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

Rebecca:

A similar theme runs through Endgame and Mallarme’s poem. This is the theme of hopelessness. Clov and Hamm go through each and every day of their lives achieving basically nothing. There is a certain sense of unfulfilled potential, of an existence with no purpose. The same theme runs throughout Mallarme’s poem. “By the transparent glacier of flights never flown?” Flights never flown indicates the possibility to take off, to fly high, but they were never flown, indicated, the chance to find purpose and fulfill potential was not taken.  Another theme that runs through both pieces is the idea of being pained and troubled because of the circumstance that you are placed in. “Inflicted on the bird by the space it denies.” This swan had certain agonies because of the place that he was in, and because of his refusal to take flight. Clov is in a similar position, being certainly pained for staying where he is, and not taking flight.

Songyun:

I agree with Rebecca said, the poem and Endgame displayed quite a similar feelings of hopelessness. Compare the Endgame and the Chestnut Tree, you can feel about emptiness and loneliness. The constant tension in Endgame is whether Clov will leave Hamm or not. Hamm continually tells Clov to leave him alone but pulls him back before an exit is possible. Their empty lives are filled only with unyielding pain, and none of life’s typical consolations help them. But Hamm and Clov’s unwillingness to face this pain alone somehow makes the pain greater. The Chestnut Tree is trying to find the meaning of human existence. And often question what existing meant, but realized there is no reason for existence.

Michelle:

The short film “Breathe” and the short story “Endgame” both have a similar themes in a strange way. Their two connecting themes can be viewed as isolation. In the one minute video I was creeped out by the weird breathing which, in my opinion, can be viewed as the character being anxious due to their isolation. There was (what I would like to describe as) garbage all piled on top of each other in one dark, creepy room and each piece in there were somehow connected and intertwined to each other. In Endgame, Clov and Ham are the only two left and they’re located in an empty room with only two trash cans. They both go at it with each other with smart comments and at some point get tired of each other but don’t want to leave their sides. As the room is dark and dull, it gives the reader a sense of isolation (and anxiety). Both are located in one dark, dull room isolated from the outside.

Emptiness and hardship are one of many themes connecting these three works. The characters portray some sort of sign of deprivation and suffering. Not only is this shown through emotion but setting as well. In the Endgame for instance, the story for the most part takes place in one grey room with very little natural light. Not to mention Clov’s parents living in trash bins. In addition, all of the characters seem to be losing their purpose and feel some sort of emptiness in their lives. In the video for example, it seems as if the purpose was to depict what the characters were feeling inside as opposed to what they depicted on the outside through their facial expressions. On the other hand, in certain situations one can only take so much hardship to the point where their lives come to an end, unfortunately.

• Farhan Zaman

As Farhan said certain situations one could only take so much hardship to the point where their lives come to end. In The Endgame all the characters are dealing with hardship, Clov’s parents live in the garbage, Clov is blind and disabled, and Hamm serves Clov.  All these aspects don’t allow the characters to live a life filled with substance, which shows their hardship will lead to their lives ending. By watching Breath you are able to see hardship in the setting, the setting appears to be a room filled with garbage.  Hardship is also seen in Breath by hearing the sound of breath and gasp of air of an absent character, then all of a sudden it goes silent making me believe their live came to an end. Lastly while reading Virginal, Vibrant, and Beautiful Dawn hardship is seen throughout the whole poem but the line that stood out to me the most was  “Phantom whose pure brightness assigns it this domain, It stiffens in the cold dream of disdain”.  This stood out to me because in my opinion it meant the Phantom was fighting his hardship, by looking for pure brightness but because a phantom isn’t supposed to be perceived in light so his life came to an end because he couldn’t overcome being a phantom.

-Katarina Stojanovic

Farhan and Kat provide great insight on the three pieces that come together sharing the ideas of hardship and emptiness. In Breath, the sound, the hard breathing as if you’re in pain, struggling to even catch a breath, show the hardship and the setting makes you feel alone. As if whatever it is that’s breathing so hard, is by itself, struggling in that moment. You don’t know for how long, or when, but you know there’s something uneasy about everything going on at that moment. In Endgame, emptiness and lonely surrounds the characters with their cold behaviors towards each other as well as the physical space they occupy. The house is empty, even if there is people in it. In Virginal, Vibrant and Beautiful Dawn, the swan as majestic as it is, it struggles alone in its environment. The environment gets the best of the swan, as does for Hamm and Clov or the odd voice that is trapped by its environment.

