How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Act.Line). Every time a character talks counts as one line, even if what they say turns into a long monologue.
Quote #4
George: national boundaries, the level of the ocean, political allegiances, practical morality…none of these would I stake my stick on anymore (1.649)
The idea that nothing is certain is part of the basis of absurdism. If we can never be sure of anything how are we to find something meaningful in this world?
Quote #5
Nick: UP YOURS! […]
George: You take the trouble to construct a civilization…to…to build a society, based on the principles of…of principle […] then all at once […] through all the sensible sounds of men building […] comes the Dies Irae. And what is it? What does the trumpet sound? Up yours. (2.270-2.273)
This is a very absurdist sentiment: all of man's accomplishments are really worth nothing in the grand scheme of things.
Quote #6
Martha: Deserted! Abandon-ed! Left out in the cold like an old pussycat. HA! Can I get you a drink, Martha? Why, thank you, George; that's very kind of you. (3.1)
Here we see Martha all alone, attempting to fill the void around her with what we know to be an absurd and hopeless fantasy: a civil conversation with her husband.