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Rating(3.9 / 5.0, 100 votes)
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100 reviews
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.
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.
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.

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.
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.
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.
July 15,2025
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Please provide the article that needs to be rewritten and expanded so that I can help you.
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.

July 15,2025
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Man: "Personally I always preferred Lipton's." This is a truly legendary line that has stood the test of time.

It shows a distinct preference for a particular brand, Lipton's. The man's statement implies that he has tried other options but still finds Lipton's to be the best in his eyes.

While he mentions that the rest is okay too, there is a hint of reservation. It makes one wonder what exactly makes Lipton's so special for him.

Perhaps it's the unique flavor, the quality of the product, or the memories associated with it.

Whatever the reason, this simple line speaks volumes about the man's loyalty and his love for Lipton's. It also makes us curious to explore the world of Lipton's and discover what makes it so appealing to others as well.

Overall, this line serves as a reminder that our personal preferences can often be deeply rooted and influential in our lives.
July 15,2025
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I am using the words that you taught me. If they no longer mean anything, then teach me others. Or let me stay silent.

This simple statement holds a certain depth. It reflects the speaker's dependence on the knowledge and guidance received from someone else. The use of the words taught implies a sense of learning and growth. However, if those words lose their significance, the speaker is left seeking new knowledge or choosing the option of remaining silent.

The phrase "FIM DE PARTIDA" at the end might suggest the end of a particular stage or encounter. It could symbolize the conclusion of a learning process or the end of a conversation. Overall, this short text presents a thought-provoking moment about the value of words and the choices we make when they no longer serve their purpose.

July 15,2025
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AWFUL - wanted to like it, but Beckett makes it so so so hard to say anything positive.

At first glance, there might have been some glimmer of hope that this would turn out to be a decent experience. However, as one delves deeper into it, it becomes increasingly clear that Beckett's actions or the situation associated with it is truly a deterrent.

Every attempt to find something good is met with a wall of difficulties erected by Beckett. It's as if he is deliberately making it impossible to have a positive outlook.

The overall atmosphere is soured by his presence or the influence he wields. It's a real pity because原本可能会有一些值得称赞的地方, but now it's all overshadowed by the awfulness that Beckett has brought into the equation.

It's hard to imagine how anyone could look at this and find anything remotely positive to say.
July 15,2025
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I purchased this volume subsequent to witnessing a production of Krapp's Last Tape. The play had such a profound impact on me that I felt an intense desire to further contemplate and muse upon it. I'm not entirely certain if I will ever get around to reading the remainder of the volume. I suspect that Beckett and I might not always have the most harmonious relationship. :-)

So, for now, please regard this as a partial review that I may or may not expand upon in the future.

Krapp's Last Tape: 5 stars. It is a concise yet captivating play that was recently brought to life in a memorable fashion for me by actor Richard Wilson and director Polly Findlay. It was both humorous and moving. Overall, I suppose the predominant feeling must be one of witnessed despair, serving as a poignant reminder to make the most of one's life while there is still time. However...

But. The lyricism of the remembered moment that Krapp shared with a long-lost love while in a punt on a river... the exquisite beauty of that moment truly lingered with me. Krapp himself listens to the recounting of that moment not just once but three times. And I believe that perhaps having a few such moments, whether in our present or our past, might be sufficient to ultimately tip the scales against the darkness. Although perhaps I am interpreting this in a more optimistic light than Beckett (or Wilson or Findlay) had intended. But it was indeed that moment that remained with me far more than the sense of defeat.

Anyway! The text was engaging to read, especially after having seen a production. Beckett undoubtedly provided an abundance of direction regarding how it would all unfold on the stage - far more than is typical. So, it was fascinating to observe what this particular production did and didn't do with that.

One of the strengths of the play lies in the different aspects presented of the same character at various ages. You truly gain a sense of how Krapp has evolved over the decades, from the age of 20, to 39, and finally to the present age of 69. It is both interesting and often amusing to witness Krapp at times empathizing with his younger self and at other times dismissing him in great frustration.

All in all, it is a master class in life and how to write about it. Hhhmmm... Maybe Beckett and I can get along after all.
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