Waiting For Godot

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Waiting for Godot

EXTRA CREDIT
BA
BACK
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GROUND
OUND INFO
En Attendant Godot. Beckett originally wrote Waiting for Godot in French
(under the equivalent title, En Attendant Godot). He said that writing in French
AUTHOR BIO made it easier to write in the blank, plain style for which the play is famous.
Full Name: Samuel Barclay Beckett Beckett later personally translated the play into English.
Date of Birth: 13 April 1906 Waiting for Whom? While Godot is such an important part of the play, there is
widespread disagreement over the correct pronunciation of his name. Some
Place of Birth: Dublin, Ireland
opt for stressing the irst syllable ("GOD-oh"), which emphasizes the name's
Date of Death: 22 December 1989 link to God, while others choose to stress the second ("god-OH").
Brief Life Story: Samuel Beckett grew up in Dublin and attended Trinity
College, Dublin, where he studied French, English, and Italian. After
graduating, he taught in Paris, where he met fellow modernist Irish writer
PL
PLO
OT O
OVERVIEW
VERVIEW
James Joyce and worked on both critical and creative writings. He moved back
Vladimir and Estragon wait at the side of a road, near a tree, agreeing that
to Ireland in 1930, when he took up a job as a lecturer at Trinity College. He
there is "nothing to be done." Estragon struggles to take off one of his boots.
soon quit the job, though, in 1931, and traveled around Europe, continuing to
Vladimir asks if Estragon has ever read the Bible. Estragon says all he
write. He moved to Paris in 1937, stayed there when World War II began in
remembers are some colored maps of the holy land. Vladimir tells Estragon
1939, and joined French Resistance forces when the Nazis occupied the
about the two thieves cruciied along with Jesus. One of the gospels says that
country. Meanwhile, he continued to write, including a trilogy of well-known
one of the thieves was saved, but Vladimir wonders if this is true. Estragon
novels (Molloy, Malone Dies, and The Unnamable). But it was for his
wants to leave, but Vladimir reminds him that they have to wait here for
experimental plays that he would become best known, especially Waiting for
Godot. Estragon and Vladimir debate whether they are in the right place and
Godot, which premiered in Paris (in its original French) in 1953. This was
whether it is the right day for Godot to come. Estragon falls asleep and
followed by more plays, including the equally experimental Endgame. Beckett's
Vladimir immediately wakes him, saying he was lonely without him. Estragon
literary reputation and acclaim steadily improved in the 1960s, and he was
starts to describe his dream, but Vladimir angrily stops him and tells him to
awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1969 (he gave away the prize
keep his nightmares to himself.
money.) Beckett died in 1989 and was buried in Paris along with his wife.
Vladimir wonders what he and Estragon should do, and Estragon says they
KEY FACTS should continue to wait. While waiting, Estragon suggests they hang
Full Title: Waiting for Godot: A Tragicomedy in Two Acts themselves on the tree. The two disagree over who should hang himself irst,
though, and Vladimir concludes that they should just wait for Godot. Estragon
Genre: Drama, Tragicomedy (a mixture of tragedy and comedy), Theater of the asks what Vladimir asked Godot for and Vladimir says that he made a vague
Absurd sort of prayer. Estragon is hungry, and Vladimir offers him a carrot. All he can
Setting: The side of an unidentiied road, near a tree, at an unspeciied time. ind in his pockets, though, are turnips. Finally, he inds a carrot and gives it to
Estragon. Estragon asks if they are "tied" to Godot and Vladimir says that they
Climax: Beckett's play essentially lacks a climax. Vladimir and Estragon spend
are. The two are interrupted by a loud scream off-stage.
both acts waiting for the arrival of Godot, but Godot never comes.
Pozzo and Lucky enter. Pozzo drives Lucky forward with a whip like a pack
Antagonist: While Vladimir and Estragon speak of an anonymous "they" who
animal, with a rope tied around his neck. Lucky is forced to carry Pozzo's
threaten to beat them and from whom they must hide, there is no real
things. Estragon asks if this is Godot, but then Pozzo introduces himself. He
antagonist in the play. Part of the characters' predicament is that there is no
jerks the rope that is around Lucky's neck and calls him "pig." Lucky brings him
precise cause or origin of the suffering and alienation they feel.
his stool and some food. Pozzo eats some chicken and Estragon begs him for
HISTORICAL AND LITERARY CONTEXT the leftover bones. Pozzo gives him the bones. Vladimir is outraged at Pozzo's
horrible treatment of Lucky and wants to leave. Pozzo tells him to stay, though,
When Written: 1948-1949 in case Godot should show up. Estragon asks why Lucky doesn't put down his
Where Written: Paris bags. Pozzo says that Lucky has the right to put them down and be
comfortable, so he must be carrying them because he wants to. He says that
When Published: 1954
Lucky is trying to impress Pozzo so he won't get rid of him, because Pozzo has
Literary Period: Modernism, Postmodernism plenty of slaves. Pozzo says he plans to sell Lucky at a fair. Lucky begins to cry
Related Literary Works: While the play generally does not allude to other and Pozzo gives Estragon a handkerchief to bring to him. Estragon approaches
pieces of literature, Beckett was likely inluenced by Bérénice, a 17th-century Lucky and Lucky kicks him violently in the shin.
play by the French playwright Jean Racine (whom Beckett studied), in which Pozzo then begins to cry, saying that he "can't bear it." Vladimir scolds Lucky
Racine stressed the importance of making an interesting play out of little for making his master cry. Pozzo collects himself and looks for his pipe, which
action. Beckett was also probably inluenced by Sartre's play No Exit, in which he has misplaced. He makes a speech about night and twilight, then asks if
characters are trapped in one location. Waiting for Godot has also been seen there's anything he can do for Estragon and Vladimir, since they have been
as being an inluence for Tom Stoppard's play Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are nice to him. He offers to make Lucky dance, recite, sing, or think for their
Dead. entertainment. Lucky dances and his hat falls off. Pozzo says that Lucky needs
Related Historical Events: The play is set in a strange, unspeciied time, and his hat to think, so Vladimir places it back on Lucky's head and Lucky launches
does not take place in the context of any historical events, but many have seen into a long, rambling monologue. Pozzo prepares to leave and says goodbye to
the widespread suffering and disillusionment caused by World War II in the Vladimir and Estragon, but doesn't move.
background of the play's pessimistic, nihilistic conception of the world. Pozzo and Lucky eventually leave, and Estragon wants to leave as well, but
Vladimir tells him they need to stay and wait for Godot. A boy comes onstage,
bearing a message from Godot. He says Godot will not come today, but will
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come the next day. He tells Vladimir that he works for Godot, minding his him that they must stay and wait for Godot. While he often forms the dull-
goats, and says that Godot is a good master. The boy leaves and Estragon and minded counterpoint to the more cerebral Vladimir, Estragon is still able to
Vladimir are ready to leave for the night. They say they are going to leave, but match Vladimir's verbal wit and once claims that he used to be a poet.
stay still. The irst act ends. Vladimir – Perhaps the real protagonist of the play, Vladimir often seems to be
The second act begins the next day, in the same location and at the same time. more rational than his more nonsensical companion, Estragon. Unlike the
Vladimir enters and sings. Estragon enters and tells Vladimir that he was other characters in the play, he has a sense of linear time and realizes that the
beaten the previous night for no reason. Vladimir and Estragon embrace, events of act two essentially repeat those of act one. He is also able to
happy to see each other again, and Estragon asks what they should do. remember people's identities, unlike Estragon and Pozzo, who forget each
Vladimir tells him they should wait for Godot. Vladimir mentions Pozzo and other in act two. He seems to be the only one who is really outraged at Pozzo's
Lucky, and Estragon doesn't remember who these people are. He also doesn't horrible treatment of Lucky in act one, but he doesn't actually do anything to
recognize the place where they are waiting from the day before. Vladimir says help him. Vladimir often tries to explain what is going on in the world—where
that he and Estragon picked grapes for the same man a long time ago in "the they are, when they are—and to show evidence to support his theories. But
Macon country," but Estragon doesn't remember this, either. such rational or "scientiic" efforts never yield any solid insight, and by the end
After a long silence, Vladimir asks Estragon to talk about anything to ill the of the play Vladimir seems less sure than he did at the beginning. Vladimir
silence, but the two struggle to ind something to talk about. Vladimir asks if relies upon Estragon's company as much as Estragon relies upon Vladimir:
Estragon really doesn't remember Lucky and Pozzo. Estragon remembers whenever Estragon leaves the stage for a brief moment, Vladimir panics out of
someone kicking him and remembers the chicken bones he got from Pozzo. his intense fear of loneliness and abandonment.
Vladimir offers Estragon a radish or turnip, because he has no carrots. Godot – While Godot never appears on stage or has any lines, he is such a
Estragon falls asleep but then wakes up startled. He begins to tell Vladimir signiicant absence in the play that he may be rightly recognized as one of the
about his dream but Vladimir interrupts him and tells him not to describe the play's characters. What little we can gather about Mr. Godot comes from the
dream. Estragon wants to leave, but Vladimir reminds him that they have to dialogue of Estragon, Vladimir, and the boy he sends to deliver his message.
stay and wait for Godot. Vladimir notices Lucky's hat lying on the ground and The boy says that he watches over Godot's goats, and describes Godot as a
tries it on. He and Estragon trade their hats and Lucky's hat back and forth, relatively kind master. Whoever Godot is, Vladimir and Estragon are
trying different ones on. Vladimir wants to "play at Pozzo and Lucky," and he convinced that he alone will save them, so they wait endlessly for his arrival,
and Estragon pretend to be the two characters. which never comes. Because of his name's resemblance to God, Godot is often
Estragon leaves the stage for a moment and then returns and says that "they" read as Beckett's pessimistic version of God, an absent savior who never
are coming. He and Vladimir hold lookouts at either end of the stage. After comes to the aid of those suffering on earth.
insulting each other, they make up and embrace. Pozzo and Lucky enter. Pozzo Pozzo – Pozzo runs into Vladimir and Estragon while journeying along the
is now blind, following closely behind Lucky. Lucky stops when he sees road in both acts. He abuses Lucky and treats him as a slave, pulling him
Vladimir and Estragon, and Pozzo bumps into him. They both fall to the ground around with a rope tied around his neck and having him carry all his things.
and Pozzo cannot get up. Vladimir and Estragon consider trying to get While he exercises some relative power and authority over Lucky and acts
something out of Pozzo for helping him up. Pozzo cries out for help and offers superior to the other characters, he is nonetheless far from powerful himself.
money in return for any assistance. Vladimir decides to help Pozzo up but falls He panics when he loses things like his watch and is doomed to repeat his
over himself in the process. Estragon tries to help Vladimir up, but falls down wandering every day, just as Vladimir and Estragon repeat their waiting for
in the process. None of the characters are able to get up for a while, but Godot. He is particularly helpless in act two, when he is inexplicably struck
Estragon suddenly suggests that he and Vladimir try to stand up and they are blind and is unable to get up after falling to the ground.
able to get up easily. Lucky – Lucky is Pozzo's slave, whom Pozzo treats horribly and continually
Estragon again wants to leave, but Vladimir tells him to keep waiting. He insults, addressing him only as "pig." He is mostly silent in the play, but gives a
suggests they help Pozzo to get up in the meantime. They stand Pozzo up, and lengthy, mostly nonsensical monologue in act one, when Pozzo asks him to
he asks who they are, not remembering either of them from the previous day. think out loud. While all the characters on-stage suffer in different ways
Pozzo asks what time it is and Estragon thinks it's morning, while Vladimir is throughout the play, Lucky is the play's most obvious igure of physical
sure that it's evening. Vladimir asks when Pozzo went blind, and Pozzo says suffering and exploitation as he is whipped, beaten, and kicked by other
that "the blind have no notion of time." He asks Estragon to check on Lucky. characters.
Estragon goes over to Lucky and kicks him repeatedly. Pozzo shouts, "Up pig!" Bo
Boyy – The unnamed boy who brings a message from Godot in both acts. Both
and yanks on Lucky's rope. The two leave the stage, as Estragon falls asleep. times, he tells Vladimir and Estragon that Godot is not coming, but will come
Vladimir wakes Estragon, saying he was lonely. the next day. It is unclear whether the same boy comes in both acts, or
Just like the day before, a boy enters with a message from Godot, that he will whether these are two different characters. In act two, the boy claims to be
not come this day but will certainly come the next. Vladimir asks the boy what different from the boy of act one, but then again Pozzo claims in act two that
Godot does and the boy says Godot does nothing. Vladimir asks the boy to tell he did not meet Vladimir and Estragon in act one. The boy describes working
Godot that he saw Vladimir. The boy leaves. Estragon wants to go far away, but under Godot as if on a farm or plantation, where he watches over Godot's
Vladimir says they can't go far, as they have to come back here tomorrow and animals. When the boy asks Vladimir if he would like to send a message to
wait for Godot. Estragon suggests they hang themselves on the tree using his Godot, Vladimir asks him to tell Godot simply that he saw Vladimir.
belt, but when they test the belt's strength by pulling on either end, it breaks.
Vladimir and Estragon prepare to leave for the night. They say they are going
to leave, but neither moves. THEMES
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CHARA
CHARACTERS
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Estr
Estragon
agon – One of the two main characters of the play, along with Vladimir, HUMOR AND THE ABSURD
Estragon is rather helpless on his own. In the beginning of the play, he Waiting for Godot is a prime example of what has come to be known as the
struggles just to take off his boots, for example. Unlike Vladimir, he has no theater of the absurd. The play is illed with nonsensical lines, wordplay,
grasp of time, and is confused as to whether it is evening or morning in act two. meaningless dialogue, and characters who abruptly shift emotions and forget
Along similar lines, he has a poor grasp of people's identities. He doesn't everything, ranging from their own identities to what happened yesterday. All
recognize Lucky and Pozzo in act two, and at one point thinks Pozzo's name is of this contributes to an absurdist humor throughout the play. However, this
Abel. He cannot even remember his own past, and tells Pozzo his name is humor is often uncomfortably mixed together with tragic or serious content to
Adam. Estragon repeatedly wants to leave, but each time Vladimir reminds
make a darker kind of comedy. Estragon refers to "billions of others," who have Bible. There are some biblical and classical references in the play, but they are
