End game

Samuel Beckett
Endgame

I.    Directions

–    Answer the following questions in one complete paragraph each.
–    Since we are not writing a full essay for these questions, it is necessary to have well rounded paragraphs.  Make sure to have fully developed paragraphs.
–    Follow the guidelines that we have used for all the essays: heading, format, and mechanics and grammar.  Even though this is not an essay, continue to avoid 1st person and 2nd person pronouns, watch the comma errors, and so forth.
–    .

II.    Topics

1.    Hamm says that Clov once loved him, and Clov emphasizes “Once!” Nagg says the sand in his ashbin was “once” sawdust, and Nell also emphasizes “Once!” What are the possible reasons behind Beckett’s emphasis on this word?  What about the present denotes the past?  What about the past denotes the future?

2.    Discuss the relationship between physical setting and movement on the stage with the context of its themes.  Think about Clov’s awkward motions, Hamm’s shuffling about on his chair, Nagg’s and Nell’s popping in and out of their trashcans.  How is this reflective of the play?  How is this reflective of the thematic elements?

3.    Endgame is highly self-conscious of its status as a play; Hamm even refers directly to his soliloquy at the end, and Clov turns his telescope on the audience and comments.  What impact does this have on the reception by the audience?  What is the purpose of turning the “lens” toward the viewer?  What are Endgame’s similarities with Ibsen’s A Doll’s House, what are its differences?