The Relationship Between Pozzo and Lucky Esme Hood 12th Grade

The debate about the relationship of the two characters Pozzo and Lucky has existed since the original performance of Waiting for Godot and has failed, much like the rest of the play, to suggest any kind of concrete conclusion. The name “Lucky” comes from Beckett’s reasoning that this character is “lucky” not to have any further expectations, reiterating the nihilism that comes with the play. The relationship between Lucky and Pozzo is, on the surface (if anything with Beckett can be on the surface), a fairly cut and dry “master/servant” relationship. Lucky is treated unforgivingly by Pozzo. Often depicted as an old man, Lucky is forced to carry Pozzo’s baggage, is not permitted to rest, and is connected to him by a rope (or leash). He obediently does the majority of what Pozzo wishes, and a large portion of Pozzo’s dialogue is dedicated to giving Lucky various instructions (“Stop! Forward! Back!”). Regardless of the abuse that Lucky faces, he remains totally subservient to Pozzo, and seems distraught when Pozzo mentions wanting to get rid of him (“ I am bringing him to the fair, where I hope to get a good price for him”).

Lucky is the first to enter the scene, with a very long rope around his neck and Pozzo at the other end of...