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 #16
VLADIMIR
I've seen you before, haven't I?
BOY
I don't know, Sir.
VLADIMIR
You don't know me?
BOY
No Sir.
VLADIMIR
It wasn't you came yesterday?
BOY
No Sir. (1.771-6)
Vladimir doubts his own memory here, but compare this to his reaction in Act 2 when he sees the Boy again.
Quote #17
VLADIMIR
And why doesn't he beat you?
BOY
I don't know, Sir.
VLADIMIR
He must be fond of you.
BOY
I don't know, Sir.
Silence.
[…]
VLADIMIR
You're not unhappy?
[…]
BOY
I don't know, Sir.
VLADIMIR
You don't know if you're unhappy or not?
BOY
No Sir. (1.797-808)
The repetition of "I don’t know" is an appropriate ending to Act 1.
Quote #18
VLADIMIR
Tell him . . . (he hesitates) . . . tell him you saw us. (Pause.) You did see us, didn't you?
BOY
Yes Sir. (1.817-8)
Vladimir’s uncertainty seems to have worsened throughout the course of the play. Whereas earlier he doubted memory and knowledge, he now can’t even accept that actions are true in the moment they occur.