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The Complete Dramatic Works

samuel beckett

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The present volume gathers all of Beckett's texts for theatre, from 1955 to 1984. It includes both the major dramatic works and the short and more compressed texts for the stage and for radio.

'He believes in the cadence, the comma, the bite of word on reality, whatever else he believes; and his devotion to them, he makes clear, is a sufficient focus for the reader's attention. In the modern history of literature he is a unique moral figure, not a dreamer of rose-gardens but a cultivator of what will grow in the waste land, who can make us see the exhilarating design that thorns and yucca share with whatever will grow anywhere.' - Hugh Kenner.

Contents:
Waiting for Godot.
Endgame.
Happy Days.
All That Fall.
Acts Without Words.
Krapp's Last Tape.
Roughs for the Theatre.
Embers.
Roughs for the Radio.
Words and Music.
Cascando.
Play.
Film.
The Old Tune.
Come and Go.
Eh Joe.
Breath.
Not I.
That Time.
Footfalls.
Ghost Trio
...but the clouds....
A Piece of Monologue.
Rockaby.
Ohio Impromptu.
Quad.
Catastrophe.
Nacht und Traume.
What Where.

480 pages, Paperback

First published September 1,1961
Literary awards
obie, 

This edition

Format
480 pages, Paperback
Published
January 1, 1990 by Faber \u0026 Faber
ISBN
9780571144860
ASIN
0571144861
Language
English

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About the author

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samuel beckett

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Samuel Barclay Beckett was an Irish avant-garde novelist, playwright, theatre director, and poet, who lived in France for most of his adult life. He wrote in both English and French. His work offers a bleak, tragicomic outlook on human nature, often coupled with black comedy and gallows humour.

Beckett is widely regarded as among the most influential writers of the 20th century. Strongly influenced by James Joyce, he is considered one of the last modernists. As an inspiration to many later writers, he is also sometimes considered one of the first postmodernists. He is one of the key writers in what Martin Esslin called the "Theatre of the Absurd". His work became increasingly minimalist in his later career.

Beckett was awarded the 1969 Nobel Prize in Literature "for his writing, which—in new forms for the novel and drama—in the destitution of modern man acquires its elevation". In 1984 he was elected Saoi of Aosdána.

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Rating(3.9 / 5.0, 100 votes)
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Profile Image for Kimberly .
ToasterMart
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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I have a profound love for Samuel Beckett. He stands out as one of the very few authors whose works can be read in translation and yet, remarkably, they come out EVEN BETTER. His plays, such as "Happy Days" and "Waiting for Godot", are perhaps his finest creations.

These works are not your typical action-packed extravaganzas. Instead, they offer a unique and thought-provoking exploration of the human condition.

Beckett's writing style is characterized by its minimalism and its ability to convey deep emotions and complex ideas with just a few words.

When reading his works, one is forced to slow down and truly engage with the text, to think about the meaning behind the words and the implications of the situations presented.

In conclusion, Samuel Beckett is a literary genius whose works are well worth reading, regardless of whether you are reading the original or a translation. His plays offer a window into the human psyche and a unique perspective on life that is both challenging and rewarding.
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DiossitoXl
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Beckett is a truly captivating writer, and there are numerous reasons for this. The modern playwright was a pivotal figure in the theatre of the absurd, with his most renowned play being "Waiting for Godot".

I read this anthology for my Modern II class, and I was well aware that I would face difficulties with it. I'm not a devotee of absurdist theatre or fiction, so my expectations were rather low and perhaps a bit narrow-minded. However, I can truthfully state that Beckett astonished me.

As I perused his extensive collection of both long and short plays, I began to notice remarkable motifs and recurring themes that truly convey a great deal about the human condition. Despite the fact that, as many literary critics assert, each play essentially "has nothing happen", Beckett inserts certain lines, interactions, and actions that seem to be rich in symbolic meaning.

Of course, we will never know for certain if these were intentional, but nevertheless, I felt that I learned a great deal about him, myself, and humanity through these minute details. I found myself becoming deeply engaged with some of the works and discovered that I wanted to analyze these little cruxes to understand what they might be attempting to communicate.

