Group Members: Chi Zhang, Myra Khan, Diana Rodriguez
The short film “Breath” relates to the theme of being trapped in the play “Endgame”. The short film shows a pile of junk in a small confined space. On top of the sprawled clutter it’s very dark and the only source of light is the small light bulb. The setting can connect to the play’s setting because all the characters are basically trapped in a dark room with the only source of light coming from two small windows. Of which Clov must get a step stool first in order to open the windows.
The characters in the Endgame always wore an expression of hopelessness and feeling trapped by the same routine. We can see this when Clov says “Why must you always ask the same question.” To Ham and Ham also says “You always say you will leave, but you never actually do.” In the short film “Breath” the pile of junk stays settled in there spot and don’t move, basically stuck in the same position until someone actually moves them. Same as the character’s in “Endgame”; until something happens everyone repeats the same cycle, until then they go through a never ending routine.
-Myra K.
I think it’s important that you pointed out how the “Endgame” can be seen as a cycle since we can infer from the beginning of the play and the end of the play that the two works connect and possibly, repeats. The fact that the pile of junk in the short video “Breath” can’t be moved until an outside source interferes really do symbolize the characters’ hopelessness that you have mentioned as well.
As for the poem by Mallarme, “The Virginal, Vibrant, and Beautiful Dawn,” I have found a few lines that can be connected to the “Endgame” as well. One of the connections arises from the line “the horror of the earth will remain where it lies.” This line can represent how the world outside the small, confined area in which Hamm and Clov lives is seen as a place filled with catastrophe and unpleasantness. That horror will stay where it is as long as the characters themselves do not choose to actually go out and break their routines.
-Chi Z.
Myra, upon seeing the film Breath, I had the same thoughts as you did: “The setting can connect to the play’s setting because all the characters are basically trapped in a dark room with the only source of light coming from two small windows”. The film shows a setting in which looks chaotic, or a place in which was abandoned. Wheres as in Endgame, the characters are living in a place where chaos is the reason for their abandonment. I also agree with your take on the common theme of being “trapped”. In the film, the setting looks as if a place where it is very hard to escape from, just like in Endgame, where the characters know that it is difficult to get out because they might face death.
Chi, I think it is very insightful when you mention that in the short film, “Breath”, the pile of junk “can’t be moved until an outside source interferes” and compare it to the hopelessness of Clov and Hamm in The Endgame. It seems to parallel the suffering that Clov and Hamm experience because of their situation; they cannot breathe because of the burden placed on them. They are no longer really living because their lives have become so difficult and monotonous, that it is a struggle to even take their next breath. I agree that the horror of their lives will remain until the characters break their daily routines and change their outlook on their lives.
Myra, I liked ideas of your post and your use of language. In my opinion, you succeeded in the usage of metaphors. Moreover, I believe that your analysis is very meaningful and interesting. Especially, the part about how you connect the darkness and a solution to it. Furthermore, I like how you combined the “Endgame” and the short film “Breath” by saying, “The characters in the Endgame always wore an expression of hopelessness and feeling trapped by the same routine.” You compared the darkness and the pile of junk, and that in both situations in order to overcome this, something has to happen. This is a brilliant idea, but, in my opinion, you could have gone a little bit deeper to the point where the authors, probably tried to convey to the readers that in order to change something in your life, you have actually to do something by yourself, and have a real desire to do so.
You guys all made excellent comments and points. I think one of the most important themes that is prevalent in the Endgame is the theme of depression. Depression has always been a sensitive topic throughout history. How do you about the theme of depression in this novel and how do you feel it is portrayed?