Page (1 of 7) Quotes:
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How we cite the quotes:
Citations follow this format: (Act.Line). Every time a character talks counts as one line, even if what they say turns into a long monologue.
| Quote #1 VLADIMIR Two thieves, crucified at the same time as our Saviour. One— ESTRAGON Our what? VLADIMIR Our Saviour. Two thieves. One is supposed to have been saved and the other . . . (he searches for the contrary of saved) . . . damned. (1.62-64) |
Vladimir’s story of the two thieves reminds us of the frequent absence of choice in an uncertain world; neither thief chose to be damned or be saved, but were subject to arbitrary chance.
| Quote #2 ESTRAGON I'm going. He does not move. (1.67) |
The ability to choose is rendered useless when a decision cannot be joined with action. This seems constantly to be the case in Waiting for Godot.
| Quote #3 ESTRAGON Who believes him? VLADIMIR Everybody. It's the only version they know. ESTRAGON People are bloody ignorant apes. (1.87-89) |
Waiting for Godot argues that people are driven to beliefs by habit, popularity, and ignorance, rather than by conscious choice.