"Waiting for Godot"
Hello readers, today I will try to solve some questions, I hope you will enjoy my blog. So, let's start with some information about this play. This play "The Waiting for Godot" is a absurd play. Here Beckett's idea of absurdity, Nothinglessness, Meaningless dialogues and Waiting for someone who is unknown for Vladimir and Estragon. So let's start this activity with one gif...
Samuel Beckett's absurd Play -"Waiting for Godot" is one of the best play for meaninglessness, absurdity, Nothingness, continues waiting and so on. So, friends let's start with the first question...
1) What is the Existentialism?
The Existantialism is while learning the human condition and life's inescapable problems as an individuality. It has certainly had considerable outside philosophy and it call a way of life. The existentialism is like many reasons or I can say that it has various themes like, Anxiety and authenticity, freedom, situatedness, existanc, Irrationality or absurdity and so on. Absurd play's best example is the "WAITING FOR GODOT". So, it's existentialism in my points of view.
2) What is the theme of 'The Myth of Sisyphus'?
In this essay Camus introduces his philosophy of the absurd man's futile search for meaning, unity and clarity. The Myth os Sisyphus was a (1942 ) philosophical essay and it was written by Albert Camus. The english translation by Justin O'Brien was first published in 1955. Here I find absurdity like, Absurd reasoning, the absurd man and absurd creation. The essay contains theme of "Hope" and "Absurdity". So, may be 'The Myth of Sisyphus' is perfect according to absurdity, nothingness and meaninglessness. The essay concludes with, "The struggle itself...Is enough to feel a man's heart. One must imagine Sisyphus happy."
3) Do you agree that Existentialism is Humanism?
I am not agree with this point because, both are different and I think the Existentialism is not Humanism at any stage. The Existentialism talking about humans choices, freedom, individual thoughts & importance of human being and also absurdity and existence. And humanism is all about life, social relations, importance of human life etc. So, in my points of view is that existentialism is not humanism because, both are not at all similar and both has different types of ways to see every day life and people. So, it's my simple understanding for both worlds.
4) What is Ubermensch?
The Ubermensch was written by Friedrich Nietzsche. In his 1883 book Thus Spock Zarathustra, Nietzsche's his character Zarathustra posit the Ubermensch as a goal for humidity to set for itself. It is a work of philosophical allegory, with a structural similarity to the Gathas of Zoroaster / Zarathustra.
5) What is theater of absurd?
The "Theater of the Absurd" is a post- World Wor - 2 and designation for particular plays of absurdist fiction written by a number of primarily written by European playwrights in the late 1950s. Their works focused largely on the idea of Existentialism. They write abot; What happens when human existence has no meaning or purpose and therefore all communications breaks down. Logical construction and argument give away to irrational and logical speech and to its ultimate conclusion, silence, because that is the way of existentialism.
6) What connection do you see in the setting of the play and these paintings?
In the play I see a country road and it's like way of born to death and everyday life. Yes, A tree is a symbol of hope for something better happen in future. Evening is also as a very appropriate symbol in this play because, the evening scene is end with unhappiness. And it's one of the best part of the play. Thefirst painting by Caspar David Friedrich is related to the Romantic era. Here I see one word "Longing" and it's related to the love for Nature and quest for natural beauty. And second painting is related to the "Waiting for Groot" in this painting I find meaninlessness, nothingness and Waiting for something. So, in the first painting is sun rise and second one is in the evening, so, it is the difference between both paintings.
7) he tree is the only important'thing' in the setting. What is the importance of tree in both acts? Why does Beckett grow a few leaves in act - II on the barren tree - The tree has four or five Leaves?
In this play tree is very important because, tree is a symbol of Change and the change is an itself as Illusions. So, that's why tree is important here and in first act tree is desolate and without leaves. It connected with "hope". And in second act I see tree has four leaves and it's sign of something to be done. But, according to Beckett "NOTHING TO BE DONE". May be this four leaves show me to four characters desire and it's not fulfill at all. So, tree has leave after they are being happy but, till wait for Godot.
8) How would you like to interpret this "coming of night and moon" When actually they are waiting for Godot?
