Special Post 2

“Waiting for Godot”, by Samuel Beckett is a tragic comedy that takes place in two acts. There are two main characters in play, Vladimir and Estragon. Vladimir and Estragon spend the whole play waiting at the base of a single tree. As we discover through their dialogue with each other they are waiting for someone named Godot. Interestingly enough they do not even know Godot, and have little idea why they are waiting for him but are still unable to leave. They pass their time in a variety of ways, mostly joking and arguing with each other. Later on in the first act we are also introduced to the characters Pozzo and Lucky as they are passing by. Lucky is Pozzo’s slave and carries a great many things for Pozzo while being driven in front of him with a rope around his neck. Pozzo is on his way to sell Lucky, and this makes Lucky cry. Before continuing on their way Pozzo makes Lucky perform a dance for Vladimir and Estragon. The first act ends with a boy arriving claiming to be a messenger from Godot. The boy says that Godot will not be able to come on that evening but will come by tomorrow. Vladimir asks the boy if he is the same messenger from the day before, implying that this is not the first time the two have been left waiting. At this Vladamir and Estragon decide to leave and stop waiting for Godot, however they still remain waiting as the curtain drops and ends the first act. The second act continues in much the same way as the first, mimicking most of the same events with little difference. Pozzo and Lucky pass by again and this time Pozzo is blind and Lucky is significantly less intelligent. Pozzo does not remember coming by and meeting either Vladimir or Estragon the previous day. The second act ends with the boy coming back to report that Godot will not be coming on that night either, and has no recollection of the previous day’s encounter. Vladimir and Estragon again decide to leave, but do not move as the curtain falls.
At first glance waiting for Godot may seem to be nothing more than nonsense. A closer examination will yield however certain immerging themes. For this reason it is important to make a thorough analysis of the text in order to draw conclusions on it. Interpretation is an important part of the artistic process. Weather in literary or visual form, every artist has an intention behind their work even if it is just to express or to entertain. Those who perceive the work add to it in the way they personally are influenced by it. Interpretation allows the artist to connect with a wider audience range and better convey his or her message. Like minded people might catch on to the artist’s original intent, while those of a different background might take the same message to have new meaning in a different context. This concept connects with the idea that literature serves as both a window and a mirror that we discussed in class earlier this semester. Samuel Beckett may have had his own intentions on the meaning of “Waiting for Godot” and with literature as a window we perhaps might be able to see through the play and find that meaning. On the other hand when we examine the way our own experiences interact with those of play, we can realize new facets of ourselves and in this way literature is also a mirror.
When I read “Waiting for Godot”, I read it as a statement about religion. The characters actions and the way they talk would suggest Samuel Beckett was making a statement about the Christian faith. There are several occasions where Vladimir and Estragon refer to Godot as if he were God. Vladimir describes his request of Godot as a prayer or supplication. The single tree in the background can easily take on the meaning of the cross in Christian faith. The cross (single tree) is the meeting place where men (Vladimir and Estragon) come to meet with God (Godot). Vladamir and Estragon also discuss the two thieves that hung on either side of Jesus while he was on the cross and how that related to repentance. I find it no mere coincidence that two characters stuck in a repetitive rut would be considering the fate of the two men who were hanging on the crosses next to Jesus. The main issue in the discussion was which account in the gospels was most important and if one of those men did go to heaven. It is very possible Estragon and Vladimir represent the men on the crosses being stuck in the cycle of life searching for some meaning. While waiting at the tree Vladimir and Estragon are constantly left waiting for Godot to come another day. I see this being very similar to how many believers from a variety of faiths sit in expectation of their messiah figure and the end of the world. Many have claimed it was coming and to date no one has been right. When the boy who works for Godot shows up, he says that he is in charge of Godot’s the goats and that his brother is in charge of the sheep. He goes further to say that his brother is treated poorly by Godot, and that he is treated well. In the book of Revelations sheep represent those people who receive God’s reward after life and the goats are those who are punished. I find this situation in “Waiting for Godot” to be a satirical jab at the age old question of why does God allow bad things to happen to good people. Over all it would appear that Samuel Beckett is at trying to criticize the futile nature of religion and point out discrepancies with in the Christian faith.
I firmly believe that there is great value in examining “Waiting for Godot” as a religious work. It stems back to the idea of literature as both a window and a mirror, and how both methods of interpretation interact. Samuel Beckett through his play might be making a statement about the futility of the Christian faith and the illogical actions of its followers, while still seeing this; I can take the play as a warning. Often times we would be unable to discover our own flaws if there were no one there to point them out. No one would want to be part of a repetitive meaningless faith, and if that’s the way Christianity is being perceived it should be examined as to why it is seen this way. If there is truth it is not just an important part of the argument against the faith, but important for believers to understand so that they can correct the inconsistency with in their own actions. Not only are we capable of learning about other and the world outside of us, but it also provides for self reflection.