-Onu Mezbah

As my classmates previously mentioned all the pieces portray a very dramatic and dark setting.  In “The Endgame”, the hardship and suffering is strongly expressed through the characters physical condition and situation in which they live.  In “Breath”, the agony is shown through sounds and in the poem, the agony is expressed by using very words that illustrate a very negative imagery.  The poem reminds me to “The Endgame” in a sense that they are both very hopeless with a dark future ahead.  “The horror of the earth will remain where it lies.”  It is one of the most clear sentences in the poem and I believe it connects directly to The Endgame’s constant pain and struggles.  All in all, I feel both pieces share very sad and dramatic themes, “The Endgame” does it through imagery and characters while the poem through a very strong use of words.  

• Joaquin Azcue

Mallarme’s poem, “The Virginal, Vibrant, and Beautiful Dawn”, and Endgame have similar themes present within.  The theme thats present in both pieces of literature is that there is a symbolism of someone who is crushed by the outside world and dislikes it.  This swan represents the one who has nothing to live for and thinks there is nothing out there in the world.  Just like Hamm and Clov live in a world where they don’t know whats out there and choose to just exist and not find meaning in their lives.  This idea of uselessness exists in both pieces of literature within the main characters.  Also another theme present is an earth filled with horror and nothingness.  A sort of dystopia with nothing to live for.  This theme sets the idea of nihilism that is present in both texts.

⁃Preston Cheung

Preston, I like the way you connect both the poem and Endgame together by means of symbolism and someone being “crushed by the outside world and dislikes it”. This was very insightful and I found it interesting food for thought. Similarly, in Sartre’s description of The Chestnut Tree from Nausea, there is also a feeling of non-existence. He feels that while looking at the roots of the tree and then the rest of it, that he sees and describes things that could not exist. And that because of this, existence is futile and meaningless. This can easily be connected to Endgame where Hamn and Clov feel as though they are simply “being” but not truly existing. Just being present but not having true meaning as they just sit in their room, unable to venture out and unwilling to do more.

-Aly Yoon

Jiwoo Han:

I watched the short film “Breath” by Samuel Beckett. Overall, it was a dark and creepy film. A lot of garbage are everywhere in the room and there is a beam of light shining the garbage. And then, one breath consisting of a deep inhalation and exhalation. I believe that the theme of Endgame is loneliness so Hamm and Clov cannot let go of each other easily. I felt like no one lives in the room any longer and it is left untouched for a long time. I found loneliness from it. Regarding the light shining the garbage, it reminded me of Clov looking out through the window. I felt like both scenes represent a hope out of the darkness. Also, the deep inhalation and exhalation represents loneliness. After the deep exhalation, I felt like something reaches the end. I think that the film “Breath” and “Endgame” are connected with one theme “loneliness”.

Susanna Domosi:

I agree with the observations of Jiwoo about “Breath.” It made the normal act of breathing humans experience a thousand times a day very creepy. A theme in Mallarme’s poem is being stuck in a state. The swan being described is stuck in a state that it cannot escape. This theme can be seen in the “Endgame” as well. Clove tried to leave the home him and Hamm live in, but even during Hamm’s monologue, Clove cannot get himself to walk out the door- he simply stands there. Both the swan and Clove are held back from situations because of their environment being restrictive. The words Mallarme uses to describe the swan’s efforts are “hopelessly struggling.” This same description could be applied to Clove’s repetitive sequence of interaction with Hamm. It is up to the reader to interpret if Clove ever even left the home, and many think he did not because of the hopeless struggle that he faced of not being independent being, but just being an accessory to Hamm.

Daphne Young:

Loneliness and being trapped are two very big themes in “Endgame” as explained by both Jiwoo and Susanna. I like how Jiwoo interprets the last exhalation like something reaching its end, it is similar to the ending of “Endgame” where Clov decides to leave- letting go and accepting the loneliness.

In The Chestnut Tree, the character explores the meaning of “existing”. He explores his surroundings, thinking about what existing meant when he realizes that existing just means it’s there. Things exist but there is no meaning to why, almost like nihilism. I can also see this theme in “Endgame”. Clov and Hamm purely exist in the play, but there is no plot and no endgame. Nothing is happening but they both are existing.

