Samuel Beckett (1906-1989) was an Irish playwright, wrote ‘Waiting for Godot’ (or, En Attendant Godot) in the mid twentieth century. It was a tragicomedy in two acts which was composed between 1948 to 1949. It was first published in 1952. The play was a true innovation in drama and The theatre of Absurd’s first theatrical success. It ensues mainly two characters Vladimir and Estragon, they wait to meet an unarrival character “Godot”. In a nutshell, the play has been praised for its “humour and humanity”. Furthermore, a Canadian Literary critic Hugh Kenner comments on the name of “Godot”; which was come from the French slang word “godillot,” means, “a cheap, poorly-made shoe.”
At the beginning of the play, two chief character, Vladimir and Estragon wait near a tree and consenting “nothing to be done” today. In this regard, Vladimir asks Estragon about the bible, Estragon replies, “I’ve seen funny things but nothing to equal the grotesqueness of this place”. In this context, British dramatist Martin Esslin notes the Bible is an example of the play’s “theatrical paradoxes” that challenges the audiences’ expectations about what would happen in the play. Additionally, while Estragon was expressing his nightmare, Vladimir tells Estragon angrily, “Keep your dreams to yourself”. Now, Estragon is hungry, won’t be able to wait for “Godot”. Therefore, Vladimir delegates him “a carrot” to eat for this time.
On the other hand, Pozzo enters with his slave, Lucky, and he misbehaves with Vladimir and Estragon. In this time, Estragon unwisely figures out “Pozzo is Godot”. Additionally, Pozzo eats meat and gives the bones to Estragon. Lastly, Pozzo gives Estragon a handkerchief to bring and Lucky kicks Estragon violently in the shin, while Estragon goes to bring Pozzo’s handkerchief. In two clans, they contend something. After conflicting, Lucky launches into a long rambling monologue. In a while, Pozzo and Lucky leave. In the precious moment, a boy comes onstage and expresses “Godot” will not come today rather he will come tomorrow. Instantaneously, Vladimir and Estragon take leave.
At the beginning of the second act, Vladimir and Estragon meet again at the same place, and they decide to wait for “Godot” till the end. A few moments later, Estragon says he can’t remember to them who contend with them yesterday. In the context, Vladimir expresses all what were happened at the violent night, but Estragon can not remember anything. In this regard, the play accentuates the “human existence is fundamentally meaningless and that individuals must create their own meaning in a world that is inherent without purpose or superintendent.”
In the other segment of the play, Estragon leaves for a moment now, Pozzo and Lucky are blind, Pozzo falls to the ground and could not get up. They (i.e. Vladimir and Estragon) lightly blackmail him to get something out from Pozzo and they were offered by Pozzo’s money for any assistance. In this regard, Vladimir also falls and Estragon tries to help Vladimir up but he can not. After a brief interval, Estragon wants to leave but Vladimir contradicts it and decide to wait for “Godot”. They help Pozzo in the main time. In a little while, Pozzo can not assume “what is the time now”, Estragon says it’s morning, Vladimir gainsays no it’s evening.
At the final or interesting volume, the boy comes again with a bad news from “Godot”, that he will not come today, expresses “Nothing to be done” and “Godot” will visit tomorrow. In this context, it highlights the characters’ feelings of hopelessness and their inability to take meaningful action in their lives. Vladimir asks the boy, “does Godot know him?”, he is replied “may be.” In this regard, Estragon elicits “Nothing happens, nobody comes, nobody goes, it’s awful!” Vladimir says, we do not go far away. Estragon ironically expresses “Let’s hang ourselves immediately ‘From a bough? You wouldn’t have a rope?” and they want to leave, but they can not move.
The play exemplifies the philosophy of the absurd, highlighting the meaningless and arbitrary nature of life. The characters' endless waiting for someone named Godot, who never arrives, symbolizes the futile search for meaning. Time in the play is ambiguous and cyclical, with characters often uncertain about the passage of time and their past actions. This reflects the monotony and repetitiveness of existence. The characters' interactions and dialogues reveal deep-seated suffering, isolation, and the human need for companionship. Despite their companionship, Estragon and Vladimir still experience profound loneliness.
To conclude, Beckett’s play ‘Waiting for Godot’ is a tragicomedy that revolves around the existentialist philosophy of the absurdity of human existence. It highlights the “human condition of meaningless, uncertainty, and quest for purpose emphasizing the human need for companionship and importance”. “the waiting is a fundamental aspect of our lives.” The “portmanteau” suggests the play is the blank elements of tragedy and comedy together. The play solicits the audiences to contemplate serious questions about the nature of existence. In addition, Irish dramatist Brian Friel observes, ‘Waiting for Godot’ is a “comedy of anguish”. It combines the elements of tragedy and comedy to create a sense of absurdity. .
Comments