"Waiting for Godot" by Samuel Beckett

This stay-at-home quarantine is starting to feel like a “Waiting for Godot” type of situation. We are given dates when things will change, these dates arrive and then we are told things will change later on. We look forward to the warmth of the summer, and then fear the brutal fall that could be even worse than now. So to give some perspective on the situation, I would like to recommend “Waiting for Godot” as good, quick read for the month of June, 2020.  Written originally in French in 1948 by the Irish writer Samuel Beckett, “Waiting for Godot” is billed as a tragicomedy in two acts. It was one of my dad’s favorite plays. The play features two characters Vladimir and Estragon who are waiting for a character named Godot who seemingly is destined never to arrive. While they wait for Godot, they meet three other characters and engage in conversations about life, religion and friendship. Classified historically as an example of the Theatre of the Absurd, the play seems less absurd and more metaphorical when you think about it today. I read online that the word “godillot” means military boot in French, and is perhaps the inspiration for the title. Beckett fought in World War II, and historians have written that what brought him joy during the war was waiting for letters to come in the mail. Waiting is difficult, and finding strength and patience is even harder. World War II came to an end, and one day our pandemic will, too. We just have to find ways to enjoy the time in between. Reading is an excellent way to spend that time, and so is sending snail mail letters. To purchase this book on Amazon click here.