Waiting for Godot study questions

Who are Vladimir and Estragon? In what respects are they similar or different?

Explain the biblical allusions in the text:

- the boy says he minds the goats and his brother minds the sheep

- Pozzo seems to respond both to the names Abel and Cain

- Vladimir's meditation about the thieves crucified with Christ

Describe the moments when Beckett breaks the fourth wall (i.e. acknowledges the presence of the audience).

Why does Vladimir wake Estragon in Act I?

Why do Vladimir and Estragon refrain from committing suicide?

What does Pozzo get from Lucky and what does Lucky get from Pozzo?

How does the ditty about the dog Vladimir sings in Act II connect with the theme of the play?

What happens to Pozzo and Lucky in Act II?

Who is Godot in your opinion?

How does Beckett use humour in this play?

In 1988 Beckett went to court over the case of all-female production of Waiting for Godot, believing that all its characters were distinctly male. Beckett lost, but do you think he had a point?

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