Waiting for Godot

            Thinking Activity

     Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett

      Hello! Here I am going to write another blog. The blog spot is about Samuel Beckett’s play Waiting for Godot. This Blog is also a part of Thinking Activity. This task was assigned by Dr. Dilip Bard sir , Dept of English, MK, Bhavnagar University.  In this Particular blog, I will try to explain some questions regarding the play, Waiting for Godot. In this Particular blog I am going to share my understanding of the play Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett. 

                                      Waiting For Godot :

                  

   

   "Waiting for Godot" is a play by Samuel Beckett. It was first published in 1952 and is often considered a masterpiece of 20th-century theatre. The play is a tragic-comedy in two acts, that follows two characters, Vladimir(Didi) and Estragon(Gogo) , as they wait endlessly for the arrival of a character named Godot, who never appears. As per my understanding , Godot is an illusion, who never comes. 

       This play was originally written in French but Samuel Beckett was translated into English. This play is set in an undefined location with a tree and a single road leading offstage. The characters engage in a series of repetitive conversations and activities, ranging from philosophical discussions to slapstick comedy. One of the major themes of the play is the human condition of waiting and the futility and absurdity of life.

                 This play is a completely difficult and thought-provoking play. It challenges the audience's understanding of time, meaning, and the human experience. Its innovative structure, philosophical themes, and use of symbolism have made it one of the most influential works of modern theatre.

                                    Samuel Beckett :

                            

     

 Samuel Beckett was born in 1906, Dublin, Ireland and died in 1989. He was an Irish playwright, novelist, and poet. Samuel Beckett was a literary legend of the 20th century. During World War II, Samuel Beckett’s Irish citizenship allowed him to remain in Paris as a citizen of a neutral country. He fought in the resistance movement until 1942 when members of his group were arrested by the Gestapo. 

         After the war, Samuel Beckett was awarded the Croix de Guerre for bravery during his time in the French resistance. He settled in Paris and began his most prolific period as a writer. 

          

• In this play five male characters :    

            Vladimir

            Estragon

            Lucky

            Pozzo 

            Boy- Mr. Godot’s messenger (Godot is one titular Figure)

                

       Vladimir, also known as Didi and Estragon known as Gogo. Both of them are one of the major characters in "Waiting for Godot." Vladimir is a tall, thin man with a bushy white beard. He is thoughtful and intellectual, constantly pondering the meaning of life and death. Vladimir often tries to keep himself and Estragon occupied with conversation and games to pass the time.

     Estragon is a shorter, heavier man than Vladimir. He is more emotional and impatient than Vladimir. He has a habit of forgetting things and is easily distracted. He is highly dependent on Vladimir and looks to him for guidance. 

    Pozzo is a wealthy landowner who comes across Vladimir and Estragon while they are waiting for Godot. He came  in the second act play.

    Lucky is Pozzo's servant. He was initially presented as a dumb and silent character in the second act of the play. He is highly dependent on Pozzo. 

Question 1 : Why does Beckett grow a few leaves in Act II on the barren tree - The tree has four or five leaves ?

     In the second act, Samuel Beckett got inspiration from Longing ' Longing ' Painting by Caspar David Friedrich. In the very beginning of Act - 2 Beckett grows a few leaves on the barren tree and he said that,  “The tree has Four or Five leaves” .

                                        

                  

         The meaning of the leaves on the tree is open to interpretation and different readers and viewers may interpret them differently. The leaves on the barren tree symbolize of hope, renewal, and life. The barren Tree and desolate setting the growth of a few leaves on the tree suggests that life and growth are still possible, even in the midst of despair and hopelessness. 

Question 2 : Can we do any political reading of the play if we see European nations represented by the 'names' of the characters (Vladimir -Russia; Estragon - France; Pozzo - Italy and Lucky - England)? What interpretation can be inferred from the play written just after World War II? Which country stands for 'Godot'?

     We can say that, Political reading of the play if we see European nations represented as a Hitler . The interpretation of the play ‘Waiting for Godot’ as a Political allegory. It is the matter of Literary Criticism. All Countries were waiting for something Good but eventually in World War Two the rising of Hitler in the form of Godot. 

Question 3 :  In Act I, in reply to Boy’s question: 

"BOY: What am I to tell Mr. Godot, Sir?

VLADIMIR: Tell him . . . (he

hesitates) . . . tell him you saw us.

(Pause.) You did see us, didn't you?

How does this conversation go in Act II?

What is the significance?

          In act two , the conversation between Vladimir and the messenger boy, they both are very significant. Vladimir tells the messenger boy that tell to Mr. Godot they show us. And in Human Being , we also know that, we blindly believe in God , and always want that, God will change our fortunes and will turn a bad day into a happy day. But it never happens. 

Thank You… .