The Impact of The Myth of Sisyphus by Albert Camus on Samuel Beckett's Waiting for Godot

Abstract

This inquiry aims to identify the influence of Albert Camus's responses to the absurd, as articulated in his philosophical essay The Myth of Sisyphus (1942), on Samuel Beckett's play Waiting for Godot (1952). Both Camus and Beckett were influential figures of the twentieth century absurdist movement, grappling with questions of meaning, existence, and the human condition. This study will investigate the connections between Camus's ideas and Beckett's play, seeking to illuminate the ways in which Camus's thoughts on the absurd may have influenced Beckett's exploration of similar themes. Through a comparative analysis of key concepts such as the absurd, the search for meaning, and the absurd condition, this research will provide insights into the intertextuality between The Myth of Sisyphus and Waiting for Godot. By examining the shared philosophical underpinnings and thematic resonances, this study will contribute to a deeper understanding of the intellectual and philosophical landscape that informed the creation of Beckett's seminal work. The findings will shed light on the ways in which Beckett may have drawn inspiration from Camus's writings and offer a nuanced perspective on the absurdist themes present in Waiting for Godot.