VLADIMIR
But all four were there. And only one speaks of a thief being saved. Why believe him rather than the others? (1.86)
Vladimir makes that point that even things that many consider to be true are subject to doubt. Beliefs are without rationale in the world of Waiting for Godot.
VLADIMIR
We're waiting for Godot.
ESTRAGON
(despairingly) Ah! (Pause.) You're sure it was here?
VLADIMIR
What?
ESTRAGON
That we were to wait.
VLADIMIR
He said by the tree. (They look at the tree.) Do you see any others?
[…]
ESTRAGON
Looks to me more like a bush.
VLADIMIR
A shrub.
ESTRAGON
A bush.
VLADIMIR
A—. What are you insinuating? That we've come to the wrong place? (1.94-109)
The torturous nature of this endless wait for Godot derives from the uncertainty surrounding the act. If Vladimir and Estragon can’t be certain as to the right location, the central action of their daily lives (the waiting) may be moot.
VLADIMIR
But you say we were here yesterday.
ESTRAGON
I may be mistaken. (Pause.) Let's stop talking for a minute, do you mind?
VLADIMIR
(feebly) All right. (1.143-5)
ESTRAGON
(with effort) Gogo light—bough not break—Gogo dead. Didi heavy—bough break—Didi alone. Whereas—
VLADIMIR
I hadn't thought of that.
ESTRAGON
If it hangs you it'll hang anything.
VLADIMIR
But am I heavier than you?
ESTRAGON
So you tell me. I don't know. There's an even chance. Or nearly. (1.188-92)
Vladimir and Estragon are barred from even this act—that of suicide—because of an uncertainty as to whether or not it will work. In the "Choices" theme we look at how these two men consistently make "decisions" to act, yet are then somehow barred from actually doing anything. It may be that uncertainty is the barrier between choice and action.