Waiting for Godot Teacher's Pet

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Individual Learning Packet

Teaching Unit

Waiting for Godot

by Samuel Beckett

Copyright 1985 by Prestwick House Inc., P.O. Box 658, Clayton, DE 19938. 1-800-932-4593.www.prestwickhouse.com Permission to copy this unit or classroom use is extended to purchaser or his or her

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Waiting for Godot TEACHING UNIT

BACKGROUND LECTURE

Waiting for Godot

Background Lecture

Samuel Beckett, born 1906 in Dublin, Ireland, was a novelist and playwright who spent mucho his lie in the cultural center o Paris. Beckett was drawn to this intellectual atmosphereater completing his M.A. at Trinity College, Ireland. Except or excursions in Europe, hespent most o his lie in Paris, writing in French rom the 1940s on. Like his close riend

James Joyce, Beckett, was a scholar o language. In 1969, Beckett was given the Nobel Prizeor his work. Waiting for Godot is considered a representative play o Theater o the Absurd.

Theatre of the Absurd:

wasatrendintheatreduringthe1950s&1960s.

originatedwiththeSurrealistmovementofthe1930s.

wastheculminationofthepessimistic,disillusionedattitudethatexistedbetweenthe1920s&1950s.

showedthatmansonlyprotectionistolaughattheabsurdityofhissituationsince human lie and eorts are illogical, and language is inadequate as a means ocommunication.

sawexistenceasridiculousbecausehumanactionismeaningless.Asaresult,thereare no moral decisions or conicts between orces that are meaningul.


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BACKGROUND LECTURE

Characteristics:

1. In orm, playwrights do not ollow the traditional techniques o characterization anddramatic construction. According to some critics, the plays are anti-dramatic becauseeverything that happens to man is random.

2. The exposition is vague; little inormation about the previous history o the characters isgiven. Character motivation is unclear.

3. At times, the characters change their personalities abruptly or no reason.

4. The action oten involves bizarre, unreal incidents and behaviors.

5. There is no concern to tell a narrative o the external world.

6. Rather, the purpose is to portray the inner world or state o mind o a human being.

7. The reality o these plays is oten the reality o antasy or dream-lie.

8. The plays explore the inner world o anxieties, obsessions, and wish ulfllment.

9. Images and metaphors are presented on stage to convey these inner eelings.

10. The style is oten ragmented thought, recollection, and conversation.

11. The atmospheres o the plays are oten gloomy since these plays reect the utility anddespair o lie.

12. The moods o the plays are considered by many to be sinister; man is shown to beimpotent, incapable o action, and in a state o paralysis.

Waiting for Godot, frst perormed in Paris in 1952, was considered a turning point omodern drama because Becketts innovative play was a sharp contrast to conventionaldrama. First, since Existentialism was a popular doctrine in Paris when Beckettlived there, the play shows some Existential inuence. Specifcally, the charactersare alienated; their lives seem meaningless and absurd as they wait or Godot, whodoes not appear. The characters are not Existential, however, because they are able to

maintain hope and endure. Second, the play is not structured by a typical complication,resolution plot. Rather, it is a pattern o monotonous action and dialogue. Third, theplay is clearly symbolic; Christian symbolism is most apparent.

The play is classifed Tragi-Comedy. Tragi-Comedy is a combination o the tragic andthe comic. Although horrifed by the situation presented, people laugh at the way it ispresented. The comical aspect can be considered arcical. Farce is an exaggerated type ocomedy ull o ludicrous incidents and expressions.


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INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

Objectives

By the end of this Unit, the student will be able to:

1. identiy Waiting For Godot as Theatre o the Absurd, pointing out the ollowing

characteristics:A. There is the attitude that lie is ridiculous.B. It uses non-conventional techniques o plot and character development.C. It explores the inner world o humans, not the external reality.D. The style is ragmented thought.E. Metaphors, images, and symbols are presented.F. The atmosphere is one o despair.

2. creatively write a description o what some people do while they are waiting.

