Erika, Milyza
-Samuel Beckett’s play, Endgame, can be interpreted to depict either Nihilism or Absurdism. I personally believe the play depicts Aburdism, demonstrated by the quote, “It’s we are obliged to each other,” (794). Hamm says this right after a short exchange about who is obliged to who, and right before Clov is about to make his exit. This line demonstrates the mutual relationship between the two, which is not superficial, but deep and important, as demonstrated by the word “obliged.” It feels like a moment of genuine care for one another that is revealed as they are about to part ways. I believe this depicts Absurdism as opposed to Nihilism because the care these two feel for one another demonstrates that they are carrying on as if life had meaning. If it did not, they would not see the point in constructing and nurturing meaningful relationships. Although in their eyes, there is a strong possibility that life is meaningless, they are not sure, so they continue to live and build rapport with one another. The relationship between them would not exist if this was a Nihilistic play, as there would be no relationship in the first place.
-It is very difficult to see these two philosophies as simply black and white, but after going back and forth, I would have to agree that this play depicts Absurdism. Nihilism is the belief that not only is there no intrinsic meaning in the universe, but that it’s pointless to try to construct our own as a substitute. Absurdism represents a conflict between the human tendency to seek inherent value and meaning in life and the inability to find any. The following quote exemplifies absurdism, as well. ”We’re not beginning to to mean something?” Hamm, who ridicules Clov for his naïveté, poses this question. What prevents Clov from making meaning is that is world is built on cycles. Just the syntax of this quote demonstrates absurdism; any ending can also be seen as a new beginning. This repetitiveness doesn’t seem to leave room for any definitive meaning or finality. I interpreted this quote, along with the rest of the play, to have more elements of absurdism rather than nihilism because of Clov’s attempts at finding meaning in life out of human tendency, yet his inability to find a way out of the repetitiveness. Also, as you pointed out above, if this was a Nihilistic play, there would be no relationship between the two characters.
1 response so far ↓
JMERLE // Nov 21st 2015 at 11:05 am
These are really quite perceptive responses, and I think you’ve effectively pointed to an aspect that saves (or might save) the work from Nihilism. (The two are there, essentially, together. Beckett has not created a single individual alone in the universe, but a few different pairs (Hamm/Clov, Nag/Nell). For class, think very carefully about the ending, about the relationship, specifically between Hamm and Clov, and how that connects to their relationship in the beginning of the play.
You’ve also started the beginning of a debate, and this is difficult, since their are only two of you.
Nice job!
10/10