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
5 responses so far ↓
ml155866 // May 4th 2017 at 11:23 pm
I definitely agree with Joseph that there is a common theme of emptiness between Endgame and the poem. In the poem, the swan seems lonely and empty as the lake has frozen over and in Endgame the characters suffer from pain throughout. I can definitely see how the two works of literature also differ despite the common theme. Hamm, Clov and Hamm’s parents are somewhat nihilistic and seem to lack meaning in life however the swan attempts to persevere through the harsh winters.
j.guzman3 // May 5th 2017 at 10:37 am
Jorge G -Comment
I agree Bintou, Both “Endgame” and “Breathe” seem to share the same setting giving both giving off an air of depression and emptiness. But I found the fact that “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” interesting; for they are each other’s counter part. Being that if Hamm could’ve walk and see he would have probably left. I find it a grim way to use irony but it works for it just further pushes the concept nihilism.
m.santos4 // May 5th 2017 at 10:56 am
Joseph’s explaination on the connecting theme of both “Endgame” and “The Virginal, Vibrant, and Beautiful Dawn” was very impression. I agree where he says Clov and Ham are both suffering in their lives because of their disabilities as well as being isolated from the world. The Swan in the poem is also suffering when Winter comes around and she is her only friend throughout these times of suffering. These main characters go through sufferings mainly by themselves because Clov and Ham are also suffering mentally since Clov wants leave but at the same time he doesn’t where Ham doesn’t want him to do they go back and fourth.
sh125650 // May 5th 2017 at 11:13 am
I agree with Keauna said both the Endgame and the Chestnut tree have the same theme about emptiness and loneliness. Hamm continually tells Clov to leave him alone but pulls him back before an exist 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.
j.moreno1 // May 5th 2017 at 11:29 am
Bintou, you make a great connection between Endgame and the short film Breath. I think your comparison with the way both films are portrayed is essential in understanding the themes behind both films. The scenery is what stands out first to most people and as you mentioned, both Endgame and Breath have a very dull and very depressing feeling to it from the moment we see it. The theme of suffering is clearly present in both films.
You must log in to post a comment.