Waiting for Godot MCQs
1. What is the genre of “Waiting for Godot” as stated in the text?
A. A comedy
B. A tragedy
C. A tragicomedy
D. A drama
2. Which character is introduced first in Act I, trying to remove his boot?
A. Vladimir
B. Lucky
C. Pozzo
D. Estragon
3. What is Estragon doing at the very beginning of Act I?
A. Singing a song
B. Trying to take off his boot
C. Talking to Vladimir
D. Eating a carrot
4. What is Vladimir’s initial reaction to Estragon’s “Nothing to be done”?
A. He disagrees vehemently.
B. He’s beginning to come round to that opinion.
C. He suggests trying something new.
D. He laughs loudly.
5. Where did Estragon spend the night before the play begins?
A. In a luxurious hotel
B. In a ditch
C. Under the tree
D. With Pozzo
6. According to Estragon, what happened to him in the ditch?
A. He found food.
B. He was robbed.
C. He was beaten.
D. He had a pleasant dream.
7. Vladimir believes that but for him, Estragon would be what at the present minute?
A. A rich man
B. A little heap of bones
C. Far away from him
D. Happy
8. What historical landmark do Vladimir and Estragon briefly reminisce about seeing “Hand in hand”?
A. The Colosseum
B. The Eiffel Tower
C. The Great Wall of China
D. The Pyramids
9. What “little thing of life” does Vladimir attend to after Estragon points it out?
A. Adjusting his hat
B. Buttoning his fly
C. Cleaning his boots
D. Eating something
10. Vladimir quotes a saying, “Hope deferred maketh the something sick.” What word is he searching for?
A. Heart
B. Soul
C. Mind
D. Body
11. What action does Vladimir repeatedly perform with his hat?
A. He throws it in the air.
B. He puts it on and takes it off, peering and feeling inside.
C. He uses it to shield his eyes.
D. He polishes it.
12. When Estragon finally removes his boot, what does he find inside?
A. A small stone
B. Nothing
C. A coin
D. A letter
13. What biblical story does Vladimir recall to Estragon to pass the time?
A. The creation of the world
B. Noah’s Ark
C. The two thieves crucified with the Saviour
D. The story of Adam and Eve
14. What part of the Bible does Estragon remember vividly?
A. The Ten Commandments
B. The parables
C. The maps of the Holy Land
D. The prophecies
15. Estragon dreams of going to the Dead Sea for his honeymoon. What color does he remember it being on the map?
A. Dark blue
B. Pale blue
C. Green
D. Red
16. How many Evangelists, according to Vladimir, spoke of a thief being saved?
A. All four
B. Three
C. Two
D. One
17. Estragon describes people as what, after discussing the differing accounts of the thieves?
A. Wise old owls
B. Bloody ignorant apes
C. Blind sheep
D. Curious cats
18. Why do Vladimir and Estragon remain in the “charming spot”?
A. They are waiting for the boy.
B. They are waiting for Pozzo.
C. They are waiting for Godot.
D. They are too tired to move.
19. How does the tree appear at the end of Act I?
A. Full of green leaves
B. Blooming with flowers
C. Dead or without leaves
D. Covered in fruit
20. What day of the week does Godot mention he might come?
A. Sunday
B. Monday
C. Saturday
D. Friday
21. What happens to Estragon while Vladimir paces agitatedly?
A. He begins to sing.
B. He falls asleep.
C. He tries to leave.
D. He eats more carrots.
22. Why does Vladimir wake Estragon from his sleep?
A. He heard a noise.
B. He was hungry.
C. He felt lonely.
D. He wanted to tell him a story.
23. What does Vladimir refuse to let Estragon tell him about?
A. His past life
B. His dreams
C. His feelings
D. His plans
24. Estragon suggests that it might be better for them to do what?
A. Find food
B. Part ways
C. Go to sleep
D. Tell jokes
25. What causes Vladimir to recoil from Estragon during their embrace?
A. Estragon’s anger
B. Estragon’s sadness
C. Estragon’s smell of garlic
D. Estragon’s laughter
26. What action do Vladimir and Estragon consider to pass the time?
A. Playing a game
B. Telling stories
C. Hanging themselves
D. Going for a walk
27. What is said to grow where a hanged man’s body falls after an erection?
A. Flowers
B. Mandrakes
C. Mushrooms
D. Weeds
28. Why do they decide that Estragon should go first if they hang themselves?
A. He is taller.
B. He is lighter.
C. He is braver.
D. He suggested it.
