He begins to tell Vladimir about his dream but Vladimir interrupts him and tells him not to describe the dream. Estragon falls asleep but then wakes up startled. Vladimir offers Estragon a radish or turnip, because he has no carrots. Estragon remembers someone kicking him and remembers the chicken bones he got from Pozzo. Vladimir asks if Estragon really doesn't remember Lucky and Pozzo. Vladimir says that he and Estragon picked grapes for the same man a long time ago in 'the Macon country,' but Estragon doesn't remember this, either.Īfter a long silence, Vladimir asks Estragon to talk about anything to fill the silence, but the two struggle to find something to talk about. He also doesn't recognize the place where they are waiting from the day before. Vladimir mentions Pozzo and Lucky, and Estragon doesn't remember who these people are. Vladimir tells him they should wait for Godot. Vladimir and Estragon embrace, happy to see each other again, and Estragon asks what they should do. Estragon enters and tells Vladimir that he was beaten the previous night for no reason. The second act begins the next day, in the same location and at the same time. They say they are going to leave, but stay still. The boy leaves and Estragon and Vladimir are ready to leave for the night. He tells Vladimir that he works for Godot, minding his goats, and says that Godot is a good master. He says Godot will not come today, but will come the next day. A boy comes onstage, bearing a message from Godot. Pozzo and Lucky eventually leave, and Estragon wants to leave as well, but Vladimir tells him they need to stay and wait for Godot. Pozzo prepares to leave and says goodbye to Vladimir and Estragon, but doesn't move. Pozzo says that Lucky needs his hat to think, so Vladimir places it back on Lucky's head and Lucky launches into a long, rambling monologue. He offers to make Lucky dance, recite, sing, or think for their entertainment. He makes a speech about night and twilight, then asks if there's anything he can do for Estragon and Vladimir, since they have been nice to him. Pozzo collects himself and looks for his pipe, which he has misplaced. Pozzo then begins to cry, saying that he 'can't bear it.' Vladimir scolds Lucky for making his master cry. Estragon approaches Lucky and Lucky kicks him violently in the shin. Lucky begins to cry and Pozzo gives Estragon a handkerchief to bring to him. Pozzo says he plans to sell Lucky at a fair. He says that Lucky is trying to impress Pozzo so he won't get rid of him, because Pozzo has plenty of slaves. Pozzo says that Lucky has the right to put them down and be comfortable, so he must be carrying them because he wants to. Estragon asks why Lucky doesn't put down his bags. Pozzo tells him to stay, though, in case Godot should show up. Vladimir is outraged at Pozzo's horrible treatment of Lucky and wants to leave. Pozzo eats some chicken and Estragon begs him for the leftover bones. He jerks the rope that is around Lucky's neck and calls him 'pig.' Lucky brings him his stool and some food. Estragon asks if this is Godot, but then Pozzo introduces himself. Pozzo drives Lucky forward with a whip like a pack animal, with a rope tied around his neck. The two are interrupted by a loud scream off-stage. Estragon asks if they are 'tied' to Godot and Vladimir says that they are. Finally, he finds a carrot and gives it to Estragon. All he can find in his pockets, though, are turnips. Estragon is hungry, and Vladimir offers him a carrot. Estragon asks what Vladimir asked Godot for and Vladimir says that he made a vague sort of prayer. The two disagree over who should hang himself first, though, and Vladimir concludes that they should just wait for Godot. While waiting, Estragon suggests they hang themselves on the tree. Vladimir wonders what he and Estragon should do, and Estragon says they should continue to wait. Estragon starts to describe his dream, but Vladimir angrily stops him and tells him to keep his nightmares to himself. Estragon falls asleep and Vladimir immediately wakes him, saying he was lonely without him. Estragon and Vladimir debate whether they are in the right place and whether it is the right day for Godot to come. Estragon wants to leave, but Vladimir reminds him that they have to wait here for Godot. One of the gospels says that one of the thieves was saved, but Vladimir wonders if this is true. Vladimir tells Estragon about the two thieves crucified along with Jesus. Estragon says all he remembers are some colored maps of the holy land. Vladimir asks if Estragon has ever read the Bible. Vladimir and Estragon wait at the side of a road, near a tree, agreeing that there is 'nothing to be done.' Estragon struggles to take off one of his boots.

Waiting for godot sparknotes