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 #19
VLADIMIR
(without anger) It's not certain.
ESTRAGON
No, nothing is certain. (1.855-6)
Vladimir has resigned himself to this predicament; Beckett makes a point of the stage direction here.
Quote #20
VLADIMIR
Say you are, even if it's not true.
ESTRAGON
What am I to say?
VLADIMIR
Say, I am happy.
ESTRAGON
I am happy.
VLADIMIR
So am I.
ESTRAGON
So am I.
VLADIMIR
We are happy.
ESTRAGON
We are happy. (Silence.) What do we do now, now that we are happy?
VLADIMIR
Wait for Godot. (2.42-50)
Faced with constant uncertainty, the men begin to fake conviction. Unfortunately, assigning labels (like "happy") provides no assistance with the central problem of inaction.
Quote #21
ESTRAGON
They're coming!
VLADIMIR
Who?
ESTRAGON
I don't know.
VLADIMIR
How many?
ESTRAGON
I don't know.
VLADIMIR
(triumphantly) It's Godot! At last! Gogo! It's Godot! We're saved! Let's go and meet him! (2.378-83)
Vladimir takes Estragon’s uncertainty and draws a conclusion of assurance; in some ways, he’s regressed since Act 1, since he now can’t even admit that he is unsure of anything.