An Investigation of Inaction in Samuel Beckett's Waiting for Godot: A Darwinian Literary Perspective

Ms. Bahare Mehrabi Ph.D. Scholar Department of English, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
Dr. Amrollah Abjadian Professor of English Literature Shiraz University International Division, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to develop a literary Darwinian reading of Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot. The attributes of human nature defined by Joseph Carroll are discussed with regard to characters’ inaction. Constructive elements of human nature such as the acts towards survival, romance and nurture are further discussed in order to delineate the inactive pattern of the behavior of characters. It becomes clear that lack of action in Vladimir and Estragon pinpoints the fall and paralysis of human nature as defined by the literary Darwinists. Man is staged as a creature incapable of agency that is reduced to inaction because of the post-war catastrophic situation.

Literary Darwinism and Human Nature

Carroll defines human nature as the expression of the fact that all humans are common owners of some species-typical dispositions, “basic motives tied closely to the needs of survival, mating, parenting, and social interaction” (27). The features can fall into four major categories: constructive effort, romance, nurture, and subsistence.

Inaction and Survival

Beckett’s Waiting for Godot lacks any coherent action. Two tramps are staged in a bare scene, struggling over their boots and other trifling materials. Waiting as an action for survival and the passage of time appear to be their only business. The trivial actions would have no ultimate future. As Estragon says, “Nothing happens, nobody comes, nobody goes, it’s awful!”

Absence of Romance and Nurture

Waiting for Godot has no female character in it. There is no direct reference to the theme of any romantic relationship, nor any sign of the hope for reproduction. The tree is totally barren in the first act. Suicidal intentions take the place of giving birth as Beckett artistically juxtaposes the sexual imagery with that of hanging.

Conclusion

Vladimir and Estragon do not show any single attempt towards survival. The mating efforts are not present in the play. The female characters are not only absent but are not even referred to. It is clear that in Waiting for Godot, no action is done ever to have the intention of survival.

Works Cited

  • Asmus, Walter D. (1986). “Rehearsal Notes for the German Premier of Samuel Beckett’s That Time and Footfalls.” In On Beckett: Essays and Criticisms, Ed. S.E. Gontarski, New York: Grove Press, 335-49.
  • Bachakus, Gary (2002). “The Hidden Realities of the Everyday Life-World in Beckett’s Waiting for Godot and Genet’s The Balcony.” Analecta Husserliana 75: 81-115.
  • Barry, Elizabeth (2007). “One’s Own Company: Agency, Identity and the Middle Voice in the Work of Samuel Beckett.” Journal of Modern Literature 31, 2: 115-132.
  • Beckett, Samuel (1954). Waiting for Godot. New York: Grove.
  • Carroll, Joseph (2011). Reading Human Nature: Literary Darwinism in Theory and Practice. London: SUNY Press.
  • Carroll, Joseph (2004). Literary Darwinism: Evolution, Human Nature and Literature. London: Routledge.
  • Fletcher, John (1967). Samuel Beckett’s Art. Chatto & Windus, London.
  • Gordon, Lois (2002). Reading Godot. New Haven and London: Yale University Press.
  • McDonald, Ronan (2006). The Cambridge Introduction to Samuel Beckett. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.