Samuel Beckett s Waiting For Godot - 1696 Words

Waiting for Godot: Theatre of the Absurd. Who is Godot and what does he represent? These are two of the questions that Samuel Beckett allows both his characters and the audience to ponder. Many experiences in this stage production expand and narrow how these questions are viewed. The process of waiting reassures the characters in Beckett s play that they do indeed exist. One of the roles that Beckett has assigned to Godot is to be a savior of sorts. Godot helps to give the two tramps in Waiting for Godot a sense of purpose. Godot is an omnipresent character that helps to give meaning and function to the lives of two homeless men. The main characters in Waiting for Godot are dependant upon each other for reassurance of their existence.†¦show more content†¦The belief of these philosophers is that people have free will and can make, as well as follow through with their own decisions. Beckett s protagonists contradict this belief as they are always making decisions but are unable to carry them out. The two hobos constantly reaffirm their being by recalling that they are waiting for Godot. Godot is a significant figure despite never physically being in the play. The reader finds out about him only through the conversations in the play. Despite never being physically present on stage, Godot s presence is everywhere. The whole play, including all the actions and the theme itself, is affected by the mention of Godot. Vladimir and Estragon spend the entire play waiting for this unknown being. Vladimir and Estragon are not even sure if they are at the right place or time for their meeting. They do not even know why they are waiting for Godot. The two homeless men never express any understanding about the reason for the meeting with the unknown man. Both the characters and the audience see Godot as a savior of some sort. He is the one who will bring salvation. He could be a Christ figure or another religious figure. Godot may also be a representation of salvation; this may or may not be a religious rescue. Godot may also be symbolic of the meaning of life that Vladimir and E stragon are searching for. . He is a reason they are still alive.