Characterization in Albert Camus The Plague and Samuel Becketts Waiting for Godot :: comparison compare contrast essays

enactment in Albert Camus The Plague and Samuel Becketts Waiting for Godot enactment is an important aspect of Waiting for Godot and The Plague. In both works, the authors use characters to pack their own views and enable the reader to understand themes and messages. In The Plague, Camus discloses a scummy part of himself in each of the primary characters. The main character, Dr. Bernard Rieux, represents Camus own rejection of complimentary suffering and his overwhelming compassion and respect for people searching for gist in life (Lebesque 80). He silently accepts any that happens in the range of the epidemic, waiting patiently for the pestilence to die away. His role in the view as can be summed up when he tells Father Panaloux that Salvations much also big a word for me. I dont aim so high. Im concerned with mans health and for me his health comes first (219). Rieux rejects any form of heroism, focusing totally of his energy on his duties as a doctor. Dr. Tarrou, the other protagonist in the work, shares a smaller portion of the narrative duties. Unlike Rieux, Tarrou a good deal gives a personal, more moral account of the events happening around town. He often gives his own opinions on something, rather than a simple impartial explication. Tarrou expresses a desire for simplicity and directness while also wishing to resign himself of all evil. He identifies the plague with the death penalty and launches into an elaborate baloney about how his father was a lawyer and regularly fought for the death penalty. His unrestrained reactions against capital punishment express Camus own views of a world in which the murder of people is legal and human existence becomes worthless (Rhein 44). Characterization is key in establishing the theme of Waiting for Godot. Vladimir and Estragon seem to wee two modes of existence together and by themselves. One critic observes, As members of a cross-talk act, Vladimir and Estragon have complementary personaliti es (Esslin 29). Vladimir seems to be the more abiding of the two, while Estragon is more of a dreamer. Vladimir pretty much makes all of the decisions, and he is the only one to remember significant events from the past. He is incessantly the one to remind Estragon that they must wait for Godot, and he seems to be the only one who cares about the consequences of not waiting.