Question 7 • (OC27) ENG 4-1001400-S1-VRobinson-VOL7006P
Read the excerpt from Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead by Tom Stoppard.ROS I don’t know. What do you want to do?GUIL I have no desires. None. (He stops pacing dead.) There was a messenger . . . that’s right. We were sent for. (He wheels at Ros and raps out:) Syllogism the second: One, probability is a factor which operates within natural forces. Two, probability is not operating as a factor. Three, we are now within un-, sub- or supernatural forces. Discuss. (Ros is suitably startled. Acidly.) Not too heatedly.ROS I’m sorry I—What’s the matter with you?GUIL The scientific approach to the examination of phenomena is a defence against the pure emotion of fear. Keep tight hold and continue while there’s time. . . .ROS (cutting his fingernails) Another curious scientific phenomenon is the fact that the fingernails grow after death, as does the beard.
Answer
A
The conflicting perspectives show that Rosencrantz is tired of listening to Guildenstern.
B
The conflicting perspectives emphasize the different ways the two characters cope with stress.
C
The conflicting perspectives imply that a conflict will develop between the two characters.
D
The conflicting perspectives show that Rosencrantz is more upset by events than Guildenstern is.
Explanation
Guildenstern responds to uncertainty with logic, trying to use scientific reasoning to defend against fear. Rosencrantz, meanwhile, cuts his fingernails and makes a casual remark about what happens to nails after death. Their contrasting responses show different ways of coping with stress, rather than proving that one is more upset or that a conflict will develop.
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