Waiting for Godot : Two Worksheet

Waiting for Godot 

Using Gen AI in Literature Classroom : Two Worksheet 

This blog is based on Waiting for Godot and this task was assigned by Dilip Barad sir. 

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Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett, first published in 1952 and premiered in 1953, is a groundbreaking play that explores existentialism and the absurdity of human life. Set in a barren landscape, it follows two characters, Vladimir and Estragon, who wait for someone named Godot, believing he will bring answers or meaning, but he never arrives. The play’s repetitive dialogue and actions serve as a metaphor for the human condition—caught in cycles of uncertainty and searching for purpose. While often comedic, the play delves into themes of despair, isolation, and the futile quest for meaning. By stripping away traditional plot structure and resolution, Beckett leaves the audience to interpret Godot’s symbolic significance, whether as hope, salvation, or the pointlessness of waiting. Ultimately, Waiting for Godot challenges conventional theater and offers a profound reflection on the uncertain journey of life.

Sir shared two worksheets where we used ChatGPT to generate and analyze responses. While the AI provided well-structured answers, some lacked depth, highlighting the need for human refinement. This task helped us grasp both AI’s potential and its limitations, emphasizing the importance of critical thinking and human evaluation in learning.

1) 

Conclusion

This task provided valuable insights into the use of AI in literature classrooms, helping us explore ChatGPT’s strengths and limitations. While AI-generated responses were well-structured, they lacked depth, reinforcing the need for human interpretation.

Additionally, in an activity on Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett, we analyzed existential themes and absurdist elements using AI. This highlighted how AI can assist in literary discussions but cannot replace critical thinking and academic reasoning. Overall, the task showed that AI is a useful tool but requires human refinement for meaningful engagement with literature.

2) 

The video focuses on Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett, highlighting a key reference to the biblical image of the sheep and the goats. According to the speaker, this alludes to a parable where Jesus places the sheep on his right and the goats on his left, symbolizing judgment and separation. However, Beckett doesn't use this reference in a traditional religious sense. Instead, the speaker points out that Beckett is challenging the notions of God, the promise of heaven, and even the concept of happiness itself. In this way, the reference becomes a powerful symbol within the play, raising deep philosophical questions rather than offering clear answers.

3) 

The video examines Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot, particularly considering whether it should be viewed as a Christian or religious work. The speaker notes that while the play includes themes commonly associated with Christianity—such as charity and the act of waiting—it ultimately leans more toward existentialism and portrays the absurd nature of human life. The discussion also touches on the concept of hope, suggesting that in the context of the play, hope may represent a kind of "bad faith" that stops people from confronting the truth about their existence. In the end, the speaker emphasizes that the play resists a single interpretation and instead reads like a poetic reflection on time and the human experience.​

References : 

Barad, Dilip. Objectives for Using ChatGPT in Literature Classroom. blog.dilipbarad.com/2023/01/objectives-for-using-chatgpt-in.html.

---. “Hope - Christian Faith or Sartrean Bad Faith | Waiting for Godot | Samuel Beckett.” YouTube, 30 Jan. 2023, www.youtube.com/watch?v=umeapOKxyds.

---. “The Sheep and the Goat | Waiting for Godot | Samuel Beckett.” YouTube, 26 Jan. 2023, www.youtube.com/watch?v=6KJw9LZ_HC8.

Thank you .