The contrast between the two
pairs of characters brings out the compulsion of being together. Though the
loneliness of the characters can be felt quite vividly, yet none of the
characters can remain alone. Estragon threatens to quit the relationship but he
cannot. He is even afraid of committing suicide alone. He needs a companion and
a protector. Pozzo wants to sell Lucky, he is desirous of getting rid of Lucky.
But at the same time he does not do so. Lucky is the most pitiable object in
the play but he seems to have gone immune to the pain and misery he has been
through. He is comparable to Estragon and Vladimir in his helpless situation.
Vladimir and Estragon are desperately waiting for some messiah to rescue them
but Lucky has gone "dumb" and utters no word by the end of the play.
The blindness of Pozzo is quite significant as well. The characters appear to
be stranded in this world.
"They give birth astride
of a grave, the light gleams an instant, then it's night once more."
Pozzo
and Lucky represent the dull and drain reality which is very cruel and painful.
It reminds us of the burden of existence without hope and any savior while
Estragon and Vladimir are the flashing hope which is vague and uncertain. It
sinks into darkness every now and then. But firmness in the two tramps
illuminates the hope of salvation which is badly needed in human society. 