Maria:

The video “Breath” relates to Endgame as the video shows a very similar setting to Endgame. The video begins with clips of random objects, almost garbage looking and there is light shining only to the middle of the setting. This is similar to the video of Endgame in which the setting was empty and light was illuminated on the characters. Endgame and “Breath” share a common theme of nihilism; the feeling of life being meaningless and there is nothing people can do to change that. The video “Breath” seems to be almost meaningless as there is no clear explanation of the images and music. The music behind the video “Breath” also has a very dark and expresses pain as does Endgame; specifically the suffering and loneliness that the characters in Endgame feel.

Nicole:

Maria, great analysis on the breath. I also liked the way you compared the end game and breath to come up with the theme of nihilism. I also realized the similarity in colors of the two films. As you pointed out, both endgame and breath were similar in setting. Both of these films kept a very dull and empty background and focused brightness/color on important things. The poem can relate to the end game by comparing the swan to clov. In the poem the swan seems helpless. This is also a very obvious way to describe clov. He takes many demands and seems to be unsure of how to care for himself. “Magnificent but hopelessly struggling to resist / for never having snug of a land in which to exist.” What is the meaning to their life? They are both helpless and unsure of their next move.

Tara:

Nicole I liked your comparison of the swan to Clov, I also interpreted the swan as being helpless which is similar to Clov’s attitude. Clov appeared to always feel unsure of himself and have a deeper sadness within him even when standing up to Hamm. The story “The Chestnut Tree” relates to the theme of nihilism or a life without meaning in Endgame. Clov and Hamm both experience a life of emptiness which consists of bickering and the same routine. They both often question why the other stays and doesn’t leave the other to die. This relates to the Story in that Roquentin discovers the meaning of human existence which he describes as “ We were a heap of existences, uncomfortable, embarrassed at ourselves, we hadn’t the slightest reason to be there. none of us, each one confused, vaguely alarmed, felt superfluous in relation to the others”. Roquentin is describing human existence as something that does not have an influence on anything, and in essence doesn’t exist at all. Similar to Clov and Hamm questioning their loyalty to one another emphasizing that although they do have each other, human existence does not exist in an empty world.  

In Beckett’s short play, “Breath” and the “Endgame” they both share a theme of suffering. In the beginning of “Breath” it shows scattered items , we hear a faint cry and then becomes silent. The video shows depression, by putting the broken down items , because maybe the person taking the faint breaths feels broken. In the “Endgame” the stage was kind of similar , it looked old, dull and dark. Clov and Hamm had a daily routine which consisted of bickering. They were suffering because Clov couldn’t sit or leave and Hamm couldn’t stand or see, they were limited to what they could do. In the end of “Breath” there is a loud deep breath, and the stage got darker, sounding someone in pain, someone suffering.

-Bintou Samura – “Breath”

In the poem “The Virginal, vibrant, and beautiful dawn” and the play “Endgame” both have a theme of emptiness. Clove and Hamm are united by the pain they both suffer from in their lives. Despite irritating one another, they all live in a world filled with pain. Similarly, the swan in the poem suffers through the harsh winters. The earth is merciless towards the swan, and she continues to toil alone. Clove and Hamm reflect on their lives and realize far too late their lives were empty and lonely, despite having each other. Bintou makes a good point in referring to a theme of suffering as well. You can see throughout the play of “Endgame” that both men suffer both physically and mentally. Hamm constantly asks Clove if it is time for his painkiller for his physical pain. Then we can see the men suffering mentally since they know the end is near and there is nothing they can do to change it. However, unlike Clove and Hamm, the swan deals with her pain and tries to persevere despite the suffering the earth inflicts upon her. The men and the swan both lead lives void of substance; their empty lives are filled with suffering.

– Joseph Morreale

After reading “The Chestnut Tree” and reading the play “Endgame” there are many connections in themes that can be made. A few in particular that grabbed my attention is the talk of existence and emptiness/loneliness. In both of the readings, human existence and existence, in general, are discussed. This is shown in the play when Clov discovers a flea on him. In fear of a new start for humanity, Clov kills the insect. Also, the constant bickering between the two on whether Clov will leave or not. Thus suggesting that there is a co-dependency and in reality, they need each other to cope with the rest of their lives, or in this case for as long as they exist. In “The Chestnut Tree” Roquentin is trying to find the meaning of human existence. He comes to the conclusion that “existence is not something, which lets itself be thought of from a distance; it must invade you suddenly, master you…” In other words, there is no reason for existence it is here as a free gift.

