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66 reviews
July 15,2025
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To show what life is like, Beckett only needs two stones.

Life, in Beckett's eyes, can be represented by the simplest of things. These two stones might symbolize the essence of existence, perhaps the duality of good and evil, or the balance between joy and sorrow.

With just these two stones, Beckett is able to convey a profound message about the human condition. It makes us wonder how much we really need in life to understand its true meaning.

Maybe we are often too caught up in the complexity of the world, when in fact, the answer lies in the simplest of elements. Beckett's use of the two stones forces us to look beyond the surface and see the deeper significance of life.

It challenges us to reevaluate our own priorities and consider what truly matters. In a world that is constantly changing and evolving, Beckett's simple yet powerful image of the two stones serves as a reminder that sometimes, the most profound truths are the easiest to overlook.

July 15,2025
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This edition is truly remarkable and is especially noted for including Krapp's Last Tape among a plethora of other wonderful pieces.

Krapp's Last Tape is a highly regarded work that adds a unique flavor to this collection. It offers deep insights and thought-provoking themes that engage the reader on multiple levels.

In addition to this masterpiece, the edition features a diverse range of other excellent pieces. Each one has its own charm and appeal, presenting different perspectives and styles.

Whether you are a fan of drama, literature, or simply enjoy exploring new and interesting works, this edition is sure to captivate you. It provides a rich and fulfilling reading experience that will leave you with a lasting impression.

The inclusion of Krapp's Last Tape along with the other wonderful pieces makes this edition a must-have for any lover of the arts.
July 15,2025
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A brilliant tall playwright has created some truly remarkable short plays. These plays are a testament to his creative genius and unique perspective. Each short play is filled with engaging characters, thought-provoking storylines, and powerful emotions. The playwright's ability to compress a complex and meaningful narrative into a short form is truly impressive. His works have the power to captivate audiences and leave a lasting impression. Whether it's a comedy that makes you laugh out loud or a drama that tugs at your heartstrings, these short plays are sure to entertain and inspire. The brilliant tall playwright continues to push the boundaries of the art form and create works that are both innovative and engaging.

July 15,2025
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Beckett's later short plays offer a profound exploration into the ways in which individuals experience physical and emotional exile.

The characters within these plays often find themselves in increasingly constricted and confining poses. They might be stuck in an urn, confined to a rocking chair, or immobilized on a park bench.

His female characters, in particular, are haunting. They possess an otherworldly quality that lingers in the viewer's mind long after the play has ended.

To truly understand and appreciate the depth of Beckett's vision, one must watch "Not I." This play is a tour de force that showcases Beckett's unique style and his ability to convey complex emotions through minimalist means.

Thankfully, the Billie Whitelaw version of "Not I," which was directed by Beckett himself, is available on YouTube. Watching this performance is an essential experience for anyone interested in Beckett's work or in the art of theater in general.

It allows the viewer to witness firsthand the power and beauty of Beckett's later short plays and to gain a deeper understanding of the human condition.
July 15,2025
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Stand-outs in this collection are: 'Krapp's Last Tape', 'Words and Music', 'Cascando', 'Come and Go', 'Breath', and many, many more!

Also read 'Play', 'Ohio Impromptu', 'Nacht und Traume', 'What Where'.

'Nacht und Träume' is an interesting playlet written for television by Beckett. In this playlet, no words occur except some singing of a Schubert piece. The piece must be performed for you to have its full effect. It's a haunting work, with much being done outside the wordless actions. Some critics say there could be some Judeo-Christianity in it. However, I believe it has more to do with memory, the dying of memory and dreams into the unconscious, and so forth. Beckett was a subtle writer, so it's difficult to chalk his views up to theory. That's the failure of most academics in my humble opinion.

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A word of caution for those brave enough to tempt Beckett's late period: his writings are designed to be impenetrable, minimalistic to an extreme. They're not for the faint of heart.

His works require a great deal of patience and a willingness to engage with the text on a deep level. But for those who are willing to take on the challenge, the rewards can be significant. Beckett's late period works offer a unique and profound exploration of the human condition, forcing us to question our assumptions and beliefs about life, death, and the meaning of existence.

Whether you're a seasoned Beckett scholar or a newcomer to his work, there's always something new and exciting to discover in his late period writings. So, if you're feeling brave, pick up one of his works and prepare to be challenged and inspired.
July 15,2025
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July 15,2025
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If you truly desire to fuel your existentialist passion, then these exquisitely written, literary plays penned by Beckett are the ideal choice.

