Existentialist Absurdist Theatre in Waiting for Godot

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The power that is captured with Vladimir and Estragon’s acceptance of Godot’s absence is one that resonates deeply with the play’s audience. “Existentialism is a philosophy that repudiates the idea of religion bringing meaning to life, and advocates the idea that individuals are instrumental in creating meaning in their lives.” ("Samuel Beckett's Waiting for Godot - An existential play") Instead of waiting aimlessly for Godot (that is, God or salvation) to arrive, Vladimir and Estragon accept what they were afraid would happen has actually happened (Godot’s lack of an appearance) and decide to move forward with their lives. From an existentialist point of view, this rejection of hope and faith by the play’s main protagonists is translated into the premise of rejecting the impression of a higher deity in individuals’ lives. Intrinsically, all of humankind must embrace proactivity as an attitude as opposed to relying purely on blind faith.

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REFERENCES

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