similarity between the two plays was the constant way in which the main characters questioned everything. These questions, in both cases, stemmed from the main character's amazing lack of memory.
             "Guil: ...What's the first thing you remember?
             Ros: Oh, let's see....The first thing that comes into my head, you mean?
             Guil: No-the first thing you remember.
             Ros: Ah. (pause) No, it's no good, it's gone. It was a long time ago.
             Guil: (Patient but edged) You don't get my meaning. What is the first thing after all the things you've forgotten?
             Ros: Oh I see. (Pause) I've forgotten the question. "
             Similar lines can be found in Waiting for Godot.
             "Estragon: What did we do yesterday?
             Vladimir: Ah no, there you're mistaken.
             ...