A SOCIAL-SEMIOTIC ANALYSIS OF SAMUEL BECKET'S "WAITING FOR GODOT"

The purpose of this paper is to explore the basics of social semiotic analysis in general and the semiotic theory formulated by the American philosopher " Charles Stander Peirce" in particular and how it is reflected in Becket's 'Waiting for Godot". After analyzing selected extract from the play, it is revealed that the play right employed different icons, symbols and indexes to reflect the social aspects of his time, including darkness, bloodshed, loss, miscommunication, misery of humanity and emptiness. Specifically, it is noticed that the signs used in the first act all are gloomy and pessimistic in nature. The signs founded indicate: emptiness of human life, hopelessness and despair, injustices of life. Emptiness of human life is realized through the use of endless waiting, the meaningless actions, and the unrelated speeches. Hopelessness is realized through the use of the tree which is dead, the rope was used as a hung, as well as the body language of the characters.