Usefully, this compilation includes 29 short plays. (Now, consider how much you would be willing to pay for such a collection?) Among them, "All That Fall," "Krapp's Last Tape," and "The Old Tune" are particularly outstanding. These plays offer unique and engaging experiences that can truly captivate the audience.

However, it should be noted that some of the other plays in the compilation might benefit from being seen live. The live performance can bring out the true essence and energy of these plays, enhancing the overall viewing experience.

On the other hand, there are some plays in the compilation that consist almost entirely of diagrams and stage and lighting directions. These plays, in a sense, barely exist in a traditional sense as they lack the necessary dialogue and character development to fully engage the reader or viewer.

Beckett is a presumptuous one.

He seems to think that he can do whatever he wants without considering the consequences.

Maybe it's because of his talent or his status, but that doesn't give him the right to be so arrogant.

People around him may tolerate his behavior for a while, but eventually, it will catch up with him.

He should learn to be more humble and respectful of others.

Only then can he truly succeed and be respected by everyone.

Otherwise, his presumption will only lead to his downfall.

I read several of these plays for my Modern Drama course. To be quite honest, in the majority of them, I really didn't understand what was going on. It was rather confusing and left me scratching my head. However, I am extremely excited to hear what my professor has to say about them. I firmly believe that my professor's insights and interpretations will shed light on the mysteries within these plays.

I also have a distinct feeling that once I have a more thorough understanding of what Beckett was attempting to accomplish throughout these pieces, I will go back and modify my rating for these plays. Beckett's works are known for their complexity and depth, and I suspect that there is much more to them than meets the eye.

The plays that I read include Play, Not I, Rockaby, Krapp's Last Tape, Act Without Words I, Act Without Words II, Come and Go, Breath, Ohio Impromptu, Catastrophe, and What Where. Each of these plays presents a unique and challenging exploration of various themes and ideas, and I look forward to delving deeper into them with the guidance of my professor.

A remarkable collection of Samuel Beckett's plays is presented here, encompassing works for the stage, television, radio, and a diverse range of other media. Beckett, a renowned playwright, has left an indelible mark on the world of drama with his unique style and profound exploration of the human condition. This collection showcases the breadth and depth of his creative genius, offering audiences the opportunity to experience his plays in different forms and contexts. Whether it's the live energy of a stage production, the intimacy of a television performance, or the auditory stimulation of a radio play, each medium brings out a different aspect of Beckett's works. It allows for a more comprehensive understanding and appreciation of his art, as well as the chance to discover new interpretations and perspectives. This collection is a must-have for any lover of Beckett's plays or anyone interested in exploring the rich and diverse world of drama.

Of all the authors I have read, I find Beckett to be the most challenging by far.

His works are in much the same vein as reading textbooks and scholarly works, where the primary intention is to teach rather than to entertain or provide an escape from the daily grind or transport you to another realm.

When reading Beckett, one is compelled to pay full attention to every single word.

You simply can't skim through his writing. If you do, then you're not truly reading Beckett at all. Skipping, eliding, or jumping ahead means you miss the essence.

The words, the cadences, the repetitions, the minimalism, the circularity, and the now-ness - all these elements demand your attention and immersion.

Perhaps Beckett just expects this level of engagement from his readers. After all, why else would one read? Why use words?

I won't attempt to review each specific text in any Beckett book as I find that either defeatist or beyond my understanding.

Often, his words on the page gain meaning only through how the reader interprets, intuits, and internalizes them.

I firmly believe that Beckett is unequaled, unmatched, and unsurpassed, but this is just my opinion.

Nevertheless, I highly recommend reading him often and again.

I have read five pieces: 'Not I', 'Footfalls', 'Rockaby', 'All That Fall', and 'A Piece of Monologue'.

Among them, 'All That Fall' is the most immediately accessible. It presents a story that is easy to understand and follow, allowing the reader to quickly engage with the characters and the plot.

'A Piece of Monologue', on the other hand, is the most interesting. It offers a unique perspective and delves deep into the thoughts and emotions of the protagonist.

The ratings for these pieces can be based on various factors such as the clarity of the narrative, the depth of the characters, and the overall impact on the reader.

'Not I', 'Footfalls', and 'Rockaby' also have their own merits, but they may require more effort from the reader to fully appreciate.

In conclusion, each of these pieces has its own characteristics and qualities, and the rating will depend on the individual reader's preferences and expectations.