29. What is Estragon’s reasoning about their weights and the bough for hanging?
A. If he is light, the bough might not break; if Vladimir is heavy, it might.
B. If Vladimir goes first, he might break the bough and Estragon would be alone.
C. They both have an even chance.
D. The bough is strong enough for both.
30. What does Estragon suggest they do instead of hanging themselves?
A. Don’t let’s do anything. It’s safer.
B. Let’s go look for food.
C. Let’s continue waiting for Godot.
D. Let’s try and sleep.
31. What did Vladimir and Estragon ask Godot for?
A. Money
B. Nothing very definite, a kind of prayer, a vague supplication.
C. Food and shelter.
D. A place to sleep.
32. What was Godot’s reply to their request?
A. He’d come immediately.
B. He’d see, couldn’t promise, had to think it over.
C. He refused them outright.
D. He sent them away.
33. What do Vladimir and Estragon decide about their “rights”?
A. They never had any.
B. They lost them.
C. They got rid of them.
D. They are waiting for Godot to restore them.
34. What sound do Vladimir and Estragon initially mistake for Godot’s arrival?
A. Footsteps
B. Shouts
C. The wind in the reeds
D. A dog barking
35. What food item does Vladimir initially offer Estragon, which turns out to be something else?
A. A potato, but it’s a radish.
B. A turnip, but it’s a carrot.
C. A carrot, but it’s a turnip.
D. An apple, but it’s a pear.
36. After eating the carrot, Estragon remembers his question. What was it?
A. “Where are we?”
B. “Are we tied?”
C. “What time is it?”
D. “Is Godot coming?”
37. What character expresses the sentiment, “One is what one is. No use wriggling. The essential doesn’t change.”?
A. Estragon
B. Vladimir
C. Lucky
D. Pozzo
38. What frightens Vladimir and Estragon, signaling the entrance of Pozzo and Lucky?
A. A terrible cry
B. A bright light
C. A loud bell
D. A sudden silence
39. How is Lucky being driven by Pozzo when they first appear?
A. By a leash around his waist.
B. By a rope passed around his neck.
C. By a stick.
D. By verbal commands only.
40. What items does Lucky carry upon his first entrance?
A. A small suitcase and a book.
B. A heavy bag, a folding stool, a picnic basket, and a greatcoat.
C. Only a heavy bag.
D. A whip and a hat.
41. What does Pozzo carry upon his first entrance?
A. A bag
B. A folding stool
C. A whip
D. A picnic basket
42. How does Pozzo react when he first sees Vladimir and Estragon?
A. He greets them warmly.
B. He ignores them and continues walking.
C. He stops short and jerks Lucky violently.
D. He asks for directions.
43. What name do Estragon and Vladimir initially mistake Pozzo for?
A. Bozzo
B. Gozzo
C. Godot
D. Adam
44. Pozzo states that he has been journeying alone for how long when he meets Vladimir and Estragon?
A. Three hours
B. Six hours
C. Twelve hours
D. A whole day
45. What does Pozzo take out of his picnic basket to eat and drink?
A. Bread and water
B. Cheese and beer
C. Chicken and wine
D. Fish and tea
46. What do Vladimir and Estragon notice on Lucky’s neck?
A. A colourful scarf
B. A running sore
C. A heavy chain
D. A strange tattoo
47. What physical characteristic of Lucky’s face is compared to a goiter?
A. His nose
B. His slobber
C. His eyes
D. His neck
48. Who suggests asking Lucky a question?
A. Estragon
B. Vladimir
C. Pozzo
D. The Boy
49. After Pozzo finishes eating, what does Estragon timidly ask for?
A. A drink of water
B. The chicken bones
C. Directions to a town
D. Money
50. Pozzo initially states that the bones “in theory” go to whom?
A. Estragon
B. Vladimir
C. The carrier (Lucky)
D. Nobody
51. How does Lucky respond when Estragon asks him for the bones?
A. He shakes his head no.
B. He looks long at Estragon, then bows his head, remaining silent.
C. He gives them immediately.
D. He groans in refusal.
52. What is Pozzo’s reaction to Lucky’s refusal of the bone?
A. He is relieved.
B. He doesn’t notice.
C. He is anxious, as Lucky has never refused a bone before.
D. He is amused.
53. What does Vladimir call Pozzo’s treatment of Lucky?
A. A necessity
B. A scandal
C. Unfortunate
D. Expected
54. Estragon claims Vladimir is “eleven” years old when Pozzo asks about his age. What does Pozzo call himself in response?