been killed, and describes being beaten by an anonymous "they." Lucky (whose only used ironically. Estragon compares himself to Christ in act one, for
ill-itting name is itself darkly comic) is treated horribly and physically abused example, but the comparison is rather ridiculous. And Pozzo invokes "Atlas,
on-stage. And Vladimir and Estragon talk nonchalantly and pleasantly about son of Jupiter!" but doesn't actually believe in the force of this classical
suicide. All this has a discomforting effect on the audience, who is not sure reference (what's more, he gets his mythological family tree wrong). The
how to react to this absurd mixture of comedy and tragedy, seriousness and religious and cultural traditions of the past have lost their authority and
playfulness. In act one, Vladimir says, "one daren't even laugh any more," and centrality in the world of the play. Another Postmodern feature of the play is a
his comment could apply well to the audience of Beckett's play, who don't pervasive sense of entrapment or enslavement, but a lack of any central
know whether to laugh or to cringe at the events on-stage. The absurdity authority. Characters are often unable to move or get up from the ground for
caused by the seeming mismatch between characters' tones and the content no apparent reason. Vladimir and Estragon are, in a sense, trapped in their
of their speech can be seen as a reaction to a world emptied of meaning and place of waiting, even though no one is forcing them to stay. Pozzo is Lucky's
signiicance. If the world is meaningless, it makes no sense to see it as comic or master, but he is far from free or powerful. Everyone in the play seems to be
tragic, good or bad. Beckett thus presents an eerie play that sits uneasily on trapped or enslaved in some way, but no one seems to be the master. The
the border between tragedy and comedy, in territory one can only call the characters of Waiting for Godot are also profoundly disoriented: they don't
absurd. know where, or when, they are. At times, the characters don't even know who
they are, as Estragon cannot remember his own past, for example. Finally,
WAITING, BOREDOM, AND NIHILISM some of Beckett's characters feel a separation from reality. Both Vladimir and
As Beckett's title indicates, the central act of the play is waiting, and one of the Pozzo question, in act two, whether they are actually awake or are simply
most salient aspects of the play is that nothing really seems to happen. dreaming. This confusion of reality with a dream or a false representation is a
Vladimir and Estragon spend the entire play waiting for Godot, who never central, common feature of Postmodernism.
comes. Estragon repeatedly wants to leave, but Vladimir insists that they stay, Seeing Beckett's play as Postmodernist is more than just labeling it as part of a
in case Godot actually shows up. As a result of this endless waiting, both particular literary movement; it gets to the heart of the world Beckett
Vladimir and Estragon are "bored to death," as Vladimir himself puts it. Both represents, one deined by alienation, entrapment, disorientation, and a
Vladimir and Estragon repeat throughout the play that there is "nothing to be questioning of reality. With the play's lack of speciics regarding its place or
done" and "nothing to do." They struggle to ind ways to pass the time, so they time, the circumstances of its events, or the particular back stories of its
end up conversing back and forth about nothing at all—including talking about characters, Waiting for Godot can even be seen as a kind of allegory for the
how they don't know what to talk about—simply to occupy themselves while Postmodern condition. Beckett wrote his play before Postmodernism really
waiting. The boredom of the characters on-stage mirrors the boredom of the coalesced or was written about as a distinct period or movement.
audience. Beckett has deliberately constructed a play where not only his Nonetheless, while in some ways still belonging to Modernism, the play
characters, but also his audience wait for something that never happens. Just presciently depicts many of the deining aspects of a Postmodern world. In
like Estragon and Vladimir, the audience waits during the play for some major representing these negative features, the play can be seen as either a
event or climax that never occurs. Audience members might at times feel pessimistic indictment of the present or as a chilling warning of what the
uncomfortable and want, like Estragon, to leave, but are bound to stay, in case future might look like: as how Beckett saw the world to be or as he feared it
Godot should actually arrive later in the play. might become.
All of this waiting for nothing, talking about nothing, and doing nothing TIME
contributes to a pervasive atmosphere of nihilism in the play. Broadly deined,
nihilism is a denial of any signiicance or meaning in the world. Deriving from Closely related to the Modernist and Postmodernist aspects of Beckett's play
the Latin word for "nothing" (nihil), it is a worldview centered around is its conception of time, an issue of fascination to Modernists and
negation, claiming that there is no truth, morality, value, or—in an extreme Postmodernists alike. Perhaps the most important thing about time in the play
form—even reality. This seems to describe the world of the play, largely is that it is uncertain. All of the characters (and thus the audience, as well) are
emptied out of meaning, emotion, and substance, leading to characters who unsure of exactly when the play is taking place. The time period of the play is
blather on endlessly in insigniicant conversation. Given the play's deep unclear, as is the relative chronology of the play's events. Vladimir is rather
exploration of the absurd humor and feelings of alienation that arise from this sure that act two is one day after act one, but all the other characters disagree.
nihilistic understanding of the world, one could say that Waiting for Godot is, Moreover, everyone except for Vladimir seems to have forgotten the events of
at its core, about nothing. act one by the time act two begins. In act two, Vladimir and Estragon even
disagree over what time of day it is.
MODERNISM AND POSTMODERNISM
Amid all this uncertainty, the one thing that seems certain is that time is
Written in 1953, Waiting for Godot was a somewhat late successor to the recursive in Waiting for Godot. That is, the same events occur again and again,
vibrant experimentation in art and literature of the late 19th and early 20th while characters also repeat themselves. As Pozzo and Estragon forget their
centuries known as Modernism. Modernist writers saw themselves as immediate past, they end up repeating much of act one in act two. Vladimir
dramatically breaking with the past and innovating in all aspects of art, and Estragon wait in the same place, where the same two people (Lucky and
literature, and culture. Beckett's play shares with Modernist works a Pozzo) encounter them, and where a boy delivers the same message from
fascination with pushing the boundaries of literary genre, representation, and Godot. Vladimir himself wonders to what degree the events of act two are an
etiquette, as well as an interest in language and thought prioritized above exact repetition of those in act one, as he asks whether Lucky and Pozzo are
action and plot. However, the play can also be seen as somewhat Postmodern, the same characters from the previous day, and whether it is the same young
belonging to the literary and artistic period following Modernism. Both boy, or a different one. The boy claims to be a different boy from that of act
Modernism and Postmodernism are rather vague terms, often used one, and Pozzo does not remember Vladimir or Estragon, but given all of the
differently by different critics. Moreover, it is also debated whether forgetfulness in the play, Vladimir's questions remain unanswered.
Postmodernism continues the aspirations of Modernism, or is a more radical
With this strangely repetitive temporal structure, the characters of Waiting for
break with it. In any case, Beckett's play sits on the fence between these two
Godot are trapped within an ininite present time. "Time has stopped," says
movements.
Vladimir in act one. Indeed, the ending of the play seems somewhat arbitrary.
While Postmodernism is dificult to deine exactly, Waiting for Godot displays It could have continued on for however many acts, endlessly repeating, as
a number of the deining features of a Postmodern conception of the world. Vladimir and Estragon endlessly await the arrival of the mysterious Mr. Godot.
One of these is an alienation from tradition and a questioning of the grand Moreover, it is not clear that the beginning of the play was really the beginning
narratives that were previously seen to have some kind of authority. This of this story. How many days did Estragon and Vladimir come to the same part
includes grand narratives of historical progress—that history is the story of of the road and have essentially the same conversation before the day of act
human life continually getting better—as well as religious narratives like the one?
HUMANITY
HUMANITY,, COMP
COMPANIONSHIP
ANIONSHIP,, SUFFERING, AND wearing their own hats, but it is uncertain whether they (or other characters)
are being themselves throughout the play, or if they even have stable selves
DIGNITY they can be.
Beckett's play is illed with a great deal of physical, mental, and emotional NAMES
suffering. Vladimir and Estragon (especially Estragon) are starved for food, in
physical pain, and "bored to death." Both fear an anonymous "they" who Many of the names in Beckett's play can be seen has having hidden meanings.
threaten to beat them at night, and are frequently unable to move of their own The most important example is Godot, whose name evokes similarity to God
accord. Estragon mentions "billions of others," who have been killed, but does for many readers. Along this reading, Godot symbolizes the salvation that
not elaborate. Lucky, meanwhile, is treated horribly, pulled about by a rope religion promises, but which never comes (just as Godot never actually comes
tied around his neck, beaten by Pozzo, and kicked repeatedly by Estragon. All to Vladimir and Estragon). But the similarity between "Godot" and "God"
of this suffering has a dehumanizing effect, and robs characters of their could also be a game Beckett is playing with his audience and readers, a kind of
dignity. Lucky, for example, is addressed by Pozzo as "pig," and treated like a red herring that actually imparts no important information. This would be in
pack animal. Estragon is reduced to sucking on Pozzo's leftover chicken bones line with other character names: Estragon means "tarragon" in French, for
pathetically. And even Pozzo, who imposes suffering on Lucky, is unable to get example, while Pozzo is Italian for a water well, but these meanings hold little
up from the ground when he falls in act two. to no signiicance for those characters. And Lucky's name is anything but
itting, as he is the character who unluckily suffers the most onstage. In the
Amid all this, Vladimir and Estragon desperately seek two things throughout end, Beckett's character names suggest the possibility of meaning but fail to
the play: some recognition of their humanity, and companionship. When the deliver on this promise, just as Godot promises to save Vladimir and Estragon
boy asks Vladimir what message he would like to send to Godot, he simply but never shows up. As further examples of the nihilist worldview that
asks the boy to tell Godot that he saw Vladimir. In other words, Vladimir wants pervades Waiting for Godot, the play's character names may be signiicant
to be acknowledged as a person. This is particularly important to him because precisely for being insigniicant, meaningful in that they mean nothing.
the other characters in the play forget and mix up their identities. Pozzo and
Lucky don't recognize Estragon and Vladimir in act two, whereas Estragon
forgets about Lucky and Pozzo. In this environment where people are so easily QUO
QUOTES
TES
forgotten, Vladimir wants some conirmation of his own identity and humanity.
Beyond this, Vladimir and Estragon also desire companionship. Although The color-coded boxes under each quote below make it easy to track the
Estragon repeatedly suggests that they go their separate ways, the two stay themes related to each quote. Each color corresponds to one of the themes
together out of a mutual fear of loneliness. When Estragon momentarily explained in the Themes section of this LitChart.
leaves the stage, Vladimir panics and becomes immediately lonely. And
Estragon needs Vladimir as well—whether to have someone to talk to and ask ACT 1
questions of, or to help him put on his boots.
Nothing to be done.
Nonetheless, even as Vladimir and Estragon seek some kind of dignity and —Estragon
companionship in the face of suffering, they are remarkably indifferent to the
suffering of others. Vladimir is at irst outraged at Pozzo's treatment of Lucky,
but soon gets used to it and even encourages Estragon to kick him. Vladimir
and Estragon converse nonchalantly while Pozzo is stuck on the ground and I'm glad to see you back. I thought you were gone forever.
crying for help in act two, and they irst scheme how they might take —Vladimir
advantage of him rather than help him. Vladimir and Estragon value their own
relationship, but generally fail to sympathize with Pozzo and Lucky as other
potential companions. Beckett suggests that this kind of indifference to the
pain of others is what allows the vicious cycle of suffering to continue on When I think of it... all these years... but for me... where would you be...
indeinitely, as it does in the play. (Decisively.) You'd be nothing more than a little heap of bones at the present
minute, no doubt about it.
SYMBOLS —Vladimir
Symbols appear in red text throughout the Summary & Analysis sections of
this LitChart.
One daren't even laugh any more.
HATS Dreadful privation.
Merely smile. (He smiles suddenly from ear to ear, keeps smiling, ceases as
Because the play has so few props, the props that do appear onstage take on
suddenly.) It's not the same thing. Nothing to be done.
an exaggerated signiicance. As one example, Vladimir, Estragon, Lucky, and
—Vladimir, Estragon
Pozzo all wear hats and at times seem oddly preoccupied with them. Lucky, for
instance, needs his hat to think, and stops his long monologue once his hat is
knocked off. In act two Estragon and Vladimir exchange their hats and Lucky's
hat back and forth, trying different ones on. Given the importance of these
You're sure it was this evening?
hats to their individual owners, this scene can be seen as representing the
What?
luidity and instability of individual identities in the play. As Pozzo and Lucky
That we were to wait.
don't remember having already seen Vladimir and Estragon in act two,
He said Saturday. (Pause.) I think
Vladimir begins to wonder whether the Pozzo and Lucky of act two are the
same as those of act one. Estragon, for one, does not recognize them, and calls —Estragon, Vladimir
Pozzo Abel. Estragon can't even remember his own past, and at one point tells
Pozzo that his name is Adam. Moreover, it is not clear whether the young boy
in each act is one boy or two different ones. The boy also calls Vladimir Mr.
Albert, which may or may not actually be Vladimir's name. With all of this But what Saturday? And is it Saturday? Is it not rather Sunday? (Pause.) Or
ambiguity and instability regarding people's identities, the scene of the hat Monday? (Pause.) Or Friday?
exchange playfully represents an exchange of identities, as Vladimir and
Estragon wear different combinations of hats. They ultimately return to
—Estragon —Pozzo
I was asleep! (Despairingly.) Why will you never let me sleep? After having sucked all the good out of him you chuck him away like a... like a
I felt lonely. banana skin. Really...
—Estragon, Vladimir —Vladimir
What do we do now? (to Lucky.) How dare you! It's abominable! Such a good master! Crucify him
Wait. like that! After so many years! Really!
Yes, but while waiting. —Vladimir
What about hanging ourselves?
Hmm. It'd give us an erection.
Do I look like a man that can be made to suffer?
—Pozzo
We're not tied?

