The term “stream of consciousness” refers to a narrative technique that seeks to depict the multitudinous thoughts and feelings which pass through the mind. This literary method captures the continuous flow of a character’s mental processes, often characterized by disjointed leaps in thought, lack of conventional structure, and associative links.

In Samuel Beckett’s play “Waiting for Godot,” the stream of consciousness technique manifests through the dialogues and monologues of the characters Vladimir and Estragon. While the play is not a novel, its script often reflects the inner thoughts and mental states of the characters in a manner similar to stream of consciousness writing. The characters’ conversations meander through a variety of topics, sometimes reflecting their existential doubts, personal memories, and fleeting observations, all delivered in a fragmented and non-linear fashion.

This technique underscores the theme of existential uncertainty and the human condition, as Vladimir and Estragon’s dialogues often reveal their confusion, frustration, and the aimless passage of time as they wait for the mysterious Godot. Beckett’s use of this technique contributes to the play’s overall sense of absurdity and highlights the characters’ internal struggles and the futility of their wait.