3. explain the elements o tragi-comedy in the play: the comedy o absurdity, the tragedy o

the characters miserable plight.

4. explain how the setting, the world o the play, contributes to the mood, atmosphere,and theme.

5. write an essay that explains one aspect o the play that aects the audience.

6. discuss the ollowing themes:

A. People exist in a cycle o meaningless suering, waiting or some relie.

B. In human existence, hoping, attempting to communicate, and searching or meaningare utile. Man is powerless, bored, and rustrated.C. In spite o the suering and utility o lie, humans are noble in their eorts to

survive, their ability to hope, and their capacity to show compassion to each other.D. The two main characters, Gogo and Didi, are like clowns; throughout their

grotesque interactions, they are unable to understand each other.E. Humans are alienated. Each individual eels apart rom society as a whole and eels

rustrated as he tries to communicate and cries out or help.F. As people struggle to combat boredom in their lives, lie itsel becomes meaningless.G. The catharsis o the play is the nothing happens aspect o our daily lives;

paradoxically, we are thrown out o our boredom by the suspense resulting rom the

nothing happens o lie.


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Questions for Discussion

Questions for Discussion

Act I.

Find three examples o tragi-comedy in this act.

Possible answers are as ollows:

1. When Vladimir and Estragon consider suicide (comical argument/human despair).

2. When Estragon forgets he and Estragon are waiting.

3. Vladimir and Estragons comical inspection of the pathetic Lucky.

4. Pozzos mockery of consideration for Lucky in asking him if he wants the bones before hegives them to Estragon. It is tragic that Pozzo seems to believe that he is a sensitive leader.

5. Luckys hat, dance, and speech.

6. Pozzos searching for the things he thinks that he has lost.

7. The interaction of Lucky with Vladimir and Estragon, i.e. the kicking, etc.

Act II.

List at least fve ways that Act II parallels Act I.

1. Estragon and Vladimir come together in the morning after being separated during the night.

2. Pozzo and Lucky arrive.

3. Estragon complains about his feet and leaves his boots.

4. The messenger returns.

5. Estragon sleeps; Vladimir waits for him to awaken.

6. Vladimir and Estragon consider the tree for hanging themselves.

7. For another day, Vladimir and Estragon pass the time waiting.

8. Vladimir and Estragon consider separating again.


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TEST

Test

Characters - Matching

1. ______ Estragon A. represents the hope o a better uture.

2. ______ Vladimir B. a miserable victim who is loyal to his tormentor.

3. ______ Pozzo C. is concerned with the physical aspects o lie.

4. ______ Lucky D. a cruel landowner who is concerned only with himsel

5. ______ Godot E. is concerned with the intellectual aspects o lie.

Multiple Choice

6. How does the reader know that Gogo and Didi are together beore the play begins?A. Pozzo reminds them that he has known them or twenty years.B. They share vague memories o picking grapes together.C. The messenger indicates that he had seen them together.D. All o the above

7. Vladimir shows kindness to Estragon when heA. gives Estragon his comortable boots.

B. covers the sleeping Estragon with his coat.C. deends Estragon while Estragon sleeps in the ditch.D. Both C and B

8. Vladimir believes he has a 50-50 chance o being saved. To support this belie, Vladimirattempts to remind Estragon oA. the notion that one o the two thieves being crucifed with Christ is saved.B. the idea that 50-50 are random odds or everyone.C. the act that he has saved other people.D. the Christian idea that Christ promises salvation to those who are aithul.

9. Estragon is concerned aboutA. the purpose o lie.B. buying a arm.C. how not to hurt Vladimirs eelings.D. eating.


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TEST

10. When Pozzo frst enters with Lucky, Pozzo says he will delay his journey a momentbecauseA. he wants the society o other humans.B. he wants to eat chicken in ront o hungry men.C. Lucky needs a rest.

