Eng426 20th century english literature

Themes in Waiting for Godot

Existentialism: The theatre of the absurd is largely informed by the philosophy of existentialism. Through the dialogue of Vladimir and Estragon it will be discovered that they are trying to make sense out of life. While Vladimir believes in supernatural beings so as to be able to make meaning out of life, he religiously waits for Godot to come and help him out of the entrapment that his life is but Estragon believes in what can be seen in the physical, he believes that man is the only person that could make meaning out of his own life and not some supernatural being. The meaninglessness of waiting for Godot, for a hope and substance in life is seen at the end of the play. Almost every other theme like alienation, nothingness of life, anguish and sorrow, helplessness and so on are all to be found under the umbrella theme of existentialism.
Friendship: Estragon decides to wait with his friend Vladimir though he does not believe in the coming of Godot but he keeps his friend company especially as they are in the same shoes of existential statis but though Estragon is more rational about their predicament he stays with his friend to the end when it became clear to both of them that their waiting was for nothing.


Use of Symbols in Waiting for Godot
The major symbol in Waiting for Godot is the invisible character of Godot. Who is Godot? We never knew who or what Godot is throughout the play but it seems this is one thing that the characters are waiting for to affirm their existence in life, to give meaning to who they are. There have been many speculations to who Godot is but the generally acceptable one is that Godot is a supernatural being, maybe God. The tree on the stage which starts which shows little or no sign of life on the first day starts to bring up leaves on the second day is the only symbol of hope throughout the play.

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