Question 7 of 15 • (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.