Nihilistic View of Waiting for Godot
Waiting for Godot is a play that lacks any significant plot. It tells a story of two men that lack any goals, other than the fact to wait for a man that they have no idea is coming or exists. They constantly go on about meaningless matters that have no intent to move to anything of any meaningful relevance. Throughout the play these men show a lack of morality, a lack of understanding, and a lack of purpose. Beckett’s work much like those three concepts is very nihilistic.
Vladimir and Estragon do not show any sense of conformity to the rules of conduct of a society. The play begins by discussing how Estragon spent the night in a ditch and Vladimir at the same time is not too concerned about that idea. This tells you right from the start that these men do not follow normal societal behaviors. For days on end they do nothing to contribute to society. Even when society comes to visit Vladimir and Estragon they procrastinate on helping a fallen man that can not get up on his own. They have many conversations but yet do not discuss any values or morals. They are unsure of everything and lack a sense of virtue. Estragon says to Vladimir “Don’t touch me! Don’t question me! Don’t speak to me! Stay with me!” (Becket, pg.43) This shows that Estragon lacks a sense of respect for others. He is telling Vladimir he has no purpose other than to keep him company in silence. They never show human qualities such as compassion, sympathy, empathy or anything that when you think of people with morals have. They are constantly talking in confusion and without emotion for others, along with no sense of affirmativeness.
Vladimir and Estragon throughout the entire play discuss matters of no significant meaning. They show a lack of understanding for one another. They are in constant debate over everything not only with each other but themselves as...