D. Estragon will not get o Pozzos land.

11. Ater Pozzo fnishes eating his chicken, Vladimir is scandalized and embarrassedbecauseA. Lucky is orced to chew on Pozzos chicken bones.B. Pozzo reuses to allow Lucky to eat.C. Estragon asks or the chicken bones.D. Both B and C

12. According to Pozzo, Lucky doesnt put down the bags because heA. is too stupid.

B. is anxious to leave.C. wants to impress Pozzo with his strength and devotion.D. wants to impress on Vladimir how cruel Pozzo is.

13. During the frst scene which includes Estragon, Vladimir, Lucky and Pozzo, LuckyA. kicks Estragon.B. cries.C. gives a long speech with several incomplete thoughts.D. All o the above

14. The boy who brings the message rom Mr. Godot isA. a slave owned by Pozzo.B. earul.C. sure that Godot will come that evening.D. starving.

15. In Act II Pozzo isA. blind and more helpless.B. more cruel to Lucky.C. more appreciative and considerate o Lucky.D. Both A and C


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TEST ANSWER KEY

Test Answer Key

Multiple Choice

1. C 6. B 11. C

2. E 7. B 12. C

3. D 8. A 13. D

4. B 9. D 14. B

5. A 10. A 15. A

Sentence Completion

16. The characters show they are bored when they try to think of and welcome diversionsactsilly.

17. While they are waiting, the characters o Estragon and Vladimir pass the time by talking,being silly, getting into arguments, eating, thinking of suicide, sleeping.

18. Beckett shows humans are capable o compassion by Estragon and Vladimirs concern foreach other. For example, Vladimir uses his coat to cover the sleeping Estragon. Estragon and

Vladimir are concerned for Lucky, at least until Lucky kicks Estragon, who tries to comforthim.

19. Although Estragon and Vladimir consider hanging themselves, they do not because theyhave hope Godot will come. They do not want to risk leaving the other behind alone. They donot have any rope.

20. Act II parallels Act I except or the changes oscenery (there are leaves on the tree) andcharacterization (Lucky is dumb, and Pozzo is blind).


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TEST ANSWER KEY

Answers to the Paragraphs

21. There is no scenery. Few allusions are made to any historical time. Only a ew places arementioned, but the characters are not at any o these places during the play; they havebeen there. The play represents the universal condition o man; this is a symbolic world.

People are alienated rom nature in the modern world.

22. Students may point out that people are able to endure their present hardships by hopingor a better uture. They may mention that some people are able to realize some o theirhopes; students may not believe lie is as unpromising as Beckett suggests. Others maypoint out the religious aspects and mention the aith they have been taught.

Answers to Essay

Answers will vary.


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Waiting for Godot TEACHERS COPY

STUDY GUIDE

1. Describe the scenery o the play.

Because the play is a symbolic one, there is little scenery. A tree along a country road ismentioned. To suggest a universal setting, the play could take place anywhere, anytime.

2. Contrast Estragon and Vladimir by considering what each is concerned with, who ismore realistic, and who is more idealistic and why.

Estragon is a realist; he is interested in his physical needs. Vladimir is an idealist; he isreaching or something meaningul in his lie. Vladimir is concerned with the intellectual.

3. What point does Vladimir make with his story o the two thieves who are crucifed atthe same time as Christ? What is Estragons reaction?

One o the thieves is saved, so there is a chance o salvation.

Although only one o the our Gospels mention the one thie being saved, people believe thatone o the two is saved. This points out the willingness o people to hope. Estragons remark isthat people are bloody ignorant apes.

4. Considering the juxtaposition o the story o the two thieves and the mention o Godot,what is the signifcance o Godot?

Godot can represent the hope o salvation or a better uture. The signifcance is not in whoGodot, is but in the act that the men are waiting or him to come.

5. What do Estragon and Vladimir do to pass the time?

They talk and speculate. They do not always understand each other. They argue. They showconcern or each other. They consider the uture and share vague memories.

6. Estragon says, There are times when I wonder i it wouldnt be better or us to part.Why do they not part? Give details to prove your points.