At the end of the day in evening time is boring for Vladimir and Estragon. They everyday Wait for Godot, but he is not come their and both are unhappy for it. "Coming of night and Moon" is may be symbol of some rest and back to home. But, when moon come at that time they eagerly waiting for Godot. And the little boy is like messenger of Godot and they said Godot is doing anything? And than boy reply "Nothing". And both are despect and see the night and moon and than go back to their home. So, both are important for as a symbol and very appropriate things in the play.
9) The director feels the setting with some debris. Can you read any meaning in the counters of debris in the setting of the play?
It is connected with the "Slums aria" and poor people and it is the part of our class community and society. Here debris is like, Filthy types of ideas. And generally critical thinkers are focus on it. Yes, I can read meaning of debris in the play, I can say like debris is one of the bad side of our society and for spirituality. Vladimir and Estragon were boarded close to it. Because, some good means narrowness and bad mentality or things we follow in our everyday life. So, may be it's showing me like economically, socially, class conflict and minority and I personally connecte with all this things.
10) The play being with the dialogue "NOTHING TO BE DONE" How does the theme of nothingness recurs in the play?
In the play main theme is absurdity, that's why the play called "The Absurd play". Here I find something like Nothingness, meaninglessness, absurdity of life and waiting. It is like "Time passes" and move towards death. Estragon and Vladimir were morning to evening continue Wait and than thay were got unhappiness at the end of the day. Every dialogue and things are meaningless that's why I accepte this ideas of Nothingness and Absurdity.
11) Do you agree: “The play (Waiting for Godot), we agreed, was a positive play, not negative, not pessimistic. As I saw it, with my blood and skin and eyes, the philosophy is: 'No matter what— atom bombs, hydrogen bombs, anything—life goes on. You can kill yourself, but you can't kill life." (E.G. Marshal who played Vladimir in original Broadway production 1950s)?
According to our society this play is Negative but, when I think individually than I say the play is positieve for all human beings. The play " The Waiting for Godot" is one of the best play because, it's connected with real life situations. Absurdity of every day life and conditions of lower class people. So, I think it's minutely experienced by writer and something connected to daily routine. For example :- Morning is starting with hope and evening is happy or unhappy.
12) How are the props like hat and boots used in the play? What is the symbolical significance of these props?
This two basement are like, simple and appropriate things to the play. But, when I think about this two things is may be divided symbols.
◆HAT = Intellectuality
◆BOOTS = Emotions without sense
VLADIMIR and ESTRAGON both are use this props and another way LUCKEY and POZZO are also use the Hat and Boots. It's like upper class and lower class divisions. So, it's my understanding about this things and symbols.
13) Do you think that the obedience of Lucky is extremely irritating and nauseatic? Even when the master Pozzo is blind, he obediently hands the whip in his hand. Do you think that such a capacity of slavishness is unbelievable?
Yes, LUCKEY was obedient person for his master POZZO. LUCKEY was irritant and nauseating because, When POZZO treated as a bondhold at that time somehow required. But, when master Pozzo become blind and after Lucky follow the rules of blind man. Like, society, religion, class divisions, politics and economics. The " Whip" was also he took for him and become a blind follower of his master.
14) Who according to you is Godot? God? An object of desire? Death? Goal? Success? Or . . .
According to me "Godot" is peace for soul and may be death in this obstreperous world. So both characters are wants to go far from the world. In my understanding is that the Godot means "PEACE" and I personally want to it for my hall life.
15) “The subject of the play is not Godot but ‘Waiting’” (Esslin, A Search for the Self). Do you agree? How can you justify your answer?
Yes, I agree because, here important is object rather than subject. So, GODOT is not for all human beings, but, "Waiting" is more important and it's connected with the "A search for the self" and I agree fully. I want to justify by my experience, 'When we depends on others than we get unhappiness and at the end we get the only one advise for self. Depend on only own personal ability. So, it's absolutely right for me and I agree with this ideas.
16) Do you think that plays like this can better be ‘read’ than ‘viewed’ as it requires a lot of thinking on the part of readers, while viewing, the torrent of dialogues does not give ample time and space to ‘think’? Or is it that the audio-visuals help in better understanding of the play?
