The document discusses the absurdist elements in the play "Swamp Dweller" by Wole Soyinka. Some key absurdist themes explored in the play include the purposelessness of human existence, the clash between the human desire for meaning and the impossibility of finding it, and the distorted and despairing nature of human life. The play uses characters like Igwezu, Makuri, and Alu to portray themes of identity crises, waiting without purpose or relief, and existential despair. It compares Soyinka's absurdist techniques to those used by Samuel Beckett, focusing on their portrayal of hopeless and godless human conditions.

1. Swamp Dweller :How far it is an Absurd
Play?
Name:gohil hetalba
M.A:2
Sem:4
Dept. Of English
M.K.B.University

2.  ‘Absurd Theatre’ believes that humanity’s plight is
purposeless in an existence, which is out of harmony
with its surroundings.
 A philosophy born of existentialism, regarding the
philosophical concept of "the Absurd," the clash
between the human tendency to seek some inherent
meaning in the universe and the human impossibility
of finding meaning
Absurd play

3. Hopelessness
Sense of sadness meaninglessness
They do not take the view that’’…..life means waiting, killing time and
clinging to the hope that relief may be just around the corner If not today
then perhaps tomorrow’’

4. Ibwezu (on a
quest to secure his Alu,Makuri(waiting
Beggar
identity) for son)
Distorted human life

5. • Igwezu ‘father ,tell me
father is my brother a
Despair
better man than I?”
• Makuri,Alu
Purposelessness
of existence

6. Beckett Soyinka
God not
Beggar
appear.
Still
Despair
hope
Soyinka makes use of human deformity in the same way as does Beckett.Character
are either invalid ailing or nursing wound.Both authors allude to the entanglement of
man,a codition from which there is no escape.

7. Beckett and Soyinka
Their god is not dead
Total despair
They have to make
waiting for god.
choice.