“WAITING FOR GODOT” AS AN

ABSURD THEATRE
It is rightly pointed out that “Waiting for Godot” is a typical absurd theatre.
Actually it is rightly pointed out that in modern age human being is so busy status
conscious and under the spell of social differences that one remains over-worried. In
this modern drama Estrogen and Vladimir are tramp because one of them is trying to
put off his hat; both are unable to achieve their aim and objective. It is symbolic
projection of frustrated people who are unable to achieve their goals and could set
get rid of their worries even the whole life.

In the opening lines of “Waiting for Godot” following them and thought is very
appreciable.

“Estrogen: (giving up again) Nothing to be done

Vladimir :( advancing with short, stiff strides legs wide up art)
I’m beginning to come round to that opinion.

“Waiting for Godot” is a typical absurd theatre because Samuel Beckett is

highly impressed by Proust, Bergson and Sartre. In some respects “Waiting for
Godot” is different from Sartre writings. It is rightly remarked that there are two types
of time one is clock time and the other is subjective time. It is fact that nature varies
from man to man for example, nature of Pozzo is entirely different from that of Lucky.
Because Pozzo is the ruler and Lucky is the ruled even Pozzo is ready sell Lucky
and he is having whip in his hand. It is fact that authority corrupts the man and
absolved authority corrupts absolutely but all the human beings are not same.
“Waiting for Godot” is absurd theatre because there is no sequence, balance and
harmony among the dialogues of deferent characters. For instance Estrogen and
Vladimir are talking with each other without any sequence and harmonized thoughts.
For example first of all they start talking about putting off their hat and shoes.

“Estrogen: Taking off my boot. Did that never happen to you?”

“Waiting for Godot” is absurd theatre because characters are taking without
any sequence. For example, they start mentioning four thieves and then they change
their Topre and talk about Eiffel Tower. After this they switch their code towards
Pozzo and Lucky. They are really surprise to know that Pozzo is dragging Lucky with
a pope. He is also using whip. In this way Pozzo is shown every authoritative but all
others are very recessive. It also shows that Pozzo and Lucky are somewhat
different from Estrogen and Vladimir. When Pozzo comes to know that are waiting
for Godot and Godot is symbol of happiness and pleasure. Pozzo is also interested
in waiting because it is an undeniable fact that everybody wants pleasure, good
future and marvelous exportations. But is the matter of fate and chance and co-
incidence that Godot does not come and they remain waiting. They want to go that
particular place but they cannot do that.

Written & Composed by SAEED QURESHI M.A English (part 1) Page 1

 “WAITING FOR GODOT” AS AN
ABSURD THEATRE
Consequently, we can say that “Waiting for Godot” can rightly be regarded as
typical absurd theatre with the concept of existentialism.

Written & Composed by SAEED QURESHI M.A English (part 1) Page 2