◆ Read= Through the reading we get more time to think and critical analysis. It's best way to batter understanding and get original ideas and situations. So, I personally recommend this is the best way for deep, logical and keep note.
◆ Viewed= Move screening is very useful because, when sometimes we doesn't feel SILENCE at that time the screening is helpful for me. And some symbols are easily visible and better understand for viewers. Sometimes people are not educated than screening is best for all audience.
◆ Audio - Visuals= It's my personal choice, because, I think when I here any topic and after I easily do description to thetopic. So, three are very important ways for all interested people.
17) Which of the following sequence you liked the most:
● Vladimir – Estragon killing time in questions and conversations whilewaiting
● Pozzo – Lucky episode in both acts
● Converstion of Vladimir with the boy
Vladimir and boy's conversation is very interested for me. I really enjoyed it because, questions are very simple but, logical and meaningful for me. Because I don't believe in the any Godot and I want to far from this topics and that's why I like this conversation for my better understanding for tack things.
18) Did you feel the effect of existential crisis or meaninglessness of human existence in the irrational and indifference Universe during screening of the movie? Where and when exactly that feeling was felt, if ever it was?
Yes, I feel the effect of existential crisis; when Vladimir and Estragon are waiting for "Godit" morning to evening and at the end is hopeless and meaningless waiting or time pass. When I see one tree and it is Jejune, so, the sign of nothingness and meaningless hope. Because, here hope and waiting is never end and we get unhappiness. So, I think I not only feel that but also experience the effect of existence.
19) Vladimir and Estragon talks about ‘hanging’ themselves and commit suicide, but they do not do so. How do you read this idea of suicide in Existentialism?
Two persons one is Vladimir and aother one is Estragon talks about ‘hanging’ themselves and commit suicide about I think like sometimes people know everything about the world than they try get way of escape in this fack world. Both are think about suicide but, they do not do because, all human beings are not willing for this step. Of course, vomit suicide is not easy for anyone. Idea of suicide in Existentialism is in my point of view like, freedom for existence is not choice but, suicide is always when people want and they do. So, it's the way of existentialism is appropriate ideas related to this absurd play.
20) Can we do any political reading of the play if we see European nations represented by the 'names' of the characters (Vladimir - Russia; Estragon - France; Pozzo - Italy and Lucky - England)? What interpretation can be inferred from the play written just after World War II? Which country stands for 'Godot'?
Yes, Vladimir from Russia is with Estragon and he was from France it's like sleepy mood and other countries rules and guidance through treats. It's connection between intellectuality and narrowness and no sense of rational thinking.
Pozzo from Italy related to era of master and slave mentality/ condition. And Lucky from England, so here I think differences for some political power, higher and lower level, economical condition and so on. So, here one country was master and another country treats to as a master or leader. So, it's my understanding for this four characters.
21) So far as Pozzo and Lucky [master and slave] are concerned, we have to remember that Beckett was a disciple of Joyce and that Joyce hated England. Beckett meant Pozzo to be England, and Lucky to be Ireland." (Bert Lahr who played Estragon in Broadway production). Does this reading make any sense? Why? How? What?
I can interpret the political reading in which Vladimir stand for Russia, Pozzo stand for Italy, Lucky stand for England and Estragon stand for France. The Godot with Germany means Hitler, who destroyed many areas and killed many people. And Pozzo and Lucky master and slave in which we connect Pozzo with England and Lucky with Ireland, so in this matter Ireland struggling a lot with England. So, it's my interpretation and few ideas about it.
22) The more the things change, the more it remains similar. There seems to have no change in Act I and Act II of the play. Even the conversation between Vladimir and the Boy sounds almost similar. But there is one major change. In Act I, in reply to Boy;s question, Vladimir says:
"BOY: What am I to tell Mr. Godot, Sir?
●VLADIMIR: Tell him . . . (he hesitates) . . .tell him you saw us. (Pause.) You did see us, didn't you?
◆ How does this conversation go in Act II? Is there any change in seeming similar situation and conversation? If so, what is it? What does it signify?
