Discuss the importance of contrast and parallelism in "Waiting for Godot". Beckett's characters can be read both as contrasts and parallels. Discuss with close textual references to Waiting for Godot.

Discuss the importance of contrast and parallelism in "Waiting for Godot".

Beckett's characters can be read both as contrasts and parallels. Discuss with close textual references to Waiting for Godot.

The contrast between the two pairs of characters brings out the compulsion of being together. Though the loneliness of the characters can be felt quite vividly, yet none of the characters can remain alone. Estragon threatens to quit the relationship but he cannot. He is even afraid of committing suicide alone. He needs a companion and a protector. Pozzo wants to sell Lucky, he is desirous of getting rid of Lucky. But at the same time he does not do so. Lucky is the most pitiable object in the play but he seems to have gone immune to the pain and misery he has been through. He is comparable to Estragon and Vladimir in his helpless situation. Vladimir and Estragon are desperately waiting for some messiah to rescue them but Lucky has gone "dumb" and utters no word by the end of the play. The blindness of Pozzo is quite significant as well. The characters appear to be stranded in this world.

"They give birth astride of a grave, the light gleams an instant, then it's night once more."

Pozzo and Lucky represent the dull and drain reality which is very cruel and painful. It reminds us of the burden of existence without hope and any savior while Estragon and Vladimir are the flashing hope which is vague and uncertain. It sinks into darkness every now and then. But firmness in the two tramps illuminates the hope of salvation which is badly needed in human society. The relationship established between Godot and the tramps fulfills the need and presence of God in the overall scheme of the play. Though the wait for the help of God is always on, yet in "Waiting for Godot" the actual support never comes but always imminent and expected. This situation is also highlighted and contrasted by the relationships between the characters of Vladimir and Estragon; they are always quitting but never quit. They are always breaking off the relationship but they don't............................................................................................................

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