Something that is evident in both Endgame, by Samuel Beckett and the short film “Breathe” is the theme of isolation. In Endgame, the idea of isolation is something that is expressed throughout the play. Hamm was so attached to Clove in large part due to his fear of being alone or isolated. He even tells Clov that if he leaves, it will be far worse for Hamm because he will no longer have a servant looking after him. Furthermore, the play ends with the threat of Hamm being isolated forever after Clov finally decides to leave. The theme of isolation is also prevalent in “Breathe” because in the film, it is just heavy breathing throughout. There is really no other sound coming from the film besides the sound of isolated breathing.
-Muneeb
7 responses so far ↓
f.furca // May 4th 2017 at 1:23 pm
I believe the theme of isolation is a big one when talking about the Endgame. I really liked how you mentioned that Ham was very attached to Clove and was afraid that Clove would leave him alone. Even though Ham didn’t show that he really cared about Clove because it was very hostile towards him for the most part. Also, the video definitely does show a sort of isolation because of the breathing and there really isn’t anything left than just the sound. I do not think that Clove does really leave though, I do think he stays because he might see that there would be no where else for him to go other than stay with Ham. If he really wanted to leave he would have done it already instead of staying with Ham for all of those years.
s.domosi // May 4th 2017 at 1:25 pm
Muneeb has done a great job discussing the theme of Isolation in “Endgame.” I agree with her that in “Breathe,” there is a sense of isolation and constraint because the person breathing seems to be struggling to take air in. Isolation is an aspect of life pretty much all humans experience at some point or another. Beckett uses Clove and Hamm to show this as Muneed stated “Hamm was so attached to Clove in large part due to his fear of being alone or isolated.” This brings up a deep idea many ponder on; Is it better to be in a restrictive or negative environment but not alone, or is it better to be free and by yourself?
j.yatcha // May 4th 2017 at 2:12 pm
The dawn spoken about in “The Virginal, Vibrant and Beautiful Dawn” seems very similar to Hamm in Endgame. It seems that the Dawn is aware of the worlds opportunity of beauty and hope, just as Hamm. The world has put both these characters in a world where they are trapped and constrained, whether under ice or in a bunker. Both individuals also seem to begin to loosing hope and wonder the purpose of it all.
n.mazza1 // May 4th 2017 at 2:48 pm
Great response, I liked that you used the idea of isolation when describing end game. This ties into what I said about the idea of hopelessness in all three works. I also agree that he feels isolated and hopeless which is why he clings to clov and hesitates to leave him. He doesn’t have anything or anyone else in this world and it seems he rather have this kind of treatment then really be alone and on his own In this world with no guidance.
b.samura // May 4th 2017 at 10:59 pm
Muneeb, I think the theme of isolation is interesting as a common ground for both pieces , because for “Breath” I didn’t view the long breath takes as being isolate but although it is. As for the “Endgame” I don’t really see the isolation being that they have each other. I can say for the “Endgame” the theme is rather fear of isolation like you said , than just being isolation like “Breath”.
j.guzman3 // May 5th 2017 at 10:14 am
Jorge,Muneeb,Jamie
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Life can be magnificent on the surface but with no real identity or purpose, the uniqueness of each day will be blurred together, making it somewhat mundane. Through The poem by Mallarme, “The Virginal, Vibrant, and Beautiful Dawn” you can begin to understand the bleakness in “Endgame” for Clov and Hamm constantly elude to the meaningless and or blurred days but the fact they both relish in each others company shows how these stories teeter between the themes of nihilism and existentialism; existentialism being understanding and embodying nihilism but being open to pleasure sometimes live gives off. Muneeb states “He even tells Clov that if he leaves, it will be far worse for Hamm because he will no longer have a servant looking after him.” it is true both man are afraid to be alone but Clov is more scared to be on his own. Hamm knowing this, would act sarcastic, rude, all the while asking why he still stay almost as to giving him a nudge out off the nest. I think this is why Clov remains silent when he tell Hamm he is supposedly leaving,
r.klamen // May 5th 2017 at 11:47 am
I thought that Muneed made a very good point about the theme of isolation being present in both of these pieces. What I think is very interesting, though, is that because we only hear one breath, we assume there is only one being. It could be that he is the overbearing sound in the room, like Hamm, but there is another being there as well. However, I also think it is very interesting that you bring up that they stay where they are for fear of isolation, because i think I would consider Clov and Hamm both isolated in the world.
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