Question 14 | UPSC Mains ENGLISH-LITERATURE-PAPER-II 2012

That we were to wait.

How to Approach

This question, "That we were to wait," is a fragment, likely taken from a larger literary work. To address it effectively, we must interpret it as a prompt to analyze the theme of waiting – its implications, psychological effects, and potential symbolism – within a literary context. The answer should explore the various facets of waiting, drawing upon literary examples and potentially philosophical perspectives. A strong response will demonstrate an understanding of how waiting functions as a narrative device and a reflection of the human condition. The structure should involve defining waiting, exploring its different forms, and analyzing its significance in literature.

The Nature of Waiting

Waiting manifests in diverse forms, each carrying unique connotations. Chronological waiting involves a passage of time before a specific event occurs – a lover awaiting their beloved’s return, a nation anticipating independence. Emotional waiting is characterized by a state of longing and anticipation, often fueled by uncertainty. Existential waiting, perhaps the most profound, concerns the human condition itself – the waiting for meaning, purpose, or resolution in a seemingly absurd world.

Psychological Impact of Waiting

The psychological effects of waiting are well-documented. Prolonged waiting can lead to:

Increased Stress and Anxiety: Uncertainty about the outcome fuels worry and apprehension.
Loss of Control: Waiting often involves relinquishing control over the situation, leading to feelings of helplessness.
Cognitive Distortions: Individuals may engage in negative thought patterns, catastrophizing potential outcomes.
Temporal Distortion: Time can seem to stretch or compress depending on the emotional state.

These effects are often vividly portrayed in literature, where characters grapple with the emotional toll of prolonged anticipation.

Waiting as a Literary Device

Plot Development

Waiting frequently serves as a crucial plot device. Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot (1953) exemplifies this, where the entire play revolves around the characters Vladimir and Estragon endlessly waiting for someone who never arrives. This creates a sense of absurdity and highlights the futility of human existence. Similarly, in Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations (1861), Pip’s anticipation of his benefactor and his eventual rise in society drives the narrative forward.

Character Development

The way a character *responds* to waiting reveals much about their personality and values. A patient character might demonstrate resilience and faith, while an impatient one might succumb to frustration and despair. In Leo Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina (1877), Anna’s waiting for Vronsky’s return underscores her emotional vulnerability and desperation.

Symbolism and Theme

Waiting can symbolize broader themes such as hope, faith, disillusionment, or the passage of time. In T.S. Eliot’s “The Waste Land” (1922), the pervasive sense of waiting reflects the spiritual emptiness and cultural decay of post-World War I society. The waiting is not for a specific event, but for a renewal that never seems to come.

Examples Across Literature

Work	Author	Waiting For	Significance of Waiting
Waiting for Godot	Samuel Beckett	Godot	Absurdity of existence, futility of hope
Great Expectations	Charles Dickens	Benefactor & Social Advancement	Social mobility, disillusionment, self-discovery
Anna Karenina	Leo Tolstoy	Vronsky	Emotional vulnerability, societal constraints
The Old Man and the Sea	Ernest Hemingway	The Marlin	Perseverance, struggle against nature, acceptance of fate

The act of waiting, therefore, is rarely neutral. It is a dynamic process that shapes characters, drives narratives, and illuminates profound truths about the human condition.

Additional Resources

Key Definitions

Existentialism

A philosophical theory that emphasizes individual existence, freedom, and choice. It often explores themes of meaninglessness and the search for purpose in a chaotic world, frequently linked to the experience of waiting.

Liminality

The state of being in-between, a transitional period or space. Waiting often places individuals in a liminal state, suspended between past and future, certainty and uncertainty.

Key Statistics

A study by the University of California, San Diego, found that the average person spends approximately 6 months of their lifetime waiting in lines.

Source: University of California, San Diego (Knowledge cutoff: 2021)

Research suggests that individuals perceive waiting times as longer when they are occupied and distracted compared to when they are left with nothing to do.

Source: Psychological Bulletin (Knowledge cutoff: 2021)

Examples

The Refugee Crisis

The prolonged waiting experienced by refugees awaiting asylum or resettlement embodies the psychological and emotional toll of uncertainty and powerlessness. Their lives are often suspended in a state of limbo, with limited control over their future.

Frequently Asked Questions

▶Is waiting always negative?

No, waiting can also be associated with positive emotions like anticipation and hope, particularly when awaiting a desired outcome like the birth of a child or the arrival of a loved one. The valence of waiting depends heavily on the context and individual perspective.