Beckett proposes a world view that seems to be influenced by post WW2; following the events that took place and attempting to fathom how the degradation of values could have led to WW2, Beckett appears to have been at a loss to comprehend it all. In consequence, Beckett reigns that the meaning of life and existence cannot be found and moreover, there may not be any purpose. Endgame, illustrates Beckett’s understanding or lack of, of the purpose of existence. The play is intended to leave the reader/view in a state of confusion and reflection on the existential.

Endgame, challenges views/readers to find meaning for the characters in the play. Each character appears to be in a state of perpetual wait; it isn’t clear if the characters are waiting for an event such as death or another defining moment. The characters all seem bound to the empty room repeating mundane tasks to pass time, Endgame also has a nostalgic quality in the way the character’s recall past experiences. This element of the play feels nihilistic; their existence has no real meaning aside from remaining alive. Nell states “Yes, yes, it’s the most comical thing, in the world. An we laugh, we laugh, with a will in the beginning. But it’s always the same thing. Yes, its like the funny story we have heard too often, we still find it funny, but we don’t laugh anymore. [Pause.] Have you anything else to say to me?”. This statement sounds reminiscent of better times, almost as if she recounts moments that used to give life a direction but that are no longer sufficient to sustain a meaningful existence.

The play does not have any direction or cohesive plot, however, there is repetition of some phrases. Most of play is written with short straightforward, sentences from each character with frequent pauses, implying deeper meaning and for the reader to fill in the pauses. Beckett appears to have used a simple writing style to convey the thought process of the character’s. Beckett doesn’t seem to hint at any grand question about the purpose of life, however, Beckett poses a simpler question about how to live daily with resolve.