Waiting for Godot

Beckett uses the introduction of the character Pozzo in order to explore the theme of pointlessness. When Pozzo enters the play he expects the other characters to know who is; this is shown by him questioning them as to whether the name meant "nothing" to them. Pozzo is clearly important in his own eyes, yet irrelevant in the eyes of another, thus highlighting the struggle that man has to make an imprint. The use of the word "nothing" furthers this idea because "nothing" is what man becomes in the end and it is pointless to try and overcome it.

Upon arrival Vladimir and Estragon confuse Pozzo with Godot. Both of the names "Pozzo" and "Godot" rhyme leading the men to debate whether Pozzo is in fact Godot; Beckett uses this play on words in order to highlight the futility of their wait as they do not know who they are waiting for and what Godot will bring for them. The fact that Estragon believes "he said Godot" and Vladimir replies with "no not at all" shows the futility and pointlessness of life as we do not receive any answers and are just lead by blind faith.

Beckett employs a cyclical nature in act one of Waiting for Godot; the use of the cyclical plot explores the theme of pointlessness as the characters do not move forward within the act. The character Pozzo urges the other characters not to speak ill of their generation because "it's not any happier than its predecessors" ; this shows how nothing has changed. The use of the word "unhappier" highlights the pessimistic outlook on life because "unhappier" shows the extent of dissatisfaction that everyone feels about life. The word "unhappier" shows that the extent of dissatisfaction and hopelessness is getting worse.

Beckett also introduces the idea of fate, the character Pozzo says that the "The tears of the world are a constant quantity. For each one who begins to weep" ; this allows Beckett to explore the theme of pointlessness because this suggests that everything in life is pre-determined people will not have to work because the outcome is already planned, therefore promoting inactivity and the lack of progression.

Throughout the second section of Lucky's speech the words "waste" and "pine"