—Estragon
So that I ask myself is there anything I can do in my turn for these honest
fellows who are having such a dull, dull time.
Even ten francs would be a help.
To Godot? Tied to Godot! What an idea! No question of it. (Pause.) For the We are not beggars!
moment. —Pozzo Estragon, Vladimir
—Vladimir
He thinks?
You are human beings none the less. (He puts on his glasses.) As far as one can Certainly. Aloud. He even used to think very prettily once, I could listen to him
see. (He takes off his glasses.) of the same species as myself. (He bursts into an for hours. Now... (he shudders).
enormous laugh.) Of the same species as Pozzo! Made in God's image! —Vladimir, Pozzo
—Pozzo
He used to dance the farandole, the ling, the brawl, the jig, the fandango, and
Er... you've inished with the... er... you don't need the... er... bones, Sir? even the hornpipe. He capered. For joy. Now that's the best he can do. Do you
—Estragon know what he calls it?
The Scapegoat's Agony.
The Hard Stool.
The Net. He thinks he's entangled in a net.
To treat a man... (gesture towards Lucky)... like that... I think that... no... a human —Pozzo, Estragon, Vladimir
being... no... it's a scandal!
—Vladimir
Nothing happens, nobody comes, nobody goes, it's awful!

—Estragon
Why he doesn't make himself comfortable? Let's try and get this clear. Has he
not the right to? Certainly he has. It follows that he doesn't want to. There's
reasoning for you.
—Pozzo Then adieu.
Adieu.
Adieu.
Adieu.
He's crying! Silence. No one moves.
Old dogs have more dignity. Adieu.
—Estragon, Pozzo Adieu.
Adieu.
Silence.
—Estragon, Pozzo, Vladimir
The tears of the world are a constant quantity. For each one who begins to
weep, somewhere else another stops. The same is true of the laugh. (He
laughs.) Let us not then speak ill of our generation, it is not unhappier than its
predecessors. (Pause.) Let us not speak well of it either. (Pause.) Let us not Let's go.
speak of it at all. We can't.
Why not?
We're waiting for Godot.
—Estragon, Vladimir The best thing would be to kill me, like the other.
What other? (Pause.) What other?
Like billions of others.
—Estragon, Vladimir
We know them, I tell you. You forget everything. (Pause. To himself.) Unless
they're not the same...
Why didn't they recognize us then?
That means nothing. I too pretended not to recognize them. And then nobody Say anything at all!
every recognizes us. What do we do now?
—Vladimir, Estragon Wait for Godot.
Ah!
You don't know me?

No Sir.
It wasn't you came yesterday? What is terrible is to have thought.
No Sir. But did that ever happen to us?
This is your irst time? —Vladimir, Estragon
Yes Sir.
—Vladimir, Boy
It must be the Spring.

But in a single night!
Mr. Godot told me to tell you he won't come this evening but surely tomorrow. I tell you we weren't here yesterday. Another of your nightmares.
—Boy —Estragon, Vladimir
Tell him... (he hesitates)... tell him you saw us. (Pause.) You did see us, didn't you? Yes, now I remember, yesterday evening we spent blathering about nothing in
—Vladimir particular. That's been going on now for half a century.
—Estragon
Christ! What has Christ got to do with it. You're not going to compare yourself
to Christ! Let's go.
—Vladimir We can't.
Why not?
We're waiting for Godot.
Well, shall we go?
Yes, let's go.
They do not move.
—Estragon, Vladimir We came too soon.
It's always at nightfall.
But night doesn't fall.
It'll fall all of a sudden, like yesterday.
ACT 2 Then it'll be night.
And we can go.
Say, I am happy. Then it'll be day again.
I am happy. —Estragon, Vladimir
So am I.
So am I.
We are happy.
We are happy. (Silence.) What do we do now, now that we are happy? How time lies when one has fun!
Wait for Godot. Silence.
—Vladimir, Estragon What do we do now?
While waiting.
While waiting.
We could do our exercises.
I was saying that things have changed here since yesterday. —Vladimir, Estragon
Everything oozes.
Look at the tree.
It's never the same pus from one second to the next.
—Vladimir, Estragon No, the best would be to take advantage of Pozzo's calling for help.
—Vladimir
No, don't protest, we are bored to death, there's no denying it. What for?
—Vladimir To wait for Godot.
Suppose we got up to begin with?

No harm trying. Well? Shall we go?
They get up. Yes, let's go.
Child's play. They do not move.
Simple question of will-power. —Vladimir, Estragon
Don't question me! The blind have no notion of time. The things of time are SUMMARY & ANAL
ANALYSIS
YSIS
hidden from them too.
—Pozzo The color-coded boxes under "Analysis & Themes" below make it easy to track
the themes throughout the work. Each color corresponds to one of the
themes explained in the Themes section of this LitChart.
Where are we? ACT 1

