A main focus on the allusions and comedy within the novel as well as references to the allusions to Hamlet throughout the novel.

In Stoppard's play Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead there are many allusions to the play Hamlet which contribute to the meaning of the play and helps the reader better understand what is happening. In the tragedy, Hamlet Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are two very minor characters whom the reader hardly hears from throughout the course of the play. However, in Rosen crantz and Guildenstern are Dead those two minor characters turn into the main characters and …

…d contain an abundance of slapstick/Abbot and Costello humor. However, in Hamlet the few light scenes were generally dark comedy like the grave digger scene. The many allusions to Hamlet within Ros and Guil are Dead contribute to the reader's comprehension of both plays. However, a person who has never read Hamlet could understand what occurred throughout the play because the basic story line is apparent in Ros and Guil are Dead.