They will be lonely without each other. (Vladimir awakens Estragon because he is lonely.)When they consider suicide, neither wants to be let alone. They need to share their thoughtswith each other. Estragon wants to tell Vladimir about his dream and is upset when Vladimir

will not listen.

7. How are they like a married couple?

They have pet names or each otherGogo and Didi. They get angry with each other and thenembrace. Although they have dierences, they need each other. In one way they are opposites,two sides o one entity.


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STUDY GUIDE

8. In your opinion, why do Estragon and Vladimir consider suicide? Do you believe theyreally want to commit suicide? Explain your opinions.

People oten get tired o waiting or something good to happen; they eel despair or loss ohope. Apparently they have not lost all hope because they agree to keep waiting or Godot.

9. Estragon is concerned that they have lost their rights. Why does he eel this way?

They are desperate. In response to Estragons question, Where do we come in? Vladimirsays, Come in? On our hands and knees.

10. Although Estragon is concerned with being tied to Godot, he seems at least equallyconcerned about what else? What is Becketts point?

Eating. To humans, eating is at least as important as anything else.

11. Describe the relationship between Pozzo and Lucky.

Master and slave.

12. Characterize Pozzo. Support your ideas about him with examples rom the text.

He is power hungry, flled with his own importance. He says, I present mysel: Pozzo...I amPozzo! (silence) Pozzo! Does that name mean nothing to you? He considers Vladimir andEstragon imperect likenesses o himsel. He is cruel. Examples can also be taken romPozzos treatment o Lucky.

13. Why does Pozzo stop his journey?

He says that he cannot go on without the society o others.

14. How do Vladimir and Estragon react to Lucky?

They are both concerned and curious.

15. Why is Vladimir shocked? What, according to Vladimir, is so scandalous?

Estragon should ask or the bones and not wait or Pozzo and Lucky to leave. Pozzostreatment o Lucky can be considered scandalous.


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STUDY GUIDE

6. Estragon says they blathered. What do you think he means? Do people blatherabout nothing in particular?

It means to talk; without meaning.

7. Explain Estragons statement, We always fnd something, eh Didi, to give us theimpression we exist?

Their concern over the boots, eating, staying together, getting angry, and being sillygives them the assurance that they are alive and that they do matter to each other and tothemselves.

8. What does Vladimir do that shows the human capacity or compassion?

While Estragon sleeps, Vladimir uses his own coat to cover Estragon. He comorts Estragonwhen he awakens.

9. Describe the stage business that goes on with the hat.

Estragon and Vladimir keep exchanging hats. They abuse each other.

10. Although Vladimir is the intellectual, both he and Estragon are shown to be thinkerswho question and discuss lie. Explain Vladimirs statement, What is terrible is to havethought...Its not the worst, I know... but we could have done without it.

Humans are capable o analyzing and planning their experiences. This unique ability among

other animals may be the source o human problems. Other animals live by instinct; mantries to live by reason.

11. How do Estragon and Vladimir behave when they think Godot may have come?

Apart rom their excitement, they seem almost earul. Perhaps they are satisfed with hope;maybe the anticipation is more satisying than the reality.

12. What is dierent about Lucky and Pozzo?

Pozzo is blind; he is dependent on Lucky. Later, it is revealed that Lucky is dumb.

13. Pozzo cries or help. How do Estragon and Vladimir react?

They discuss the possibility o getting something rom him now that he is at their mercy.Vladimir philosophizes on the idea o not wasting time when they have the opportunity tohelp mankind. However, he wastes time with his long speeches.


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STUDY GUIDE

14. How is the idea that Estragon and Vladimir are bored developed?

Vladimir says, We are bored to death. Pozzo and Lucky are a diversion or him.

15. How are the characters clown-like?

They all on top o each other, pull each other down.

16. Estragon calls Pozzo by the name Abel and calls Lucky by the name Cain. Explain.

Biblical reerences to Cain and Abel appear to indicate that the two represent all humanity.

17. Give an example to show the treatment o Lucky is both comic and tragic.

Pozzo:pull on the rope, as hard as he likes so long as he doesnt strangle him give him ataste o his boot, in the ace and the privates as ar as possible

Vladimir: Make sure hes alive beore you start. No point in exerting yoursel i hes dead.

