Waiting for Godot Teacher's Pet
January 15, 2017 | Author: Daniel Dempsey | Category: N/A
Short Description
Helping teachers teach Waiting for Godot and Absurd Theatre...
Description
Individual Learning Packet
Teaching Unit
Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett
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Waiting for Godot
TEACHING UNIT
Waiting for Godot Background Lecture
Samuel Beckett, born 1906 in Dublin, Ireland, was a novelist and playwright who spent much o his lie in the cultural center o Paris. Beckett was drawn to this intellectual atmosphere ater completing his M.A. at Trinity Trinity College, Ireland. Except or excursions in Europe, he spent most o his lie in Paris, writing in French rom the 1940’s on. Like his close riend James Joyce, Beckett, was a scholar o language. In 1969, Beckett was given the Nobel Prize or his work. Waiting for Godot is considered a representative play o Theater o the Absurd.
Theatre of the Absurd: • wa was sa atr tren end din int the heat atrre edu duri ring ngt the he1 195 950’ 0’s& s &19 1960 60’’s. s. • or orig igin inat ated edw wit ith hth the eSu Surr rrea eali list stm mov ovem emen ent tof oft the he1 193 930’ 0’s. s. •
wastheculminationofthepessimis wastheculminationofth epessimistic,disillus tic,disillusionedattitude ionedattitudethatexistedbe thatexistedbetween tween the1920’s&1950’s.
•
showedthatman’sonlyprotectionistolaughattheabsurdityofhissituation since human lie and eorts are illogical, and language is inadequate as a means o communication.
•
sawexistenceasridiculousbecausehumanactionismeaningless.Asaresult,there are no moral decisions or conicts between orces that are meaningul.
2
BACKGROUND LECTURE
Waiting for Godot
TEACHING UNIT
Waiting for Godot Background Lecture
Samuel Beckett, born 1906 in Dublin, Ireland, was a novelist and playwright who spent much o his lie in the cultural center o Paris. Beckett was drawn to this intellectual atmosphere ater completing his M.A. at Trinity Trinity College, Ireland. Except or excursions in Europe, he spent most o his lie in Paris, writing in French rom the 1940’s on. Like his close riend James Joyce, Beckett, was a scholar o language. In 1969, Beckett was given the Nobel Prize or his work. Waiting for Godot is considered a representative play o Theater o the Absurd.
Theatre of the Absurd: • wa was sa atr tren end din int the heat atrre edu duri ring ngt the he1 195 950’ 0’s& s &19 1960 60’’s. s. • or orig igin inat ated edw wit ith hth the eSu Surr rrea eali list stm mov ovem emen ent tof oft the he1 193 930’ 0’s. s. •
wastheculminationofthepessimis wastheculminationofth epessimistic,disillus tic,disillusionedattitude ionedattitudethatexistedbe thatexistedbetween tween the1920’s&1950’s.
•
showedthatman’sonlyprotectionistolaughattheabsurdityofhissituation since human lie and eorts are illogical, and language is inadequate as a means o communication.
•
sawexistenceasridiculousbecausehumanactionismeaningless.Asaresult,there are no moral decisions or conicts between orces that are meaningul.
2
BACKGROUND LECTURE
Waiting for Godot
TEACHING UNIT
Characteristics: 1.
In orm, playwrights do not ollow the traditional techniques o characterization and dramatic construction. According to some critics, the plays are anti-dramatic because everything that happens to man is random.
2.
The exposition is vague; little inormation about the previous history o the characters is given. Character motivation is unclear. u nclear.
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 Rather 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 plays are oten gloomy since these plays plays reect the utility and despair o lie. 12. The moods o the plays are considered by many to be sinister; man is is shown to be impotent, incapable o action, and in a state o paralysis. Waiting for Godot, Godot, frst perormed in Paris in 1952, was considered a turning point o modern drama because Beckett’s innovative play was a sharp contrast to conventional drama. First, since Existentialism was a popular doctrine in Paris when Beckett lived there, the play shows some Existential inuence. inuence . Specifcally, Specifcally, the characters are alienated; their lives seem meaningless and absurd as they wait or Godot, who does not appear. The characters are a re 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, Rather, it is a pattern o monotonous action and dialogue. Third, the play is clearly symbolic; Christian symbolism is most apparent. The play is classifed Tragi-Comedy Tragi-Comedy.. Tragi-Comedy Tragi-Comedy is a combination o the tragic and an d the comic. Although horrifed by the situation presented, people laugh at the way it is presented. The comical aspect can be considered arcical. Farce is an exaggerated type o comedy ull o ludicrous incidents and expressions. 3
BACKGROUND LECTURE
Waiting for Godot
TEACHING UNIT
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 meaning are 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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INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES
Waiting for Godot
TEACHING UNIT
Introduction Directions: Write a one or two page description o people standing around waiting or someone to come or something to happen. Include the ollowing in your description: 1.