A. Clever
B. Impertinent
C. Mistaken
D. Wise
55. What does Pozzo claim happens to his heart if he smokes two pipes one on top of the other?
A. It beats faster.
B. It goes pit-a-pat.
C. It stops.
D. It relaxes.
56. What does Pozzo say about the second pipe compared to the first?
A. The second is never so sweet as the first, but sweet just the same.
B. The second is always better than the first.
C. He never smokes a second pipe.
D. The second is always worse.
57. Why does Pozzo say Lucky carries his bags without putting them down?
A. To impress him so he’ll keep him.
B. He enjoys the burden.
C. He is too weak to put them down.
D. Pozzo forbids it.
58. What does Pozzo admit he wants to do with Lucky?
A. Give him a raise.
B. Sell him at the fair.
C. Set him free.
D. Make him his equal.
59. What does Pozzo say is “the best thing” to do with “such creatures” (like Lucky)?
A. Train them
B. Feed them well
C. Kill them
D. Send them away
60. What happens when Estragon attempts to wipe Lucky’s tears with a handkerchief?
A. Lucky thanks him.
B. Lucky cries more.
C. Lucky kicks him violently in the shins.
D. Lucky embraces him.
61. What does Pozzo say about “The tears of the world” and “the laugh”?
A. They are infinite.
B. They are a constant quantity.
C. They are decreasing.
D. They are increasing.
62. What does Estragon do to Lucky after taking a few limping steps?
A. He apologizes to him.
B. He offers him a piece of bread.
C. He spits on him.
D. He tries to help him up.
63. Who does Pozzo credit with teaching him “all these beautiful things” like beauty, grace, truth?
A. His mother
B. His Lucky
C. A philosopher
D. Godot
64. What is revealed about Pozzo when he takes off his hat?
A. He has a full head of hair.
B. He is completely bald.
C. He has a scar.
D. He has very short hair.
65. What kind of hat do all four characters (Vladimir, Estragon, Pozzo, Lucky) wear?
A. Top hats
B. Bowlers
C. Fedoras
D. Berets
66. How do Vladimir and Estragon describe the evening after Pozzo’s emotional outburst?
A. Charming and unforgettable
B. Delightful and joyful
C. Awful and worse than the pantomime
D. Quiet and peaceful
67. What object does Pozzo claim to have lost, calling it his “Kapp and Peterson”?
A. His watch
B. His glasses
C. His pipe
D. His whip
68. What entity is said to “sleep” as a great calm descends?
A. Godot
B. Lucky
C. Pan
D. The sun
69. What is Estragon’s name, according to Pozzo (though he wasn’t listening)?
A. Bozzo
B. Adam
C. Gogo
D. Didi
70. How does Pozzo describe the sky at twilight?
A. Dark and menacing
B. Pale and luminous, with night charging behind a veil of gentleness and peace.
C. Filled with stars
D. Clear and bright
71. What does Pozzo offer to do for Vladimir and Estragon to cheer them up?
A. Give them money.
B. Have Lucky dance, sing, recite, or think.
C. Tell them more stories.
D. Take them to the fair.
72. What performance does Estragon prefer Lucky to do?
A. Dance
B. Sing
C. Recite
D. Think
73. What does Lucky call his dance, according to Pozzo?
A. The Scapegoat’s Agony
B. The Hard Stool
C. The Net
D. The Sad Shuffle
74. What object is essential for Lucky to be able to think?
A. His rope
B. His hat
C. His bags
D. His stool
75. What happens when Lucky’s hat is removed by Vladimir?
A. He sings a beautiful song.
B. He falls silent and falls.
C. He starts to dance wildly.
D. He immediately tries to retrieve it.
76. What does Pozzo do with Lucky’s hat after Vladimir gives it to him?
A. He keeps it as a souvenir.
B. He places it gently back on Lucky’s head.
C. He throws it on the ground and tramples on it.
D. He tries it on himself.
77. What item does Pozzo lose that Vladimir suggests might be in his fob?
A. His pipe
B. His whip
C. His watch
D. His glasses
78. What do Vladimir and Estragon hear when they listen to Pozzo’s stomach?
A. Silence
B. His heartbeat
C. His growling stomach
D. His breathing
79. According to Estragon, who has “stinking breath”?
A. Lucky
B. Pozzo
C. Vladimir
D. He doesn’t specify
80. What excuse does Pozzo give for going the “wrong way”?
A. He is blind.
B. He needs a running start.
C. He is lost.
D. He is confused.
81. What do Vladimir and Estragon say to pass the time after Pozzo and Lucky exit?
A. “That passed the time.”
B. “We must leave now.”
C. “Let’s sing.”
D. “I’m hungry.”
82. What message does the Boy deliver from Mr. Godot?
A. Godot is coming this evening.
B. Godot won’t come this evening but surely tomorrow.
C. Godot has decided not to come at all.
D. Godot is ill and cannot come.
83. What is the Boy’s reason for being late?
A. He got lost.
B. He was afraid.