With sudden ury, Estragon starts kicking Lucky,But he hurts his oot and moves away,limping and groaning.

18. Estragon is able to dream o happiness. What does that suggest?

Perhaps happiness is possible only in dreams.

19. How is the conversation with the messenger a repeat o the evening beore?

Godot is not coming, but he will come the next night. The messenger does not recognizeVladimir. The messenger wants to know what to tell Godot.

20. How is the fnal conversation between Estragon and Vladimir a repeat o theevening beore?

They consider suicide and they consider parting.

21. Explain the act that, although Estragon and Vladimir agree to go, the stage directions

indicate that they do not move.

Because they are ocused on being saved in the uture, they are incapable o taking actionin the present. Their action is only to pass the time while they wait.


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STUDY GUIDE

22. How is the play one o both hope and despair?

The hope comes rom the act that the characters, like most people, do not give up the hope oa better uture. It is this hope that sustains them. However, they must endure intense sueringas they live and wait. Hope also comes rom the riendship between the two men. Although

they have difculty communicating so they can understand each other, they are a comort toeach other.

23. Some critics think it is a waste o time to speculate on the identity o Godot. Othercritics say Godot is God. Explain your opinion.

It is both the waiting and the hope attached to Godot that are signifcant. Students may fndall the Christian reerences in the play do support the idea o Godot as God. Vladimir andEstragon both honor and ear the coming o Godot.

24. Which character do you have the most respect or? Why?

Estragon and Vladimir represent people who are capable o thought; they are controlled byideals. Vladimir is more the leader and Estragon the ollower. Lucky and Pozzo are symbolico people who live as part o the pragmatic, materialistic system that makes practical gainan end. Pozzo, a wealthy landowner, could be either a Capitalist or an Aristocrat. Lucky,his victim, is either a laborer or a member o the working class. Unortunately, Lucky is soaccustomed to this cruelty that he insists on fghting or it. (He wants to impress Pozzo sothat Pozzo will keep him. He kicks Estragon who has oered him concern.)


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Waiting for Godot STUDENT COPY

STUDY GUIDE

1. Describe the scenery o the play.____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2. Contrast Estragon and Vladimir by considering what each is concerned with, who ismore realistic, and who is more idealistic and why.____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

3. What point does Vladimir make with his story o the two thieves who are crucifed atthe same time as Christ? What is Estragons reaction?_________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

4. Considering the juxtaposition o the story o the two thieves and the mention o Godot,what is the signifcance o Godot?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

5. What do Estragon and Vladimir do to pass the time?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

6. Estragon says, There are times when I wonder i it wouldnt be better or us to part.Why do they not part? Give details to prove your points.__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

7. How are they like a married couple?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


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STUDY GUIDE

8. In your opinion, why do Estragon and Vladimir consider suicide? Do you believe theyreally want to commit suicide? Explain your opinions.___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

9. Estragon is concerned that they have lost their rights. Why does he eel this way?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

10. Although Estragon is concerned with being tied to Godot, he seems at least equallyconcerned about what else? What is Becketts point?_________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

11. Describe the relationship between Pozzo and Lucky.____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

12. Characterize Pozzo. Support your ideas about him with examples rom the text.____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

13. Why does Pozzo stop his journey?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

14. How do Vladimir and Estragon react to Lucky?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


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STUDY GUIDE

15. Why is Vladimir shocked? What, according to Vladimir, is so scandalous?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

16. Pozzo considers leaving or staying and smoking another pipe. Explain all the silences inhis speech.____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

17. When Vladimir wants to leave Pozzo, why does Estragon not want to leave? Whatdierence between Estragon and Vladimir is being emphasized? Why does Vladimir stay?_________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

18. Pozzo patronizes Estragon and Vladimir with his remarks about how even Estragon andVladimir make him more conscious o ones blessings. How do Estragon and Vladimirpatronize Pozzo?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

19. According to Pozzo, why does Lucky always hold the bags and not make himselcomortable? What is Pozzos attitude toward Luckys crying?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

20. How do Estragon and Vladimir show compassion or Lucky? What is the result?_________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

21. Explain Pozzos remark: Do I look like a man that can be made to suer? Frankly?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


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STUDY GUIDE

22. Some critics have pointed out that the characters in this play are like clowns. At somepoint in the play, a direct reerence is made to the circus. Quote these lines and describewhat the characters do that makes them seem like clowns.__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

23. Explain the ollowing:

Vladimir: Time has stopped.

