On an ordinary day, Vladimir and Estragon expectedly made their way to their usual spot near the barren tree. However, their routine was disrupted when they noticed a new addition to the surroundings – a boom box. Unfamiliar with this object, both Vladimir and Estragon became immediately captivated. They eagerly played around with the buttons and dial, fascinated by the sounds that emanated from the box. Suddenly, the song “Don’t Stop Believing” by Journey began playing, leaving Vladimir and Estragon astonished.
It was as if this song was written about their lives. Now, Vladimir and Estragon are not the only ones who can relate their lives to a song. Many people find music a way of expressing oneself and people tend to have some of the same problems so songs tend to overlap between people. “Don’t Stop Believing” is a popular song that many people find inspirational and moving. Although, the song might seem upbeat and joyous at first, when one actually reads the lyrics and listens to the words it becomes lucid as to why Vladimir and Estragon connect to this song; both deal with similar themes of waiting, companionship, and repetition.
Throughout the play, Beckett emphasizes the theme of waiting multiple times. The word “waiting” is immediately noticeable as the first word in the title, capturing the reader’s attention before they even open the book. Moreover, the focus of the play centers around Vladimir and Estragon, who are anxiously anticipating the arrival of Godot in hopes that everything will improve (Beckett 34). They spend countless days patiently waiting, fearful of missing Godot’s arrival. Sadly, it becomes apparent that Vladimir and Estragon were not informed properly, as it is clear that Godot will not be appearing.
The characters in Godot, such as Vladimir and Estragon, spend a significant amount of time with Pozzo. Initially, it appeared that Pozzo had important matters to tend to; however, as the play progressed, it became apparent that he had no intention of leaving. This was evident from his repeated “Adieu” (Beckett 31). Throughout the entire play, there is always at least one character waiting and finding ways to pass the time. Similarly, the lyrics of “Don’t Stop Believing” by Journey make reference to strangers waiting on the boulevard and searching for something in the night.
The individuals referred to as “these strangers” are a group of people who do not know each other and are in search of any opportunity that may come their way. This mirrors the characters Vladimir and Estragon, who are two strangers that have become friends and together they wait. Both groups are individuals who feel lost and are searching for a purpose in life. They attempt to create meaning by waiting for Godot, who is described as the one who holds their future in his hands (Beckett 19). Another line from the song that relates to the play is “don’t stop believing” by Journey.
The text addresses the idea that waiting can bring a sense of hope and serves a purpose in the long run. In the specific case of Vladimir and Estragon, they wait for Godot to arrive, hoping that their waiting will not be in vain. Alongside the theme of waiting, a theme of companionship is present throughout the play. Vladimir and Estragon rely on each other for companionship, amusement, security, and friendship. Despite Estragon’s occasional desire to part ways, he ultimately acknowledges that he always finds himself returning to Vladimir.
Among the numerous ways in which their dependency on each other is demonstrated, one noteworthy instance is their discussion on hanging themselves. The thought of hanging themselves evokes fear particularly due to the outcome that one of them would live while the other perishes. Estragon endeavors to convey this concept to Vladimir using simple words, asserting, “Gogo light – bough not break – Gogo dead. Didi heavy – bough break – Di di alone” (Beckett 12). Consequently, they opt not to pursue such a course of action because despite their occasional difficulties in each other’s company, they find the idea of separation even more detestable.
The theme of companionship is present in both the song “Don’t Stop Believin'” by Journey and the play Waiting for Godot. In both, characters take a midnight train and meet up, seeking not to be alone and sharing the night to avoid loneliness. Estragon and Vladimir in Waiting for Godot also board a midnight train and have wandered the streets together ever since, just like the small town girl and city boy in the song. Repetition is another theme that can be found in both works. In Act I of Waiting for Godot, Vladimir and Estragon engage in various activities such as discussing hanging themselves, interacting with Pozzo and Lucky, and waiting for Godot, all of which are repeated in Act II. The passage of time between acts is longer than it initially appears, as Estragon’s remark to Vladimir reveals. Since Estragon hardly sees anyone besides Vladimir, it implies that more time than just a few days has passed. (Beckett 32)
Similarly, the song mentions “streetlights, people livin’ just to find emotion hiding somewhere in the night,” emphasizing the use of repetition (Journey). These individuals wander aimlessly from one intersection to another, lacking purpose or direction. The “streetlights” repeat a monotonous sequence of red, green, yellow, red, green, yellow. This mirrors the daily routine of Vladimir and Estragon, who loiter by the same tree, engage in the same activities, and await the same person. Ultimately, the boy and girl referenced in the song draw a parallel to the lives of Vladimir and Estragon.
Both pairs find solace in each other as they navigate a seemingly purposeless existence. Vladimir and Estragon’s sole purpose in life revolves around waiting for Godot. This daily routine, while seemingly monotonous, gives them a reason to carry on. Without this purpose, life would lose all meaning for them. Essentially, waiting for Godot is their lifeline, preventing them from descending into despair. As the famous lyrics of Journey’s song emphasize, their journey seems never-ending, persisting perpetually.
