Date of Award

Spring 5-29-2025

Abstract

Samuel Beckett's plays, Waiting for Godot and Endgame, provide ample room for applying existential and speech act theories to examine the goals of the characters. In analyzing the exchanges between these characters, the audience becomes aware of the phenomenon of miscommunication and how it alienates the characters. This thesis furthers the discussion of Beckett's intentions regarding the human experience as embodied on stage by examining the text of the plays, rather than any specific performances. Specifically, I develop a framework that identifies a main character within each of the plays discussed, and how the interactions between that main character and the other characters feed into the protagonist's existential crisis. I incorporate ideas as developed by Jean-Paul Sartre regarding existentialist theory as well as John R. Searle's ideas concerning speech act theory. The inconsistency of language and inability to define an overall meaning of their existences frames the frustrations of Beckett's characters. Ultimately, in applying these theories to Beckett's texts, I show how being stuck between two distinct points in an individual's life can cause him to make no choice at all, exacerbating his frustration and keeping him from moving beyond his circumstances.

Advisor

Dr. Carla McDonough

Committee Member 1

Dr. James Al-Shamma

Committee Member 2

Dr. Caresse John

Department

English, Department of

College

Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, College of

Document Type

Thesis

Degree

Master of Arts (MA)

Degree Level

Master's

Degree Grantor

Belmont University

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