Pozzo: Dont you believe it....

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

24. What is your reaction to Pozzos speech about approaching night? Why is there a longsilence ater he fnishes?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

25. Pozzo suggests that he owes Estragon and Vladimir something or their civility. ThenPozzo says that Lucky can sing and dance to entertain them. Explain how Estragon andVladimirs responses reinorce the idea that Estragon is realistic and Vladimir is idealistic.____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

26. What is signifcant about the action with the hats?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

27. What meaning do you get rom Luckys speech?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


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STUDY GUIDE

28. What stops Lucky in his thinking?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

29. What is comical about Pozzo? What is tragic?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

30. Ater Pozzo and Lucky leave, what do Estragon and Vladimir do?___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

31. What news does the messenger bring?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

32. To whom does Estragon compare himsel? Why?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

33. What do Estragon and Vladimir consider again?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


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STUDY GUIDE

Act II

VOCABULARY

splayedspread apart

sententiousull o meaningcharnelhouse-a vault where corpses are kept

que voulez-vousFrench phrase meaning what do you want

coquettishlyteasinglygonococcusbacteria ound in venereal diseasesspirochetebacteria ound in venereal diseasespunctiliousattentive to detailsmorpiona louseaphoristicin the orm o a brie statement

caryatidscolumns sculptured in the orm o women

memoria praeteritorum bonorumLatin phrase meaning the past is always

recalled to be good

1. What is dierent about the setting?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2. What ideas o lie does Vladimirs song suggest? Describe Estragons condition when

he enters.____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

3. What idea about riendship is suggested when Estragon and Vladimir are re-united?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

4. What part do things such as sharing memories, trying to remember, and having to bereminded have in lie?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


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STUDY GUIDE

5. Do you agree with Vladimirs statement, To every man his little cross.?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

6. Estragon says they blathered. What do you think he means? Do people blatherabout nothing in particular?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

7. Explain Estragons statement, We always fnd something, eh Didi, to give us theimpression we exist?_________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

8. What does Vladimir do that shows the human capacity or compassion?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

9. Describe the stage business that goes on with the hat.____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

10. Although Vladimir is the intellectual, both he and Estragon are shown to be thinkerswho question and discuss lie. Explain Vladimirs statement, What is terrible is to havethoughtIts not the worst, I know but we could have done without it.__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

11. How do Estragon and Vladimir behave when they think Godot may have come?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


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STUDY GUIDE

12. What is dierent about Lucky and Pozzo?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

13. Pozzo cries or help. How do Estragon and Vladimir react?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

14. How is the idea that Estragon and Vladimir are bored developed?___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

15. How are the characters clown-like?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

16. Estragon calls Pozzo by the name Abel and calls Lucky by the name Cain. Explain.____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

17. Give an example to show the treatment o Lucky is both comic and tragic.____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

18. Estragon is able to dream o happiness. What does that suggest?

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


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19. How is the conversation with the messenger a repeat o the evening beore?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

20. How is the fnal conversation between Estragon and Vladimir a repeat o theevening beore?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

21. Explain the act that, although Estragon and Vladimir agree to go, the stage directionsindicate that they do not move._________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

22. How is the play one o both hope and despair?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

23. Some critics think it is a waste o time to speculate on the identity o Godot. Othercritics say Godot is God. Explain your opinion.____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

24. Which character do you have the most respect or? Why?___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

Waiting for Godot Teacher's Pet

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