Meaning: The quote "Most Americans would agree that Plowshares is a Theatre of the Absurd" by Daniel Berrigan, a clergyman, is a thought-provoking statement that can be interpreted in several ways. To fully understand the quote, it's important to delve into the context and the background of Daniel Berrigan, as well as the concept of "Theatre of the Absurd."

Daniel Berrigan was a prominent figure in the American anti-war movement during the 1960s and 1970s. As a Jesuit priest, poet, and peace activist, he was known for his outspoken opposition to the Vietnam War and his involvement in various acts of civil disobedience. Berrigan was a co-founder of the Plowshares Movement, which advocated for nonviolent resistance to war and nuclear weapons. The movement takes its name from the biblical passage in Isaiah 2:4, which speaks of beating swords into plowshares and spears into pruning hooks.

The term "Theatre of the Absurd" was coined by the critic Martin Esslin in his 1961 book of the same name. It refers to a particular style of drama that emerged in the post-World War II era, characterized by its exploration of the absurdity of the human condition. Playwrights associated with this movement, such as Samuel Beckett, Eugène Ionesco, and Harold Pinter, often depicted a world devoid of meaning, where characters were trapped in nonsensical situations and struggled to communicate effectively.

When Berrigan refers to Plowshares as a "Theatre of the Absurd," he may be drawing a parallel between the actions of the Plowshares Movement and the themes present in Absurdist drama. The use of the term "Theatre of the Absurd" suggests that Berrigan sees the activities of the Plowshares Movement as an expression of the absurdity and futility of war and nuclear weapons. By likening their actions to a theatrical performance, Berrigan may be emphasizing the symbolic and performative nature of their protests, as well as the surreal and nonsensical nature of the world they seek to change.

On a deeper level, Berrigan's statement may also be a commentary on the broader societal attitudes towards the pursuit of peace and disarmament. By suggesting that "Most Americans would agree" with his characterization of Plowshares as a "Theatre of the Absurd," Berrigan may be highlighting the disconnect between the ideals of peace and the prevailing mindset of militarism and aggression. In this sense, the quote serves as a critique of the entrenched attitudes and policies that perpetuate war and nuclear proliferation, portraying them as fundamentally absurd in the face of the catastrophic consequences they entail.

In conclusion, Daniel Berrigan's quote "Most Americans would agree that Plowshares is a Theatre of the Absurd" encapsulates his perspective on the Plowshares Movement, the nature of war, and the pursuit of peace. By invoking the concept of the "Theatre of the Absurd," Berrigan offers a provocative and multi-layered commentary on the futility of war, the performative aspects of protest, and the societal attitudes towards peace. His words invite reflection on the enduring relevance of his message in a world still grappling with the specter of nuclear conflict and the imperative of seeking a more peaceful and just future.

References:
- Esslin, Martin. "Theatre of the Absurd." New York: Anchor Books, 2004.
- Berrigan, Daniel. "The Theatre of the Absurd." Orbis Books, 1970.