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3.69 AVERAGE
3.69 AVERAGE
If Joyce expressed the symptoms of Dublin's societal paralysis, Beckett described the absolute paralysis of existence. This play perfectly illustrates the anguish and confusion of life as a constant process of non-arrival. Nothing much happens or changes during this play. The circumstances repeat themselves as the characters either deteriorate or manage to hold themselves together through futile interaction. And yet, despite the plays intentionally unrelenting monotony, the language manages to exalt the human confrontation with this monotony. There are speeches and one-liners that I'm certain will stick with me, even if the forgetful characters in the play suggest that nothing truly sticks. If Vladimir is the only character who seems to hold on to memory and purpose with any ounce of competence, it might be that he is the hero of the play. To me, he seems to represent the most defiantly hopeful approach to inhabiting life's abyss. He also has the coolest speeches.
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
challenging
funny
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This plot is simple yet delves deeply into themes such as hope and despair, the meaning of life, and the uncertainty of faith, to name a few. It is filled with dry humor and often bleak, but I enjoyed it. However, I believe I will appreciate it even more with future re-reads.
funny
mysterious
reflective
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Okay, once I've had time to chew this over I might wind up giving it a higher rating. I'm going to mull over it for a bit and come back to a review beyond, "I think my spouse just put me through what he feels when I drag him along to avaunt guard art exhibits..."
Absurd and ironic, this play fantastically declares the ignorance and ridiculousness found in humanity's failure to find meaning in the world around them. I long to write like Beckett.
funny
sad
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
challenging
emotional
funny
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated