Transformation: Hamlet and Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are dead

The text Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are dead (Ragad) written by playwright Tom Stoppard in the 1960s is a transformation of Shakespeare's canonical play Hamlet. Ragad is not merely just a reproduction of Hamlet but it creates an entirely new meaning to Shakespeare's play. Tom Stoppard raises contextual issues, which are evident in his play such as the externalist view of life, the convention and radical theatre; sixteenth century theatre in comparison to Absurd theatre, tragedy …

…God", one-liners "What are we suppose to think", puns and blue jokes contrast with the formality of the language employed by Shakespeare. The elaborate and poetic verses, the soliloquies "Thus conscience does make coward of us all". Stoppard's use of language further extends the idea of purposelessness and insignificance of life that was commonly felt in the sixties. Through language contemporary responders understand the value and context of the texts to gain a further understanding.