Describe the setting. It can be any setting you choose.
2.
Include at least two people.
3.
Use dialogue between these people as they wait.
4.
Describe the actions o the people while they are waiting.
5.
Use these details o setting, activities, and conversation to suggest the eelings o the people as they wait.
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INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES
Waiting for Godot
TEACHING UNIT
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 Estragon’s comical inspection of the pathetic Lucky.
4.
Pozzo’s mockery of consideration for Lucky in asking him if he wants the bones before he gives them to Estragon. It is tragic that Pozzo seems to believe that he is a “sensitive” leader.
5.
Lucky’s hat, dance, and speech.
6.
Pozzo’s 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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Questions for Discussion
Waiting for Godot
TEACHING UNIT
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 he A. 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, Vladimir attempts to remind Estragon o A. 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 about A. the purpose o lie. B. buying a arm. C. how not to hurt Vladimir’s eelings. D. eating.
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TEST
Waiting for Godot
TEACHING UNIT
10. When Pozzo frst enters with Lucky, Pozzo says he will delay his journey a moment because A. 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 Pozzo’s land. 11. Ater Pozzo fnishes eating his chicken, Vladimir is “scandalized” and embarrassed because A. Lucky is orced to chew on Pozzo’s 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 doesn’t put down the bags because he A. 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, Lucky A. 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 is A. a slave owned by Pozzo. B. earul. C. sure that Godot will come that evening. D. starving. 15. In Act II Pozzo is A. 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
Waiting for Godot
TEACHING UNIT
Sentence Completion
16. The characters show they are bored when
17. While they are waiting, the characters o Estragon and Vladimir pass the time by
18. Beckett shows humans are capable o compassion by
19. Although Estragon and Vladimir consider hanging themselves, they don’t because
20. Act II parallels Act I except or the changes o
Paragraphs
21. Write a well-developed paragraph that explains how this play could be set at any time and in any place. Consider why Beckett has created such a barren background or his play. 22. Write a well-supported paragraph to justiy your opinion o the ollowing question: Does Beckett show the world to be meaningless? Do people live a pointless existence o nothing but waiting or possibilities that never materialize as expected?
Essay
Write an essay that explains the signifcance o one or more o the topics below. Put your answer in the context o the play, giving examples when necessary. What idea does Beckett suggest with the detail? The tree The hat/the boots Allusions to Christianity The rope and Estragon and Vladimir’s discussion o hanging themselves The role o the messenger The relationship o Pozzo and Lucky The relationship o Gogo and Didi • • •
•
• • •
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TEST
Waiting for Godot
TEACHING UNIT
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 diversions–act silly. 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 Vladimir’s concern for each 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 comfort him. 19. Although Estragon and Vladimir consider hanging themselves, they do not because they have hope Godot will come. They do not want to risk leaving the other behind alone. They do not have any rope. 20. Act II parallels Act I except or the changes o scenery (there are leaves on the tree) and characterization (Lucky is dumb, and Pozzo is blind).
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TEST ANSWER KEY
Waiting for Godot
TEACHING UNIT
Answers to the Paragraphs
21. There is no scenery. Few allusions are made to any historical time. Only a ew places are mentioned, but the characters are not at any o these places during the play; they have been 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 hoping or a better uture. They may mention that some people are able to realize some o their hopes; students may not believe lie is as unpromising as Beckett suggests. Others may point out the religious aspects and mention the aith they have been taught.
Answers to Essay
Answers will vary.
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TEST ANSWER KEY
Waiting for Godot
TEACHER’S COPY
Waiting for Godot Act I VOCABULARY
pubis—the orward portion o the hip bone privation—lack o the basic necessities o lie insidious—intended to entrap wheedling—persuading by attery voluptuously—suggesting unrestrained pleasure pugilist—one who fghts with his fsts mandrakes—plants believed to have magical powers prerogatives—exclusive rights held by a person vacuously—stupidly proffers—oers peremptory—commanding magnanimous—generous in orgiving voraciously—greedy in eating effeminate-eminine cretin—one who is mentally and physically challenged goiter—a swelling o the neck impertinent—inattentive affectation—a alse display vehemently—in a orceul manner ostentatiously—the act o making a showy display grampus—a whale mollify—to placate or calm knook —a knucklehead dudeen—a short stemmed clay pipe Kapp and Peterson—a brand o pipe effulgence—brilliant radiance tray bong—slang or French phrase “tres bien” meaning very good indignantly—angrily aesthete—an admirer o beauty consternation—surprise; panic fob—a small pocket in the ront o a vest, used especially to hold a watch
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STUDY GUIDE
Waiting for Godot
1.
