Open Prompts. Part Two

Prompt:
  In Kate Chopin's The Awakening (1899), protagonist Edna Ponteiller is said to possess "
That outward existence which conforms, the inward life that questions." In a novel or play that you have studied, identify a character who outwardly conforms while questioning inwardly. Then write an essay in which you analyze how this tension between outward conformity and inward questioning contributes to the meaning of the work. Avoid mere plot summary.

   In Tom Stoppard's Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, Guildenstern carries on the role expected of him by the court yet he has a longing to understand his true purpose and asks many philosophical questions. This tension strains Guildenstern throughout the novel and contributes greatly to the overall meaning by displaying one's struggle to have control over their life and touches on the differences between life and art. Stoppard clearly demonstrates outward conformity and inner struggles by exaggerating the character's confusion differentiating between their acting roles and their true purposes contributing to the theme of life versus art.
  Rosencrantz and Guildenstern were summoned by the court to complete a mission uncovering the cause of Hamlet's madness, however along their journey the characters often question what their true purpose and meaning in life is. Guildenstern is the main leader along this journey and although he seems to be more aware of what is going on than Rosencrantz, it's clear he is still lost when it comes to his understanding of life. Guildenstern knows it is important to obey the court and finish the task at hand, however he can't help but wonder about his destiny and who controls it. This questioning doesn't stop Guildenstern from guiding Rosencrantz and for the most part keeping them on track but he often proposes philosophical life questions that demonstrates he has feelings of uneasiness. He often gets confused and becomes unsure of the world around him, yet he still knows that he is an actor and must fulfill his role. Guildenstern asks questions of life and death and who has control of one's fate. These questions not only confuse Guildenstern but also invoke the reader's minds.
   Throughout the novel, it is clear to the readers that Rosencrantz and Guildenstern's fate is set and they have no chance of avoiding it, however, Guildenstern's struggle with this concept demonstrates the idea of life and art. In life people are able to control and choose their fate, whereas in art one's fate is predetermined and one is not able to control and change what happens. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are an example of being a part of a piece of art, their destiny was chosen for them and not they are just along for the ride. The character's do not taken action but instead many things tend to just happen to them. Guildenstern represents people in general having a need and desire to know their true meaning of life and what their purpose is. In reality their is not a way to conclude what life and art each mean, however Stoppard does a good job of presenting this question and greatly his intrigues his audience with his use of confused and pondering characters to hint at his opinions.