The play "Waiting for Godot" was written by Samuel Beckett, a prominent Irish playwright and novelist. This seminal work, first published in 1953, is one of the most significant pieces of absurdist theater, exploring themes of existentialism, the passage of time, and the human condition.
Beckett's innovative use of language and structure invites audiences to reflect on the nature of existence and the absurdity of life, as evidenced through the interactions between the characters Vladimir and Estragon, who wait indefinitely for a figure named Godot. This play has had a profound impact on modern drama and continues to be studied for its philosophical depth and unique approach to storytelling.
In contrast, the other authors mentioned wrote in different genres and eras: Euripides was a classical Greek playwright known for his tragedies, Anton Chekhov was a Russian playwright famous for his short stories and realistic plays, and William Wordsworth was an English Romantic poet celebrated for his poetry rather than theater. These distinctions highlight Beckett's unique contribution to literature through "Waiting for Godot."