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 #13
Estragon draws Vladimir towards the tree. They stand motionless before it. Silence.
ESTRAGON
Why don't we hang ourselves?
VLADIMIR
With what?
ESTRAGON
You haven't got a bit of rope?
VLADIMIR
No.
ESTRAGON
Then we can't.
Silence. (2.853-8)
In light of Vladimir’s earlier conclusion, whether or not he and Estragon kill themselves here is a moot point. Life is meaningless regardless of death (because it is deadened by habit), so it doesn’t matter if they have a rope or not.
Quote #14
VLADIMIR
(Estragon loosens the cord that holds up his trousers which, much too big for him, fall about his ankles. They look at the cord.) It might do in a pinch. But is it strong enough?
ESTRAGON
We'll soon see. Here.
They each take an end of the cord and pull.
It breaks. They almost fall.
VLADIMIR
Not worth a curse.
Silence. (2.865-72)
Beckett ends Waiting for Godot with the ultimate marriage of tragedy and comedy—Estragon with his pants around his knees trying to commit suicide and failing.