Waiting for Godot as an Absurd Play

Q. Write a short note on ‘The Theatre of the Absurd’.

Absurd Theatre is a play written by a group of people who wrote plays without following the
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conventional rules The word ‘Absurd’ means nonsensical, opposed to reason, something silly, foolish,
senseless, ridiculous and topsy-turvy. So, a drama having a cock and bull story would be called an absurd
play. ‘Absurd Theatre’ believes that humanity’s plight is purposeless in an existence which is out of
harmony with its surroundings. “Waiting for Godot” fulfills every requirement of an absurd play. It has
no story, no characterization, no beginning nor any end, unexplained themes, imitation of dreams and
nightmares and above all it contains useless dialogues.

 No Story or Plot

“Waiting for Godot” does not tell any story nor does it has a plot. The play starts with waiting and ends
with it. Characters do not go anywhere. They stand still in front of audience and do nothing except
passing the ball. They talk and pass the time. The play lacks action. Vladimir and Estragon wait for Godot
and audience perceive that perhaps real story of the play will start after Godot’s arrival but Godot does
not appear on stage nor is he introduced to the audience. Eventually, play ends with waiting. In this way,
“Waiting for Godot” fulfills first requirement of an absurd play.

 Lack of Characterization

We don’t know past of the characters. They are not introduced to the audience. We know only their
names and their miserable situation. Their motifs are unclear. Although it is explicit that they are waiting
for Godot yet it is not told to the audience that what purpose Godot will serve if he comes. Hence, lack
of characterization proves that “Waiting of Godot” is a play of absurd theater .
 No Beginning and End

It has no beginning nor has any end. It starts with a situation and ends with it. For instance, when
characters come on stage they reveal their purpose. They say they are waiting but Godot does not come
and the act ends with waiting. The play goes on and eventually ends with wait. Hence, there is no proper
start of the play nor does it have a proper end. It is a journey from nothingness to nothingness.

 Useless Dialogues

Most of the dialogues of this play serve no purpose. Incoherent babbling is also important ingredient of
theater of absurd. Whole play is based on delivery of dialogues but most of them have no apparent
meanings. Every dialogue is full of symbols. Every word refers something in hidden meaning but it lacks
the interest of audience because it lacks action. Dialogues create action in every play. Action loses its
importance without worthy dialogues. In case of “Waiting for Godot”, no action has been presented,
therefore, dialogues are boring and they are written just to pass the ball. Thus, they are meant to pass
the time. Word “nothing” has been repeated numerously in the play. It actually indicates nothingness in
it. Thus, dialogues of the play are nothing but incoherent babbling. “Waiting for Godot” can be called an
absurd play due to this trait of absurd theater.