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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Considering the possibility that they might have trouble hanging themselves, Estragon says that Vladimir could hang onto his legs. Vladimir asks him

2. When the boy comes toward the end of the second act, Vladimir asks him if he has seen anybody. The boy tells him

3. When he arrives for the second time, who does the boy refer to Vladimir as?

4. What does Pozzo say is in his bag near the end of the play?

5. Vladimir realizes Estragon has been beaten again and tells him he wouldn't have let "them" beat Estragon because he would

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Why do you think Beckett uses the character of the boy to bring word from Godot? Does this "prove" Godot exists? Is the boy real or part of a delusion shared by Estragon and Vladimir? After all, Estragon, especially, questions the accuracy of his memory.

Essay Topic 2

Samuel Beckett's play, "Waiting for Godot," is considered part of the Theater of the Absurd. Theater of the Absurd writers joined existential (relating to existence) philosophy with dramatic action and characters to show how "absurd" life could be. Find at least three examples of absurd actions or dialogue, describe the examples, and explain why you think they show the absurdity of life.

Essay Topic 3

Many lines of dialogue consist of single words or very brief sentences. How does this approach to dialogue affect the mood of the play, and what does it tell you about the characters, especially Estragon and Vladimir?

(see the answer keys)

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