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Title: Human Life Threats and Analysis of Defense Mechanism in “Waiting for Godot”
Authors: Sheraz Shoukat, Umarah Shamim, Wajid Riaz
Journal: Journal of Asian Development Studies
Publisher: Centre for Research on Poverty and Attitude pvt ltd
Country: Pakistan
Year: 2023
Volume: 12
Issue: 3
Language: English
DOI: 10.62345/
Keywords: RegressionconflictssymbiosisUnconsciousHysteriaNeuro-Psychoses of DefenseTheatre of the AbsurdFears
Defense Mechanism is a technique used at the end of all conflicts to reduce internal crises of the characters, suggested by Freud, whereas Beckett's "Waiting for Godot" is a post-war play that portrays the fear, anxiety, and uncertainty of human life. The four central characters of the play, Vladimir, Estragon, Pozzo, and Lucky, develop major psychological issues, such as complex nature and perplexed minds. These characters seem normal, but they have some psychological fears and conflicts in their unconscious. The primary aim of this work is to explore the notion of human actions in the modern drama, "Waiting for Godot", through the spectacles of Freud's theory of Defense Mechanism "The Neuro-Psychoses of Defense". The research is based on a qualitative approach due to its literary nature, excavating the four central characters of "Waiting for Godot" to perceive and analyze the intended thinking of Becket's mind. This research intricate that 'how such sort of human defense control or drive human's actions and behaviors by obscured forces in their unconscious," which are shown in the study. In contrast, all characters of the play are consistent. The research suggests conducting future investigations in the same literary genres to present human problems, a journey from art for art's sake to art for life, and the findings as reported that every human being has some fears and defense which keep him attentive and away from different situations, to be implicated further on other literary works.
To explore the notion of human actions in Samuel Beckett's "Waiting for Godot" through the lens of Freud's theory of Defense Mechanism ("The Neuro-Psychoses of Defense"), analyzing how unconscious forces drive the characters' actions and behaviors.
Qualitative approach based on a meticulous reading and interpretation of Samuel Beckett's play "Waiting for Godot." The study excavates the four central characters (Vladimir, Estragon, Pozzo, and Lucky) to analyze their psychological issues, fears, and defense mechanisms as described by Freudian theory. Secondary sources, including periodicals, narrative analyses, editorials, and journal articles, were also consulted.
graph TD
A["Read and Research 'Waiting for Godot'"] --> B["Examine Four Main Characters"];
B --> C["Analyze Psychological Issues, Fears, and Defenses"];
C --> D["Apply Freudian Theory of Defense Mechanism"];
D --> E["Interpret Textual Evidence and Dialogue"];
E --> F["Consult Secondary Sources"];
F --> G["Identify and Analyze Defense Mechanisms"];
G --> H["Formulate Key Findings and Conclusions"];
The study argues that the characters' seemingly absurd actions and dialogues in "Waiting for Godot" are manifestations of their unconscious defense mechanisms, employed to shield them from painful realities and anxieties inherent in human life, particularly in a post-war context. The analysis connects these literary representations to Freud's theories on the unconscious mind and its role in shaping human behavior.
The four central characters of "Waiting for Godot" exhibit various Freudian defense mechanisms, such as selective memory, selective perception, denial, repression, projection, rationalization, regression, and avoidance, to cope with their fears and psychological conflicts. These defenses are deeply ingrained in their personalities and influence their actions and behaviors.
Freud's theory of defense mechanisms provides a valuable framework for understanding the psychological complexities of characters in literary works like "Waiting for Godot." The study concludes that these unconscious defenses are fundamental to human existence, influencing actions and behaviors, and suggests further exploration of related psychoanalytic concepts in literary analysis.
1. Sigmund Freud's "The Neuro-Psychoses of Defense" paper was published in 1894. The text states, "Sigmund Freud first used this term in his paper, 'The Neuro-Psychoses of Defense', in 1894." This is accurate.
2. Samuel Beckett's "Waiting for Godot" was published in 1952. The text mentions, "A tragicomedy consisting of two acts, Waiting for Godot (1952), is written by Samuel Beckett." This is accurate.
3. Sigmund Freud's lifespan is stated as May 6, 1856 - September 23, 1939. The text states, "Sigmund Freud (6 May1856 - 23 September 1939) originates the psychodynamic approach to psychology..." This is accurate.
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