Absurd Drama is a sub-genre of
Drama that focuses on the absurdity of human existence. It is very clear
from the very word "Absurd" that it means nonsensical, opposed to
reason, something silly, foolish, senseless, ridiculous and topsy-turvy.
Moreover, a play having loosely constructed plot, unrecognizable characters,
metaphysical called an absurd play.
Samuel Beckett is considered to be an
important figure among the French Absurdist’s. "Waiting for Godot" is
one of the masterpieces of Absurdist literature. Elements of Absurdity for
making this play are so engaging and lively.
Characteristics of
Absurd Theater:
- No story or plot
- No characterization and motivation
- Neither a proper beginning nor ending
- Unexplained themes
- Imitation of dreams or nightmares instead of
nature
- Useless dialogues
 |
| Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett |
“Waiting for Godot” as an Absurd Play:
“Waiting for Godot” fulfills every requirement of an
absurd play. It has no story, no characterization, no beginning nor any end,
unexplained themes, imitation of dreams and nightmares and above all it
contains useless dialogues.
No story or plot:
“Waiting for Godot” does not tell any story nor does
it has a plot. The play starts with waiting and ends with it. Characters do not
go anywhere. They stand still in front of audience and do nothing except
passing the ball. They talk and pass the time. Actions of characters are not
related to plot but to themselves. Vladimir and Estragon wait for Godot and
audience perceive that perhaps real story of the play will start after Godot’s
arrival but Godot does not appear on stage nor is he introduced to the
audience. Eventually, play ends with waiting. In this ways, “Waiting for Godot”
fulfills first requirement of an absurd play.
Lack of Characterization:
We don’t know past of the characters. They are not
introduced to the audience. We know only their names and their miserable
situation. Their motifs are unclear. Although it is explicit that they are
waiting for Godot yet it is not told to the audience that what purpose Godot
will serve if he comes. Hence, lack of characterization proves that “Waiting of
Godot” is a play of absurd theater.
No Beginning and End:
It has no beginning nor has any end. It starts with a
situation and ends with it. Both the acts start and end in same way. When
characters come on stage they reveal their purpose. They say they are waiting
but Godot does not come and the act ends with waiting. Second act is also the
copy of first act with minor differences. The play goes on and eventually ends
with wait. Hence, there is no proper start of the play nor does it has a proper
end.
It is a play in which nothing happens twice…. “Nothing
happens, nobody comes … nobody goes, it’s awful!”.
Fulfillment of this requirement also proves that
“Waiting for Godot” is an absurd play.
Useless Dialogues:
Most of the dialogues of this play serve no purpose.
Whole play is based on delivery of dialogues but most of them have no apparent
meanings. Every dialogue is full of symbols. Every word refers something in
hidden meaning but it lacks the interest of audience because it lacks action.
Dialogues create action in every play. Action loses
its importance without worthy dialogues. In case of “Waiting for Godot”, no
action has been presented, therefore, dialogues are boring and they are written
just to pass the ball. Word “nothing” has been repeated numerously in the play.
It actually indicates nothingness in it.
Unexplained Themes:
Unclear themes also make “Waiting for Godot” a play of
absurd theater. Audience do not observe any obvious theme in the play.
Superiority of a play is always dependent on its themes. “Waiting for Godot”
has no obvious theme. If there is any, it is hidden.
Imitation of Nightmares:
This play does not hold the mirror up to nature. It
does not portray the manners and mannerisms of the ages. Martin Esslin is true
in his definition of theater of absurd. This play “seem[s] often to be
reflection of dreams and nightmares”.
At last but not the least, “Waiting for Godot” is
entirely unconventional play. Samuel Becket violated all dramatic conventions.
Indeed, every ingredient of theater of absurd has been fulfilled by him.
Regardless of that this play is successful. He wrote this play to break the
rules of traditional dramatists. “Waiting
for Godot” completes
every factor of theater of absurd, therefore, it can successfully be called the
play of absurd.
