Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead (1967) by Tom Stoppard is a play about identity and understanding one's sense of self. At some point in our lives, we were all confused about who we were. We asked ourselves what we want to be when we grow up, who we were as a person and if that person is the same in a different context. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern embark on the same journey we did not only in the hope of self-discovery, but of a sense of self across environments. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Stoppard's play is based on two minor characters from Shakespeare's play, Hamlet. In Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead, both Ros and Guil are perplexed about where they are and why they were sent there after trying to think of the first thing they remember. After coming into contact with a theater group, the Tragedians, they introduce themselves to the spokesperson, The Player. However, they do not present themselves correctly; Ros states, “My name is Guildenstern, and this is Rosencrantz,” and quickly corrects herself, “I'm sorry, his name is Guildenstern, and I am Rosencrantz.” When I first read that line, not only was I confused, but I was curious as to why Ros introduced himself as Guil. At first I thought it didn't mean much, but after careful consideration, I realized that Stoppard wouldn't have included it if it didn't mean anything. Stoppard was trying to show the confusion between Ros and Guil in the play. At first we see that they are confused about where they are and why they are there. Furthermore, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern don't even know who they are. Ros and Guil don't know their identities and that's what they try to find throughout the show. Even though I never presented myself as someone else, nor did I mistake myself for someone else, I reflected on my identity as Ros and Guil. When I decided what school I want to attend or what career I would like to have, I had to ask myself who I am as a person, my beliefs, my qualities, my personality and so much more. There are many aspects of a person's identity. I can call myself an actress, but does that still ring true if I'm not on stage? If I'm sitting in class, am I still an actress or am I just a student now? Without the presence of a cast or a script, is my identity still valid? In Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead, the tragedians and the Player put on a show and Guil asks questions:GUIL: Well... aren't you going to put on your costume?PLAYER: I never change, sir.GUIL: Always in character .PLAYER: That's all. (Pause)GUIL: You're not going to – let's go?PLAYER: I'm on (Stoppard 29). In this case, by stating that the Player never changes costume and is always in character, he is saying that an actor is always an actor even when he is not on stage. I find this to be completely true. If part of your identity is your occupation, in this case, an actor, then you are still an actor no matter the environment you find yourself in. This conversation between Guildenstern and the Player also brings up other thoughts in my head. If the Player is always in character, does that mean they are still acting or just being themselves? That said, the Player states that in all environments, offstage or on stage, he has the same identity. While this is true, I believe that different environments can alter some other parts of your identity. Being a home daughter will not change your status as a daughter if you change your position at a school. However, the personality aspect of the identity can change in different environments, such as at home versus school. With friends and family I am very outgoing, loud and.