Allusions In Waiting For Godot

Literature has always been defined as a mirror of life which reflects both its complexities and trivialities in such a paradoxical way. Monotony, which represents part of the daily routines in life, has been chosen by Becket to unveil the ongoing restlessness of human nature. Very simple and trivial motions in life can lead to great discoveries or dramatic events. With a brief look at Samuel Beckett’s play Waiting for Godot, some would say that it is traditionally thought to carry on without an underlying meaning, but if analyzed it can be seen to have so much more substance concealed in its simplicity. Peeling away the layers, significance can be uncovered and a deeper meaning of the book is revealed. Substance is given through the various …show more content…
The first mention of religion begins shortly after the characters are introduced, when Vladimir tries to recall a biblical line. “The last moment . . . (He meditates.) Hope deferred maketh the something sick, who said that? ” . This phrase, which he was unable to finish, is a reference to the following biblical proverb; "Hope deferred makes the heart sick; but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life," (Proverbs 13:12). Hope is seen in the play through the two tramps wait for Godot, but since Godot fails to show up, their hope is deferred, or delayed in a way. Their anticipation for Godot to arrive is continued throughout the play, stopping them from doing anything. The two have the freewill to stop waiting and leave, but lack the ability to as they struggle with inaction. At the same time, it is possible that they do not have anything meaningful to do, and waiting gives them a sort of …show more content…
Vladimir’s mention of the Christian proverb can give purpose to the tree. The tree is withered in the first act, having no leaves and appearing to be on the brink of death. The trees condition seems to improve in the second act, and starts to be seen in a different light. The tree now has a few leaves on it, and although it is only a few leaves, these few leaves are still the embodiment of life. Since the tree can now be seen as a tree of life, there should be some sort of desire fulfilled according to the proverb. No such desire appears to be fulfilled however, and perhaps the tree is simply sprouting in order to represent hope. This could mean that “waiting gives significance to existence” (Jing Wang) . If so, Didi and Gogos' waiting is no longer meaningless.

An analysis of the allusions in the play casts light on the dim world in Waiting for Godot, and unveils what was hidden to the naked eye. We are able to get the core of the play by investigating the allusions and referencing them to familiar myths and stories. It is through these connections that we are able to understand the play better and get a better taste of the play. Perhaps the play is not completely a tragedy after all, and maybe there is hope for the two tramps to be