Post 4: Endgame

Endgame, written by Samuel Beckett, is a play that details the final interactions of two old men before death.  Endgame is a term used in chess to describe when there are only a few pieces left on the board and the end is near.  Similarly, in this play Clov and Hamm are nearing the end of their “game” of life.  This play details the process of loneliness and emptiness many feel when close to death.  Additionally, Beckett is making a parallel to the endgame to point out the inevitability of death.  The outlandish nature of this play disguises the true point of this play, which is questioning our existence.  This hidden meaning is why this play is still read today. 

The play begins with the word “finished” immediately implementing the theme of beginning and endings and how they are intertwined.  In the play they attempt to kill a flea, a bug that will be reborn and there are numerous references to Jesus who was reborn.  The play is also written in a confusing format with many pauses and conversation that seems meaningless.  This demonstrates how life has no meaning and is a cycle.  People are born and then die.

Hamm asks Clov, “Why don’t you kill me?” and Clov answers with, “I don’t know the combination of the cupboard.”  This enforces the idea that life will end soon, so why not end it now.  This is one of the main reasons why people still read this play.  Because even though Hamm and Clov complain all the time and ask to be killed, they do not kill each other.  They stay alive for each other.  Even though life seems like a cycle the hold on because life does have meaning.  Hamm and Clov’s life runs in cycles, in mundane conversation.  They do the same thing every day, but yet they continue living.  Though they won’t admit it in the play, it is for each other.  While the meaning is hidden behind the superfluous words, it rings clear and true; Hamm and Clov stay alive for each other.  Thus, providing an example of the human condition.  People are ultimately lonely and need other people to survive.  Why else would we be here? 

Hamm and Clov’s life runs in cycles, in mundane conversation.  They do the same thing every day, but yet they continue living.  Though they won’t admit it in the play, it is for each other.        

Hamm: Gone from me you’d be dead.

Clov: And vice versa.

Hamm: Outside of here it’s death!

(Pause)

     And the rat?

Clov: He’s got away.

Hamm: He can’t go far.

This interaction demonstrates how they rely on each other to survive, how all humans essentially rely on each other in this game of life.  Life is an endgame, but you need another person to play chess, and essentially Beckett is saying you need another person to live and to have a reason to live.

            Ultimately this play is still read today because it is a prime example of existential work.  These men question why they are still on this earth.  They live pointless lives and the only thing they have is each other.  But, they both carry on and do not kill each other.  Thus, making the reader believe that maybe there is something to live for, your friends; the people who stick by you.