A Marxist Analysis of Samuel Beckett’s Play “Waiting for Godot”

Abstract

This study presents a Marxist analysis of the play Waiting for Godot. Since the play explores several themes, it specifically addresses the reasons behind the formation of different social classes and the resulting consequences, such as alienation, exploitation, and friction within these classes. In the play, different characters represent different social classes. Through the lens of Marxist theory, this analysis showes that the characters of Pozzo and Lucky symbolize the bourgeoisie and the lower class, respectively. To support this statement, extensive research and credible sources have been consulted during the writing of this study. Furthermore, the work identifies and examines other elements of Marxist ideology that are both discussed and demonstrated by the playwright. In conclusion, Beckett has effectively depicted the human condition, particularly the detrimental effects of the class system following both World War II and the rise of industrialization.