C. He had to do chores.
D. He forgot the message.
84. Who does the Boy say Godot beats?
A. The goats
B. His brother
C. The sheep
D. Nobody
85. Where does the Boy sleep?
A. In a bed
B. In the loft, in the hay
C. In the ditch
D. Under the tree
86. What message does Vladimir tell the Boy to deliver to Mr. Godot?
A. That they are still waiting.
B. That they are leaving.
C. That he saw them.
D. That they are angry.
87. What happens immediately after the Boy exits running in Act I?
A. Vladimir and Estragon embrace.
B. The sun rises.
C. The light suddenly fails, and the moon rises.
D. Pozzo and Lucky return.
88. What does Estragon decide to do with his boots at the end of Act I?
A. Put them back on.
B. Leave them there for someone else.
C. Bury them.
D. Throw them at Vladimir.
89. Whom does Estragon compare himself to throughout his life?
A. Vladimir
B. Godot
C. Christ
D. Lucky
90. What do Vladimir and Estragon agree to bring with them tomorrow, if Godot doesn’t come?
A. Food
B. More clothes
C. A bit of rope
D. Tools
91. What memory does Estragon bring up about throwing himself into the Rhone?
A. They were on a holiday.
B. Vladimir fished him out while they were grape harvesting.
C. He was trying to escape.
D. It was a dream.
92. What is the final action of Vladimir and Estragon at the end of Act I?
A. They leave the stage.
B. They sit down.
C. They embrace.
D. They do not move.
93. At the start of Act II, what is noticeably different about the tree?
A. It has been cut down
B. It is much larger
C. It has four or five leaves
D. It has a rope hanging from it
94. What is the subject of the song Vladimir sings to himself at the start of Act II?
A. A story of two friends
B. A dog in a kitchen
C. A man waiting by a road
D. The rising of the moon
95. When Estragon returns in Act II, he gives Vladimir four commands. Which is NOT one of them?
A. Don’t touch me!
B. Don’t question me!
C. Don’t leave me!
D. Don’t speak to me!
96. Vladimir comments that he didn’t get up in the night. What is Estragon’s sad conclusion?
A. You sleep better when I’m not there
B. You must be feeling better
C. You piss better when I’m not there
D. You had no bad dreams
97. In Act II, how many men does Estragon claim beat him?
A. Two
B. The same lot as usual
C. Ten of them
D. He doesn’t know
98. What does Vladimir make Estragon say to prove they are happy?
A. I am happy.
B. We are happy.
C. This is a happy day.
D. My suffering is over.
99. What is Estragon’s explanation for the tree having leaves?
A. It must be the Spring.
B. It’s a different tree.
C. It’s a miracle.
D. You dreamt it.
100. What is Estragon’s personal philosophy on memory?
A. I remember everything.
B. My memory is getting worse.
C. I only remember the good things.
D. Either I forget immediately or I never forget.
101. What specific item helps Estragon remember Pozzo?
A. His whip
B. His pipe
C. The stool
D. The bone he was given
102. Estragon says he’s puked his life away in the “Cackon country,” which is a pun on what place Vladimir mentioned?
A. The Holy Land
B. The Pyrenees
C. Paris
D. The Macon country
103. Estragon claims they talk to avoid thinking. What is the second reason he provides?
A. So we won’t sleep
B. So we won’t hear
C. So we won’t cry
D. So we won’t leave
104. What is Estragon’s first reaction upon seeing the boots again in Act II?
A. They’re not mine.
B. I’m glad someone left them.
C. They’re even worse than before.
D. Finally, my boots!
105. What is Vladimir’s “elementary” theory about why the boots are different?
A. The boy must have changed them
B. They are the same boots, just dirty
C. Someone came and took yours and left you his
D. These are Godot’s boots
106. In Act II, Vladimir offers Estragon a radish. What is Estragon’s complaint about it?
A. It’s too small
B. It’s black
C. It’s rotten
D. It’s a turnip
107. What activity does Vladimir suggest will “pass the time” and be a “recreation”?
A. Singing a song
B. Trying on the boots
C. Telling stories
D. Doing exercises
108. After trying on the boots in Act II, Estragon admits they fit. When Vladimir asks if they hurt, what is his reply?
A. Not yet.
B. Yes, terribly.
C. Less than the others.
D. I can’t feel anything.
109. During the hat-swapping scene, which three hats are passed between Vladimir and Estragon?
A. Vladimir’s, Estragon’s, and the boy’s
B. Vladimir’s, Estragon’s, and Pozzo’s
C. Vladimir’s, Estragon’s, and Lucky’s
D. Two of their own and a new one
110. When Vladimir and Estragon play at being Pozzo and Lucky, what is the ultimate insult Estragon uses to defeat Vladimir?
