great works ii – 2850 jta 12:25-2:05: love letters from the world

In both the Endgame movie and book, the setting and mood of the story are very similar created by the producer and author. The movie setting has a dark backdrop and gloomy mood to it. The conversation between Hamm and Clov take place in a dark big room. Similarly, in the story, the readers are given a sense of the sullen mood as Clov says, “I see my light dying.” (771). Furthermore, it seems that the characters are held back by something either internally or externally. “Clov “looks at the wall”” (771) suggests that this character is undergoing some conflict and is contemplating about his life. It almost seems as if there is something sinister brewing inside that dark room. Also, Clov began to shift Hamm’s chair towards “the center” and then “back to the corner” (776). This shows that the dark room was very spacious and it allowed a lot of movement inside. This was also true in the movie. The room certainly looks very big and Clov is constantly pacing the room.

In both the visuals and text, there is a common theme of oblivion, hopelessness and meaninglessness surrounding an individual. In Kaspar, before Kaspar meets the stranger, he simply stays in a 4×4 room and eats and sleeps all day. He is clueless about his role in life and does not do anything at all. His life is meaningless. In addition, Kaspar does not know how to read, write, or walk. He is constantly taught new things by a stranger known as the man in black. Kaspar does not question any of the things that the black man is trying to teach him. He simply follows his orders blindly and does not have any sense of individuality or opinion. The black man tells him to say, “I want to be a horseman like my father was” and Kaspar repeats it without question. The lack of identity of Kaspar is evident as well. In the end, without the guidance of the stranger, he simply stands there. Kaspar is dependent on others to make choices for him. If the black man did not drag Kaspar away from the cellar, then he would still be there for the rest of the story. It is the influence of the black man that has allowed him to read, write and walk. Kaspar does not contain human-like qualities or a soul. It is almost as if he is dead as all he does is stay in the cellar, eat and sleep. He is not even curious about discovering the world and lacks a sense of identity. This individual is clueless and his life is meaningless without guidance.

The Chief Clerk and Gregor’s father have contrasting reactions towards the metamorphosis of Gregor. At the sight of Gregor, the Chief Clerk recoiled in horror and began to “[slowly] retreat as if being pushed back by an invisible but resistible force.” (217). However, Gregor’s father’s reaction was one of hostility as “[moved] forward implacably, emitting hissing sounds like a savage.” (219). He eventually forced Gregor back inside his room. The Chief Clerk was terrified at Gregor and Gregor’s father was hostile towards Gregor. Upon discovering the death of Gregor, the cleaning lady was actually in shock and disbelief. Gregor was usually resistant to the presence of the cleaning lady trespassing into his room. However, this time she entered, Gregor displayed no form of resistance and was dead. The cleaning lady was astonished as she quoted, “Have a look, it’s gone and perished it’s lying there, and its perished!” (239). Gregor’s death comes as a surprise for the cleaning lady. Gregor’s father was relieved by Gregor’s death as he says, “Now we can give thanks to God.” (240). It seems that he was actually grateful and happy that Gregor had finally died. From the beginning to the end of the story, Gregor’s father has seen his son as a nuisance and is finally consoled by his son’s death. The father’s reaction is one of joy in the end.

“All that is well enough, but Jean–you must give me courage.

Take me in your arms and tell me that you love me.”

“I can’t go–I can’t stay. Help me, I’m so tired–so weary.

Command me, set me in motion–I can’t think any more,–can’t act—“

Stringberg sees women as being subordinate to men and are will never catch up to them in a real parallel race. He says that woman think that they are equals to men but in reality, they are not. The half woman propels herself forward and tries to “add more value” to herself to rival the power, agency, influence, and even the wealth of men. However, throughout the story, Stringberg has been hinting that woman are in a way, dependent on men. The first quote shows that Julie is emotionally dependent on her valet, Jean. She needs his companionship and acknowledgement of love in order to continue. In the second quote, it seems that Julie is somewhat emotionally unstable. This quote is highly dramatized and emphasized on her unstable emotional and physical standpoint, thus showing that she is not capable to continue what she was doing. In addition, she is looking for guidance (from Jean) and somebody to alleviate her problems. Stringberg portrays Julie as being inferior and physically and emotionally reliant on her male counterpart, Jean. Stringberg’s comments are highly, negatively critical of women and he endorses gender stratification.