In Absurd Theatre, the characters often use disjointed, repetitive and clichéd speech to:
(A) Suggest that meaninglessness is also about a meaning.
(B) Suggest the working of the subconscious.
(C) Bring about the comic action and relief.
(D) Illustrate the illogical and purposelessness of human condition.
(E) Defy the self-professed ‘modern’ notion of dignity and wisdom.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

The correct answer is (A) and (D) Only.

To understand why this option is correct, we can break down the key characteristics and philosophical foundations of the Theatre of the Absurd:

1. Representation of meaninglessness as a concept (Statement A):
In Absurd Theatre, language is often stripped of its traditional communicative function. By employing disjointed, repetitive, and clichéd dialogue, playwrights demonstrate that language fails to convey true human connection or ultimate truths. Paradoxically, by using this chaotic speech to show that language cannot convey meaning, the characters and the play suggest that "meaninglessness" itself is a central concept or a "meaning" that defines the human experience. Thus, statement (A) is correct.

2. Illustration of the illogicality and purposelessness of life (Statement D):
The Theatre of the Absurd is heavily influenced by Existentialist philosophy (particularly the works of Albert Camus and Jean-Paul Sartre), which posits that human existence is inherently devoid of objective purpose. The disjointed and circular speech patterns directly mirror this illogical, fragmented, and purposeless human condition. Characters speak not to progress a logical plot, but to fill the empty space of an inherently absurd existence. Thus, statement (D) is correct.

Why other options are incorrect:
Statement (B) refers more to Surrealism or Expressionism rather than the primary focus of Absurdism.
Statement (C) misinterprets the function of dialogue; while there is dark humor or tragicomedy, the primary goal of the disjointed speech is not mere comic relief.
Statement (E) is not the core focus of the linguistic choices in Absurdism, which are fundamentally about communication breakdown and existential anxiety rather than defying modern notions of dignity.