Mutual Dependence
Mutual Dependence
In the play Waiting For Godot by Samuel Beckett, the main characters Estragon and Vladimir display a complicated relationship. Estragon and Vladimir accompany each other, share the same fate of waiting for Godot and are dependent on each other for survival. Yet, their relationship lacks the qualities of a true friendship in that they withdraw from deeper interactions with one another. Throughout the play, Vladimir and Estragon suggest whether they would be better off alone but never truly separates. This essay will explore the mutual dependence aspect of Vladimir and Estragon's relationship in order to explain why the duo never really parted, and discuss their needs for each other’s company, Estragon's dependence on Vladimir physically, and Vladimir's emotional reliance on Estragon.
The setting where Vladimir and Estragon waited for Godot is barren and desolate. The only company they have to survive the sense of nothingness is the presence of each other. As Estragon sleeps, Vladimir experiences loneliness. In Act 1, Vladimir wakes Estragon to avoid loneliness. “Estragon: Why will you never let me sleep? Vladimir: I felt lonely.” (Beckett, 10) With no one to talk to and interact with, the situation becomes so unbearable that Vladimir must wake Estragon in order to not be left alone. Their fear of loneliness is also presented in their failed attempt to suicide. (13) With the chance of one person being left behind if the bough breaks, Vladimir and Estragon abandoned the idea of hanging themselves. In this case, even death is easier than separation. Many times in the play, Estragon and Vladimir show distress when the other expresses intentions of having a closer relationship. However, despite the stresses felt when the other approaches, they still express wishes for each other’s presence. In Act 2. Estragon says “Don’t touch me! Don't question me! Don't speak to me! Stay with me!” (63) He refuses contact from Vladimir but still asks Vladimir to
In the play Waiting For Godot by Samuel Beckett, the main characters Estragon and Vladimir display a complicated relationship. Estragon and Vladimir accompany each other, share the same fate of waiting for Godot and are dependent on each other for survival. Yet, their relationship lacks the qualities of a true friendship in that they withdraw from deeper interactions with one another. Throughout the play, Vladimir and Estragon suggest whether they would be better off alone but never truly separates. This essay will explore the mutual dependence aspect of Vladimir and Estragon's relationship in order to explain why the duo never really parted, and discuss their needs for each other’s company, Estragon's dependence on Vladimir physically, and Vladimir's emotional reliance on Estragon.
The setting where Vladimir and Estragon waited for Godot is barren and desolate. The only company they have to survive the sense of nothingness is the presence of each other. As Estragon sleeps, Vladimir experiences loneliness. In Act 1, Vladimir wakes Estragon to avoid loneliness. “Estragon: Why will you never let me sleep? Vladimir: I felt lonely.” (Beckett, 10) With no one to talk to and interact with, the situation becomes so unbearable that Vladimir must wake Estragon in order to not be left alone. Their fear of loneliness is also presented in their failed attempt to suicide. (13) With the chance of one person being left behind if the bough breaks, Vladimir and Estragon abandoned the idea of hanging themselves. In this case, even death is easier than separation. Many times in the play, Estragon and Vladimir show distress when the other expresses intentions of having a closer relationship. However, despite the stresses felt when the other approaches, they still express wishes for each other’s presence. In Act 2. Estragon says “Don’t touch me! Don't question me! Don't speak to me! Stay with me!” (63) He refuses contact from Vladimir but still asks Vladimir to