Plot Summary Simplified Revision Notes for A-Level AQA English Literature
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Learn about Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett for your A-Level English Literature Exam. This Revision Note includes a summary of Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett for easy recall in your English Literature exam
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Plot Summary
infoNote
Waiting for Godot is an absurdist play that delves into themes of existentialism, the human condition, and the search for meaning. The play centres on two main characters, Vladimir and Estragon, who wait for someone named Godot. Throughout their wait, they engage in various conversations and meet other characters, but Godot never arrives, highlighting the futility and uncertainty of their existence.
Act I
Scene 1
Vladimir and Estragon are waiting by a tree for someone named Godot.
They discuss various topics, including their dreams, memories, and the nature of their existence.
Estragon struggles with his boots while Vladimir suffers from a bladder problem.
They consider leaving but decide to stay, hoping Godot will arrive.
Scene 2
Pozzo, a pompous man, arrives, driving his slave Lucky by a rope.
Pozzo talks at length about various subjects, including his importance and Lucky's burdens.
Lucky entertains Vladimir and Estragon by dancing and thinking aloud, revealing fragmented and nonsensical thoughts.
Pozzo and Lucky leave, continuing their journey.
Scene 3
A boy arrives, claiming to be a messenger from Godot.
He tells Vladimir and Estragon that Godot will not come today but will surely come tomorrow.
The boy leaves, and Vladimir and Estragon decide to leave as well, but they remain standing as the curtain falls.
Act II
Scene 1
The setting remains the same, but the tree now has a few leaves.
Vladimir and Estragon continue to wait for Godot, engaging in repetitive and circular conversations.
They struggle with their physical ailments and consider ways to pass the time.
Scene 2
Pozzo and Lucky return, but Pozzo is now blind, and Lucky is mute.
Pozzo does not remember meeting Vladimir and Estragon the previous day.
They discuss time, memory, and existence in a disjointed and fragmented manner.
Pozzo and Lucky leave again, continuing their journey.
Scene 3
The boy returns with the same message: Godot will not come today but will surely come tomorrow.
Vladimir questions the boy about his previous visit, but the boy does not remember.
The boy leaves, and Vladimir and Estragon consider hanging themselves but decide to wait for Godot instead.
They decide to leave, but as before, they remain standing as the curtain falls.
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