In the literal sense, they are waiting for Godot because they asked for a favor and he replied that he would think about it and get back to them. In the figurative sense, their waiting for Godot is actually an allusion to the human need for life to have a purpose. Throughout the play, Didi and Gogo engage in trivial activities such as arguing, making up, telling stories, and sharing memories as they wait for a person whom they are not even sure is coming. These things are simply a means of passing the time which "would have passed anyway," just not as fast. Human beings do the exact same things as Didi & Gogo to give our lives purpose until we die. Becketts purpose for this was to point out that we do these things in our day to day lives but we never recognize the absurdity in them until they are compressed into two acts and portrayed by two bums.
In addition to what Tiffany said, figuratively Godot represents hope. He represents the reason as to why we continue on with life despite the circumstances that life gives us. He represents redemption, salvation, purpose, faith, etc. However, Godot isn't what is truly significant--it's the waiting that is significant. What we choose to do in order to "pass the time" is what our life is about. There is a quote by philosopher Jean Paul Sarte that states, "we are our choices." It is evident that there is safety in passivity; however the actions that we make in life are what we are remembered by when it's over.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteIn the literal sense, they are waiting for Godot because they asked for a favor and he replied that he would think about it and get back to them. In the figurative sense, their waiting for Godot is actually an allusion to the human need for life to have a purpose. Throughout the play, Didi and Gogo engage in trivial activities such as arguing, making up, telling stories, and sharing memories as they wait for a person whom they are not even sure is coming. These things are simply a means of passing the time which "would have passed anyway," just not as fast. Human beings do the exact same things as Didi & Gogo to give our lives purpose until we die. Becketts purpose for this was to point out that we do these things in our day to day lives but we never recognize the absurdity in them until they are compressed into two acts and portrayed by two bums.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteVery eloquent- my favorite part- life being absurd and us recognizing it until it is compressed into two acts and portrayed by two bums... :)
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteGood explanation T-Money
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't have thought of that analogy
In addition to what Tiffany said, figuratively Godot represents hope. He represents the reason as to why we continue on with life despite the circumstances that life gives us. He represents redemption, salvation, purpose, faith, etc. However, Godot isn't what is truly significant--it's the waiting that is significant. What we choose to do in order to "pass the time" is what our life is about. There is a quote by philosopher Jean Paul Sarte that states, "we are our choices." It is evident that there is safety in passivity; however the actions that we make in life are what we are remembered by when it's over.
ReplyDelete