How we cite our quotes: (Act.Line) Every time a character talks counts as one line, even if what they say turns into a long monologue.
Quote #4
ESTRAGON
(restored to the horror of his situation) I was asleep! (Despairingly) Why will you never let me sleep?
VLADIMIR
I felt lonely.
ESTRAGON
I had a dream.
VLADIMIR
Don't tell me!
ESTRAGON
I dreamt that—
VLADIMIR
DON'T TELL ME!
ESTRAGON
(gesture toward the universe) This one is enough for you? (Silence.) It's not nice of you, Didi. Who am I to tell my private nightmares to if I can't tell them to you?
VLADIMIR
Let them remain private. You know I can't bear that. (1.146-153)
Here we see the incredibly contradictory nature of Vladimir’s relationship with Estragon. He wakes him up for company, but can’t commit emotionally to listening to the workings of Estragon’s subconscious (i.e., his dreams).
Quote #5
ESTRAGON
(coldly) There are times when I wonder if it wouldn't be better for us to part.
VLADIMIR
You wouldn't go far. (1.154-5)
Vladimir speaks repeatedly of Estragon’s dependence on him. At times this seems warranted, but at other times we wonder whether he isn’t just assigning a physical dependence to Estragon when he himself is emotionally dependent on the presence of another.
Quote #6
ESTRAGON
(gently) You wanted to speak to me? (Silence. Estragon takes a step forward.) You had something to say to me? (Silence. Another step forward.) Didi . . .
VLADIMIR
(without turning) I've nothing to say to you.
ESTRAGON
(step forward) You're angry? (Silence. Step forward.) Forgive me. (Silence. Step forward. Estragon lays his hand on Vladimir's shoulder.) Come, Didi. (Silence.) Give me your hand. (Vladimir half turns.) Embrace me! (Vladimir stiffens.) Don't be stubborn! (Vladimir softens. They embrace. Estragon recoils.) You stink of garlic! (1.164-7)
This time Estragon takes the step forward in their friendship. But we find yet another barrier in the way, this time smell. Throughout the play Estragon will repeatedly cite smell as the reason he cannot get close to another, almost as if he is disgusted by others’ visceral humanity.