In Absurd Theatre, the characters often use disjointed, repetitive and clichéd speech to:

1. A. show that meaninglessness can itself suggest a meaning
2. B. suggest the working of the subconscious
3. C. produce comic action and relief
4. D. illustrate the illogical, purposeless human condition
5. E. defy the 'modern' notion of dignity and wisdom

1. A(A) and (B) only
2. B(B) and (C) only
3. C(D) and (E) only
4. D(A) and (D) only

Pick an option to check yourself, or open the answer below.

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: D. (A) and (D) only

Explanation

Esslin's Theatre of the Absurd (1961) reads the breakdown of language as itself expressive: language that fails conveys a world without meaning (A) and the purposeless, illogical human condition Camus called absurd (D).