In Act II of Waiting for Godot Estragon defers suicide for what reason? [British Drama (2018-19) Assignment 2]

 In Act II of Samuel Beckett's play "Waiting for Godot," Estragon (Gogo) suggests to his companion Vladimir (Didi) that they should commit suicide by hanging themselves from a nearby tree. However, after discussing the practicalities of this plan and attempting to carry it out, Estragon ultimately defers the decision to a later time.

The reason why Estragon defers suicide is because he and Vladimir become distracted by the arrival of a messenger boy, who brings them a message from Godot. The message is vague and unclear, but it seems to suggest that Godot will not be coming that evening, and that they should return the next day. This news momentarily distracts the two characters from their bleak situation and gives them a sense of purpose and hope, however fleeting.

In a broader sense, Estragon's decision to defer suicide can be seen as a reflection of the play's central themes of hopelessness and futility. Despite their desire to end their suffering and escape their predicament, the characters are ultimately unable to take action and are trapped in a cycle of waiting and despair. The arrival of the messenger boy briefly interrupts this cycle, but ultimately leaves the characters in a state of uncertainty and confusion, unsure of what to do next.