I find some changes in both acts and Vladimir told to the boy that tell Godot that you saw us. So, here Vladimir taked about both Vladimir and Estragon while in second act Vladimir told the boy that tell Godot that you saw me, so here Vladimir talked about his self he does not mention the name of Estragon. So, in act - II is change and it's not simple but, deep ideas for him.
☺️ Thank you !☺️
1) What is the Existentialism?
The Existantialism is while learning the human condition and life's inescapable problems as an individuality. It has certainly had considerable outside philosophy and it call a way of life. The existentialism is like many reasons or I can say that it has various themes like, Anxiety and authenticity, freedom, situatedness, existanc, Irrationality or absurdity and so on. Absurd play's best example is the "WAITING FOR GODOT". So, it's existentialism in my points of view.
2) What is the theme of 'The Myth of Sisyphus'?
In this essay Camus introduces his philosophy of the absurd man's futile search for meaning, unity and clarity. The Myth os Sisyphus was a (1942 ) philosophical essay and it was written by Albert Camus. The english translation by Justin O'Brien was first published in 1955. Here I find absurdity like, Absurd reasoning, the absurd man and absurd creation. The essay contains theme of "Hope" and "Absurdity". So, may be 'The Myth of Sisyphus' is perfect according to absurdity, nothingness and meaninglessness. The essay concludes with, "The struggle itself...Is enough to feel a man's heart. One must imagine Sisyphus happy."
3) Do you agree that Existentialism is Humanism?
I am not agree with this point because, both are different and I think the Existentialism is not Humanism at any stage. The Existentialism talking about humans choices, freedom, individual thoughts & importance of human being and also absurdity and existence. And humanism is all about life, social relations, importance of human life etc. So, in my points of view is that existentialism is not humanism because, both are not at all similar and both has different types of ways to see every day life and people. So, it's my simple understanding for both worlds.
4) What is Ubermensch?
The Ubermensch was written by Friedrich Nietzsche. In his 1883 book Thus Spock Zarathustra, Nietzsche's his character Zarathustra posit the Ubermensch as a goal for humidity to set for itself. It is a work of philosophical allegory, with a structural similarity to the Gathas of Zoroaster / Zarathustra.
5) What is theater of absurd?
The "Theater of the Absurd" is a post- World Wor - 2 and designation for particular plays of absurdist fiction written by a number of primarily written by European playwrights in the late 1950s. Their works focused largely on the idea of Existentialism. They write abot; What happens when human existence has no meaning or purpose and therefore all communications breaks down. Logical construction and argument give away to irrational and logical speech and to its ultimate conclusion, silence, because that is the way of existentialism.
6) What connection do you see in the setting of the play and these paintings?
In the play I see a country road and it's like way of born to death and everyday life. Yes, A tree is a symbol of hope for something better happen in future. Evening is also as a very appropriate symbol in this play because, the evening scene is end with unhappiness. And it's one of the best part of the play. Thefirst painting by Caspar David Friedrich is related to the Romantic era. Here I see one word "Longing" and it's related to the love for Nature and quest for natural beauty. And second painting is related to the "Waiting for Groot" in this painting I find meaninlessness, nothingness and Waiting for something. So, in the first painting is sun rise and second one is in the evening, so, it is the difference between both paintings.
7) he tree is the only important'thing' in the setting. What is the importance of tree in both acts? Why does Beckett grow a few leaves in act - II on the barren tree - The tree has four or five Leaves?
In this play tree is very important because, tree is a symbol of Change and the change is an itself as Illusions. So, that's why tree is important here and in first act tree is desolate and without leaves. It connected with "hope". And in second act I see tree has four leaves and it's sign of something to be done. But, according to Beckett "NOTHING TO BE DONE". May be this four leaves show me to four characters desire and it's not fulfill at all. So, tree has leave after they are being happy but, till wait for Godot.
8) How would you like to interpret this "coming of night and moon" When actually they are waiting for Godot?
At the end of the day in evening time is boring for Vladimir and Estragon. They everyday Wait for Godot, but he is not come their and both are unhappy for it. "Coming of night and Moon" is may be symbol of some rest and back to home. But, when moon come at that time they eagerly waiting for Godot. And the little boy is like messenger of Godot and they said Godot is doing anything? And than boy reply "Nothing". And both are despect and see the night and moon and than go back to their home. So, both are important for as a symbol and very appropriate things in the play.
