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Endgame by Samuel Beckett

Introduction

In most instances, authors of renowned literary works seek to present to the audience vital information with regard to the concepts that they wish to review. This is attained through the employment of different styles and characters. In Endgame, the author employs different approaches to relay to the audience vital information. It is certain that he succeeds in giving the audience a classic presentation of a wide range of themes that are a reflection of the then social concerns. This paper provides an explicit analysis of the notable themes that are presented in this.

In his review, Gussow cites that the theme of generational conflict is inherent in this play (17). In particular, there is a conflict between the father and son that is manifested through the stories told by Hamm. The paternal relationship between the son and son in this regard in perceived in light of resentment as well as power. The protagonist Hamm has been presented to be resentful of his father because of the fact that the latter was unkind to him during his childhood years. On the other hand, Hamm dislikes his son because he considers him to have been born during hard times. Essentially, the human race in this is depicted to be living in denial of critical life processes like procreation. The feelings of bitterness are being perpetuated between generations and this is likely to have different implications on the relationships between the two.

Despite the fact that there is intrinsic tension in the relationships that is triggered by feelings of hatred, the theme of interdependence is prominent. Notably the relationship that is manifested by Hamm and Clov in this respect is of mutual benefit. Hamm relies solely on his son for sight and movement (Beckett 213). On the other hand, Clov looks up upon Hamm for food as he understands the combination in the cupboard better than him. In this regard, Gussow points out that his mutual relationship is undoubtedly essential for the survival of each of the characters (17). Thus it can be considered a very fundamental aspect, especially considering the fat that the relationship between the father and son has already been strained.

The role of the Higher Power has been cited by Cronin to have also been accorded significant importance by the author (54). The desperate physical and emotional situation that Hamm, Clov and Nagg find themselves in makes them to think of the influence of the Higher Power in their lives. In particular, the frustrations that Hamm goes through make him to ask Nagg and Clov to pray. However, Hamm exhibits immense desperation when after this he complains bitterly that God does not exist after all. Since their lives are filled with grief, characters in Endgame look forward to dying. Cronin posits that perhaps they believe this is the only way they can escape from the glaring frustrations. However, they lack the physical capacity to attain this state that they presume to be desirable.

Conclusion

The ability to present to the audience vital concepts regarding to the subject under review is usually at the center stage of most pieces of literature. This is given preference in Endgame as Beckett succeeds in presenting to the audience the vital themes of the role of the Higher Power, generational conflicts and interdependence. He attains this through the employment of the main characters.

Works Cited

Anthony, Cronin. Samuel Beckett: Endgame. USA: HarperCollins, 1997.

Beckett, Samuel. Endgame. In Sarah Lawall’s The Norton Anthology: Western Literature, Volume 2, 8th Edition. USA: WWNortorn & Company, 2005.

Mel, Gussow. Understanding Beckett’s Endgame. New York Times, January 14, 1999, p. 17.