1. Waiting for Godot–Read and annotate through p. 47. This reading is Lucky’s monologue (equally famous and frustrating). Beckett has stated that the threads and themes of the play are being gathered together in the monologue. Don’t write about it…just think about it…–Analyze Lucky’s monologue in search of meaning…yes, you must weed through the nonsense to pick out the substantial… Although, I would argue that even that which is nonsensical is substantial. There is method to the madness that seemingly is his speech. So, really, what is it that he is saying? Think, human condition. Also, consider how the subject of his speech parallels the plight of Vladimir and Estragon.
Some tips:
- Define apathia, athambia, and aphasia
- There are three sections of the monologue. See if you can discern where one ends and another begins. See if you can come up with thematic labels for each part.
2. PBA–Read the thesis statement handout!
