Topic > Waiting for Godot and The Theater of...

Samuel Becket is a famous writer who introduced the concept of absurdity, nothingness, nihilism and meaninglessness of life into the art of drama. It corresponded to the absurdity of everyday life of ordinary people. He believed that life is a circle, where it starts, it ends at the same point. There is no concept of religion, no moral values, no concept of time and space in this life. Absurdity is a word that can be explained with reasoning, however the fault lies with a familiar world which in the universe suddenly deprived of illusion, runs out of light, man feels like a stranger. He is in a radiant exile because he is deprived of the memories of his lost homeland, just as he lacks the hope of the future Promised Land. This difference between man and his life, between the actor and his satisfaction, truly constitutes the feeling of the Absurd. It is very clear from the very word "Absurd" which means senseless, contrary to reason, something foolish, senseless, senseless, ridiculous and disorderly. In reality the 'Theatre of the Absurd' believes that humanity's plight is purposeless in an existence that is not in harmony with its surroundings. "Waiting for Godot" is an absurd work not only because its plot is vague, but also its characters are just mechanical puppets with their incoherent discussion. And above all its theme is inexplicable. It is an absurd work because it lacks characterization and motivation together with no result. Although the characters are present but they are not recognizable by whatever they do and whatever they present is purposeless. As for the dialogue technique, it is purely absurd as there are no witty responses and pointed dialogues. What the reader or viewer hears is simply incoherent babble, devoid of clear, meaningful ideas. In terms of action and theme, it reaches the level of the theater of the absurd. After studying this play we come to know that nothing special happens in the play and we do not observe any significant change in the setting. Even if a change happens, but it's just that the tree has grown four or five leaves. "Nothing happens, no one comes... no one leaves, it's terrible!" The beginning, middle and end of the work do not reach the level of a good play, so absurd. Although its theme is logical and rational, yet it lies in the shadows.