Understand HOW texts are valued HOW they are re-circulated Language forms and features.
Ideas, values, issues in relation to context.
LOOK AT HOW HAMLET WAS VALUED FOR ITS TIME, THE WAY IT WAS STUDIED IT"S VALUES, SYMBOLISM etc. Then COMPARE with Ros + Guil, and how it has CHANGED.
SETTING.
As Rosencrantz and Guildenstern travel to the castle, their surroundings are purposely vague and featureless. Once they get to the castle, the change in scenery is very slight, and when they are on the boat, taking Hamlet to England, the change is again nearly imperceptible. Stoppard constantly reminds the reader that this is a play, not real life. Therefore, the action is set against the bleakest of stages. There is no real setting to the play, just a backdrop for the words. .
CHARACTERS .
Rosencrantz - A bumbling, ridiculous but harmless Elizabethan gentleman. He can't remember his own name, wonders idly about his toenails, and would probably be lost without his companion, Guildenstern. He seems happy to let other people make his decisions for him, right down to whether he will live or die. He never wants to upset anyone, and he is completely unaware of the fact that this might be annoying. .
Guildenstern - Rosencrantz companion, who is generally smarter and more worldly-wise than his friend. Sarcastic, cynical and often irritated, he tries desperately to understand the world around him, with little success. Thus, Rosencrantz indifference to their situation often infuriates him. He wants to know why they were summoned to court, what they are supposed to do for Hamlet, etc. It is difficult for him to act without knowing, and this tends to incapacitate him. .
The Player - The leader of a band of travelling actors, who seem more often to make their living through prostitution. The Player cares little for honesty or straight-forwardness. He is willing to cheerfully do just about anything to make money, and he is used to failure.