TEACHER’S COPY
Describe the scenery o the play.
Because the play is a symbolic one, there is little scenery. A tree along a country road is mentioned. 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 is more realistic, and who is more idealistic and why.
Estragon is a realist; he is interested in his physical needs. Vladimir is an idealist; he is reaching 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 at the same time as Christ? What is Estragon’s 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 that one o the two is saved. This points out the willingness o people to hope. Estragon’s remark is that “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 who Godot, 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 show concern or each other. They consider the uture and share vague memories. 6.
Estragon says, “There are times when I wonder i it wouldn’t 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 thoughts with 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 other–Gogo and Didi. They get angry with each other and then embrace. Although they have dierences, they need each other. In one way they are opposites, two sides o one entity.
2
STUDY GUIDE
Waiting for Godot
8.
TEACHER’S COPY
In your opinion, why do Estragon and Vladimir consider suicide? Do you believe they really want to commit suicide? Explain your opinions.
People oten get tired o waiting or something good to happen; they eel despair or loss o hope. 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 Estragon’s question, “Where do we come in?” Vladimir says, “Come in? On our hands and knees.” 10. Although Estragon is concerned with being tied to Godot, he seems at least equally concerned about what else? What is Beckett’s 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 am Pozzo! (silence) Pozzo! Does that name mean nothing to you?” He considers Vladimir and Estragon “imperect likenesses o himsel.” He is cruel. Examples can also be taken rom Pozzo’s 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. Pozzo’s treatment o Lucky can be considered scandalous.
3
STUDY GUIDE
Waiting for Godot
TEACHER’S COPY
16. Pozzo considers leaving or staying and smoking another pipe. Explain all the silences in his speech.
He is sel-conscious and awkward. He wants Vladimir and Estragon to ask him to stay. Perhaps the act that he gets no response emphasizes the disgust others eel towards him. 17. When Vladimir wants to leave Pozzo, why does Estragon not want to leave? What dierence between Estragon and Vladimir is being emphasized? Why does Vladimir stay?
Estragon “scents charity”; he is realistic in the sense that he realizes that they may get something rom Pozzo. Vladimir, as an idealist, does not want anything rom someone he fnds so morally repulsive. Vladimir stays because he is reminded o Godot. 18. Pozzo patronizes Estragon and Vladimir with his remarks about how even Estragon and Vladimir make him “more conscious o one’s blessings.” How do Estragon and Vladimir patronize Pozzo?
They treat him like an idiot, and they pantomime their questions to him. 19. According to Pozzo, why does Lucky always hold the bags and not make himsel comortable? What is Pozzo’s attitude toward Lucky’s crying?
Pozzo says, “He wants to impress me, so that I’ll keep him.” “Old dogs have more dignity.” 20. How do Estragon and Vladimir show compassion or Lucky? What is the result?
They want to wipe away Lucky’s tears. Lucky kicks Estragon. 21. Explain Pozzo’s remark: “Do I look like a man that can be made to suer? Frankly?”
Apparently he is aware o his own insensitivity. 22. Some critics have pointed out that the characters in this play are like clowns. At some point in the play, a direct reerence is made to the circus. Quote these lines and describe what the characters do that makes them seem like clowns.
Vladimir: Estragon: Vladimir: Estragon: Estragon:
Worse than the pantomime. The circus. The music-hall. The circus. (convulsed with merriment) He’ll be the death o me!
In this section, the characters continue the antics typical o clowns.
4
STUDY GUIDE
Waiting for Godot
TEACHER’S COPY
23. Explain the ollowing: Vladimir: Time has stopped. Pozzo: Don’t you believe it....
Time has stopped or Vladimir and Estragon, who are waiting. Estragon and Vladimir are said to be personifcations o the human tendency to wait and hope or relie. Pozzo, however, is moving on, planning, and changing. 24. What is your reaction to Pozzo’s speech about approaching night? Why is there a long silence ater he fnishes?