I couldn't tell you. Sitting on the side of a country road The general statement, "nothing to be
—Pozzo, Vladimir by a tree, Estragon tries repeatedly to done," can refer to Estragon's inability to
pull off one of his boots. Vladimir pull off his boot, waiting for Godot, or the
enters and Estragon exasperatedly characters' lives in general—even the
tells him there's "nothing to be done." human condition itself.
What is there in the bag? Vladimir agrees and asks Estragon
Sand. where he spent the last night.
—Vladimir, Pozzo Estragon says he slept in a ditch.
Vladimir asks if "they" beat Estragon The beginning of the play introduces the
while he was sleeping there and he audience to the characters' bleak world,
Have you not done tormenting me with your accursed time! It's abominable! says that they did. Vladimir says, "It's which is illed with all kinds of suffering,
When! When! One day, is that not enough for you, one day he went dumb, one too much for one man," but then from the more trivial (a boot that is stuck
day I went blind, one day we'll go deaf, one day we were born, one day we shall reasons that there's no point in giving on) to the more serious (an anonymous
die, the same day, the same second, is that not enough for you? up now. Estragon tells Vladimir to "they" who beat Estragon mercilessly).
—Pozzo stop talking and help him get his boot Beckett mixes this suffering with abrupt
off. Vladimir asks if the boot hurts, and humor, here in the form of Estragon's
Estragon balks at the question. unbuttoned ly.
Vladimir reminds him that he's not the
Was I sleeping, while the others suffered? Am I sleeping now? only one who suffers, and points out
to Estragon that his ly is unbuttoned.
—Vladimir
Estragon again asks for help, but The characters' absurd behavior (looking
Vladimir ignores him, taking off his inside their hats and boots) is never
hat, looking in it, and shaking it upside explained. Vladimir ignores Estragon's
Do you not recognize me? down, as if hoping for something to pain, and repeats Estragon's assertion
No Sir. fall out. Nothing does, and he says, that there is nothing to be done: they are
It wasn't you came yesterday. "nothing to be done." Estragon inally not only bored, but crippled by their
No Sir. gets his boot off and then looks inside inability to do anything at all.
This is your irst time. it and shakes it upside down,
Yes Sir. apparently also hoping to ind
—Vladimir, Boy something inside it. Vladimir says,
"show me," but Estragon tells him
there's nothing to see.
Tell him... (he hesitates)... tell him you saw me and that... (he hesitates)... that Vladimir wonders what would happen The Christian idea of repentance no
you saw me. (Pause. Vladimir advances, the Boy recoils. Vladimir halts, the Boy if he and Estragon repented. Estragon longer has any real value for Vladimir
halts. With sudden violence.) You're sure you saw me, you won't come and tell asks what they would be repenting for and Estragon. Estragon's comment
me tomorrow that you never saw me! and Vladimir doesn't say. Estragon underscores the uneasy quality of the
suggests repenting being born, which play's humor. Should the audience heed
—Vladimir
makes Vladimir laugh. Estragon tells his warning too, or is it okay for us to
him not to laugh, and instead only to laugh?
smile.
Oh yes, let's go far away from here.
We can't.
Why not?
We have to come back tomorrow.
Vladimir asks if Estragon has ever In somewhat typical Postmodern The two take a break from talking and Vladimir has an intense fear of
read the Bible and if he remembers fashion, Estragon's stance toward Estragon falls asleep. Vladimir wakes loneliness. He feels painfully alone even
the Gospels. Estragon remembers Biblical tradition is devoid of any him and Estragon asks why he won't when Estragon simply stops talking to
only colored maps of the holy land. As reverence or specialness. It is unclear let him sleep. Vladimir says he was him and falls asleep.
Estragon describes the colorful maps, whether Estragon's absurdly abrupt lonely. Estragon says he had a dream
Vladimir jokes that he should have statement that he was a poet is to be and begins to tell Vladimir about it,
been a poet. Estragon says he was taken seriously or not. but Vladimir angrily shouts at him not
one. Vladimir asks how Estragon's to describe the dream. He tells
foot is doing. It's swollen. Estragon to keep his nightmares
private.
Vladimir tells Estragon about the two The Biblical story introduces the idea of
Estragon wonders if it would be Estragon's uninished joke and Vladimir's
thieves cruciied alongside Jesus in salvation into the play. But in the
better for he and Vladimir to go their having nothing to say to Estragon lend
the Bible. One of the two thieves was Modern-Postmodern world of the play
separate ways. He is reminded of a an absurd tone to the scene. Vladimir
damned to hell, while the other was there is no God by whom the characters
joke about an Englishman at a brothel says he has nothing to say, but just
saved. "Saved from what?" asks hope to be saved—only Godot. Estragon,
that he tells to Vladimir, who stops saying this proves that he did, in fact,
Estragon. Vladimir says from hell. meanwhile, is bored even by his friend's
him in the middle of the joke and have something to say.
Vladimir wonders why only one of the conversation.
leaves the stage. Vladimir returns and
four Evangelists writes of the one
Estragon asks if he has something to
thief being saved. Estragon is bored by
tell him. Vladimir says he has nothing
the conversation.
to say.
Vladimir continues to wonder about Vladimir is skeptical of the Bible and
Estragon apologizes and the two Estragon's jumping back from the garlic
the two thieves, and whether one was points out its self-contradictions.
embrace. Estragon jumps back, smell of Vladimir undercuts their tender
saved or not. Estragon doesn't follow Estragon's comment shows the bleak
though, because Vladimir reeks of embrace with abrupt humor. Estragon's
Vladimir's thinking and is confused. status of humanity in the play. While he
garlic. Vladimir asks what they should nonchalant suggestion of suicide is
Vladimir asks why they should believe nonchalantly compares humans to apes,
do now. Estragon suggests they wait. uneasily absurd and uncomfortable for
the one Evangelist who says a thief Vladimir will be greatly pained
Vladimir asks what they will do while the audience, as it is both comical and
was saved, when the other three throughout the play by his lack of dignity.
they wait and Estragon suggests they deeply troubling.
disagree. Estragon asks who believes
hang themselves. They go over to the
that one of the thieves was saved and
tree, but neither wants to be hanged
Vladimir says that everybody does.
irst.
Estragon says people are "bloody
ignorant apes." Estragon says Vladimir should hang The characters' calm consideration of
himself irst because he is heavier. If the details of how they might hang
While Estragon gets up and looks Estragon will ask this question
Estragon hanged himself irst, and themselves continues the eerily absurd
around, Vladimir looks in Estragon's repeatedly over the course of the play,
then Vladimir tried but the branch quality of the play. In the end, though,
boot but doesn't ind anything. due to his absurd lack of memory. The
broke under his weight, Vladimir they decide simply to keep on waiting,
Estragon suggests they go promise of some kind of help from Godot
would be all alone. Vladimir asks if he doing nothing at all.
somewhere, but Vladimir tells him is actually an insidious form of control
is really heavier than Estragon and
they can't, because they are waiting and entrapment, as it forces Vladimir
then asks, "Well? What do we do?"
for someone named Godot. Estragon and Estragon to stay put, waiting
Estragon says it's safer to do nothing
asks if Vladimir is sure that they are in indeinitely.
at all. Vladimir suggests they wait and
the right place, and Vladimir says that
see what Godot says.
it must be, because of the tree at the
side of the road. Vladimir says he is interested to hear The promise of some kind of salvation
what Godot will offer them. Estragon through Godot is anything but certain.
Estragon asks where the tree's leaves Vladimir and Estragon absurdly deny
asks what they asked Godot for and Not only are Vladimir and Estragon not
are and Vladimir says it must be dead, that the tree on-stage is really a tree.
Vladimir says nothing very speciic; it sure that Godot will come, but they don't
or else it's not the right season for Vladimir's plan to wait for Godot
was just a vague sort of prayer. even know if he would really help them if
leaves. The two agree that the tree is indeinitely shows how he and Estragon
Estragon asks what Godot's reply to he did. Nonetheless, they keep waiting
more like a bush or shrub. Vladimir are trapped here in a kind of prison of
the prayer was and Vladimir reminds for him.
doubts whether Godot will really their own making: they are free to leave
him that Godot said he would wait and
come. Estragon asks what they will do but kept here by their hope for Godot's
see. Estragon remembers and adds
if he doesn't come, and Vladimir says arrival.
that Godot said he couldn't promise
they'll come back to the same place
anything.
the next day, and the next day, and so
on, until Godot arrives. Estragon asks, "Where do we come Vladimir's comment that they would
in?" and Vladimir is confused at irst, approach Godot on their hands and
Estragon says they came to this place Unlike Vladimir, who has a somewhat
then responds, "on our hands and knees might suggest a parallel between
yesterday, but Vladimir disagrees. stable sense of time, Estragon is
knees." Estragon asks if they don't Godot and God. However, this
Estragon asks if Vladimir is sure that completely temporally disoriented, and
have rights any longer and Vladimir subservient posture might also suggest
they are at this spot on the right day. has no idea what day it is, let alone a
tells him they got rid of them. that Godot is not some kind of savior, but
Vladimir thinks so (it is Saturday), but sense of what he and Vladimir did
Suddenly, Vladimir tells Estragon to merely a new, oppressive master.
looks through his pockets to see if he yesterday.
listen, as if he hears something. The
wrote down somewhere on which day
two listen, but neither actually hears
they were supposed to come.
anything. They sigh in relief.
Estragon doubts what day it is and
worries that maybe Godot came
yesterday and they weren't there to
meet him.
Vladimir says he thought he had Estragon is desperate for food. Vladimir's Pozzo asks Lucky for his stool, which Pozzo continues to maltreat Lucky as his
heard Godot. Estragon says he's confusion over whether he has a carrot Lucky places on the ground for Pozzo slave. Vladimir and Estragon inspect
hungry and Vladimir offers him a or not adds some humorous levity to the to sit on. He orders Lucky around Lucky, but more out of curiosity than
carrot, but then all he can ind in his characters' suffering. some more, ordering him to bring his empathy or pity for his suffering.
pockets are turnips. At last, he inds a basket, from which he takes out a
carrot and gives it to Estragon, who piece of chicken and a bottle of wine.
excitedly eats it. He eats and drinks, as Vladimir and
Estragon inspect Lucky, who is
Estragon asks Vladimir if they are Waiting for Godot has become such an exhaustedly falling asleep as he
"tied." Vladimir asks what he means obligation that Vladimir and Estragon stands.
and Estragon asks if they are tied to are "tied" to him, trapped though
Godot. Vladimir says they are, at least apparently free to leave. Estragon Vladimir and Estragon continue to Again, Vladimir and Estragon observe
for the moment. Estragon asks if they repeats his earlier assertion of boredom examine Lucky, noticing how the rope Lucky's suffering, but don't seem to
are sure that this person is named and nihilism: there is nothing for them to chafes his neck and how tired he sympathize with his pain. Their
Godot, and Vladimir says he thinks so. do, and perhaps there is really nothing looks. They examine Lucky's indifference to his suffering allows Pozzo
Estragon inishes his carrot and says ever to be done. appearance, with eyes "goggling out of to continue to treat him so horribly.
again, "nothing to be done." his head." Vladimir suggests they ask
Lucky a question and Estragon begins
to speak to him, when Pozzo stops
The two are interrupted by a horrible In the face of their fear and suffering, them, telling them to leave Lucky
scream off-stage. They run to the Vladimir and Estragon huddle together. alone. He calls for his basket again and
edge of the stage. Estragon stops and They are each other's only companions. when Lucky doesn't move, Pozzo
runs back to get his boot, then runs yanks the rope again. Lucky takes the
back to Vladimir. They huddle bottle of wine and puts it back in the
together, frightened by the noise. basket.
Pozzo and Lucky enter. Pozzo drives Pozzo's horrible treatment of Lucky and Estragon looks at the chicken bones Estragon stoops so low as to beg for the
lucky like an animal with a rope Lucky's physical suffering are, at the that Pozzo has thrown on the ground leftover bones of Pozzo's meal, displaying
around his neck. He carries a whip to same time, tragic and (with Lucky's and tentatively asks if he can have both how his suffering has robbed him of
drive him along, while Lucky carries a slapstick clumsiness) somewhat comical. them. Pozzo says he doesn't need the his dignity and how insensitive Pozzo is
folding stool, a bag, a picnic basket, The audience or reader is unsure bones, but that they should go to to the suffering of others. He could have
and a coat. Pozzo whips Lucky as they whether to laugh or cringe. Lucky, so Estragon should ask Lucky if offered some actual food to the nearly
pass across the stage and just as they he can have them. Estragon asks and starving Estragon, after all.
are leaving the stage, he stops Lucky Lucky doesn't reply. Pozzo yells at
suddenly, causing him to drop all his Lucky to answer, but when he says
things. Vladimir goes to help Lucky, nothing Pozzo tells Estragon the
but Estragon stops him. Pozzo tells bones are his.
the two of them to be careful, as Lucky
Vladimir suddenly shouts out, "It's a Vladimir inally protests against Pozzo's
