I have linked a page of quotes which YOU MAY USE on the timed writing under "Helpful Links". I have also linked to this blog a lecture on Tom Stoppard which I think is very helpful. You are encouraged to read the lecture; however, YOU MAY NOT use that printout during the timed writing.
Of course, any notes you take from that lecture or class, can be used.
Please review the handout I provided and think about what you will contribute to the pre-timed writing discussion. Discussion credit will also be given for any comments or questions posted here. I will print the post page and any comments (with substance, of course) or questions will be recorded as discussion points. THIS DOESN'T MEAN YOU DON'T HAVE TO PARTICIPATE in the discussion, but it can certainly be considered part of your participation......especially for those who prefer to post a comment rather than make one out loud. RESPONSES TO POST QUESTIONS ALSO COUNT FOR DISCUSSION POINTS.
SHOULD ANYONE DECIDE TO PARTICIPATE, I'LL START OFF THE POSTS WITH A QUESTION......
5 comments:
Ok....here are some questions to start. Feel free to respond to these or ask your own:
1. What are some of the effects of Stoppard letting the audience see the play Hamlet through the eyes of these fairly minor characters? How does it change your perspective?
2. What are the differences in the characters' personalities, and why do you think Stoppard chooses to portray them differently? In other words, what's the effect on the work as a whole?
3. What did you think about the role of "The Players" in R and G are Dead as compared to their roles in Hamlet?
4. What is Stoppard trying to say with this play? Do you agree or disagree with him?
Ok......respond to any of these OR feel free to ask your own questions or make your own observations. Don't worry about "wrong" answers. We're just trying to find some meaning here. It's easier if we work together.
What is the significance of R and G being at certain important parts of the play that we didn't previously think they were at such as next to polonius when he is stabbed or listening to Hamlet and Ophelia behind the courtains?
In response to Shawn's question:
Maybe it is to show that even when you think something is secret and will be kept that way, there is always going to be someone who finds out one way or another. So its best not to do anything that you would regret people finding out about later...?
In response to question #3:
I think even though in this play they are outwardly portrayed as being kind of sleazy where as in Hamlet they are more proper, these players from R and G actually seem to be more intelligent and understanding. The players in Hamlet just do what they are told, but these players actually play out things before they even happen and give insight into life (the life is a stage part - death). I took it as don't always judge people based on outward appearance.
Shawn......great question. Does Stoppard include this "additional information" in order to simply provide the play from a different perspective? Is it just to be clever? Or, like Lauren wrote, to show that everything is eventually exposed, even if it takes a different playwrite to do it?
Lauren, I like your response to Shawn's question. I hadn't really thought about why Stoppard chose to include the "extras." Also, I think you have a good point about the players not being what they seem. Although they have a sleazy exterior, they seem to be more thoughtful and knowledgeable than the others.
Anyone else?
I can think of 2 possible answers for Shawn's question, but I don't think there's any way to know exactly why Stoppard included them.
1. Stoppard just thought it would be neat to show those scenes from a different perspective, the POV of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. He might have thought that having them appear in a scene where people who have seen or read Hamlet wouldn't expect them to be would have some element of intrigue (as it is canonically and logistically possible).
2. It seems like Stoppard wanted them to appear during parts of the the Hamlet storyline that were especially complex, scenes that would be confusing to anyone who wasn't aware of the details of the situations. I'd certainly be confused (not to mention extremely frightened) if I had been strolling regularly down a hall, only to turn a corner and see an old man get stabbed through a curtain and announce that he has been slain. I think Stoppard might have included these moments to add to the state of confusion that is present throughout most of the play.
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