Play Study: Reality, The Rational, and The Absurd

Waiting for Godot is a fine example of "Theatre of the Absurd," dramatic works that
promote the philosophy of its name. This particular play presents a world in which
daily actions fail to have meaning, language fails to effectively communicate, and
the characters reflect a sense of artifice, even wondering aloud whether perhaps
they are on a stage.
Answer the following questions:
1. Vladimir and Estragons situation is so absurd that it doesnt resemble any reality
were familiar with. How is it possible, then, that the play can comment on our own
lives? Does Beckett suggest a level of absurdity in the real world?
2. Do Estragon and Vladimir recognize that their actions are absurd? Or does
everything seem "normal" to them?
3. At one moment is the play meta-fictional? In other words, where do the
characters seem to reveal an understanding (or at least a suspicion) that they are
part of a contrived reality? How does this affect the way we see the play?

Based on your seminar, please create a two page response covering one of the
topics (time, friendship, the absurd, morality, confinement, etc) and discuss those
topics as they are themes (something the author wants to address with the
audience). Make sure you cover your hypothesis as to why this subject matter was
chosen to be written in play format (genre study).

**Responses due March 24th, 2014.