Passage: (2.2.27-34)
ROSENCRANTZ: Both your Majesties
Might, by the sovereign power you have of us,
Put your dread pleasures more into command
Than to entreaty.
GUILDENSTERN: But we both obey,
And here give up ourselves in the full bent
To lay our service freely at your feet,
To be commanded.
Analysis: This is the first time that these characters speak in the play. Right away, we see that they are both no-nonsense, shrewd characters. Rosencrantz calls out the fact that the king and queen commanded, rather than requested, their help in figuring out what is wrong with Hamlet. Guildenstern then follows up by saying that they will still help the king and queen. Rosencrantz seems to be the more independent and free-thinking of the two, whereas Guildenstern is the more proper and obedient.
Intro: Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are trying to tell Hamlet that his mother wants to see him
Passage: (3.2.342-346)
GUILDENSTERN: Nay, good my lord, this courtesy is not of the right breed. If it shall please you to make me a wholesome answer, I will do your mother's commandment. If not, your pardon and my return shall be the end of my business.
Analysis: Once again, this passage shows Guildenstern's no-nonsense attitude and respect for authority. Throughout this scene, Hamlet makes jokes about what Rosencrantz and Guildenstern say, and about the fact that his mother wants to see him. However, Guildenstern eventually gets fed up with Hamlet and says to either give him an answer or he would leave and his business would be done. He does not plan to let his task go unfinished. Also, Guildenstern is in no mood to bandy words with Hamlet because he has been commanded by the queen to do something, and his respect for her authority leads him to do what she asks practically unquestioningly.
Intro: Same scene
Passage: (3.2.365-367)
ROSENCRANTZ: Good my lord, what is your cause of distemper? You do surely bar the doors upon your own liberty if you deny your griefs to your friend.
Analysis: In this passage, Rosencrantz displays his loyalty to and love for Hamlet by asking what is wrong with him. While it is true that he is simultaneously spying for the king and queen, there is a level of sincerity in what he says that goes beyond simply fulfilling the king and queen's orders. It seems that he truly wants to know the cause of Hamlet's behavior, and help him as a friend would, rather than simply report to the king and queen. Also, Rosencrantz is attempting to give Hamlet council. He advises Hamlet to speak out because it would help him to feel better.
Intro: Same scene
Passage: (3.2.378-379)
GUILDENSTERN: O, my lord, if my duty be too bold, my love is too unmannerly.
Analysis: What Guildenstern is essentially saying is that he is worried about Hamlet. As with the previous passage, although Guildenstern was sent to spy on Hamlet, he still cares about him. Also, now that the true reason for his visit is out in the open, it enables him (and Rosencrantz) to speak their minds, which is exactly what he is doing in this passage. Guildenstern is less concerned with his manners and more concerned with how his friend is feeling. As was stated in the first analysis, he is the more proper of the two, and for him to break out of that role shows how close he is with Hamlet.
Actors: I think that Matt Damon and Ben Affleck would be a perfect duo to play Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. They work well together in Good Will Hunting, and are generally quite serious actors. Also, they are both accustomed playing a role of a loyal friend, which is exactly what Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are to Hamlet.
No comments:
Post a Comment