Some of them outshine the others. For instance, "This Time" is by far my absolute favorite. However, the majority of them are remarkable works of modernism.

They should be devoured by enthusiasts of this particular genre.

Now, let us turn our attention to "Waiting for Godot".

This play is another masterpiece in Beckett's oeuvre, filled with profound themes and thought-provoking dialogues.

It has the power to engage the audience and make them question the meaning and purpose of life.

Whether you are a seasoned lover of existentialist literature or a newcomer to the genre, Beckett's plays are sure to leave a lasting impression.

So, go ahead and explore the world of Beckett's plays, and let your existentialist fire burn bright.
July 15,2025
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Mystifying and oh so post-modern, this collection of works truly captivates.

I was especially enthralled when I discovered "Play" and "That Time," both of which are monologues presented in the round.

The unique structure and style of these monologues add an extra layer of intrigue and depth.

However, my only wish is that the book had come with some back matter.

This additional content could have helped to contextualize the plays, allowing the reader to gain a more analytical understanding of them.

With proper context, the themes, motifs, and historical background could have been explored more fully, enhancing the overall reading experience.

Despite this minor drawback, the plays themselves are thought-provoking and engaging, leaving a lasting impression on the reader.

Overall, it is a collection that I would highly recommend to anyone interested in post-modern literature and experimental theater.
July 15,2025
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The stage takes the absurd and the chaos - contrary to their common meanings - in Beckett's works as a kind of distortion of time and space.

It creates a fictional image of time and space, even for the characters belonging to the global city.

There are clear differences between the ways Camus and Sartre deal with the same topics, but in a traditional or classical way to some extent, yet they are more philosophical.

Beckett takes the absurd as a means to deal with the absurd itself.

He shows that in the modern world, people are often faced with situations that are beyond their understanding and control.

The use of the absurd in his works helps to揭示 the true nature of human existence and the meaninglessness of life.

By doing so, Beckett challenges the traditional观念 of time, space, and human nature, and forces us to重新思考 our place in the world.

His works have had a profound impact on modern literature and philosophy, and continue to be studied and analyzed by scholars and critics today.
July 15,2025
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Beckett Rules!


Samuel Beckett is truly a remarkable figure in the world of literature. His works have had a profound and lasting impact. Beckett's unique style, characterized by minimalism, absurdity, and a deep exploration of the human condition, sets him apart from other writers. His plays, such as "Waiting for Godot," challenge our perceptions and make us question the meaning and purpose of life. The characters in his works often find themselves in a state of limbo, waiting for something that may never come. This sense of existential angst and uncertainty is both captivating and thought-provoking. Beckett's writing forces us to confront our own fears and insecurities, and it encourages us to look beyond the surface of things. His influence can be seen in the works of many contemporary writers, and his legacy continues to inspire new generations. Truly, Beckett rules!

July 15,2025
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Beckett’s world is indeed a man’s world.

His plays, with their unique and often minimalist forms, have had a profound impact on the world of theater.

I truly appreciate the way he explores the human condition and the absurdity of life through his works.

The simplicity of his language and the starkness of his settings add to the power and intensity of his plays.

They force the audience to confront the harsh realities of existence and to question their own beliefs and values.

Despite the often bleak and pessimistic nature of his plays, there is also a glimmer of hope and a sense of the human spirit’s resilience.

Beckett’s work challenges us to look beyond the surface and to discover the deeper meanings and emotions that lie within.

It is this ability to make us think and feel that makes his plays so enduring and relevant.
July 15,2025
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So many plays!

They are so strange.

Some of them are very hard to read.

However, it's a great collection to get a feel for what Beckett was doing with theatre as a medium.

Now I'm on to the short prose.

Beckett's works are known for their unique style and profound themes.

The plays often explore the human condition, the meaning of life, and the nature of existence.

They can be challenging to understand, but they also offer great rewards for those who are willing to engage with them.

The short prose, on the other hand, provides a different perspective on Beckett's ideas.

It may be more accessible than the plays, but it still retains the same level of depth and complexity.

As I continue to read through Beckett's works, I am constantly amazed by his creativity and his ability to push the boundaries of traditional theatre and literature.
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