Absurd Quote by Martin Esslin
“The Theatre of the Absurd ... can be seen as the reflection of what seems to be the attitude most genuinely representative of our own time.  The hallmark of this attitude is its sense that the certitudes and unshakable basic assumptions of former ages have been swept away, that they have been tested and found wanting, that they have been discredited as cheap and somewhat childish illusions.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Theatre of the Absurd, 1961
Modern drama reflects a loss of old certainties, exposing the fragility of previously held beliefs.
In simple terms: Modern plays show old beliefs are shaky.
Key Takeaway
Question and challenge inherited assumptions.
Themes
existentialism
skepticism
modernity
Mood
thought‑provoking
critical
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- academic lectures
- playwriting
- critical essays
Key Concepts
absurdism
cultural critique
Questions to Reflect On
- What assumptions do you hold that feel untested?
- How does absurdist theatre affect your worldview?
A Different Perspective
Some audiences may reject the discomfort of uncertainty.
