Theatre of the Absurd through an analysis of Waiting for Godot Tanya Garg College

The destruction and anxiety caused by the political upheaval in Europe in the 20th century, (especially World War II) resulted in the mass disillusionment among the people. There was a feeling of fear, doubt and pessimism all over Europe. The feeling of patriotism soon transformed into the rejection of traditional values and religious faith. Instead of focusing on the outer scenario which was full of negativity, people started to focus on their inner self. Thus, this era also marked the discovery of the power of the irrational and unconscious mind.

By the mid 20th century, western metaphysical concepts such as the truth and morality were rejected. This thought was popularized by Albert Camus and Jean-Paul Sartre in their theory of Existentialism. According to this theory, an individual should be kept outside the domain of good or bad because “human beings simply exist in a universe that does not have an overarching moral order or meaning” Thus, the traditional paradigm of viewing an individual with its surroundings was completely rejected.

The radical shift in the political, psychological and philosophical scenario saw a powerful influence on the literature of the period. The theatre of the Absurd is one such movement which...