Evaluate Waiting for Godot as an existentialist play. [British Drama]

"Waiting for Godot" by Samuel Beckett is widely regarded as an existentialist play. The play reflects the existentialist philosophy that life has no inherent meaning and that individuals must create their own meaning in a meaningless world.

The characters of Vladimir and Estragon spend their time waiting for the arrival of Godot, who never comes, and they are left with nothing to do but pass the time and engage in idle conversation. This portrayal of waiting and the absence of Godot can be seen as a metaphor for the human experience of waiting for meaning or purpose in a meaningless world.

The play also highlights the existentialist concept of freedom, as the characters are free to choose their own actions and are not bound by any predetermined fate. However, their choices are limited by the fact that they are stuck in their waiting and their situation seems to have no resolution. This reinforces the existentialist belief that human freedom is a double-edged sword, as it can lead to feelings of isolation, frustration, and despair.

In addition, the play's use of humor and the characters' repeated actions and conversations can be seen as a commentary on the absurdity of existence and the human condition. The characters' repeated routines and the circular structure of the play reflect the existentialist belief that life is a cycle of repetitive actions and that there is no escape from this cycle.

In conclusion, "Waiting for Godot" is widely considered an existentialist play due to its themes of meaninglessness, freedom, and absurdity. Through its portrayal of the characters' waiting and their idle conversations, the play reflects the existentialist philosophy and highlights the human struggle to find meaning in a meaningless world.