Students may point out the lyrical quality, or they may say Pozzo is babbling on just to pass the time. 25. Pozzo suggests that he owes Estragon and Vladimir something or their civility. Then Pozzo says that Lucky can sing and dance to entertain them. Explain how Estragon and Vladimir’s responses reinorce the idea that Estragon is realistic and Vladimir is idealistic.
Estragon says he would like money; Vladimir is indignant again, saying that they are not beggars. Vladimir wants to hear Lucky sing; Estragon wants to see him dance but oers the compromise that perhaps Lucky can do both. 26. What is signifcant about the action with the hats?
As a trio, they all say, “Wait!” Then, “all three take o their hats simultaneously, press their hands to their oreheads, concentrate.” Like a clown, Vladimir has to sneak up behind Lucky in order to put the hat on Lucky’s head. Lucky has to have his hat on to think. 27. What meaning do you get rom Lucky’s speech?
Students may point out that like many people Lucky has no idea what lie means. The speech may be described as a series o incomplete thoughts, an unsuccessul attempt to make sense out o everything people are uncertain about. 28. What stops Lucky in his thinking?
Vladimir and Pozzo take his hat and crush it. 29. What is comical about Pozzo? What is tragic?
He is always searching or something, then orgetting about it. His cruelty to Lucky is tragic.
5
STUDY GUIDE
Waiting for Godot
TEACHER’S COPY
30. Ater Pozzo and Lucky leave, what do Estragon and Vladimir do?
They return to their waiting and looking or ways to pass the time. 31. What news does the messenger bring?
Godot “won’t come this evening but surely tomorrow.” 32. To whom does Estragon compare himsel? Why?
He compares himsel to Christ, perhaps because o his suering. 33. What do Estragon and Vladimir consider again?
They consider parting.
6
STUDY GUIDE
Waiting for Godot
TEACHER’S COPY
Act II VOCABULARY
splayed—spread apart sententious—ull o meaning charnel—house-a vault where corpses are kept que voulez-vous—French phrase meaning “what do you want” coquettishly—teasingly gonococcus—bacteria ound in venereal diseases spirochete—bacteria ound in venereal diseases punctilious—attentive to details morpion—a louse aphoristic—in the orm o a brie statement caryatids—columns sculptured in the orm o women memoria praeteritorum bonorum—Latin phrase meaning “the past is always recalled to be good”
1.
What is dierent about the setting?
There are leaves on the tree. 2.
What ideas o lie does Vladimir’s song suggest? Describe Estragon’s condition when he enters.
The song suggests suering and cruelty. Estragon enters bareoot with his head bowed. 3.
What idea about riendship is suggested when Estragon and Vladimir are re-united?
People do seem to need each other. The expression o concern or each other, the need to be missed, and the embrace are all necessary. 4.
What part do things such as sharing memories, trying to remember, and having to be reminded have in lie?
They give some meaning to lie. 5.
Do you agree with Vladimir’s statement, “To every man his little cross.”?
Students may point out that all people have problems, “burdens,” in their lives.
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STUDY GUIDE
Waiting for Godot
6.
TEACHER’S COPY
Estragon says they “blathered.” What do you think he means? Do people “blather” about nothing in particular”?
It means to talk; without meaning. 7.
Explain Estragon’s statement, “We always fnd something, eh Didi, to give us the impression we exist?”
Their concern over the boots, eating, staying together, getting angry, and being silly gives them the assurance that they are alive and that they do matter to each other and to themselves. 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 Estragon when 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 thinkers who question and discuss lie. Explain Vladimir’s statement, “What is terrible is to have thought...It’s 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; man tries 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 to help mankind. However, he wastes time with his long speeches.
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STUDY GUIDE
Waiting for Godot
TEACHER’S COPY
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 doesn’t strangle him… give him a taste o his boot, in the ace and the privates as ar as possible… Vladimir: Make sure he’s alive beore you start. No point in exerting yoursel i he’s 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 recognize Vladimir. The messenger wants to know what to tell Godot. 20. How is the fnal conversation between Estragon and Vladimir a repeat o the evening 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 action in the present. Their action is only to pass the time while they wait.
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STUDY GUIDE
Waiting for Godot
TEACHER’S COPY
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 o a better uture. It is this hope that sustains them. However, they must endure intense suering as 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 to each other. 23. Some critics think it is a waste o time to speculate on the identity o Godot. Other critics say Godot is God. Explain your opinion.