-Keauna

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

Jacqueline Devine:

Although these works do have a common feeling of suffering like Francesca mentioned in her post, I find the bleakness between all these pieces to be one of the most evident themes. Just like Endgame’s absurd plot, “Breath” is a rather cold and dark piece. The constant sound of breaths combined with the raw images of trash creates an empty feeling. On that same note, Mallarme’s poem leaves the reader with a bitter note as the swam is “in his exile rendered motionless” despite its “defiance,” which is similar to Beckett’s ending in Endgame for Hamm and his inevitable loneliness. Finally, Sartre’s writing on the chestnut tree and its mere basic and fundamental existence compares to Endgame through the feeling of nothingness in the reality of it all. Both Hamm and Clov exemplify this bleak emotion in their never ending, pointless actions within their stark living conditions.

The theme of suffering comes to mind when I think about The Endgame. Each character in one way or another seems to show some suffering. They all in one room with nothing else left in their lives. For example, Clove throughout the story seemed to Ham’s servant in which he wasn’t. Another point would be how each character is just living in this room and basically just living for no reason. The Endgame can be compared to many different things but when watching the video “Breath” it reminded of me of someone suffering or someone who is loosing their breathe. I feel that this video is showing what the characters are feeling in the inside and that they may not show. For example, Ham’s parents are living in trash cans and are not able to do anything. All of these characters are stuck in this one room suffocating, which reminds me of the video. Also, the setting of both are very similar in the way that it is very dark, cold and dull.

Your Responses on April 28^th: Comparing a scene from the text of Endgame with a production. As you all have remarked, the choices of the director and actors greatly influences our interpretation of the text. Remember, those are just choices, and would not necessarily be sanctioned by the author. Your own interpretations and expectations of how things should be done are also quite valid! We’ll talk more about this in class.

Remember, too, that just because your name is listed in the group (or just because you actually put the comments on the site) doesn’t mean you’ll get credit. You need to have posted twice.

Directing: tone of voice: yes the directorial choice shows these two very angry at/bitter with one another. Also, Clov’s comic movements are almost silly (Beckett’s interest in vaudeville to show Absurdism). Good observations, Jacqueline! Muneeb also points out the angry that emerges in the production. Daphne, as well, points out that the tone of voice is often quite different than one expects when reading the text.  Clov’s being directed to not look directly at Hamm’s face (Keauna) seems to show their isolation from one another. Rebecca points out Clov’s physicality in the production, and how that helps us to see him as someone with low self-esteem (good comment!) Songyun makes the interesting comment that while the production makes us feel Hamm’s control more poignantly, the more subtle references and philosophical themes may be somehow more subdued than in the text. Katerina feels the sadness indeed comes out more in the production.

Acting: Bintou makes the interesting comment that “When they were happy they weren’t happy enough, and when they were angry they weren’t angry enough.” Yes, at times the acting seems wooden, and this is part of Beckett’s plan, I think, to highlight the artificial nature of their (and our?) lives. Contrarily, Nicole (and Maria) points out that Clov seems to be more enthusiastic in her section of the text, than she would have expected (again, to highlight artificiality?). Jamie makes a very interesting comment about the acting choices at the end, saying that he doesn’t necessarily like being directed how to interpret the dialogue, and says that he doesn’t know if he is “comfortable with giving an actor or director the power to fill in these gaps of uncertainty.” ( Jorge G. and Farhan agree, saying they’re happy with more guidance, which is also valid) This is a very valid comment, and remember, you do have to agree with the director’s choices! Jiwoo, on the other hand, seems to like the fact that the actors are bringing the scene to life with their facial expressions (and yes, they are also asking us to interpret these characters in a specific way).

Costume Design/Set: Joseph points out how different our expectations can be from reading a text, but remember, the choices in costume and set are simply that, choices, so you are not “wrong” Joseph, you simply had a different vision for costumes/set. The director makes a very particular choice, when choosing these “dirty old clothes.” Maria points out, too, the starkness and emptiness of the set, and Onu seems to agree, but does see fluctuation in tone. Beckett seems to want to emphasize the apocalyptic nature of this world. Susanna brings out the very good observation that the dress indicates the “master-servant” relationship between Hamm and Clov. Michelle makes a good observation when she notes that costume and set design all contribute to the bleakness of the play, underlining the bleakness of what the world has become for these characters. Joaquin points out that actually seeing the trash cans changes his perspective on the text.

Filming: Jorge M. brings up the very interesting comment that filming allows the unique point of view of getting very close to the face, something that cannot happen in a theater production. Here, the director is using Hamm’s facial expressions to underline a way of looking at the character, and a way, possibly, that Beckett never intended?  Does filming humanize the actors in a way that is not consistent with Beckett’s ideas