7. b.

Relationships between Vladimir and Estragon in Waiting for Godot

Vladimir and Estragon are the main protagonists of the play, Waiting for
Godot. In hearing the play read, even the most experienced theater
person will often confuse one of the characters for the other. Therefore,
the similarities are as important as the differences between them.

Vladimir and Estragon are waiting for Godot: some indication that life is
meaningful or an escape. Both are tramps dressed in costumes which
could be interchanged - big boots which don't necessarily fit, big bowler
hats, baggy and ill-fitting suits. Their costumes recall the type found in
burlesque or vaudeville houses. The opening scene with Estragon
struggling with his boots and Vladimir doffing and donning his hat to
inspect it for lice could be a part of a burlesque routine. Such comic
episodes continue until the characters — and the audiences — are
bored with it.

Vladimir would be the equivalent of the straight man in burlesque

comedy. He is also the intellectual who is concerned with a variety of
ideas. Of the two, Vladimir makes the decisions and remembers
significant aspects of their past. Vladimir seems to know more about
Godot. Vladimir often sees religious or philosophical implications in their
discussions of events, and he interprets their actions in religious terms.
Vladimir correlates some of their actions to the general concerns of
mankind. In addition to the larger needs, Vladimir also looks after their
physical needs.

In contrast, Estragon is concerned mainly with more mundane matters:

He prefers a carrot to a radish or turnip, his feet hurt, and he blames his
boots. He remembers that he was beaten, but he sees no philosophical
significance in the beating. He is willing to beg for money from a
stranger (Pozzo), and he eats Pozzo's discarded chicken bones with no
shame. Estragon, then, is the more basic of the two. He is not concerned
with either religious or philosophical matters.

Estragon, however, is dependent upon Vladimir, and essentially he

performs what Vladimir tells him to do. Estragon does sometimes
suggest that it would be better if they parted, but he never leaves
Vladimir for long. Essentially, Estragon is the less intelligent one; he has
to have everything explained to him, and he is essentially so bewildered
by life that he has to have someone to look after him. Vladimir is more
masculine and contemplative and Estragon is more feminine and
emotion-driven of the duo.

The relationship of Vladimir and Estragon is contrasted with that of

Pozzo and Lucky, who represent the antithesis of friendship. Theirs is
also a relationship of intertwinement and dependence, but one of
servitude, inequality, and dominance.