9) The director feels the setting with some debris. Can you read any meaning in the counters of debris in the setting of the play?
It is connected with the "Slums aria" and poor people and it is the part of our class community and society. Here debris is like, Filthy types of ideas. And generally critical thinkers are focus on it. Yes, I can read meaning of debris in the play, I can say like debris is one of the bad side of our society and for spirituality. Vladimir and Estragon were boarded close to it. Because, some good means narrowness and bad mentality or things we follow in our everyday life. So, may be it's showing me like economically, socially, class conflict and minority and I personally connecte with all this things.
10) The play being with the dialogue "NOTHING TO BE DONE" How does the theme of nothingness recurs in the play?
In the play main theme is absurdity, that's why the play called "The Absurd play". Here I find something like Nothingness, meaninglessness, absurdity of life and waiting. It is like "Time passes" and move towards death. Estragon and Vladimir were morning to evening continue Wait and than thay were got unhappiness at the end of the day. Every dialogue and things are meaningless that's why I accepte this ideas of Nothingness and Absurdity.
11) Do you agree: “The play (Waiting for Godot), we agreed, was a positive play, not negative, not pessimistic. As I saw it, with my blood and skin and eyes, the philosophy is: 'No matter what— atom bombs, hydrogen bombs, anything—life goes on. You can kill yourself, but you can't kill life." (E.G. Marshal who played Vladimir in original Broadway production 1950s)?
According to our society this play is Negative but, when I think individually than I say the play is positieve for all human beings. The play " The Waiting for Godot" is one of the best play because, it's connected with real life situations. Absurdity of every day life and conditions of lower class people. So, I think it's minutely experienced by writer and something connected to daily routine. For example :- Morning is starting with hope and evening is happy or unhappy.
12) How are the props like hat and boots used in the play? What is the symbolical significance of these props?
This two basement are like, simple and appropriate things to the play. But, when I think about this two things is may be divided symbols.
◆HAT = Intellectuality
◆BOOTS = Emotions without sense
VLADIMIR and ESTRAGON both are use this props and another way LUCKEY and POZZO are also use the Hat and Boots. It's like upper class and lower class divisions. So, it's my understanding about this things and symbols.
13) Do you think that the obedience of Lucky is extremely irritating and nauseatic? Even when the master Pozzo is blind, he obediently hands the whip in his hand. Do you think that such a capacity of slavishness is unbelievable?
Yes, LUCKEY was obedient person for his master POZZO. LUCKEY was irritant and nauseating because, When POZZO treated as a bondhold at that time somehow required. But, when master Pozzo become blind and after Lucky follow the rules of blind man. Like, society, religion, class divisions, politics and economics. The " Whip" was also he took for him and become a blind follower of his master.
14) Who according to you is Godot? God? An object of desire? Death? Goal? Success? Or . . .
According to me "Godot" is peace for soul and may be death in this obstreperous world. So both characters are wants to go far from the world. In my understanding is that the Godot means "PEACE" and I personally want to it for my hall life.
15) “The subject of the play is not Godot but ‘Waiting’” (Esslin, A Search for the Self). Do you agree? How can you justify your answer?
Yes, I agree because, here important is object rather than subject. So, GODOT is not for all human beings, but, "Waiting" is more important and it's connected with the "A search for the self" and I agree fully. I want to justify by my experience, 'When we depends on others than we get unhappiness and at the end we get the only one advise for self. Depend on only own personal ability. So, it's absolutely right for me and I agree with this ideas.
16) Do you think that plays like this can better be ‘read’ than ‘viewed’ as it requires a lot of thinking on the part of readers, while viewing, the torrent of dialogues does not give ample time and space to ‘think’? Or is it that the audio-visuals help in better understanding of the play?
◆ Read= Through the reading we get more time to think and critical analysis. It's best way to batter understanding and get original ideas and situations. So, I personally recommend this is the best way for deep, logical and keep note.
◆ Viewed= Move screening is very useful because, when sometimes we doesn't feel SILENCE at that time the screening is helpful for me. And some symbols are easily visible and better understand for viewers. Sometimes people are not educated than screening is best for all audience.
