khadijah jalal.pptx drama waiting for Godot

Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett is a tragicomedy in which two characters, Vladimir and Estragon, wait endlessly and in vain for someone named Godot. Set in a barren landscape, the play explores themes of existentialism, meaninglessness, and the passage of time. Through repetitive dialogue and absurd situations, Beckett portrays the human condition—our search for purpose and hope in an uncertain, indifferent world.

1. course title:Modern literature (drama and novel) submitted by khadijah and group members(Aqsa niaz,Nadia,Kainat ibhraim) Assigned by :sir Naeem brohi

2. waiting for godot-By samuel Backet Author: Samuel Beckett Published: 1952 (in French), translated by Beckett himself into English in 1954 Genre: Absurdist Drama / Tragicomedy / Existential Play Language: Originally in French (En attendant Godot) Structure: Two Acts First Performance: 1953, Théâtre de Babylone, Paris Setting: A desolate, barren country road with a single tree

3. Introduction and background Introduction and Background Waiting for Godot is one of the most famous plays of the Theatre of the Absurd, a movement that emerged in the aftermath of World War II. The movement reflected the breakdown of meaning, identity, and communication in modern life. Samuel Beckett, an Irish playwright, explores existentialist themes — the idea that life has no inherent meaning and humans must create meaning for themselves. The play portrays two men who spend their days waiting for someone named Godot, who never arrives.

4. Main characters: More practical and emotional. Often focuses on physical discomfort (hunger, sleep, pain). Constantly tries to leave but never does — symbol 1. Vladimir (Didi) More intellectual and philosophical of the two tramps. Concerned with religion, salvation, and the meaning of life. Tries to find logic and purpose in their waiting.

5. Estragon (gogo) More practical and emotional. Often focuses on physical discomfort (hunger, sleep, pain). Constantly tries to leave but never does — symbolizes human helplessness. 3.Pozzo A pompous landowner who represents power and authority. Treats Lucky cruelly. In Act II, he becomes blind — symbolizing moral and spiritual blindne

6. lucky Pozzo’s servant, submissive and mistreated. Carries heavy bags, speaks little, but when he does speak, he delivers a long, nonsensical “thinking speech” — symbolizing the collapse of rational thought. 5. Boy A messenger from “Mr. Godot.” Tells Vladimir and Estragon that Godot will not come today but surely tomorrow. The boy’s repetitive message keeps their hope alive, even though Godot never appears.

7. summary Act I: Vladimir and Estragon meet on a country road beside a tree. They discuss various topics to pass the time as they wait for a man named Godot. Pozzo and Lucky enter — Pozzo is on his way to the market to sell Lucky.

8. --- They talk, argue, and leave. A boy arrives, saying Godot will not come today but surely tomorrow. The two decide to leave, but the play ends with the famous stage direction: “They do not move.”

9. Act II: The next day, the same setting. The tree now has a few leaves — a faint sign of change or hope. Pozzo and Lucky return, but Pozzo is now blind, and Lucky is mute. Their roles are reversed in a sense — showing decay and changeThe boy arrives again with the same message: Godot will come tomorrow. The play ends with Vladimir and Estragon again deciding to leave — “They do not move.”

10. major themes: 1. Absurdity of Human Existence The play captures the meaninglessness of human life — characters wait endlessly for someone who never arrives. This endless waiting symbolizes the human search for purpose in a purposeless world. 2. Time and Waiting Time seems circular and meaningless. Every day is the same; the characters forget the past and repeat the same actions. → It shows stagnation and futility in life

11. 3.hope and despair Although they are hopeless, Vladimir and Estragon continue to hope. Godot becomes a symbol of false hope, religion, or salvation that never comes. 4. Friendship and Human Dependence Despite constant quarrels, Vladimir and Estragon depend on each other for company. Their relationship shows human companionship as a way to survive loneliness.

12. Religion and God “Godot” is often interpreted as a representation of God, or divine meaning that humans wait for — but which never comes. Beckett never confirmed this, emphasizing the ambiguity.

13. symbols Symbol Meaning Godot God, hope, meaning, or salvation that never arrives Tree: life, rinewal,or the cross (christian symbolism) human condition-endless exception and inaction.

14. --- Mund ane repetition of human habits master- slave dynamics power and dependence journey of life -aimless and repitive

15. key quaotation “Nothing happens, nobody comes, nobody goes, it’s awful.” — Estragon “We always find something, eh Didi, to give us the impression we exist.” — Estragon “Let’s go.” / “We can’t.” / “Why not?” / “We’re waiting for Godot.” — Vladimir & Estragon “They do not move.” — Stage direction (end of both acts)

16. conclusion Waiting for Godot is a masterpiece of modern drama, presenting life as an endless cycle of waiting, hoping, and despairing. It teaches that perhaps the act of waiting itself gives meaning, not the arrival of what we wait for. Beckett’s genius lies in blending humor with tragedy, and simplicity with profound philosophy, making this play an eternal reflection of the absurdity of human existence.

17. Thankyou