This assignment is based on Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot. (Links to an external site.) The introduction of your paper should briefly summarize the landmark play, mentioning the characters and key moments of the plot (yeah, good luck with that!), and then explain how the play deconstructs the structure of drama and theater (think in terms of Aristotlean Poetics). Please quote and cite a passage from the play to support your argument.
Then, as a thesis, I am giving you some leeway here: you must deconstruct the play from one of the many theories we have discussed in class.
So, I am only looking for one approach of deconstruction; however, you need to show the structure of the chosen theory first, before you can deconstruct it.
Let me explain:
If you critique the play’s characters in terms of the binary opposites found in existentialism, the first body part should be about whether a character controls their life through free will (do they live to their full potential? do they have regret?) or are they fated to wait: Then, in terms of deconstruction, how does this play challenge this notion of free will? You are not supporting existentialism and free will, but will be commenting on the play’s comment about free will and the chosen character’s potential in terms of their action (or inaction).
Focus on two characters and quote and cite passages as support.
If you wish to deconstruct the play in terms of Marxism, again the first body part of your essay should show the binary structure of the bourgeoisie/producers and the proletariat/working class: how does power dictate actions and control over the characters? How are the characters “trapped” in their position? Then, by means of deconstruction, how does the play consider the binaries of class structures as insignificant, un-centered? How does it deconstruct the value of the rich and the poor? Focus on two characters (Pozzo and Lucky are the obvious choices) to illustrate your points. Quote and cite from the play for support.
But these are not the only possibilities: You can deconstruct the play in terms of:
gender roles by considering how men are depicted and deconstructed in the play, in terms of heroes/anti-heroes;
colonialism, which would be the same as Marxism, just with the Master/Slave dialectic;
even psychoanalysis by considering the Freudian id (Links to an external site.) of two characters, like Vladimir and Estragon, and whether they have or even should have such desires.
Whichever theory you wish is fine with me. Just remember that deconstruction questions the structural binary oppositions; it doesn’t eliminate the binaries. It is a challenging concept, but one that proves rewarding and liberating, and playful.
Finally, in your conclusion, present the value of the play today. Why does it resonate with persons placed in dire situations, such as after Hurricane Katrina (Links to an external site.) or in the San Quentin Prison? (Links to an external site.) How can it relate to the average person, like yourself, living in a postmodern, post-pandemic (Links to an external site.) world?
I have provided several lessons to answer any concerns you might have. If you still have any questions or wish to show me a draft of your paper, feel free to contact me during office hours or via email to schedule an appointment.
Good luck!
Rubric
English 102 — SLO rubric (2)
English 102 — SLO rubric (2)
Criteria Ratings Pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeOrganization
The essay must have an introduction with a summary and thesis, body parts in which support from the text is given, and a conclusion.
10 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeContent
The essay demonstrates a strong understanding of the source’s ideas and uses the source to support its thesis and argument and cites correctly.
10 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeGrammar
The essay keeps its sentences clear and concise with little to no grammar and sentence errors, including no misspellings, run-ons, fragments, verb errors, punctuation errors, etc.
10 pts
Total Points: 30
