To understand why the correct answer is 4 (D and E only), let’s analyze the options in relation to Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot.
Background on Waiting for Godot:
Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot is a seminal work of the Theatre of the Absurd. It explores themes of existentialism, futility, and the human condition. It is characterized by a lack of traditional plot, development, or resolution and is often interpreted as a reflection of the despair and absurdity of human existence.
Option Analysis:
(A) It illustrates vanity of humankind.
While Waiting for Godot does touch on human vanity and futility, the play is more focused on broader existential themes, such as waiting for meaning or salvation that may never come. This makes (A) too narrow a description of the play’s core themes.
(B) It has uncompromising views on humanitarian communism.
This option is incorrect because Beckett's work does not directly engage with political ideologies like humanitarian communism. Waiting for Godot is far more philosophical and abstract, emphasizing existential despair rather than specific political commentary.
(C) It projects self-deception, striving to disguise failure.
While there are elements of self-deception in the characters' interactions, this option oversimplifies the work's focus. The characters are not actively disguising failure but rather embody a state of uncertainty, waiting for something undefined and out of reach. This description is secondary to the primary themes captured by (D) and (E).
(D) It is a static representation without structure or development.
This is a defining characteristic of Waiting for Godot. The play deliberately lacks a traditional structure or progression. The characters remain in a cyclical pattern of waiting, with no significant change or development, reflecting the play’s absurdist nature.
(E) Its incoherent dialogue suggests despair of a society.
The fragmented and often nonsensical dialogue in Waiting for Godot reflects the breakdown of traditional communication and the despair of a meaningless or incoherent existence. This is another key aspect of Beckett’s work, aligning with absurdist themes.
Correct Answer: (D) and (E) Only
Both (D) and (E) capture the essence of the play’s structure and thematic focus. The other options either misinterpret or overly simplify its philosophical and literary characteristics.
Year-wise PYQs
