Thoughtful Laughter in Beckets Waiting for Godot

Awakening Thoughtful Laughter in Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot Samuel Beckett’s use of humor can be seen throughout his repertoire of work, ranging from the exaggeratedly tragic lives of the two characters in Rough for Theater I to the mechanical prodding that is required to rouse the characters in Act Without Words II. The humor in Beckett’s work is given dimension by the fact that it addresses morbid themes such as death, poverty, suffering, and the crushing despair and apathy that comes with the realization of the meaninglessness of life--the cornerstone of existentialism. Thus, the reader is amused by the works because, through humor, Beckett lightens the tenebrous view of life that is existentialism. Such a response to†¦show more content†¦In addition to serving as a symbol of the oppressed masses and a jumping-off point for heightening one’s own image, Lucky’s response to the way he is treated provokes thoughtful laughter in that he, too, does little to help his own cause. Beckett illustrates this in a scene in act I where Lucky kicks Estragon in the shins when Estragon, after encouragement from Pozzo, attempts to actually help Lucky. Initially, this part of the play can be considered funny because of the physical comedy. When one looks closer, however, it becomes apparent that this action has much stronger implications; Lucky’s character is beaten-down, oppressed by his supposed superiors, and overworked, yet when others make an attempt at helping him he refuses to accept such charity and instead makes a point of injuring his attendant. While laughable because Estragon’s injury is unexpected and entirely uncalled-for, this action is crucial to illuminating the dysfunctional nature of interpersonal relationships in which one person reaches out to another who is suffering. Not only has Lucky refused assistance in an alleged time of need, but has also managed to injure someone else in the process. This interaction between Lucky and Estragon is illustrative of