1) Write 10 or so sentences putting Godot in the context of the "Power of 10" video.
The power of 10 video reminds me of how little knowledge we have as human beings. By stepping outward into space and inward into our bodies, we get to see life through rational lenses, and a perspective of what science and technology teaches us. We have not arrived in our understanding of spirituality, although in contrast we have made many advances in technology which aid us in our understanding of the tangible facts of the universe.
In the play Waiting for Godot, Godot is a character that two friends are waiting to appear yet never appears and is thought to be God by readers and audiences. Using the "Power of 10" video's context to reflect on the message of the play, I find that what comforts people (such as Vladimir and Estragon), is knowing what is certain in their day to day lives. I get a glimpse of mental torture created by confusion in these characters, as they sense betrayal and manipulation, yet can not work themselves into abandoning their commitment to waiting for Godot.
I believe many people search for the meaning of life, and in searching for this answer work an obsession for truth and answers. People even question the ability to even question, who or what is causing us to question life and it's meaning. You can drive yourself crazy if you allow those thoughts to linger without peace, rooted in truth, by faith, or you can find peace through knowledge in what is certain.
2) What do you think of Pozzo and Lucky? Why are they in the play? Choose some moments when you write about them.
Perhaps Pozzo and Lucky are in the play to show how power hungry individuals exploit weaker people. Pozzo is Lucky's slave and treats him like an animal, and makes him entertain them all, he mentions that making a profit by selling him is his goal.
Later Pozzo ends up relying on Lucky to guide him because he loses his site.
He changes from a bitter and arrogant man to a humble and understanding person.
They were probably in the pray to show us how quick affliction and pain humble us in understanding what's most valuable which is how we need help, care, and compassion from others.
3) How is Didi different than Gogo?
Didi appears to be more mature and able to articulate his thoughts. Gogo seems to be a bit weaker and needy and doesn't remember as well as Didi.
4) What are these two talking about, for what, for why?
They are talking about what matters to them, they are waiting for this man Godot to meet them. They talk about repentance, and theology, and ponder their life's meaning, and contemplate suicide.
5) How is your life like Didi and Gogo's?
There are days when I question the details of my purpose, since it's a journey I don't have access to the entire picture. Even times where I stop and question the certainty of my faith in Jesus Christ, am I waiting in vain?
What differs is that In those days of uncertainty, I recall the moments where I witnessed miracles and wonders, that have caused me to believe in the first place. and through the beauty of those tangible truths, I combat the lies that contaminate the purpose I know I have. I am waiting for my beloved, and I believe it is worth it.
6) If this play is not about God, claim 3 other things, ideas that the play is actually about? Point to parts of the play to support your claim.
7) Is this play cynical? What makes us insecure? How much do people act out of their insecurity? What's the flip side of insecurity?
This play can seem cynical, we have friends waiting on a stranger, believing a messengers lies while knowing the truth, and being so confused that they want to die. Especially since there's a character using a weaker person as a source of entertainment.
I also see this play as a depiction of the mind of man. We question things, and sometimes we're motivated by self-interest, but sometimes love awakens within us in the common struggle and causes us to mature into humane individuals.
I guess it's a little bit of both.
How much do people act out in insecurity? I don't know, I can't over generalize all of humanity based on my experiences. It seems like we can be driven by fear of rejection, then live afraid and never achieve the impossible.
Then on the flip side there are those who believe the impossible, who are respectful of differences, mature, and wise enough to accept their imperfections, know their weaknesses, yet are still confident enough to pursue life in a healthy manner where others around them can grow as well.
