Responsibilities gravitate to the person who can shoulder them

Responsibilities gravitate to the person who can shoulder them

In the world of Tom Stoppard's plays, the idea that responsibilities gravitate to the person who can shoulder them is a recurring theme. Stoppard's characters often find themselves thrust into situations where they must take on significant responsibilities, whether they are prepared for them or not. This theme is particularly evident in plays such as "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead" and "Arcadia."

In "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead," the titular characters find themselves caught up in the events of Shakespeare's "Hamlet," despite their lack of understanding or control over the situation. As they struggle to make sense of their predicament, they are forced to shoulder the responsibilities that come with being pawns in a larger game. Ultimately, they are unable to escape their fate, and their inability to take control of their own lives leads to their tragic demise.

Similarly, in "Arcadia," the characters are faced with the responsibility of uncovering the truth about a mysterious event that took place in the past. As they delve deeper into the history of the house where they live, they must confront their own personal demons and take on the burden of revealing the secrets that have been hidden for generations. The characters who are able to shoulder these responsibilities with grace and courage are ultimately the ones who are able to find redemption and closure.

Stoppard's plays often explore the idea that responsibilities are not always chosen, but rather thrust upon us by circumstances beyond our control. The characters who are able to rise to the occasion and take on these responsibilities are the ones who are able to grow and evolve as individuals. They are able to find meaning and purpose in their lives, even in the face of adversity.