is dangerous.
scandal!" Pozzo asks what he is treatment of Lucky, but doesn't actually
Estragon asks Vladimir if this is Pozzo's ironic reference to the Bible talking about, and Vladimir says that it do anything about it. The ease with
Godot, but then Pozzo introduces emphasizes the undigniied position of is a scandal to treat Lucky in such a which Pozzo moves on in the
himself by name and asks if they are suffering humans in this environment. way. Pozzo asks how old Vladimir is conversation after Vladimir's accusatory
not familiar with him. Estragon The mix-ups with Pozzo's identity and (he does not respond) and then says outburst is uncomfortably absurd.
mishears him and ponders out loud if name further the sense of unstable he must be leaving. He thanks
he knows a Bozzo. Pozzo angrily identities in the play. Vladimir and Estragon for their
corrects him. Estragon apologizes, company. But then he debates
saying they are not from here, but smoking some more from his pipe
Pozzo says, "you are human beings before he leaves.
none the less," and ironically says they
Vladimir tells Estragon they should Estragon's humorous comment that he
are all made in God's image.
leave, but Pozzo stops them. He yanks and Vladimir are "in no hurry,"
Pozzo asks who Godot is. Vladimir Pozzo's treatment of Lucky, whom he Lucky's rope again and has him move encapsulates their predicament. They
says he's an acquaintance, but simply calls "pig," is the most blunt and the stool. He sits back down and reills will keep waiting "a little longer," for quite
Estragon says they hardly know him. obvious form of dehumanizing suffering his pipe. Vladimir wants to leave, but a long time.
Pozzo asks if they were waiting for that Beckett displays on-stage. And Pozzo tells him, "wait a little longer,
Godot here, on his land, but then he Estragon and Vladimir, for now at least, you'll never regret it," and Estragon
admits that the road is free land. He seem not at all interested in trying to admits they are "in no hurry."
changes the conversation and jerks help Lucky.
the rope that is tied around Lucky's
neck, calling him "pig." He continues to
pull Lucky around by the rope around
his neck, then asks Lucky for his coat.
Vladimir still wants to go, and Pozzo Pozzo is perhaps also lonely, eager to Pozzo says that "our generation" is no Pozzo characterizes the unspeciied time
tells him to think carefully, asking encounter new people. Vladimir wants to unhappier than any previous one and of the play as no unhappier than any
what would happen if Vladimir missed leave, but feels obligated to stay and wait says that Lucky taught him that. He other time. This can be taken
his "appointment" with Godot. Pozzo for Godot (though no one is forcing him says that he took Lucky as a slave 60 optimistically (the present time is just as
says he would like to meet Godot as to). years ago and Vladimir is astonished happy as any other) or more
well, since, as he says, "the more that he would turn away "such an old pessimistically (all other times have been
people I meet the happier I become." and faithful servant." Vladimir says as bleak as this one). Vladimir is again
Estragon asks Pozzo why Lucky that Pozzo is throwing Lucky away upset by Lucky's suffering.
doesn't put down his bags and "like a banana skin."
Vladimir encourages Estragon to ask
Lucky himself. Lucky doesn't reply, but
Pozzo says he will tell them. Pozzo mumbles that he "can't bear it" Pozzo imposes suffering on Lucky but
with Lucky and that he is going crazy. presents himself as the victim of his own
Pozzo prepares to speak and makes Pozzo makes everyone pay attention but
Vladimir and Estragon repeat his slave's change in behavior. Vladimir
sure everyone is listening (jerking the then comically forgets what he was going
words, and then Vladimir turns to abruptly shifts from scolding Pozzo to
rope around Lucky's neck to make him to say. Pozzo's explanation for why Lucky
Lucky accusingly, telling him his chastising Lucky, suggesting that
pay attention). He pauses to think and endures such horrible treatment is
behavior is "abominable" toward "such Vladimir dislikes abuse but doesn't
then asks what the question was. absurd, yet it is reminiscent of arguments
a good master." Pozzo begins to cry, actually have the ability to separate real
Estragon and Vladimir remind him. made by other slaveholders. For
saying that Lucky "used to be so abuse from false. This is not to say that
Pozzo says that Lucky has the right to instance, Southern slave owners often
kind...so helpful...and entertaining." Pozzo is faking his sadness, but rather
"make himself comfortable," so the argued that their slaves were better off
Vladimir and Estragon wonder that his sadness is, on some fundamental
only reason why he doesn't must be for being slaves, or pointed to slave songs
whether Lucky wants a new slave to level, illegitimate.
that he doesn't want to. He says Lucky as indications of their slaves being happy
take his place or not.
doesn't want to, because he wants to as slaves.
impress Pozzo, so that Pozzo will
"keep him."
Pozzo collects himself and says there Pozzo shifts emotions with comic
wasn't "a word of truth" in what he abruptness. His rhetorical question is
Vladimir and Estragon are confused, Pozzo inverts the entire logic of slavery,
just said. "Do I look like a man that can meant to imply that he cannot be made
wondering why Pozzo would get rid of asserting that Lucky acts like a slave
be made to suffer?" he asks. Vladimir to suffer, but clearly (as we have just
Lucky. Pozzo repeats that Lucky because he wants to be Pozzo's slave,
and Estragon comment on how seen) he can.
wants to show how well he carries which seems ludicrous. Atlas is not the
"charming" and "unforgettable" their
things so that Pozzo will keep him. son of Jupiter, suggesting that the
evening has been. Pozzo tries to ind
But, Pozzo says, Lucky actually carries knowledge and authority Pozzo projects
his pipe, which he has misplaced, while
things "like a pig." He says that he has are based on false premises.
Vladimir leaves the stage
plenty of slaves and cries out, "Atlas,
momentarily.
son of Jupiter!"
Pozzo is distraught at having lost his Estragon's vague comment of despair
Vladimir again asks if Pozzo wants to Pozzo cruelly comments on Lucky's lack pipe and begins to ask Vladimir if he ("it's all over,") is all the more bleak for
get rid of Lucky. Pozzo says he is on of dignity, caused by his suffering at has seen it, before he notices that how vague it is: it could apply to
his way to the fair to sell Lucky, but Pozzo's own hands. Vladimir and Vladimir has left without saying anything, from Estragon's hopes for a
that it would be better just to kill him. Estragon absurdly ight over the right to goodbye. Estragon tells Pozzo to get better life to all of human history.
Lucky begins to weep, and Pozzo says, wipe away Lucky's tears—it is never up and look at something. He points Vladimir is beginning to get angry from
"old dogs have more dignity." Pozzo explained why either of them should care off in the distance and says, "it's all waiting all day for Godot.
gives his handkerchief to Estragon who does this. over." Vladimir returns, angry, and
and tells him to wipe away Lucky's kicks over Pozzo's stool. He calms
tears. Estragon hesitates, so Vladimir down and asks, "will night never
says he'll do it. The two ight over the come?"
handkerchief.
Pozzo says he understands and that Pozzo's inability to sit down unless asked
Estragon walks up to Lucky with the Should we see Lucky's kicking Estragon he wouldn't want to leave before to is absurd and humorous, but is also
handkerchief, but Lucky kicks him in as some light slapstick comedy or as a nightfall either if he were waiting for another example of characters
the shins. Pozzo shouts for the continuation of the haunting world of Godot. He says he'd like to sit down on constrained by seemingly nothing, but
handkerchief, which Lucky picks up suffering that pervades the play? As is his stool again, but doesn't know how. constrained nonetheless.
and returns to him. Meanwhile, typical of Beckett's dark humor, the Estragon offers to help and Pozzo
Estragon's leg is bleeding, and he cries answer is a mix of both. Pozzo sees the tells him to ask him to sit down.
out that he can hardly walk. Vladimir suffering of the world as a constant, Estragon asks Pozzo to sit down and
says he'll carry Estragon, "if unavoidable fact (though this may also he does.
necessary." Pozzo notes that Lucky just justify his own role in inlicting abuse
has stopped crying and jokes that on others that might create tears). Pozzo says he must be going, because Vladimir's comment that time has
Estragon has replaced Lucky. "The of his schedule, though Vladimir says, stopped characterizes the repetitive,
tears of the world are a constant "time has stopped." Pozzo disagrees, recursive way time functions in the play.
quantity," he says. then says he will tell Vladimir and Pozzo again calls for everyone's attention
Estragon about twilight. He prepares and then comically forgets what he
to speak and asks for everyone's wanted to say.
attention. He cracks his whip to get
Lucky's attention then throws down
the whip, saying it is worn out. Pozzo
forgets what he was going to talk
about.
Vladimir again suggests he and Whether Estragon is playing with Pozzo Estragon laments the fact that Estragon and Vladimir periodically
Estragon leave. Pozzo asks Estragon or actually thinks his name is Adam, his "nothing happens, nobody comes, return to the blunt fact that nothing
what his name is, and Estragon says it reply to Pozzo suggests the instability of nobody goes." Vladimir asks Pozzo to happens in their lives. Estragon's
is Adam. Pozzo remembers that he individuals' identities in the play. Adam, tell Lucky to think. Pozzo says Lucky comment could easily be spoken by one
wanted to talk about the night. He of course, is also the name of the Biblical needs his hat irst, which has fallen off of Beckett's audience members,
tells everyone to look up at the sky irst man in Eden, a condition that is during the dance. Estragon doesn't watching a play in which nothing
and describes its shifting colors almost the opposite of Estragon's. want to give Lucky his hat and asks happens. Meanwhile, Pozzo and Lucky's
lyrically. Then, he describes how night Pozzo to order Lucky to fetch it, but absurd antics continue.
"burst[s] upon us," saying, "that's how Pozzo wants someone to give it to
it is on this bitch of an earth." him. Vladimir picks up Lucky's hat and
offers it to him, but Pozzo says he
Vladimir says that he and Estragon Pozzo's asking for feedback on his speech must place it on Lucky's head.
can simply bide their time and wait. is somewhat silly and humorous. After
He says they are used to it. Pozzo asks the momentary distraction of some Vladimir puts the hat on Lucky's head, The idea of Lucky thinking on command
them what they thought of his speech: conversation, Vladimir and Estragon are but Lucky does nothing. Pozzo jerks is humorous, but the way in which Pozzo
"Good? Middling? Poor? Positively again bored, returning again to the the rope around his neck and orders orders Lucky around is cruel. The
bad?" They compliment his speaking. conclusion that "nothing happens." him to think. Lucky begins to speak, combination of Lucky's suffering and his
Estragon and Vladimir describe their but Pozzo stops him and orders him to ridiculous speech create an
boredom, waiting while "nothing back up, then turn to face the uncomfortable absurdity.
happens." audience. He orders him to think
again. Lucky delivers a long,
Pozzo says that since Vladimir and Estragon has no shame in asking for nonsensical speech marked by
Estragon have been civil to him, he money, whereas Vladimir sees this as repeated syllables ("Acacacacademy")
wonders if there is anything he can do beneath their dignity. Pozzo's self- and pseudo-academic language.
to help them, since they are "having satisied conclusion that he has given
such a dull, dull time." Estragon asks them the gift of his speaking is absurd, As Lucky continues, he begins Lucky's speech is absurd and mostly
for money, though Vladimir is but to some degree true—he has describing repeatedly mountains, unintelligible. It is never explained why
offended and says they are not distracted them from their "dull, dull" rivers, air, ire, stones, and the sea. He Lucky's ability to think out loud is
beggars. Pozzo concludes that he has waiting. repeats phrases nonsensically, bizarrely dependent on his wearing his
done enough just by talking to including "in spite of the tennis," and hat.
Vladimir and Estragon for some time. the other three characters begin to
ind his speech annoying and painful.
Pozzo pulls on Lucky's rope, picks up Vladimir is apparently no longer troubled They throw themselves on top of
the whip, and asks whether Estragon by Lucky's suffering, as he is eager to be Lucky to stop him from talking, and
and Vladimir want Lucky to dance, entertained by his dancing and thinking. Vladimir inally takes his hat away.
sing, recite, or think. He says that The idea of Lucky thinking on command Lucky falls silent. Pozzo snatches the
Lucky can think out loud for hours. for entertainment is particularly odd and hat and stomps on it, proclaiming,
Estragon says he'd rather see Lucky absurd, though Estragon and Vladimir "There's an end to his thinking!"
dance, but Vladimir wants to hear treat it as perfectly ordinary.
Pozzo kicks Lucky and calls him a pig Lucky can only stand when he holds
Lucky think. Estragon suggests they
again. He asks Vladimir and Estragon Pozzo's things. He is paradoxically
have Lucky dance irst, and then think.
to help pick Lucky up and hold him dependent upon his own servitude and
Pozzo says Lucky only refused to
steady. They let go of him and he falls, suffering. Similarly, Vladimir and
dance once.
so they pick him up again. Pozzo puts Estragon rely upon Godot, who, since he
Lucky dances. Pozzo says Lucky used Estragon's guess at the dance's name his bag and basket back in Lucky's never arrives, is also the source of their
to be able to dance better. He asks if points to Lucky's status as a scapegoat, hands, and Lucky regains his balance, torturous boredom.
Estragon and Vladimir know what the person on whom Pozzo takes out his so that Vladimir and Estragon can let
