As we read in the article in Rosencrantz Guildenstern the other day, both Ros and Guil are often mistaken for one another. While reading the the first 34 pages last night, this instance occurred. The reason behind this was not that they looked anything the same, but speaks to the importance of their character, a singular one.
In Hamlet, Ros and Guil hold a very minor part. They function as one character. Ros never does anything without Guil and visa versa. This is even seen in the title, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern most likely both die at the exact same time. When one dies, so does the other. Many of their traits are seen in each other. Do they just not have a distinct personality or are they not important enough to have 2 distinct characters? Or is there another reason for doing this?
What do y’all think??
2 comments:
When I think of Ros and Guil I think of twins that essentially share and identity, and depend on each other for identity. But usually, in the case of twins, when someone looks deeper they are more distinct people than on the surface. I think this is the case for R and G. They are clearly important enough characters to have another book written about them. I think this was done simply because they are good friends and they both serve the same function in Hamlet.
I like the fact that you've focused on their friendship, Andreas. We'll discuss this point in class soon.
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