Open Prompts, part Two

2004. Critic Roland Barthes has said, “Literature is the question minus the answer.” Choose a novel, or play, and, considering Barthes’ observation, write an essay in which you analyze a central question the work raises and the extent to which it offers answers. Explain how the author’s treatment of this question affects your understanding of the work as a whole. Avoid mere plot summary.

   In Tom Stoppard's Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead, the question of life vs. art is raised yet not completely answered. Stoppard often hints at the question of people's fate in general, and debates how much control one really has over their life. In one sense, people are able to choose their destiny, however in the other light, people's fate is already written for them and they must do what is planned. Throughout the play, Stoppard differentiates between life and art and the difference in control each permits upon people. 

   Throughout the play, the Player and Guildenstern debate over the ideas of life and art. The Player claims he is well aware of all that is going on around him and doesn't understand why Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are always questioning the order of things and why they are the way they are. The Player claims to be a full time actor and knows his role in life. The Player is also much more aware of the events that are going to occur in the play and has a better understanding of the things happening around him. The Player than demonstrates that if one is aware of their role and their purpose in life, they are much more aware of what is going on around them and are able to make sense of things. The Player then dedicates his life to acting and lives by a philosophy of understanding your role, playing the part well, and pleasing the audience. On the other hand, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern clearly demonstrate that when stuck between two parts it is impossible to truly identify yourself. 

   Several times throughout the play Rosencrantz and Guildenstern forget their name and end up switching. Although somewhat different, these characters are very similar and are both extremely confused throughout the duration of the play. They are unaware of their purpose and goal throughout the play and at times even forget who they are and how they came to be. Unlike the Player, they have no idea what is going on and are even unable to foresee their deaths which is so obvious to others. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern represent the idea of having a predestined fate and having no control over what is going to happen. Whereas, the Player also has a predestined fate, however he is aware of it and because of this he is able to continue as an actor and know of all that's going on. His character brings the point and question to mind of the audience, that if we are all actors, are we just doing things in our life to please others. just going through the actions without realizing it?

   The compelling question wondering who is in truly control of our fate is reinforced several times in the play and causes the audience to reevaluate their own lives. Rosencrantz and Guildentstern's constant misunderstanding of their lives intrigues the readers and audience to question how much they are in control their own lives and how of an understanding they have of the world around them. Stoppard doesn't spell out a clear reasoning as to why or how one has control of his or her lives, but he does portray the significance of it and emphasizes the importance of evaluating oneself every now and then.