Dear colleagues from the field of (Cognitive) Literary Studies,
I conducted an empirical study on "Waiting for Godot" during my time as a graduate student and completed the initial manuscript of the article in ca. 2011/2012. I have since moved into TEFL and don't see when, or if ever, I will finish the article and submit it. However, the empirical data has been collected and analyzed, the manuscript is written, and the results are, I think, relevant to Literary Studies (in particular: Cognitive Literary Studies, literary studies on Samuel Beckett). A summary of the article's content is given below. A conference poster on the study is here: Poster Waiting for the Script to Break Down – Cognitive Scripts and...
I am guessing that the article is 75-80% complete, although some of the literature is out of date by now. I am looking for a co-author or collaborator to finish the article and hand it in. I would be responsible for handling the empirical section of the article. I'd be happy to send you the manuscript, so that you can make your own assessment. A possible venue for publication would be "Scientific Study of Literature". I have published in peer-reviewed journals with De Gruyter and John Benjamins since.
All the best,
Andreas Wirag
Website: https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/596389.html
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Working title: A Cognitive Analysis of Waiting for Godot
Summary: The study employed cognitive action scripts, which are mental representations of stereotypical activities, to contrast the characters' actions in the play with the audience's scripted expectations. A questionnaire survey was conducted to generate scripts of audience expectations for the characters' various activities. The analysis demonstrates a disconnect between the audience's scripts, which are linear/logical, and the characters' actions, which violate these scripted expectations. The study concludes that action scripts provide a basis for understanding the characters' behavior; their actions and activities appear absurd/illogical/non-teleological when contrasted with the audience's scripts (cf. Theater of the Absurd).
We can work together.
Here are my thoughts to enhance and references:
"Waiting for Godot" by Samuel Beckett is a play known for its exploration of existential themes, repetitive dialogue, and absurdity. If you are looking to enhance the cognitive scripts and absurdity in the play, here are a few possible improvements:
1. Expanding Cognitive Scripts:
- Introduce more complex and philosophical conversations between the characters, delving deeper into their existential dilemmas and questioning the nature of their existence.
- Incorporate flashbacks or introspective monologues that provide insights into the characters' past experiences and motivations, giving the audience a clearer understanding of their cognitive processes.
- Experiment with alternative endings or plot twists that challenge the audience's expectations and offer new perspectives on the characters' cognitive development.
2. Amplifying Absurdity:
- Emphasize the repetitive nature of the dialogue by introducing variations in tone, delivery, or physical gestures. This can help create a sense of monotony and absurdity in the characters' interactions.
- Integrate surreal or nonsensical elements into the play, such as illogical events, dream-like sequences, or absurd props. This can heighten the sense of absurdity and challenge the audience's perception of reality.
- Play with the timing and pacing of the scenes, incorporating pauses, extended silences, or exaggerated physical movements to create a sense of discomfort and absurdity.
3. Visual and Symbolic Enhancements:
- Utilize innovative stage design and lighting techniques to visually represent the characters' cognitive states or to emphasize the absurdity of their situation. This can involve unconventional set constructions or abstract visual elements.
- Introduce symbolic objects or motifs that represent the characters' cognitive struggles or existential themes. These symbols can add depth and layers of meaning to the play, further enhancing the cognitive experience for the audience.
4. Experimentation with Performance Styles:
- Explore different performance styles, such as physical theater, clowning, or improvisation, to amplify the absurdity and cognitive dissonance within the play. This can add fresh interpretations and enhance the overall impact of the performance.
- Encourage the actors to experiment with exaggerated physicality, vocal variations, and non-verbal expressions to embody the characters' cognitive states and highlight the absurdity of their actions.
References:
Few suggestions based on general principles of cognitive scripts and absurdity in theater. We can explore the following references for further insights and inspiration:
1. Books and Articles:
- "The Theatre of the Absurd" by Martin Esslin: This book explores the characteristics and themes of the Theatre of the Absurd, providing a comprehensive understanding of the genre.
- "Samuel Beckett and the Prosthetic Body: The Organs and Senses in 'Waiting for Godot'" by Enoch Brater: This article delves into the cognitive and sensory aspects of "Waiting for Godot" and how they contribute to the overall absurdity.
- "Theatre and Cognitive Neuroscience" edited by Clelia Falletti and Gabriele Sofia: This collection of essays examines the intersection between theater and cognitive neuroscience, offering insights into the cognitive processes involved in theatrical experiences.
2. Performances and Interpretations:
- Watch different productions of "Waiting for Godot" to observe how directors and actors approach the cognitive scripts and absurdity in their interpretations. Each production may offer unique insights and creative choices that can inspire your own improvements.
- Explore performances by theater companies known for their experimentation with absurd and avant-garde theater, such as the works of Eugène Ionesco, Harold Pinter, or the Living Theatre.
3. Theories on Absurdity and Cognitive Scripts:
- Absurdism: Familiarize yourself with the philosophical concepts and theories underpinning Absurdism, such as the works of Albert Camus and Jean-Paul Sartre. Understanding these theories can help inform your exploration of absurdity in "Waiting for Godot."
- Cognitive Science and Theater: Explore the field of cognitive science and its applications to theater. This interdisciplinary approach can provide insights into cognitive scripts, perception, memory, and the audience's cognitive experience during a performance.
Thanks to Prompt engineering
Well, if it is an article about Waiting for Godot, is it not perhaps more suitable that it is never finished and that you rename it "Waiting for publication"?
Andreas Wirag: Hi, Andreas! Have you finished and published your article on Beckett's play Waiting for Godot from the stand point of cognitive studies? I would love to read it. Best, Tomaž
Dear Tomaž, thank you for your interest! Well, I can send you the manuscript, since no one has yet approached me about my request to finish it. Would you be interested in that?
Best, Andreas
Andreas Wirag: Hi, again, Andreas! Of course you can send me your manuscript. I will gladly look into it. At least I can give you some comments. My e-mail address is [email protected]. Looking forward!
Best, Tomaž
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