It is both the waiting and the hope attached to Godot that are signifcant. Students may fnd all the Christian reerences in the play do support the idea o Godot as God. Vladimir and Estragon 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 by ideals. Vladimir is more the leader and Estragon the ollower. Lucky and Pozzo are symbolic o people who live as part o the pragmatic, materialistic system that makes practical gain an 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 so accustomed to this cruelty that he insists on fghting or it. (He wants to impress Pozzo so that Pozzo will keep him. He kicks Estragon who has oered him concern.)
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Waiting for Godot
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Waiting for Godot Act I VOCABULARY
pubis—the orward portion o the hip bone privation—lack o the basic necessities o lie insidious—intended to entrap wheedling—persuading by attery voluptuously—suggesting unrestrained pleasure pugilist—one who fghts with his fsts mandrakes—plants believed to have magical powers prerogatives—exclusive rights held by a person vacuously—stupidly proffers—oers peremptory—commanding magnanimous—generous in orgiving voraciously—greedy in eating effeminate—eminine cretin—one who is mentally and physically challenged goiter—a swelling o the neck impertinent—inattentive affectation—a alse display vehemently—in a orceul manner ostentatiously—the act o making a showy display grampus—a whale mollify—to placate or calm knook —a knucklehead dudeen—a short stemmed clay pipe Kapp and Peterson—a brand o pipe effulgence—brilliant radiance tray bong—slang or French phrase “tres bien” meaning very good indignantly—angrily aesthete—an admirer o beauty consternation—surprise; panic fob—a small pocket in the ront o a vest, used especially to hold a watch
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1.
Describe the scenery o the play. _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________
2.
Contrast Estragon and Vladimir by considering what each is concerned with, who is more realistic, and who is more idealistic and why. _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________
3.
What point does Vladimir make with his story o the two thieves who are crucifed at the same time as Christ? What is Estragon’s 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 wouldn’t 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? _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ 2
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8.
In your opinion, why do Estragon and Vladimir consider suicide? Do you believe they really 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 equally concerned about what else? What is Beckett’s 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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Waiting for Godot
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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 in his speech. _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ 17. When Vladimir wants to leave Pozzo, why does Estragon not want to leave? What dierence between Estragon and Vladimir is being emphasized? Why does Vladimir stay? _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ 18. Pozzo patronizes Estragon and Vladimir with his remarks about how even Estragon and Vladimir make him “more conscious o one’s blessings.” How do Estragon and Vladimir patronize Pozzo? _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ 19. According to Pozzo, why does Lucky always hold the bags and not make himsel comortable? What is Pozzo’s attitude toward Lucky’s crying? _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ 20. How do Estragon and Vladimir show compassion or Lucky? What is the result? _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ 21. Explain Pozzo’s remark: “Do I look like a man that can be made to suer? Frankly?” _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ 4
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Waiting for Godot
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22. Some critics have pointed out that the characters in this play are like clowns. At some point in the play, a direct reerence is made to the circus. Quote these lines and describe what the characters do that makes them seem like clowns. _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ 23. Explain the ollowing: Vladimir: Pozzo:
Time has stopped. Don’t you believe it....
_________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ 24. What is your reaction to Pozzo’s speech about approaching night? Why is there a long silence ater he fnishes? _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ 25. Pozzo suggests that he owes Estragon and Vladimir something or their civility. Then Pozzo says that Lucky can sing and dance to entertain them. Explain how Estragon and Vladimir’s 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 Lucky’s speech? _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________
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Waiting for Godot
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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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Waiting for Godot
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Act II VOCABULARY
splayed—spread apart sententious—ull o meaning charnel—house-a vault where corpses are kept que voulez-vous—French phrase meaning “what do you want” coquettishly—teasingly gonococcus—bacteria ound in venereal diseases spirochete—bacteria ound in venereal diseases punctilious—attentive to details morpion—a louse aphoristic—in the orm o a brie statement caryatids—columns sculptured in the orm o women memoria praeteritorum bonorum—Latin phrase meaning “the past is always recalled to be good”
1.
What is dierent about the setting? _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________
2.
What ideas o lie does Vladimir’s song suggest? Describe Estragon’s 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 be reminded have in lie? _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________
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Waiting for Godot
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5.
Do you agree with Vladimir’s statement, “To every man his little cross.”? _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________
6.
Estragon says they “blathered.” What do you think he means? Do people “blather” about nothing in particular”? _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________
7.
Explain Estragon’s statement, “We always fnd something, eh Didi, to give us the impression 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 thinkers who question and discuss lie. Explain Vladimir’s statement, “What is terrible is to have thought…It’s 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? _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ 8
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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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