World Literature 2 The Nihilism in Waiting for Godot

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Discuss the nihilistic philosophy behind Waiting for Godot.

Jack Clayton 12G        Mrs Henshaw        Word Count:

Waiting for Godot, by Samuel Beckett, portrays a nihilistic philosophy through two protagonists, Vladimir and Estragon. Throughout Waiting for Godot the two tramps convey a lack of morality, understanding and a lack of purpose. Vladimir and Estragon incessantly persist in chatting about meaningless matters with no intent of acting upon their decisions. Beckett’s use of nonsensical circular language expresses the existentialist theme that is consistent throughout Waiting for Godot.

Nihilism is the belief that existence is not real and that there can be no objective basis of truth. This definition directly relates to the nihilistic philosophy that is behind Waiting for Godot. It indicates that the world and all humanity exist without meaning, purpose, truth or value. Beckett’s own interpretation is obvious in Waiting for Godot as when Vladimir tells Estragon that they must return the following evening to keep their appointment once again. However, Vladimir knows that the routine is meaningless: Godot will not come.

ESTRAGON: And if we dropped him? [Pause.] If we dropped him?

VLADIMIR: He’d punish us.

VLADIMIR: …Unless Godot comes.

ESTRAGON: And if he comes?

Join now!

VLADIMIR: We’ll be saved.

Nevertheless the punishment is already apparent to Vladimir: the pointless execution without hope of fulfilment. Estragon and Vladimir are as dependent on Godot as he is on them. They all need an outside witness to have proof of their own existence. Vladimir’s confrontation with the boy expresses his doubt over his and Estragon’s existence.

BOY: What am I to say to Mr Godot, sir?

VLADIMIR: Tell him… [He hesitates.]…tell him you saw us. [Pause.] You did see us didn’t you?

From this extract we can determine Godot’s own fear of non-existence and his need for the ...

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