Rosencrantz And Guildenstern In Hamlet

What is the purpose of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern in the play Hamlet and what do they represent? Within this literary analysis, two key points will be discussed, the purpose and role of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern in Hamlet, and what do these men represent? Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are two character’s within the play Hamlet whom are childhood friends of Young Hamlet. Yet, these two serve as the King and Queen’s spies against Young Hamlet, turning these two antagonistic towards their old friend. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern have a small purpose or role in the play Hamlet. Not only do they serve as the childhood friends of Young Hamlet, and as spies for Claudius and Gertrude, they serve a slightly deeper meaning. As minor characters, they are used to bring out a main character such as Young Hamlet, the protagonist of our play. The men are used to invigorate the plot of the storyline, and heighten the perspective of Young Hamlet and the other major characters. They supply little information to the king to why Hamlet has gone insane, which Claudius then deems Young Hamlet must die in order for his own success to continue. “He does confess he feels himself distracted. / But from what cause he will by no means speak,” (Rosencrantz, Act 3, scene 1).

“Nor do we find him forward to be sounded. / But with a crafty / madness keeps aloof / When we would bring him on to some confession / Of his true state,” (Guildenstern, Act 3, Scene 1). As you see from the quote, is very guileful and evades their questions when they venture to get him to speak about how he feels. He does not trust anyone but Horatio, and gives no indication of being sane except in the presence of Horatio. He becomes very guarded with what he says and carefully avoid any questions about