Trapped and trapped in Samuel Beckett's Waiting for Godot set of interchangeable relationships. At the beginning of the play Beckett introduces the bond as a central metaphor to explore the moral, social and existential implications of this complex network of relationships. Pozzo and Lucky are literally tied to each other. Although less tangible, Vladimir and Estragon are united by an equally powerful emotional bond. Ultimately, even the relationship that defines the movement (or lack of movement) of the entire work, the bond between Godot and Vladimir and Estragon, is described as a form of slavery. Vladimir and Estragon admit that their fate is ultimately tied to Godot's will. At first glance, the rope wrapped around Lucky's neck and held by Pozzo outlines a fairly clear power relationship: Pozzo is dominant and Lucky is submissive. Although Pozzo appears to revel in his position of authority, it becomes apparent that the relationship is more complicated than it seems. Pozzo tries to explain that Lucky "wants to soften me up so that I give up the idea of separating from him" (I, 21). By enslaving himself to Pozzo's desires, Lucky hopes to ensure the continuation of their relationship. Pozzo, although aware of being manipulated, also states: "You cannot chase away creatures like that. The best thing would be to kill them" (I, 21). Yet all of Pozzo's efforts to sever their bond are unsuccessful. In fact, when they reappear in the second act, the cord between the two has shortened and Pozzo is now blind. In a very real, very substantial way, Pozzo has become increasingly dependent on Lucky. Their bond is thus simultaneously strengthened and twisted. While their connection may lack a tangible symbol, the bond between Vladimir and Estragon is no less real or complex. Beckett is able to place both couples under the common roof of humanity. Pozzo recognizes that Vladimir and Estragon "are still human beings... of the same species as me" (I, 15). However, Vladimir and Estragon seem to depend on each other on a more visceral and emotional level. There is both love and repulsion between them. Both realize that their relationship is an obstacle to individual happiness, yet both despair at the thought of a lonely existence.

Topic > Trapped and trapped in Samuel Beckett's Waiting for Godot set of interchangeable relationships. At the beginning of the play Beckett introduces the bond as a central metaphor to explore the moral, social and existential implications of this complex network of relationships. Pozzo and Lucky are literally tied to each other. Although less tangible, Vladimir and Estragon are united by an equally powerful emotional bond. Ultimately, even the relationship that defines the movement (or lack of movement) of the entire work, the bond between Godot and Vladimir and Estragon, is described as a form of slavery. Vladimir and Estragon admit that their fate is ultimately tied to Godot's will. At first glance, the rope wrapped around Lucky's neck and held by Pozzo outlines a fairly clear power relationship: Pozzo is dominant and Lucky is submissive. Although Pozzo appears to revel in his position of authority, it becomes apparent that the relationship is more complicated than it seems. Pozzo tries to explain that Lucky "wants to soften me up so that I give up the idea of separating from him" (I, 21). By enslaving himself to Pozzo's desires, Lucky hopes to ensure the continuation of their relationship. Pozzo, although aware of being manipulated, also states: "You cannot chase away creatures like that. The best thing would be to kill them" (I, 21). Yet all of Pozzo's efforts to sever their bond are unsuccessful. In fact, when they reappear in the second act, the cord between the two has shortened and Pozzo is now blind. In a very real, very substantial way, Pozzo has become increasingly dependent on Lucky. Their bond is thus simultaneously strengthened and twisted. While their connection may lack a tangible symbol, the bond between Vladimir and Estragon is no less real or complex. Beckett is able to place both couples under the common roof of humanity. Pozzo recognizes that Vladimir and Estragon "are still human beings... of the same species as me" (I, 15). However, Vladimir and Estragon seem to depend on each other on a more visceral and emotional level. There is both love and repulsion between them. Both realize that their relationship is an obstacle to individual happiness, yet both despair at the thought of a lonely existence.