Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead Fear Quotes

How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Act.Line). Every time a character talks counts as one line, even if what they say turns into a long monologue.

Quote #7

ROS: I think we should stick together. He might be violent.
GUIL: Good point. I'll come with you.
ROS: No, I'll come with you.
GUIL: Right.
ROS: I'll come with you, my way.
GUIL: All right. (2.371-376)

In this foolish little back and forth, doesn't it seem that Ros and Guil are both afraid to be alone and afraid of what will happen when they will find Hamlet? Why don't they just admit it instead of stumbling about trying to think of an efficient way to search for him together?

Quote #8

ROS (almost in tears): Oh, what's going to become of us!
GUIL: Don't cry…it's all right…there…there, I'll see we're all right. (3.107-108)

How do Guil and Ros keep each other from being overwhelmed by fear of their situation? Is this situation typical of how Guil acts toward Ros, or is it different?

Quote #9

ROS: We drift down time, clutching at straws. But what good's a brick to a drowning man? (3.169)

Ros sometimes gives in to simpler forms of fear – crying and sniffling and whatnot. What's the difference here? How does fear here enable eloquence?