Blog Post #4 Endgame

  In Endgame Samuel Beckett places the reader in a bizarre world that seemingly has no meaning. Additionally, there appears to be very little structure in the events of the play, and the ending does not give any definitive answers as to what happens afterward. Although these qualities may frustrate the reader at first, with a deeper analysis Beckett's purpose can be identified. The characters and setting reflect Beckett's cynical outlook on life and are intended to mock human existence. Ultimately, Beckett focuses on the endgame of human life because he wants to share why he believes human life is folly. 21st century readers need to read this piece due to its indirect manner of storytelling. No definitive ideas are apparent unless the student analyzes the play. Also, this play gives keen insight concerning the depressing state of humanity, and throughout it Beckett fleshes out his own worldview.

 The primary way Beckett tries to legitimize his view is through insanity since insanity (trying the same thing repeatedly and expecting a different result or a change) infests the minds of each character. Insanity also plays a part in the overlying theme of the cyclic nature of life. On the surface insanity can be seen in the abrupt pauses between lines and the meaningless banter in the dialogue at times. For example, when Nell refuses to go inside her trashcan, I couldn't help but think they were both a tad insane.

Nagg: On the road to Sedan. Are you cold?
Nell: Yes, perished. And you?
Nagg: (Pause) I'm freezing. (Pause) Do you want to go in?
Nell: Yes
Nagg: Then go in. (Nell doesn't go in) Why don't you go in?
Nell: I don't know

Here, BOTH of them are freezing mind you, yet neither will go inside their trashcan. Nagg even has the gall to question Nell's reason for staying outside while he himself is doing the same thing. I think this is the toll constant cycles or the same routine have had on their mental faculties. Their minds are growing numb and unresponsive to the outside world. In real life we age and undergo a similar process. We each go through a routine each day. We work. We play. And the cycle continues until the endgame where our ability to work and play fade. The senses fail while we steadily fade out of existence. As others around us fade as well, the question arises of whether or not the cycle of life meant anything at all?

Beckett does not only focus on the insanity of old age but also addresses the folly of the human experience during the cycle. Beckett does not see human progress; instead he sees humans running in circles repeatedly. In the dialogue we get a clear example of this sentiment.

Hamm: Nature has forgotten us.
Clov: There's no more nature.
Hamm: No more nature! You exaggerate.
Clov: In the vicinity
Hamm: But we breathe, we change! We lose our hair, our teeth! Our bloom! Our ideals!
Clov: Then she hasn't forgotten us.
Hamm: But you say there is none
Clov: No one that has ever lived ever thought so crooked as we.
Hamm: We do what we can.
Clov: We shouldn't
(Pause)
Hamm: Your're a bit of all right, aren't you?
Clov: A smithereen

When I read this passage at first, I paid it no heed. But it has profound information about Beckett's worldview. When Clove says, "No one that has ever lived ever thought as crooked as we," Beckett is claiming that at the end of the cycle we are worse off than at the start. Also, Clov says that we shouldn't do what we can. Here, Beckett is asking why? Why try? Why take part in the futility of human existence? Afterward, Clov says he is a "smithereen" which is a shattered piece. I interpret that to mean that Clov is a fragment of what he once was. According to this passage, the cycle is futile and retrogressive, and Beckett may even be claiming that humanity is gradually wearing down into nothingness as the meaningless cycles reiterate themselves.

With all these questions raised, what do they mean to the reader? I, personally, see a great deal of truth in the Endgame, but I refuse to embrace its downtrodden attitude. If I was asked, does the cycle of life mean anything at all? I would say that although in the grand scheme of things I may have little significance, I cannot rebuke the precious amount of time given. Will I chase illusions of happiness? Will I fade as I age? Yes, but these so called "follies" define the human experience that I must take part in or give up altogether. What motivates me is the next cycle. I will not bow out when I can have a positive impact on the next cycle. Even though this cycle does not include my existence, it can and will be affected by my decisions. I will live to the end keeping in mind that something new will rise in my place after my own endgame.