Lucky's dance is called. Estragon own unhappiness. Vladimir's guess is a go of him. Pozzo thanks the two and
guesses "The Scapegoat's Agony," crude pun. Pozzo's suggests the prepares to leave, but realizes he has
while Vladimir guesses "The Hard pervasive sense of entrapment that all misplaced his watch.
Stool." Pozzo says the dance is called the characters feel.
Pozzo calls for silence and he, The missing watch could symbolize the
"The Net," because Lucky thinks he's
Estragon, and Vladimir listen to see if absence of a normal system of time in
entangled in a net.
they can hear the ticking of the watch. the play. One of the ways Beckett creates
Pozzo asks which of the two smells so his absurd humor is by undercutting
Estragon asks about the time Lucky All three characters are comically unable bad and Estragon answers that his serious moments with physical humor
refused to dance. Pozzo prepares to to remember what they were just talking feet stink, but Vladimir's breath does. like the characters' bad smells, which
speak, then forgets what he was going about. It is this kind of forgetfulness that Pozzo decides to leave, reasoning that also highlights that just as Vladimir and
to say. Estragon and Vladimir try to allows for the play's repetitive sense of he must have left his watch "at the Estragon are trapped on stage, people
remember, as well. Estragon thinks time. manor." are trapped in their bodies.
maybe he was going to say why Lucky
doesn't put down his bags. Vladimir
says Pozzo already answered that
question. In any case, Vladimir notes
that Lucky has put his bags down in
order to dance.
The three characters say "adieu" but The characters comically repeat "adieu" The boy inally delivers his message: Godot's arrival is the entire point of the
no one moves. They say it again and over and over again but are inexplicably "Mr. Godot told me to tell you that he characters' waiting and of Beckett's play
politely bid farewell to each other unable to move. They seem to be won't come this evening but surely itself. The revelation that he will not
once more. No one moves. Pozzo says somehow trapped by their own free will. tomorrow." Vladimir asks if the boy come is at once frustrating, funny, and
that he seems to be unable to leave. "Adieu," literally means "to God," so there works for Godot, and the boy says he sad. From the boy's description, it is
Estragon says, "such is life." Pozzo may be some ironic wordplay here: is does; he looks after the goats. He says unclear whether Godot is really a way
backs away from Lucky, and then, there even a God in this world for the Godot is good and doesn't beat him, towards freedom or merely another form
holding onto the rope, cracks his whip characters to go to? though he does beat the boy's of domination, as he seems to be the
and orders Lucky to move. Lucky brother, who minds the sheep. He boy's master.
begins to move, with Pozzo following says Godot feeds him well. Vladimir
after. asks if the boy is happy, and the boy is
unsure.
As Pozzo is about to leave the stage, While uneventful, the meeting with
he calls for his stool and Vladimir gets Pozzo and Lucky at least distracted Vladimir tells the boy he can leave, Vladimir's message to Godot shows what
it and gives it to him. Pozzo, Vladimir, Vladimir and Estragon from their and the boy asks what message he he desperately wants: some
and Estragon say "adieu" again and boredom. Now they are alone and bored should bring back to Godot. He asks acknowledgment of his identity and
Pozzo leaves, shouting at Lucky. again. Unable to leave, the characters are the boy to tell Godot that he saw humanity. He wants to be recognized, in
Vladimir says that this encounter with trapped here by their own sense of hope. them. The boy leaves, as night comes. contrast to all of the times that
Pozzo and Lucky passed the time, and Ironically, if they were to give up hope of Estragon looks at the moon, saying characters like Lucky and Pozzo don't
Estragon asks what they should do Godot's arrival, they might be free to that it is "pale for weariness." He recognize him, day after day.
now. Vladimir doesn't know, so leave. leaves both his boots on the ground,
Estragon suggests they leave, but saying that "another will come, just
Vladimir says they can't, since they are as...as...as me, but with smaller feet,
waiting for Godot. and they'll make him happy."
Vladimir comments on how much Vladimir is able to recognize people from Vladimir tells Estragon he can't go on Vladimir does not escape the trap of
Pozzo and Lucky had changed. his past, whereas Estragon's constant with bare feet, and Estragon says that waiting for Godot, as he eagerly looks
Estragon is confused, because they forgetfulness means he lives life in a kind Christ did. Vladimir thinks Estragon is forward to tomorrow, when he is
did not know this pair before, but of perpetual present. In pretending not to ridiculous to compare himself to convinced that Godot will inally come.
Vladimir assures him they did and says recognize Lucky and Pozzo, Vladimir Christ. Vladimir says they have In the play's Postmodern setting,
that Estragon forgets everything. perpetuates the cycle of characters nothing to do here, but says that comparisons to Christ or other Biblical
Estragon asks why Lucky and Pozzo refusing or failing to acknowledge other tomorrow will be better, because characters are deemed ridiculous.
didn't recognize them, if they knew people's humanity and identity. Godot will come tomorrow. Estragon
each other, but Vladimir says, "That says that they should wait here, then,
means nothing. I too pretended not to but Vladimir says they must take
recognize them." cover during the night.
Estragon's one foot with the boot still Vladimir's confusion over Lucky and Estragon looks at the tree and says it's The characters' nonchalant
on begins to hurt, while Vladimir Pozzo's identities is linked to a confusion a pity they don't have any rope. He consideration of hanging themselves is
ponders whether Lucky and Pozzo over time: is this day merely a repetition asks Vladimir to remind him to bring eerily absurd. By Vladimir's reckoning, he
were the same people he knew from of the previous one, or is it a new day rope tomorrow. He asks Vladimir how and Estragon have been repeating the
before, or different. A boy calls from with different people? It is likely the long they've been together, and same things over and over again for ifty
off-stage and enters. Estragon and former, as act two will imply (by being Vladimir guesses ifty years. Estragon years.
Vladimir yell at him to approach. The very similar to act one). wonders aloud if they would have
boy says he has a message from Mr. been better off alone, rather than
Godot. Estragon asks why the boy is together.
so late, and the boy says it's not his
fault. Estragon says he and Vladimir Vladimir and Estragon ultimately decide
"weren't made for the same road." to stay together as companions. The act
The boy says he was afraid of Lucky Although the boy might be another Vladimir says that it is not certain and ends with a inal absurd gesture, as the
and Pozzo, which is why he is late. companion or might at least have a tells Estragon that they can still part characters are inexplicably trapped in
Vladimir asks if the boy knows Lucky useful message from Godot, Estragon now, if he'd like to. Estragon says it's their places, despite their willingness to
and Pozzo and whether he is from greets him angrily and violently. not worth it. Estragon asks if they leave now.
"these parts." The boy doesn't know should go and Vladimir says, "Yes, let's
them, but is from the area. Estragon go," but neither move.
doesn't believe the boy and shakes
him angrily, but Vladimir tells him to
calm down.
ACT 2
Act 2 begins the next day, at the same Act two will repeat many of the events of
Estragon lets go of the boy and covers Again, Vladimir is attempting to time and in the same place. Estragon's act one, showing how time operates
his face, telling Vladimir that he has ascertain to what degree his life is merely boots are still on the ground. Vladimir repetitively in the play. Vladimir's
been unhappy for longer than he can repeating itself, with the same people enters, examines one of Estragon's nonsensical song is humorous, but also
remember. Vladimir asks the boy to appearing every day and doing the same boots, and then begins to sing. He tragic—Lucky and Estragon are not so
deliver his message and whether he things. sings a nonsensical song about a dog different from the song's suffering,
has seen the boy before. The boy says who steals a crust of bread from a physically abused dog.
no, and Vladimir asks if it was not him kitchen and then is beaten to death.
who came the day before. The boy
says it wasn't him.
Estragon enters and Vladimir tries to While Estragon is at irst indignant, he Estragon remembers "a lunatic" who Unlike Estragon, Vladimir has a memory
embrace him, but Estragon pushes soon embraces Vladimir, his only kicked his shins and a man who gave of the past and so can realize that they
him away. Vladimir asks where companion amid all his suffering him a bone. Vladimir tells him those are trapped in a life that keeps repeating
Estragon spent the night and whether (physical and otherwise). people were Lucky and Pozzo. itself. Estragon's question implies that
"they" beat him. Estragon tells Estragon asks if this all happened there is nothing worth recognizing in the
Vladimir not to touch him or ask him yesterday at this very place and world, a deeply nihilistic sentiment.
questions, but Vladimir tells Estragon Vladimir is amazed that Estragon
to look at him. They look at each other doesn't recognize the place. Estragon
and then embrace. is suddenly upset, asking, "What is
there to recognize?"
Estragon remarks, "What a day!" and Vladimir's assertion that he is not in
Vladimir tells him the day isn't over control of his own moods is both absurd Vladimir mentions "the Macon Again, Estragon has no memory of the
yet. Estragon tells him he heard his and an evaluation of the radical lack of country," but Estragon says he's never past. This means that he also lacks a
singing and Vladimir says, "one is not freedom in the bleak world he inhabits, been there. He says he's "puked my sense of his own identity, of who he is,
master of one's moods," and that he and, again, a suggestion that people are puke of a life away here...in the because he can't remember anything
has felt good today. He tells Estragon in some sense controlled by their bodies Cackon country," though Vladimir says about his life.
he missed him last night, but was as opposed to the other way he thought they were together in the
happy at the same time. around—that life itself is a kind of prison. Macon country, picking grapes for a
man whose name he cannot
remember. Estragon says this is
possible.
Estragon says he too feels better As Vladimir claims, Estragon is
Estragon says that things would be Estragon keeps repeating himself, saying
alone. Vladimir asks him why he keeps dependent on him. However, he also
better if he and Vladimir parted. that he will leave Vladimir, though he
"crawling back" then, and suggests it's relies on Estragon. The two companions
Vladimir says that Estragon always never does. His reference to billions of
because Estragon can't defend are codependent and lonely without
says this, but always comes back to people killed is absurd because it is never
himself. He says he would have each other.
him. Estragon tells him it would be explained or mentioned again, but
stopped "them" from beating
best to kill him, "like the other." suggests that suffering is widespread in
Estragon. Estragon says Vladimir
Vladimir asks who he is referring to, this world—everyone, after all, dies.
couldn't have stopped them, because
and Estragon answers, "like billions of
there were ten of them.
others." He tells Vladimir that they
Vladimir says that he would have Estragon was beaten for no reason, in should talk in the meantime.
stopped Estragon from doing line with the absurd, unexplained
Estragon says that they should talk so When Estragon and Vladimir stop
whatever he did to provoke the suffering of the rest of the play. Such
they don't hear "all the dead voices," talking, they must confront the
beating, but Estragon says he wasn't suffering happens for no reason at all; it
that talk about their lives, making a emptiness of their lives—the fact that
doing anything, and he doesn't know happens just because you are alive.
noise that sounds like feathers, leaves, they have nothing to do but wait for
why he was beaten. Vladimir says that
or ashes. There is a long pause, and Godot. Thus they are compelled to ill
something he was doing or something
Vladimir urges Estragon to say their time with absurd, often nonsensical
in the way he was doing it must have
something, "anything at all!" Estragon conversation.
caused the beating, but Estragon
asks what they should do, and
insists, "I wasn't doing anything."
Vladimir again answers that they
Vladimir says that Estragon must be Estragon suddenly and bizarrely shifts should wait for Godot.
happy now that they are together emotions and agrees that he is happy.
The two struggle to ind something to The two characters are ironically talking
again. Estragon is not sure but Just as in act one, Estragon again asks
talk about. Vladimir says "it's the start about how they have nothing to talk
Vladimir has him repeat the words, "I Vladimir what they should do and
that's dificult." He asks Estragon to about. But Beckett quickly mixes this
am happy." Estragon then asks, "What Vladimir again answers that they should
help him ind something to talk about, comedy with Vladimir's deeply troubling
do we do now, now that we are do nothing, but simply wait.
and Estragon tells him he's trying. The and unexplained reference to corpses.
happy?" and Vladimir suggests they
two disagree over whether listening
wait for Godot. Estragon wonders
prevents one from thinking. Estragon
what will happen if Godot doesn't
suggests they ask each other
come, but Vladimir says that things
questions. Vladimir suddenly asks,
are different today than yesterday.
"Where are all these corpses from?"
Vladimir tells Estragon to look at the Estragon's absurd forgetfulness allows
Vladimir says that "to have thought" is Just like talking about not being able to
