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Estragon represents the impulsive, simplistic side of the two main characters, much in contrast to his companion Vladimir's careful intellectualism and verbosity. He cares little for appearances, and is mostly concerned with eating and sleeping (much to Vladimir's chagrin). Due to his pessimistic outlook on life, he has abandoned all hope of any alleviation from their suffering, and regards "Godot" suspiciously.
This is perhaps due to the fact that Estragon has far more to worry about. Of the two, Estragon suffers the most physically. He is kicked by Lucky, takes numerous pratfalls, and is beaten by a gang of thugs every night. He also has great difficulty with his boots. In the first act, they do not fit and cause him pain. At the end of the act, he leaves them on the side of the road in disgust. In the second act, he finds them in the same place, now mysteriously fitting him. This boot focus (in terms of the character being foot centred) may be interpreted as being representative of his lower status (see Vladimir's hat) and his "earthy" nature (e.g. his love of carrots, radishes, etc.).
Estragon has a misanthropic view of humanity: he considers people to be "ignorant apes" and seems to want them to leave him alone. However, he is very attached to Vladimir (despite occasionally bickering with him): he needs protection, and Vladimir provides it. Estragon is often seen as the child to Vladimir's adult, and as such looks for parental security in him.
Estragon should not, however, be written off as merely a childish simpleton. He easily matches Vladimir in verbal melee (he delivers the ultimate insult in calling Vladimir a " Critic!"). He also shows an artistic side, and even claims to have once been a poet. His brief, but evocative, monologue about the "maps of the Holy Land" is very poetic in nature. He can even quote Shelley (with a slight alteration):
Excerpt from Shelley's poem:
"Art thou pale for weariness/Of climbing heaven and gazing on the earth..."
Estragon's play on it:
"Pale for weariness...Of climbing heaven and gazing on the likes of us."
Estragon is given perhaps the most minimal description in the play. He is only described as wearing "rags", walking with a limp (that eventually wears off) and being lighter than Vladimir. Because of his rather glutonous nature, however, he is often played as being short and slightly fat (in comparison to the often tall and lanky Vladimir). His clothes are usually a bit dirtier than Vladimir's as well, and seem to be in far worse condition. This interpretion is best attributed to his total lack of restraint and inhibitions (diving for food, sleeping in ditches, etc.). It should be noted that this is only a convention of some productions (as exemplified by the picture at top).
Many famous actors have taken on the role (especially those of the afformentioned body type), notably Bert LahrBert Lahr born Irving Lahrheim ( August 13, 1895 December 4, 1967) was a United States comic actor, best remembered today for his role as the Cowardly Lion in the classic 1939 movie The Wizard of Oz but known during his life for a career in burlesque, vau and Robin WilliamsRobin McLaurin Williams (born July 21, 1952) is a multi-award-winning American actor and comedian who was born in Chicago, Illinois. He first achieved notice for his stand-up routines in San Francisco. His first major acting role was in the television ser (with Steve MartinStephen Glenn Martin (born August 14, 1945) is an American comedian, writer, producer, actor, musician and composer born in Waco, Texas and raised in Orange County, California. Early years Martin worked at the Bird Cage Theater in Knott's Berry Farm and a as Vladimir). Beckett is even said to have wanted Marlon BrandoA Streetcar Named Desire photographed by Carl Van Vechten, 1948 Marlon Brando ( April 3, 1924 July 1, 2004) was an American actor who brought the techniques of method acting to prominence in the films A Streetcar Named Desire and On the Waterfront both di in one production (with Buster KeatonJoseph Francis "Buster" Keaton ( October 4, 1895 February 1, 1966) was a popular and influential American silent-film comic actor and filmmaker. His trademark was physical comedy while keeping a deadpan expression on his face at all times, which earned hi as Vladimir).