A. Moron!
B. Sewer-rat!
C. Crritic!
D. Abortion!
111. What physical exercise do they attempt “for the balance”?
A. Standing on their heads
B. The tree
C. Hopping
D. Deep breathing
112. How has Pozzo’s physical condition changed upon his return in Act II?
A. He is láme
B. He is deaf
C. He is blind
D. He has lost an arm
113. How has the rope connecting Pozzo and Lucky changed in Act II?
A. It is much longer
B. It is much shorter
C. It is a chain now
D. There is no rope
114. When Pozzo falls, Vladimir believes “reinforcements” have arrived. Who does Estragon think it is?
A. The boy
B. The ten men
C. Godot
D. The police
115. What is the final amount of money Pozzo offers for help?
A. Ten francs
B. Fifty francs
C. One hundred francs
D. Two hundred francs
116. Estragon memorably states: “We are all born mad.” What is the next line?
A. And we die mad.
B. Some remain so.
C. It is our curse.
D. There is no cure.
117. After Vladimir falls while trying to help Pozzo, what place does Estragon say they will go to together?
A. The Macon country
B. The Pyrenees
C. The Holy Land
D. Paris
118. When all three men are on the ground, what is the first alternative name Estragon calls out for Pozzo?
A. Cain
B. Adam
C. Bozzo
D. Abel
119. How does Pozzo explain the onset of his blindness?
A. It was a gradual decline
B. It was because of an accident
C. I woke up one fine day as blind as Fortune
D. Lucky cursed me with it
120. What does Pozzo say the blind have no notion of?
A. Color
B. Beauty
C. Time
D. Direction
121. What happens when Estragon kicks Lucky in Act II?
A. Lucky cries out
B. Lucky does not move
C. He hurts his own foot
D. Pozzo gets angry
122. According to Pozzo, what is in the heavy bag that Lucky carries?
A. Stones
B. His belongings
C. Food
D. Sand
123. What new affliction does Lucky have in Act II?
A. He is blind
B. He is láme
C. He is deaf
D. He is dúmb
124. In his final, angry speech, Pozzo exclaims, “They give birth astride of a grave…” What comes next?
A. “…the light gleams an instant, then it’s night once more.”
B. “…we live a moment, then we are gone.”
C. “…we cry for a while, then silence falls.”
D. “…the pain is short, but the darkness is long.”
125. After Pozzo leaves, Estragon reveals he was dreaming he was what?
A. Flying
B. Happy
C. Falling
D. Free
126. When the boy arrives in Act II, does he claim to be the same boy from the previous day?
A. Yes
B. No
C. He doesn’t remember
D. He refuses to answer
127. What does the boy say Mr. Godot does?
A. He travels a lot
B. He minds the sheep
C. He does nothing, Sir
D. He is a good man
128. When Vladimir asks about Mr. Godot’s beard, what color does the boy believe it is?
A. Black
B. Brown
C. Fair
D. White
129. In his monologue after the boy leaves, Vladimir says what is a “great deadener”?
A. Waiting
B. Suffering
C. Habit
D. Silence
130. Why does Vladimir say they must come back tomorrow?
A. To find their boots
B. To wait for Godot
C. To meet the boy again
D. To look for Pozzo
131. What does Estragon propose they use to hang themselves at the end of the play?
A. A bit of rope
B. His belt