nearby tree. Estragon asks if it was time to repeat itself in the play, as he
the worst thing of all, and the two talk, thinking about whether one has
there yesterday and Vladimir says it forgets that he has already been in this
ponder whether they have ever ever thought is ironic and funny. Vladimir
was. Estragon tells him he "dreamt it," same place, doing the same thing
thought. Estragon comments that and Estragon desperately seek
but Vladimir says he may have just (waiting), and encountering the same
they are talking well now, but Vladimir something to talk about to relieve their
forgotten about it. He asks Estragon if people.
notes that now they need to ind intense boredom.
he forgot about Pozzo and Lucky, as
something else to talk about. They
well, and Estragon asks who they are.
both concentrate during a long
silence.
Vladimir asks what they were talking The tree's sudden leaves further disrupt Estragon sits down and wishes he Vladimir and Estragon both need each
about at the beginning of the evening, Vladimir's sense of time, seemingly could sleep. He tries to sleep, but other as companions. Here, Vladimir
and recalls the opening of act two, contradicting the natural cycle of the Vladimir tells him to wait and begins comforts Estragon after his dream. After
when they embraced and were happy. seasons. This temporal disorientation singing loudly, repeating the word walking around the stage, the characters
He tells Estragon to look at the tree causes Estragon to continue to "bye." Estragon falls asleep, then return to doing nothing. It is not entirely
and notes that it has leaves, whereas misunderstand time and not believe that wakes up and is startled. Vladimir clear why Vladimir doesn't want to hear
yesterday it was bare. He is shocked he was here the day before. comforts him. Estragon begins to Estragon's dream—it may be that such a
that the leaves appeared overnight, describe his dream, but Vladimir stops thing is just too intimate to share in the
and Estragon sees this as proof that him. He tells Estragon to "walk it off," realm of the play.
they weren't actually here the and the two walk around the stage,
previous day. until Estragon says he's tired. He says
he'd rather do nothing than walk.
Vladimir accepts, for the moment, For ifty years, apparently, Vladimir and
that they were not in this place the Estragon have been doing nothing, as Estragon wants to leave, but Vladimir Estragon begins to wonder what will
previous day, and asks Estragon what well as talking about nothing. (But, given reminds him that they must stay and happen after Godot arrives, after the
they did the previous night, then. the strangeness of time in the play, it is wait for Godot. Vladimir says Godot thing they have been waiting for
Estragon says they "blathered," about unclear whether we should take this will come at nightfall. Estragon says happens. Vladimir refuses to engage in
"nothing in particular." He says this measure of time literally.) after the night, it will be day again, and such speculation.
has been going on for ifty years now. asks, "What'll we do, what'll we do!"
Vladimir asks if he remembers the sun Vladimir tells him to stop complaining.
and the moon, Lucky and Pozzo.
Estragon remembers the bones Pozzo Estragon announces that he is going The exchange of hats back and forth
gave him and when Lucky kicked him. to leave. Vladimir sees Lucky's hat playfully encapsulates the instability of
from yesterday lying on the ground. identities in this play where characters
Vladimir lifts up the legs of Estragon's Unlike Estragon, who accepts his strange
This conirms for him that they are in fail or refuse to recognize each other and
pants and sees the wound from disorientation in time and space,
the right place. He gives Estragon his acknowledge other characters' humanity.
Lucky's kick, which would suggest Vladimir tries to pin down exactly where
hat and tries on Lucky's. Estragon puts
that they were here yesterday. He and when they are, and whether it's the
on Vladimir's hat and gives his own to
asks Estragon where his boots are, same place they were yesterday. The
Vladimir, who puts it on instead of
and Estragon doesn't know. He says boots seem proof of this.
Lucky's, which he gives to Estragon.
he threw them away because they
Estragon puts on Lucky's hat, and
were hurting. Vladimir spots the boots
Vladimir puts his own hat back on
and says they are exactly where they
before giving Estragon his hat back.
were left yesterday.
They exchange the hats back and
Estragon says the boots are not his, Yet Estragon's comment that the boots forth.
because they are not the right color. aren't his raises questions: does Estragon
Vladimir asks Estragon how he looks The idea that someone in Vladimir's
Vladimir says someone must have even really remember the color of his
in Lucky's hat. Estragon says he looks desperate position would care so much
taken Estragon's boots and left these boots? Did someone simply replace the
"hideous," and Vladimir asks if he looks about his appearance is rather absurd
other ones. Estragon says he's tired boots? Is it possible they are in a slightly
more or less hideous than usual. and comical. Vladimir's idea to act like
and wants to leave, but Vladimir says different reality than they were in act
Estragon says "neither more nor less," Pozzo and Lucky raises the question of to
they can't—they have to wait here for one? Estragon repeats himself again,
and Vladimir says Estragon can keep what degree any of the characters has a
Godot. Estragon asks what they will wanting to leave and Vladimir must
the hat, then. Estragon says he is stable identity aside from a similar kind
do, and Vladimir says there's nothing remind him that they are stuck here
going to leave, and Vladimir asks if he of "playing." It also brings up the question
they can do. waiting for Godot, with nothing to do.
wants to "play at Pozzo and Lucky." He of the power dynamics between any two
imitates Lucky and asks Estragon to people, given that the dynamic between
act like Pozzo. Pozzo and Lucky is that of master to
slave.
Vladimir asks if Estragon would like a This scene repeats a similar one from act
radish or turnip. Estragon asks if there one, but with a radish instead of a carrot.
are any carrots; Vladimir says there The discrepancy between Estragon
are not. He inds a radish in his pocket saying he will go ind a carrot and
Vladimir encourages Estragon to yell When Estragon leaves even for just a
and gives it to Estragon. Estragon standing still is humorous.
at him like Pozzo. Estragon shouts, moment, Vladimir becomes intensely
rejects the radish, and says he'll go get
"Think, pig!" at Vladimir, who says he lonely. While he earlier asserted that
a carrot, but he doesn't move at all.
cannot. He asks Estragon to command Estragon needed him, we now see that
him to dance, but Estragon says he's the two companions need each other.
Vladimir suggests that Estragon try Vladimir is willing to help Estragon in leaving. Vladimir pretends to be both They are "tied" to each other.
on the boots. He says it would at least order to ease his boredom. His comment Pozzo and Lucky. Estragon leaves for
pass the time, and that he'll help about the socks is silly and comical, but a moment and then comes back. They
Estragon put them on. He picks up at the same time pathetic—the most embrace and Vladimir says, "There
one of the boots and Estragon raises Estragon can hope for is to ind socks you are again at last!"
up his foot. They struggle to get it on, some day. Now Estragon can wait for
but inally do. Estragon says the boot socks just like he waits for Godot.
its. They put the other boot on, and
Estragon says the boots don't hurt, at
least "not yet." He says they are too
big, but Vladimir responds that he
might get socks one day.
Estragon says "they" are coming but Vladimir is again lonely when Estragon Vladimir says that Pozzo might have Pozzo's inability to get up is somewhat
doesn't know who they are or how leaves for hardly any time. The another chicken bone for Estragon, comic as well as tragic and pathetic.
many of them there are. Vladimir anonymous "they" keep Estragon and and suggests that they help him up. Whereas Vladimir was sympathetic to
excitedly says that it must be Godot. Vladimir in a state of fear and paranoia, Estragon asks why Pozzo can't get up Lucky in act one, here he and Estragon
He shouts, "We're saved!" Vladimir though it is not clear who they are (or if and Vladimir says he doesn't know. are indifferent to Pozzo's suffering and
pulls Estragon toward the edge of the they are even real). Pozzo writhes on the ground, unable seek to get something out of helping him
stage, but Estragon leaves by himself. to stand up. Estragon suggests that up.
He returns immediately and the two they ask Pozzo for a bone before
embrace again. Estragon says that helping him. Vladimir agrees, but
"they" are coming, and Vladimir says worries that Lucky might "get going,"
he and Estragon are surrounded. and stop them from taking advantage
of Pozzo in this way.
Vladimir tells Estragon his only hope Estragon's lame attempt at hiding behind
is to disappear. He tells Estragon to the tree is comical. There is nothing for Confused, Estragon asks who Lucky Estragon fails to recognize Lucky's
hide behind the tree. Estragon hides Vladimir and him to do in this situation, is, and Vladimir reminds him of how identity. Vladimir and Estragon have
behind it, but realizes the tree does or in general. Lucky kicked Estragon the previous gone from doing nothing to stop the
not cover him completely. Estragon day. He points to Lucky, who is suffering of Lucky and Pozzo to plotting
asks Vladimir what to do, and he motionless. Estragon asks if they to help continue their suffering.
answers, "there's nothing to do." should beat Lucky, and Vladimir says
that sounds like a good idea, but he
Estragon brings Vladimir to the right The characters' exaggerated politeness is isn't sure if Lucky is asleep or not. He
edge of the stage and tells him to be absurd and funny, as well as an abrupt says it would be better "to take
on the lookout. He does the same at change of mood. They suddenly don't advantage of Pozzo's calling for help."
the left edge. He asks if Vladimir sees seem very worried about the people
anything coming. Neither of them Estragon thought he heard coming. Are Pozzo continues to cry out for help. Vladimir rightly concludes that all he and
does. They try to speak at the same they really in danger? The audience Vladimir says that he and Estragon Estragon are doing is waiting. His absurd,
time and each politely tell the other to doesn't know what to take seriously and should "do something, while we have rambling thoughts take precedence over
speak irst. Their back-and-forth what to laugh at. the chance." He ponders the situation helping a fellow suffering human.
politeness turns into an argument, and whether he and Estragon are Waiting for Godot interferes with helping
and Estragon enthusiastically needed. He wonders aloud what they a fellow in trouble.
suggests that they pass the time are doing here, and then says that the
insulting each other. answer is that they are waiting for
Godot, or at least for nightfall. He says
They insult each other back and forth Vladimir and Estragon bizarrely have fun he and Estragon have kept their
and then Estragon decides it's time to throwing insults back and forth. But, appointment. Pozzo again cries out for
make up. They embrace. "How time after this brief entertainment they return help.
lies when one has fun!" muses to their usual activity of waiting and
Vladimir. Estragon asks what they doing nothing. Their desire to be doing Vladimir continues to talk, so Pozzo Vladimir thought taking money from
should do now, and Vladimir suggests anything at all leads to their absurd shouts that he'll pay someone to help Pozzo was beneath his dignity in act one,
they continue waiting. He says they activities, like "doing the tree." him. Estragon asks how much. He says but now he is ready to take money in
could do some exercises. They hop he'd pay one hundred francs, and return for helping Pozzo, if only so he has
from one foot to the other, standing in Estragon says this isn't enough. Pozzo something to do while he is "bored to
place. Vladimir suggests they "do the offers two hundred francs. Vladimir death." In trying to help, Vladimir falls
tree," balancing on one foot. says they are "bored to death." He down himself, a pathetic but darkly
doesn't want to let this potential comic development.
Pozzo and Lucky enter. Lucky has the Pozzo and Lucky arrive, just like "diversion" go to waste, so he tries to
rope around his neck as before, and is yesterday, though now Pozzo is blind. help Pozzo up, but fails several times
carrying the same things, but now While Lucky is under Pozzo's control, and falls down. He asks Estragon to
Pozzo is blind, following closely Pozzo now relies on Lucky, since he can't help, but Estragon says he's leaving.
behind Lucky. Lucky stops when he see. Their codependent relationship is
sees Estragon and Vladimir, and comparable to the companionship of Vladimir begs Estragon not to leave. Vladimir is so desperate not to lose
Pozzo continue walking until he Vladimir and Estragon. He and Pozzo both ask Estragon for Estragon (and to get up from the ground)
bumps into Lucky. Pozzo asks who it help. Vladimir promises that he will that he even promises to abandon
is, and Lucky falls down, bringing leave with Estragon if he will help waiting for Godot.
Pozzo down with him. Pozzo and him. Estragon asks if they
can leave and never come back.
Estragon asks if this is Godot. Vladimir sees the arrival of Pozzo and Vladimir says they can go wherever he
Vladimir says, "Reinforcements at Lucky as an opportunity to be distracted wants, if he helps.
last!" He says that now they will surely from his boredom. With them, time
make it through the evening. Pozzo seems to "low again." Estragon does not Estragon again says he's going to Vladimir's unexplained inability to get up
asks for help. Vladimir says that he recognize Pozzo and ignores his plea for leave. Vladimir says he'll just get up is absurd, but can also be seen as a
and Estragon are inally no longer help. Vladimir must remind Estragon yet himself, but he is unable to. Estragon comment on Postmodern life, with
