Socially Insane

Word Count: 751

Insanity is well understood as a “condition” or a “consequence of brain disease,” relying on formal testing and observation to deem someone terminally insane. Culturally, this definition relies too heavily on diagnosis, completely negating the fact that some areas of the whole may not have access to neurological medicine. Also, it fails to acknowledge cultural perception, that is, it depends on the society itself to label the action or the individual as “insane,” and it differs across each social group. Not to mention, there are various conditions of the mind that do not necessarily cause madness and the side effects vary case to case. Personally, I witness insanity as the idea of repeating the same action while expecting different results, lacking better judgement to acknowledge the action itself is flawed. My cultural surroundings demonstrate that an individual becoming an inconvenience to the general public, despite obvious social cues is mentally incompetent and the best possible conclusion is to either ignore or humor the individual to maintain the peace. In Waiting for Gadot, by Samuel Beckett, Vladimir and Estragon desperately find means of entertainment while expecting the arrival of a guest that has guaranteed them a reward for their patience. Though they are not the only questionable characters in the text, their odd distraction tactics and unreasonable investment in an unfamiliar person demonstrate Vladimir and Estragon are not mentally sound.

When initially deciding a way to pass the time, Estragon suggests hanging themselves, sparking interest from Vladimir who lets his companion in on an interesting “fact.” Vladimir informs Estragon of the possibility of an erection, further exciting Estragon to proceed with the hanging (Beckett 10).  Rather than refusing to wait for this unknown character, the men suggest suicide as a reasonable method in escaping boredom. Estragon and Vladimir disassociate from the fact that if they are successful in their attempts, they will not be able to feel anything at all, highlighting they are not capable of understanding the potential consequences. After arguing about which of the two should hang themselves first, Estragon advises Vladimir to “use [his} intelligence” in understanding Estragon’s reasoning for not being able to go first to which Vladimir responds, “I remain in the dark” (Beckett 11). Estragon is suggesting his friend to think intellectually about an unnecessary act, placing Vladimir in a reflective state. During their chaotic thoughts, the characters frequently reside to these moments of darkness they try to avoid. The extreme fluctuation of emotions further extends the definition of insanity since, often, it is emotions of the individual that are telling of their mental status. Though is seems Pozzo and Lucky have their own questionable attributes, it is how Vladimir and Estragon respond that is the most off putting.

After a brief departure from the men, Pozzo and Lucky return frantic and tumble to the ground. Before even deciding to engage with Pozzo at all, Estragon suggests to Vladimir they should ask for a favor from him and “if he refuses [they’ll] leave him there” (Beckett 71). They sense no wrong in receiving a payment for their services. Because Pozzo is revealed to be disabled, their actions are not only cruel, but it reveals the characters are lacking a proper conscious. Pozzo is now begging the men to help them regain their composure; however, Estragon and Vladimir become annoyed, deciding to “kick him in the crouch” (Beckett 75). Without warning or reason other than frustration, the men strike the helpless man only to assist him a short time later. This rise in temperament explains why the public avoid those in a severe mental state to not only avoid conflict but injury.

Towards the end of the play, Vladimir and Estragon once again find themselves alone and impatiently waiting for Gadot, throwing around suicide to calm their minds. This return of their initial plan to escape the madness that has become their lives: pointless and repetitive, shows that they too wish to end the insanity. However, being a prisoner to their minds, they maintain a lighthearted attitude toward their situation, Estragon jokingly using his belt as a noose of sorts (Beckett 87). Finding tranquility in their insanity is another aspect of the definition that is unacknowledged. Because these individuals are so removed from their reality, they are also separated from the tragedy of the world. It is easier for Vladimir and Gadot to reside in their illnesses for a moment the feel they have a greater purpose and that they can potentially reach it someday.