Rhetorical Analysis
Hannah Baskin
ENG 1213-20
Professor Hammet
Rhetorical Analysis
May 9, 2024
Word Count: 763
Samuel Beckett and Depression
Samuel Beckett (absurd fiction author) explores the social epidemic of depression by showing carelessness and isolation in characters like Vladimir and Estragon in “Waiting for Godot”, who switch between hopelessness and hope, using symbolism and repetitive dialogue to display a grim but ironic funny commentary on the useless search for meaning in a depressive society. Through his grimly comic works, Samuel Beckett significantly contributed to how society understands depression. “Waiting for Godot”, Beckett's best-known play, reflects depression and existential dread. Characters Vladimir and Estragon experience a constant longing for purpose in a world lacking of clear meaning, reflecting the internal struggle of those struggling with depression. Beckett's use of repetition, circular dialogue, and symbolism show the emotional dullness and relentless questioning characteristic of depression.
In Waiting for Godot, Beckett shows characters caught in repetitive loops of conversation and thought, highlighting their isolation. Vladimir and Estragon constantly talk about leaving but stay in the same spot as they await the arrival of Godot. This mirrors the pattern of hopeless thinking often experienced by those with depression. According to Ruby Cohn's analysis, Beckett’s characters mirror the symptoms of depression by cycling through hopeless conversations about their inability to move forward (Cohn, 1967). This strange repetition of actions, dialogues, and themes creates an atmosphere where time seems to stand still, emphasizing the emotional paralysis typical of depression. Beckett's characters seem unable of breaking away from the cycle of waiting. Their repetitive conversations underline a lack of momentum, and as Estragon complains, “Nothing happens, nobody comes, nobody goes, it's awful!” The absence of progress reflects the depressive struggle where motivation is elusive and feelings of worthlessness win. By keeping the characters in a waiting game, Beckett exposes the stagnation inherently of depression.
Beckett uses symbolism to illustrate the characters’ futile attempts to find meaning in the midst of their desolation. Godot, the entity that Vladimir and Estragon await, symbolizes the hope of salvation or a solution that never comes, reflecting the relief often sought out = by those suffering from depression. Esslin (1961) suggests that the characters' belief in Godot is similar to the clutching to any hope to escape despair. Throughout the play, Vladimir and Estragon await Godot’s arrival, believing that he will bring them purpose. However, Godot never arrives, and the characters remain hopelessness. This useless pursuit echoes the wanting for an external force to relieve depression, which rarely brings satisfaction. Beckett uses this absence to communicate the lack of concrete solutions, but instead showing that depression is often a struggle where external factors provide little comfort.
Beckett’s bland humor emphasizes the contradictory, absurd nature of life when viewed through the lens of depression. The circular conversations between Vladimir and Estragon, paired with their comedic antics, blend humor with a deep existential depression. As noted by scholar Hugh Kenner, Beckett captures the “tragicomic” reality of human suffering, showing how the absurdity of life becomes a coping mechanism against the overwhelming sense of despair (Kenner, 1961). Despite their suffering, Vladimir and Estragon share humorous conversations, such as when Vladimir exclaims, "We always find something, eh Didi, to give us the impression we exist?" These moments of humor, mix with despair and underline the absurdity of finding joy in misery. This comedic lens exposes how humor can act as a defense mechanism against depression, offering a temporary escape from the feeling of purposelessness.
The relationship between Vladimir and Estragon mirrors the internal contradictions of a depressive mind. They rely on yet resent one another, reflecting the conflicting feelings of dependence and loneliness that usually accompany depression. Vladimir acts as the caretaker, while Estragon constantly contemplates leaving their shared watch. Vladimir and Estragon’s co-dependent relationship reflects the struggle of finding meaning in the companionship of others while dealing with one’s internal despair. This dynamic is best showed in their interaction, with Estragon constantly questioning their purpose and Vladimir attempting to offer comfort. According to scholar Steven Connor, their relationship is a example of depressive conflict, with each character symbolizing different aspects of the depressive identity (Connor, 1988).
In Waiting for Godot, Samuel Beckett creates a skillful exploration of the social epidemic, depression, through the lens of absurd fiction. By keeping his characters in an endless loop of purposelessness, Beckett mirrors the hopelessness that clings those in a depressive state. The mix of repetitive dialogue, bleak humor, symbolism, and relational dynamics builds a portrait of a society where characters struggle to find meaning among despair. Beckett’s darkly comic portrayal of this condition shows the intricate nuances of depression, offering a compelling commentary on the human condition that remains relevant today.