Reading <i>Waiting for Godot</i> through the lens of Christian existentialism

<p>Samuel Beckett’s play <em>Waiting for Godot</em> is commonly interpreted within the context of the Theater of the Absurd, existentialist literature, or Christian allegory. This thesis recognizes the validity of all such readings while attempting to merge these seemingly contradictory perspectives. By reading the play within the context of Christian Existentialism, new insights are uncovered as to what the play may be saying about the existential dilemma. Søren Kierkegaard, often called the Father of Existentialism, authored multiple works that influenced modern existentialist writers such as Jean-Paul Sartre and Albert Camus. Kierkegaard’s writings, however, were Christian in nature rather than atheistic. By applying his philosophical theories to various aspects of <em>Waiting for Godot</em>, one can see how several common readings of the play relate. This thesis focuses particularly on the relationships of the two main characters, Vladimir and Estragon, the servant Lucky’s speech, the figure of Godot, and the use of paradox.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Arts (MA)

Level thesis:degree_level

Open Access Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

English Language and Literature

Year dc:date.available

2007

Author dc:creator

• Kelsch, Amanda L

Contributors dc:contributor

• Annette Wannamaker, Ph.D.
• Paul Bruss, Ph.D.

• Existentialism in literature
• Kierkegaard
• Søren
• 1813-1855
• Beckett
• Samuel
• 1906-1989. En attendant Godot. English Criticism and interpretation
• English Language and Literature

Repository record dc:identifier

https://commons.emich.edu/theses/41

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:commons.emich.edu:theses-1040