STYLISTIC ANALYSIS OF STYLE MARKERS IN BECKETT’S PLAY WAITING FOR GODOT

Abstract

This study examines Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett through a qualitative linguistic analysis, employing Leech and Short’s (2007) model of stylistics to explore the play’s use of language at various linguistic levels: lexical, semantic, morphological, phonological, and syntactic. The primary objective is to understand how Beckett's language choices contribute to the expression of existential themes, including the absurdity of human existence, the passage of time, and the futility of human endeavor. The analysis explores the repetitive and ambiguous use of language, highlighting how Beckett’s characters, Vladimir and Estragon, embody the human condition through their interactions and the cyclical nature of their dialogue. Lexical choices such as repetition, contrast between formal and informal registers, and the strategic use of metaphor contribute to the thematic underpinnings of the play, while the semantic exploration uncovers deeper philosophical meanings and connotations. The morphological and phonological levels reveal how Beckett’s use of word formation, affixation, phonemes, stress, and intonation reinforce the play’s tone of resignation and despair. Syntactic structures, including elliptical sentences and inverted phrases, further emphasize the disjointed nature of the characters' thoughts and actions. This study provides insights into the profound impact of language on the literary and emotional qualities of Waiting for Godot, shedding light on Beckett’s mastery in portraying the human experience through minimalist yet complex dialogue. Future research could explore how these linguistic features are interpreted in different translations and performances of the play.