I don't believe that Beckett's works are for everyone, but at the very least, exposing oneself to his work may offer something novel and something wildly different from what one is accustomed to seeing - which I think is both a good and an important thing to be introduced to.
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SkiesOfBlue
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Krapp's Last Tape and Godot are truly the best among Samuel Beckett's works. These two plays possess a unique charm and depth that captivates audiences. Krapp's Last Tape delves into the inner turmoil and memories of an old man, while Godot explores themes of waiting and the meaninglessness of life in a profound and thought-provoking way.


On the other hand, Endgame, with its rather strange setting of pensioners living in dustbins, and Happy Days, strike me as the kind of plays that people may claim to enjoy more than they actually do. There is an air of pretentiousness around them, as if people feel obligated to appreciate them because of their reputation.


The rest of Beckett's works, in my opinion, are mere sketches. They lack the substance and complexity of the aforementioned plays and seem more like experimental works or unfinished ideas.

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LocalAutist
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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I worked my way backwards through the collection.

The late works seemed to read like mathematical proofs for the uncertainty principle. They were so complex and filled with deep philosophical concepts.

Even most of the middle plays made an impression primarily as theoretical theater, lacking a certain emotional connection.

But finally, I reached Winnie, buried waist deep in the ground. The despair portrayed there was a strange kind of pure joy.

Then came End Game, and then Waiting for Godot.

Is that really a first play? It was so remarkable. Who could make a debut like that?

And all of a sudden, when you read the life's work, it seemed like a continuous process of trying again, failing again. It wasn't just about failing fast in the next tech company rapid deployment iteration. It was about failing better at everything, and in the waiting.

It made me realize that failure is not the end, but rather a step towards something greater. It's in the process of failing and learning that we truly grow and understand the meaning of life.

The works of this author were a profound exploration of the human condition, and I was completely captivated by them.
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Banje
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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I dip in and out of this. It is always inspiring, beautiful - and tragic.

This experience is like a complex tapestry, woven with threads of different emotions and experiences. The inspiration it provides is like a bright spark that ignites the fire of creativity within me. It makes me look at the world from a different perspective and discover new possibilities.

The beauty of it is simply breathtaking. It is like a masterpiece of art that leaves me in awe. Whether it is the beauty of nature, the beauty of human relationships, or the beauty of a moment in time, it always has the power to touch my heart.

However, along with the inspiration and beauty, there is also a sense of tragedy. It reminds me of the fragility of life and the inevitability of loss. It makes me realize that nothing lasts forever and that we must cherish every moment we have.

In conclusion, this experience is a complex and multifaceted one that has a profound impact on my life. It makes me appreciate the good things in life while also making me stronger in the face of challenges and difficulties.
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SpiritH0shi
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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I have bought to read "Endgame" and "Happy Days".

These two works are highly regarded in the literary world and I am eager to explore their profound meanings and unique writing styles.

However, the rereading of "Waiting for Godot" will have to wait.

I understand that "Waiting for Godot" is a classic play that challenges the traditional concept of drama and requires in-depth thinking and analysis.

But at the moment, my focus is on "Endgame" and "Happy Days", and I believe that through careful reading and study, I can gain a better understanding of the author's creative intentions and the themes they want to convey.

Maybe after I finish reading these two works, I will come back to "Waiting for Godot" with a new perspective and deeper understanding.
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raviwe
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Please provide the article that needs to be rewritten and expanded so that I can help you.
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Vanvonhunter
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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"Make sense who may." This short and somewhat cryptic phrase can carry a variety of meanings. It could imply that only those who have the ability to understand or make sense of a particular situation or concept will do so.

Perhaps it suggests that sense-making is not something that is universal or automatic, but rather depends on an individual's perspective, knowledge, and experience.

It might also hint at the idea that there are different ways of making sense of the same thing, and that what makes sense to one person may not make sense to another.

In a world full of complex and often ambiguous information, the ability to make sense of things is a valuable skill. It allows us to navigate through life's challenges, make informed decisions, and understand the world around us.

However, it's important to remember that making sense is not always easy, and that we may need to seek out additional information, consult with others, or think creatively in order to arrive at a meaningful understanding.

So, the next time you come across something that doesn't seem to make sense, remember that "Make sense who may" and don't be afraid to explore different perspectives and approaches in order to find the meaning that works for you.

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