GUILDENSTERN SAYS THERE MUST HAVE BEEN A MOMENT AT THE BEGINNING, WHER WE COULD HAVE SAID NO BUT SOMEHOW WE MISSED IT...

Only at the last moment, just before he disappears from view, Guildenstern, reviewing the story one last time ("Our

names shouted in a certain dawn . . . a message . . . a summons . . ."), says: "There must have been a moment, at the beginning, where we could have said—no. But

somehow we missed it."

This quote holds implications for a world concerned with the creation of values and the shaping of a humane, decent way of life. For one thing, Guildenstern's words imply that it would

have mattered if they had said no. For another, they suggest that the irresponsibility bred of indifference may be a function of the feeling of powerlessness—of being nothing, mere shells, hollow men.