What does the nondescript tree in this play represent, and why is this different from reality? Had Godot really been trying to meet our two men, would he have not been more clear about the tree where he wanted to meet them? Perhaps this is the only tree in this world, and it is important enough that everyone knows it:
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- VLADIMIR:
- He said by the tree. (They look at the tree.) Do you see any others?
Trees are somewhat eternal in nature, they continue to grow until they are obstructed by either man, weather, or another tree. Trees are interesting because damage which is inflicted upon them remains a constant scar for their entire existence, even if converted to lumber, they become stronger as time passes but do not lose their history. Beckett’s tree is one which might provide shade to the men below in the same way that a forest canopy shelters the plant and animal life below.
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- VLADIMIR:
- From a bough? (They go towards the tree.) I wouldn’t trust it.
Here, the tree takes on its own personality, it becomes a character in the play. A character which could have provided an ending to the saga, but instead is left alone to continue its eternal existence, life for a tree has no meaning.