By comparing the contrasting and similar aspects presented to the reader in these texts, it raises many questions which can change your perspective on the meaning of transformations altogether. Shakespeare’s Hamlet was written in a time of Elizabethan values. The most important value was one of absolute devotion to divinity.This devotion shaped religious thought and the ideas of fate and destiny and the search for meaning contrast greatly to Stoppard’s views which were defined by Existentialist philosophy.
Stoppard’s Existentialist philosophy focused on individual freedom and the choice of direction in life with less limited possibilities. These two contrasting societal values significantly influence the perception of the reader when studying how they are ‘transformed. ’ An example of the religious differences is the ideals and beliefs on death.In Hamlet death is portrayed as violent and dramatic with examples including poisoning and sword fights (dueling). Because of his beliefs, Stoppard raises the possibility that death is not an event that leads to judgement by the divine beliefs of Elizabethan Christianity. This is portrayed through Guildenstern when he describes death as “simple failing to re-appear”.
This comparison shows the uncertainty of death, and through this transformation we come to the perception that death is a mystery to us all, no matter what beliefs or era you may live in.The ideas of fate and destiny between the two respective texts are starkly different. Hamlet, in his belief of meaning for life, believes that we are guided by fate as he quotes: “there is a divinity that shapes or ends…” Hamlet has the illusion of control yet he is influenced by those around him, and what he believes to be a ‘greater power’. In contrast, Stoppard raises the possibility that there is no ‘master plan’.
We live and die that is it.This is represented by using Ros and Guild, as characters in Absurdist Theatre, who have no control over their lives. They are simply actors on stage and their fate is determined as Rosencrantz comes to realize: “We have no control. None at all. ” This comparison, which is heavily influenced by differing philosophy, illuminates the perception that the search for meaning transcends time.
It is an ongoing battle of uncertainty and it just causes anguish to perpetually worry about the meaning of one’s life.Both Hamlet and Rosencrantz are actually relieved when they stop battling fate. By comparing language techniques and devices utilized by the respective composers, it changes the reader’s perception on the attitudes and values of the text’s contemporary contexts. Shakespeare’s dramatic prose, evidenced by Hamlet’s use of highly figurative language, differs greatly with Stoppard’s use of banal dialogue through Ros and Guild to reflect his comedic tone. Stoppard uses the difference in language to highly intersections of the two texts.
This has the effect of changing the perception of the reader’s attitude towards Ros and Guild, and they become intrinsically attached to them as they can identify with them and have an affinity to their struggle for meaning. Because of this connection, our attachment to them because important because we now realize that their fate is also our own. Guildenstern sums it up when he says in reference to their journey: “Was it all for this? Who are we that so much should converge on our little deaths? Who are we? ” And the player replies: “You are Rosencrantz Guildenstern.That is enough.
” In conclusion, my perception of transformations has been illuminated by my comparative study of Hamlet and Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead. I now see transformations as a mechanism for comparing and justifying humanity. Modern society has changed to one of the ‘everyman’ from the limited opportunities in Shakespeare’s society due to class levels. The comparison shows no matter what the context that death is a mystery to us all and that the search for meaning transcends time and specific eras.
