How do Vladimir and Estragon pass time while Waiting for Godot

Answer

How do Estragon and Vladimir pass the time while waiting for Godot? [NU: 2019]

In “Waiting for Godot” (1952) by Samuel Beckett (1906–89), Estragon and Vladimir wait for a man named Godot. He never comes. While waiting, they try to pass the time. Their actions show boredom, friendship, and the emptiness of life.

Talking and Arguing: Vladimir and Estragon spend much time talking. They tell stories of two thieves and Jesus from the Bible. They ask questions. Often, they forget what they said before. They also argue over small things. Then they make peace again. Estragon says,

“We always find something, eh Didi, to give us the impression we exist?”

This shows they use words to fill the empty time.

Playing Games and Doing Small Acts: They keep busy with silly actions. Estragon struggles to take off his boots. Vladimir takes off and puts on his hat again and again. They pretend to be Pozzo and Lucky. Sometimes they joke about hanging themselves from the tree. Estragon says,

“Let’s hang ourselves immediately!”

These acts change nothing, but they make the waiting less painful.

Meeting Others: They meet Pozzo and Lucky on the road. They talk with them for a while. Pozzo orders Lucky to dance and think. Later, a Boy comes with a message from Godot. These meetings break the silence. But nothing important changes. They keep waiting.

Estragon and Vladimir pass the time with talk, small games, and short meetings. These things do not bring Godot. But they stop the men from feeling the full weight of their endless waiting.