◆ Audio - Visuals= It's my personal choice, because, I think when I here any topic and after I easily do description to thetopic. So, three are very important ways for all interested people.
17) Which of the following sequence you liked the most:
● Vladimir – Estragon killing time in questions and conversations whilewaiting
● Pozzo – Lucky episode in both acts
● Converstion of Vladimir with the boy
Vladimir and boy's conversation is very interested for me. I really enjoyed it because, questions are very simple but, logical and meaningful for me. Because I don't believe in the any Godot and I want to far from this topics and that's why I like this conversation for my better understanding for tack things.
18) Did you feel the effect of existential crisis or meaninglessness of human existence in the irrational and indifference Universe during screening of the movie? Where and when exactly that feeling was felt, if ever it was?
Yes, I feel the effect of existential crisis; when Vladimir and Estragon are waiting for "Godit" morning to evening and at the end is hopeless and meaningless waiting or time pass. When I see one tree and it is Jejune, so, the sign of nothingness and meaningless hope. Because, here hope and waiting is never end and we get unhappiness. So, I think I not only feel that but also experience the effect of existence.
19) Vladimir and Estragon talks about ‘hanging’ themselves and commit suicide, but they do not do so. How do you read this idea of suicide in Existentialism?
Two persons one is Vladimir and aother one is Estragon talks about ‘hanging’ themselves and commit suicide about I think like sometimes people know everything about the world than they try get way of escape in this fack world. Both are think about suicide but, they do not do because, all human beings are not willing for this step. Of course, vomit suicide is not easy for anyone. Idea of suicide in Existentialism is in my point of view like, freedom for existence is not choice but, suicide is always when people want and they do. So, it's the way of existentialism is appropriate ideas related to this absurd play.
20) Can we do any political reading of the play if we see European nations represented by the 'names' of the characters (Vladimir - Russia; Estragon - France; Pozzo - Italy and Lucky - England)? What interpretation can be inferred from the play written just after World War II? Which country stands for 'Godot'?
Yes, Vladimir from Russia is with Estragon and he was from France it's like sleepy mood and other countries rules and guidance through treats. It's connection between intellectuality and narrowness and no sense of rational thinking.
Pozzo from Italy related to era of master and slave mentality/ condition. And Lucky from England, so here I think differences for some political power, higher and lower level, economical condition and so on. So, here one country was master and another country treats to as a master or leader. So, it's my understanding for this four characters.
21) So far as Pozzo and Lucky [master and slave] are concerned, we have to remember that Beckett was a disciple of Joyce and that Joyce hated England. Beckett meant Pozzo to be England, and Lucky to be Ireland." (Bert Lahr who played Estragon in Broadway production). Does this reading make any sense? Why? How? What?
I can interpret the political reading in which Vladimir stand for Russia, Pozzo stand for Italy, Lucky stand for England and Estragon stand for France. The Godot with Germany means Hitler, who destroyed many areas and killed many people. And Pozzo and Lucky master and slave in which we connect Pozzo with England and Lucky with Ireland, so in this matter Ireland struggling a lot with England. So, it's my interpretation and few ideas about it.
22) The more the things change, the more it remains similar. There seems to have no change in Act I and Act II of the play. Even the conversation between Vladimir and the Boy sounds almost similar. But there is one major change. In Act I, in reply to Boy;s question, Vladimir says:
"BOY: What am I to tell Mr. Godot, Sir?
●VLADIMIR: Tell him . . . (he hesitates) . . .tell him you saw us. (Pause.) You did see us, didn't you?
◆ How does this conversation go in Act II? Is there any change in seeming similar situation and conversation? If so, what is it? What does it signify?
I find some changes in both acts and Vladimir told to the boy that tell Godot that you saw us. So, here Vladimir taked about both Vladimir and Estragon while in second act Vladimir told the boy that tell Godot that you saw me, so here Vladimir talked about his self he does not mention the name of Estragon. So, in act - II is change and it's not simple but, deep ideas for him.
☺️ Thank you !☺️
Very well described
ReplyDeleteThank you dear
ReplyDelete👌👌👌👌👌
ReplyDeleteTnx Payal
Delete