C. Vladimir’s coat
D. A vine from the tree
132. What is the result of testing the strength of Estragon’s belt?
A. It holds their weight
B. It is too short
C. It breaks
D. They decide not to use it
133. What does Vladimir say they will do tomorrow, unless Godot comes?
A. We’ll leave this place forever
B. We’ll go to the Pyrenees
C. We’ll hang ourselves tomorrow
D. We’ll find a better tree
134. If Godot comes, what will be the result for them?
A. We’ll have a home
B. We’ll get some money
C. We’ll be saved
D. We’ll have to work for him
135. What is the last action Vladimir tells Estragon to do?
A. Take off your boots
B. Embrace me
C. Pull on your trousers
D. Let’s go
136. The setting of the play is described as what?
A. A country road. A tree.
B. A deserted crossroads.
C. A barren field. A single rock.
D. An abandoned stage.
137. What is the first thing Pozzo eats?
A. A carrot
B. A turnip
C. Chicken
D. Bread
138. What does Vladimir do with his hat to check if something is inside it?
A. He peers inside it, feels about, shakes it
B. He throws it on the ground and stomps on it
C. He asks Estragon to look inside
D. He fills it with water
139. What does Estragon say he was, pointing to his rags as evidence?
A. A king
B. A poet
C. A landowner
D. A beggar
140. According to Vladimir, mandrakes grow where what falls?
A. An angel’s tears
B. The blood of a thief
C. The semen from a hanged man
D. A piece of the true cross
141. What does Estragon do with the carrot before eating it in Act I?
A. Washes it
B. Wipes it on his sleeve
C. Peels it with a knife
D. Shares it with Vladimir
142. What is Pozzo’s reaction when Vladimir says it’s a scandal to treat Lucky so poorly?
A. He gets angry and defensive
B. He laughs at them
C. He calls them severe
D. He ignores them completely
143. What is the first name Estragon says when trying to remember Pozzo’s name?
A. Gozzo
B. Bozzo
C. Godot
D. Abel
144. What reason does Pozzo give for being unable to leave at the end of Act I?
A. He needs a running start
B. He is tied to Lucky
C. He doesn’t want to go
D. He is waiting for the night
145. After Pozzo and Lucky leave the first time, Estragon says, “I suppose I did” see them. What is his next line?
A. “But I don’t remember them.”
B. “But they have changed.”
C. “But I don’t know them.”
D. “But I wish I hadn’t.”
146. In Act II, Vladimir is happy when he returns. What word does Estragon use to express his shock?
A. Joyous?
B. Pleased?
C. Happy?
D. Content?
147. Estragon says, “The best thing would be to kill me…” like who?
A. “like Christ.”
B. “like the other.”
C. “like the thief.”
D. “like that dog.”
148. When Vladimir and Estragon speak of the “dead voices,” what do they say the voices talk about?
A. The future
B. Their sins
C. Their lives
D. Nothing
149. What does Estragon say to Vladimir after he finally gets the new boots on?
A. They don’t hurt you?
B. They’re too big.
C. It fits.
D. That’s enough about these boots.
150. How does Vladimir get Estragon to sleep in Act II?
A. By telling him a story
B. By singing a lullaby
C. By giving him a radish
D. By telling him to try