First Meetings

1) ‘Estragon: [pretending to search] Bozzo… Bozzo…’
- Estragon hasn’t listened to Pozzo’s introduction of himself. Usually when meeting someone you pay attention to information about the other person such as names and where they are from. 2) ‘Pozzo: … Does that name mean nothing to you?’
- Pozzo expects Vladimir and Estragon to already know who he is, which puts him at a higher class. Usually when meeting someone, you make the conversation as equal as possible, noting the other person’s class without mentioning it. 3) ‘Estragon: [Timidly to Pozzo] you’re not Mr Godot, sir?
- Estragon and Vladimir are intimidated by Pozzo. This is shown by the way Estragon adresses Pozzo, calling him ‘Sir’ and asking him timidly. When first meeting someone it is usual to try and make the other person feel comfortable talking to them, not intimidated. 4) ‘Pozzo: [Halting.] You are human begins none the less. [He puts on his glasses.] As far as one can see. [He takes off his glasses]. Of the same species as myself. [He bursts into an enormous laugh.] Of the same species as Pozzo! Made in God’s image!’
- This large chunk of text shows that Pozzo is prolix. This means that the conversation is unbalanced and therefore uncomfortable. It is unusual in a first meeting for one person to hold most of the conversation without offering the other person to talk. 5) ‘Vladimir: Well you see-
Pozzo: [Peremptory] Who is Godot?’
-This interruption shows an intimidating and controlling attitude from Pozzo to Vladimir and Estragon. When first meeting someone, it is polite to allow the other person to speak and in some cases it is relieving as it shows they are interested in keeping the conversation flowing. By interrupting Pozzo intimidates Vladimir into silence and forces authority over them by asking a demanding question without the intention of listening