alone, and that now time "lows again again that they have to stay and wait for asks if Vladimir is going to stay here, Vladimir trapped, but yet constrained by
already." Estragon says he knew it was Godot. and inally extends a hand to help him no one in particular. And any effort to
Godot, but Vladimir corrects him: it's up. Vladimir pulls on Estragon's hand help, as Estragon does, results in even
Pozzo. Pozzo, meanwhile, is still lying while trying to get up, and Estragon more people getting trapped.
on the ground, asking for help. falls, as well.
Estragon wants to leave, but Vladimir
tells him they are still waiting for
Godot.
Pozzo asks who Estragon and Like Estragon, Pozzo does not remember Estragon asks how long he and Like Estragon, Pozzo lacks a normal
Vladimir are, and Vladimir answers yesterday and thus fails to recognize Vladimir will have to hold up Pozzo sense of time. He is content to stay in this
that they are men. Vladimir asks Estragon and Vladimir. Pozzo's crawling for. Pozzo says he used to have disoriented state, whereas Vladimir
Estragon if he can get up, and he says around on the ground is a strange mix of excellent sight, and that he woke up struggles to establish a stable chronology
he doesn't know, but he can't at the slapstick comedy and pathetic suffering. one day completely blind. He says he's of events. Vladimir is always looking to
moment. Estragon suggests they sleep Vladimir responds to this suffering not sure if he's still asleep or awake. explain what may not be explainable,
while they're stuck on the ground. violently. Vladimir asks if this happened suggesting the limits of reason and
Pozzo continues to cry out, "Pity! yesterday, and Pozzo angrily replies rationality,
Pity!" and Vladimir hits him to shut that "the blind have no notion of time."
him up. Pozzo begins to crawl away,
and then collapses. Estragon asks,
"What do we do now?" Estragon says he is leaving. Pozzo Not only do the characters not know
asks where they are, and Vladimir when they are, but they also don't know
Vladimir says he could crawl over to Now it is Estragon who irrationally fears
says he doesn't know. Pozzo asks if where they are. Vladimir's attempt to
Pozzo, but Estragon doesn't want losing Vladimir, showing that the two rely
they are at the place called the Board, describe the place is rather nihilistic:
Vladimir to leave him. They both call on each other mutually. Estragon is
which Vladimir hasn't heard of. Pozzo ultimately, there's nothing much to see
over to Pozzo, but he doesn't respond. comically enthusiastic about trying
asks Vladimir to describe their here.
Estragon asks if Vladimir is sure that different names for Pozzo, whom he still
surroundings. Vladimir says, "It's
Pozzo is the right name. Vladimir says fails to recognize from the previous day.
indescribable. It's like nothing. There's
he thinks Pozzo is dying. Estragon
nothing. There's a tree." Pozzo says
says it would be fun to try calling out
that it is not the Board, then.
different names, to see if Pozzo might
respond, but Vladimir says that he is Pozzo asks where Lucky is, and why The more serious elements of the play
sure the man's name is Pozzo. he isn't responding to his call. are counterbalanced by moments of
Vladimir says Lucky seems to be simple humor, like Pozzo wanting
Estragon shouts, "Abel! Abel!" and Estragon's name mix-up, with its
sleeping, but might be dead. Pozzo Estragon to go check on Lucky because
Pozzo cries out for help. Estragon reference to Cain and Abel of the Bible, is
asks Vladimir or Estragon to go check he smells bad. Again, though, such
thinks Abel is the right name. He absurd and shows the ironic distance
on Lucky and see if he is okay. physical disgust is a reminder that the
thinks Lucky might be called Cain, and between the western tradition of the
Estragon doesn't want to go, since body is physical, and that all life is
shouts this name out loud. Pozzo Bible and this Postmodern world. The
Lucky kicked him, but Pozzo asks for trapped in this physicality.
shouts for help again. Estragon absurdity continues with Estragon and
Estragon to go, because he stinks.
suggests he and Vladimir ind a new Vladimir again talking about having
topic of conversation, but neither can nothing to talk about and then suddenly
think of anything to talk about. being able to stand up.
Estragon suggests they try to get up, Estragon doesn't move. Vladimir asks Estragon comically misinterprets
and they both get up easily. Pozzo Estragon what he is waiting for, and Vladimir's question and thinks that
shouts for help yet again. Estragon answers that he is waiting Vladimir has forgotten that they are
for Godot. Pozzo tells Estragon to pull waiting for Godot. Pozzo's cruel
Estragon wants to leave, but Vladimir Estragon repeats his desire to leave yet on Lucky's rope to get his attention. If suggestion of kicking Lucky and
reminds him yet again that they are again, but he and Vladimir are still kept that doesn't work, he suggests kicking assurance that Lucky won't defend
waiting here for Godot. Estragon asks here waiting. Pozzo's inability to stand is him. Estragon asks what would himself show how Lucky has been
what they will do in the meantime, and darkly comic—humorous, but pathetic at happen if Lucky were to defend robbed of his dignity.
Vladimir says they could help Pozzo the same time. himself, but Pozzo says Lucky never
get up. They help Pozzo stand up, but defends himself. Estragon approaches
when they let go, he falls down again. Lucky.
They help him up again and hold him
steady between them. Estragon checks if Lucky is still In causing Lucky pain, Estragon ends up
breathing (he is) before starting to hurting himself. This is both comical and
Pozzo asks who Vladimir and Pozzo seems just as desperate for kick him repeatedly. He hurts his foot an encapsulation of how causing
Estragon are, because he is blind and company as Estragon and Vladimir. in the process and limps away. Lucky suffering harms both the victim and the
cannot see them. Estragon wonders if While he is Lucky's master, he seems begins to move. Estragon tries to take perpetrator.
he can see into the future, since he is hardly any better off than Lucky. off one of his boots, but gives up and
blind. Pozzo asks if they are his Everyone seems to suffer in the bleak sits down to sleep.
friends, and Vladimir says they have world of Beckett's play.
proven that they are, by helping him Pozzo asks what has just happened, Vladimir is now starting to doubt his
up. Pozzo begs them not to leave him, and Vladimir explains. Vladimir asks understanding of time and recognition of
and Vladimir says they won't. "For the him if he and Lucky are the same Pozzo and Lucky.
moment," Estragon speciies. Pozzo and Lucky from the day before.
Pozzo says he doesn't remember
Pozzo asks what time it is, and Estragon and Vladimir disagree over the
meeting anyone yesterday. But, he
Estragon and Vladimir look at the sky, time. While Vladimir seems correct, given
says, he won't remember meeting
guessing seven or eight o'clock in the the strange functioning of time in the
Vladimir today, so he might have.
evening. Estragon isn't sure whether play, one can't be entirely sure. The
Vladimir reminds him of the previous
it's the evening or dawn, but Vladimir audience is left in a state of temporal
day, and how Pozzo was bringing
is sure it's evening. Pozzo again asks disorientation.
Lucky to a fair to sell him away.
what time it is, and Vladimir assures
him it's evening, in spite of what
Estragon may think.
Pozzo shouts, "Up pig!" and Lucky Lucky's bag that he lugs around with him Vladimir asks the boy what Mr. Godot Vladimir repeats his message from the
gets up and gathers his things. is illed with nothing but sand. As a does. The boy says Godot does day before, wanting someone to
Vladimir asks where Pozzo is going, darkly comic touch, there is no purpose nothing. Vladimir asks whether Godot acknowledge and remember him as an
and he simply says, "On." Lucky puts to his suffering in carrying it around. has a beard and what color it is. The individual. According to the boy, Godot
the rope that is tied around his neck in Equally absurd is Pozzo's random and boy says that Godot has a white does nothing, just like Vladimir and
Pozzo's hand, and gives him his whip. unexplained inability and ability to get beard. The boy asks if Vladimir would Estragon.
Vladimir asks Pozzo what's in the bag up at different times. like to send a message back to Godot.
Lucky carries. The bag is illed with Vladimir tells the boy to tell Godot
sand. Vladimir asks what Pozzo does that he saw Vladimir.
when he falls and no one is around to
help. Pozzo says he waits until he can Vladimir grabs the boy and violently Vladimir desperately wants for someone
get up, and then he continues walking. asks him, "You're sure that you saw else to afirm his sense of identity and
me, you won't come and tell me time. He needs some afirmation that the
Vladimir asks Pozzo to have Lucky Vladimir still tries to establish a normal tomorrow that you never saw me!" world is objectively as he sees it, and that
sing, think, or recite something. Pozzo sense of time, but Pozzo will have none The boy runs off, as the moon rises he has a place in that world. Instead of
says Lucky is mute, and "can't even of his time-related questioning. and night comes. Estragon says he's the constant repetition of people
groan." Pozzo is frustrated with all of leaving, and Vladimir says he'll leave as forgetting him.
Vladimir's questions related to time, well. Estragon asks how long he was
which he insists does not matter. He asleep for, and Vladimir doesn't know.
and Lucky leave the stage. Vladimir
walks over to Estragon and wakes Estragon wants to go far away, but Despite all of the pain caused by waiting
him. Vladimir says they can't go far, for Godot, Vladimir still feels compelled
because they have to come back to come back tomorrow and do it again.
Estragon asks why Vladimir won't let Vladimir is again lonely when Estragon
tomorrow to wait for Godot. Estragon The events of Beckett's play could repeat
him sleep. Vladimir says he was lonely. sleeps and leaves him by himself.
asks if Godot came and whether it's indeinitely.
Estragon begins to describe his
too late for him to come tonight.
dream, saying that he dreamt he was
Estragon asks what would happen if
happy, but Vladimir angrily tells him
they "dropped" Godot. Vladimir says
not to describe his dream. He
Godot would punish them. He says
wonders whether Pozzo was really
everything is dead, except for the tree.
blind.
The two go up to the tree and examine Estragon repeats his uncomfortably
Estragon says, "let's go," but then Estragon keeps on forgetting that he and
it. Estragon suggests they hang casual suggestion of suicide from
remembers they can't. He asks if Vladimir are bound to stay and wait for
themselves, but they don't have any yesterday. Yet even the possible dignity of
Vladimir is sure that Pozzo wasn't Godot. Vladimir now doubts his own
rope. Estragon says they could use his suicide—of making a choice for oneself in
actually Godot. Vladimir says he's knowledge of people's identities—the
belt, but then there would be nothing the face of the meaninglessness of the
certain, but then he says, "I don't know rationalist begins to doubt his ability to
to hang Vladimir with. Vladimir asks world—is mocked when he makes an
what to think any more." Estragon understand the world. Estragon relies on
to look at Estragon's belt. He takes off undigniied fool of himself, taking his belt
tries to get his boots off and asks Vladimir's help for even minor things like
his belt and his oversized pants fall to off and his pants fall down.
Vladimir for help. taking off a boot.
the ground. Vladimir wonders
whether the belt would be strong
enough to hang either of them with.
Vladimir wonders if he himself is Vladimir's questioning of reality and Vladimir and Estragon pull on either There is something humorous in the belt
sleeping at this very moment. He confusion of reality with a dream is a end of the belt to test its strength. It breaking so easily, which jars with the
ponders what he will say of this day common feature of Postmodernism. The breaks. Estragon asks if they have to intense sadness of the play's ending.
tomorrow and laments the fact that constant repetition of time in the play is come back to this place tomorrow, Doomed to keep waiting, Vladimir and
Estragon will not remember this day beginning to wear on Vladimir. and Vladimir says they must. Estragon Estragon can do nothing—not even kill
and they'll have to go through the says they should bring some rope with themselves. They have no control about
same conversations all over again. He them next time. Then, he says he "can't what will happen or where they can go,
says he can't go on, but then stops and go on like this," and says that it might or even over whether they will live at all.
asks, "What have I said?" be better if he and Vladimir parted.
Vladimir says they will hang
The boy from yesterday enters. The boy repeats his message from themselves tomorrow, unless Godot
Vladimir asks if the boy recognizes yesterday, keeping Vladimir and Estragon arrives.
him, but the boy says he doesn't and waiting. Despite Vladimir's plea for the
that he didn't come yesterday. boy to remember seeing Vladimir, he fails Estragon asks if they can leave. Just as they ended the last act, Vladimir
Vladimir asks if the boy has a message to recognize him. Vladimir tells him to pull up his pants. and Estragon say they are ready to leave
from Godot, which the boy does: Estragon misunderstands, and asks if but don't move an inch. They end the
Godot will not come this evening, but Vladimir wants him to pull down his play as they began it, trapped in this
he will come tomorrow. Vladimir asks pants. Vladimir repeats himself and bleak place, with nothing to do.
if the boy ran into Pozzo and Lucky, Estragon pulls his pants up. Vladimir
and the boy says he didn't see anyone asks if Estragon is ready to go. He
on the way over. says, "Yes, let's go," but neither of
them move.

Waiting For Godot

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Waiting for Godot

We're not tied?

Nothing happens, nobody comes, nobody goes, it's awful!

You don't know me?

It must be the Spring.

Suppose we got up to begin with?

Where are we? ACT 1

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