Le
Sens de la Marche (The Way to Go) – 1953
by
Arthur Adamov
(Themes)
One
of the central themes of the play is the absence of meaningful direction in
human life. Although the title suggests clarity—a defined “way to go”—the
dramatic world offers no such certainty. The characters are constantly in
motion, yet their movement leads nowhere. This paradox reflects a deeper
existential concern: the human desire for purpose confronted with a reality
that provides none. The act of moving forward becomes automatic rather than
intentional, revealing how easily life can become a sequence of actions devoid
of understanding.
Closely
connected to this is the theme of blind obedience to authority. The figures who
control the system impose rules that are often unclear or contradictory, yet
the characters continue to follow them. This obedience is not grounded in trust
or agreement but in fear and habit. The play suggests that authority does not
need to be rational to be effective; it only needs to be accepted. In this way,
the work examines how individuals surrender their autonomy, allowing external
forces to dictate their actions even when those forces lack legitimacy.
Another
important theme is the breakdown of communication. Language in the play fails
to serve its usual purpose of conveying meaning. Conversations repeat, stall,
or dissolve into confusion, highlighting the limits of words in expressing or
clarifying experience. This failure of communication isolates the characters,
trapping them within their own uncertainty. It also reinforces the broader
sense that meaning itself is unstable and difficult to grasp.
The
theme of loss of individuality runs throughout the play. The characters are not
strongly distinguished from one another; instead, they appear interchangeable,
defined by their roles within the system rather than by personal identity. This
lack of individuality points to a dehumanizing environment in which people are
reduced to functions. As they conform to imposed patterns of behavior, they
lose the ability to assert themselves as unique individuals, becoming part of a
larger, impersonal mechanism.
A
further theme is the cyclical nature of existence. Rather than progressing
toward resolution, the play unfolds in a repetitive pattern. Actions and
conversations recur without leading to change, creating a sense of stagnation.
This cyclical structure mirrors the characters’ condition: they are caught in a
loop from which they cannot escape. The absence of a clear beginning or end
emphasizes the idea that their situation is ongoing and inescapable.
Finally,
the play explores the theme of resignation in the face of uncertainty. At
first, there are moments of questioning and hesitation, but these gradually
give way to acceptance. The characters do not find answers; instead, they adapt
to the lack of answers. This shift from resistance to resignation suggests that
prolonged exposure to confusion and control can erode the impulse to question.
In the end, the characters continue to move, not because they understand their
path, but because they no longer believe that understanding is possible.
Together,
these themes create a powerful portrayal of human existence marked by
uncertainty, control, and the search for meaning in a world that offers no
clear direction.
 – 1953 by Arthur Adamov (Themes)){kind=link}
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