"Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better."

The Irish writer Beckett, a prominent figure among the founding fathers of the Theatre of the Absurd, witnessed a significant evolution in his works throughout his career. His writing style became increasingly minimalistic. He once remarked, "James Joyce was a synthesizer, trying to bring in as much as he could. I am an analyzer, trying to leave out as much as I can."

This collection of his works is truly remarkable. Beckett is famously known for his profound statement, “Where I am, I don't know, I'll never know, in the silence you don't know, you must go on, I can't go on, I'll go on.” His words encapsulate the essence of his artistic journey and the human condition. Through his minimalistic approach, he manages to convey complex emotions and ideas, challenging the readers and viewers to think deeply about life, existence, and the meaning of it all.

This compilation serves as a testament to Beckett's genius and his lasting impact on the world of literature and theater. It allows us to explore the depths of his mind and experience the beauty and power of his works.

Beckett is, indeed, a rather unique figure. I would be hesitant to simply label him as an acquired taste. At the very least, his works represent an unusual aesthetic.

In various fields such as theatre, literature, art, and music, there are creators who are willing to break the boundaries. They often engage in experiments with new and exciting forms, styles, and techniques within their respective media. This spirit of innovation is truly commendable.

However, sometimes these experiments may seem more appropriate for the classroom or the studio rather than the public domain. In the public arena, they can sometimes be perceived as unfinished at best or completely incomprehensible at worst. This is how I feel about much of Sam Shepard's work, and also about Beckett's.

Nevertheless, having said that, I am still glad that both of these playwrights have had the courage to explore uncharted territories. Their boldness has led to the creation of some truly remarkable works.

Just remember, when it comes to Beckett's work, it's not advisable to try to read too much of this fine collection all at once. The works are highly challenging and require time and patience to fully understand and appreciate. It's well worth taking the time to digest them slowly and savor the unique qualities they possess.

Oh my goodness, this thing is just so funny and absurd as hell! It's like a wild ride that takes you to a completely different world. It really made me burst out laughing. And you know what? It also reminded me of life when I'm not hung over. You see, when I'm hung over, everything seems a bit hazy and not quite right. But this, this is like a breath of fresh air, a return to the normalcy and hilarity of life when I'm not suffering from the aftereffects of a wild night out. It's those little moments of absurdity and humor that make life worth living. So here's to this funny and absurd thing that brought a smile to my face and a reminder of the good times when I'm not dealing with a pounding headache.

Maravilloso Beckett!

The first time I saw "Waiting for Godot" was when I was about 18. From that moment on, I was astonished.

And with each subsequent visit to his theater, I continued to be completely perplexed by how unclassifiable and disconcerting his works are.

There is something about Beckett that keeps drawing us back forever.

His plays seem to exist in a realm of their own, defying easy categorization and challenging our preconceived notions of what theater should be.

The characters in "Waiting for Godot" are both absurd and tragic, their dialogue filled with pauses, repetitions, and non-sequiturs.

Yet, despite the confusion and uncertainty, there is a strange beauty and power in Beckett's works that continue to captivate audiences decades after they were first written.

Perhaps it is because he forces us to confront the fundamental questions of human existence: Who are we? What are we waiting for? What is the meaning of life?

Beckett's theater is not for the faint of heart, but for those who are willing to engage with the profound and the mysterious, it can be a truly transformative experience.

I bought this item at Dr. Johnson's House.

The characters in it, such as Hodge the cat, seem to be directly taken from the life of the good doctor himself.

Although it is unfinished, there is some really funny dialogue in it.

I truly wish he hadn't left us all in such a state of suspense.

It makes me wonder what could have happened next in the story.

Maybe there were more adventures and humorous moments that we will never get to know.

Nevertheless, the part that is available still manages to bring a smile to my face and makes me appreciate the creativity and charm of the work.

I hope that one day, someone might discover the missing parts and complete this wonderful piece.

Until then, I will cherish the little that I have and keep imagining the possibilities.

I have always loved Beckett, and that's why I made up my mind to purchase his Complete Dramatic Works.

Personally speaking, I hold the view that Beckett didn't truly comprehend what accounted for his own greatness. His masterpiece, Godot, is an incredibly unique play. It's a blend of fun, weirdness, somberness, and yet it manages to be ultimately uplifting. Endgame is also a brilliant piece of work. It delves into the darkest recesses of the human soul, but does so with warmth and a touch of humour. This, in my opinion, is precisely what made Beckett's works so beautiful and sublime. He explored darkness and despair through the mediums of nonsense, humour, warmth, and vaudeville. However, I don't believe he was aware of this himself.

Many of his plays simply give the impression of being nothing but darkness and depression, lacking the warmth and humour that are so crucial. They often seem pointless and bleak, devoid of the greater love and care for humanity that I sense is present in his greatest creations.

Suffice it to say, I was extremely disappointed when I came to the realization that the man I had regarded as a literary titan didn't even understand the very reason why he was so brilliant.

What could have happened?

Who was involved?

No, it couldn't be!

She? But how?

SHE! It was her all along!

The mystery had finally been solved. It turned out that she was the one behind the strange events. Everyone was shocked. How could she have done such a thing? But as the evidence piled up, there was no denying it. She had been keeping this secret for so long. Now that it was out in the open, the consequences would be severe. No one knew what would happen next, but one thing was for sure - her actions had changed everything.

I firmly believe that people have an excessive amount of fear and reverence towards Beckett.

His work, when not regarded as the so-called "great existential work", reveals a side that is extremely playful and funny.

It is truly remarkable how, in the midst of laughter, his work manages to possess a greater depth and profundity.

Often, we are so caught up in the established perception of his works as being overly serious and weighty that we fail to see the lighter and more humorous aspects.

However, once we approach his work with a more open and relaxed mindset, we can discover the hidden gems of playfulness and humor that add a whole new dimension to our understanding and appreciation of his art.

Perhaps it is time for us to break free from the constraints of traditional interpretations and embrace the full spectrum of Beckett's creative genius.

The master of absurd fiction is truly a source of great pleasure when it comes to reading.

Having studied both Waiting for Godot and Endgame a couple of terms ago, this comprehensive overview has been a most welcome experience.

I have a particular fondness for his shorter plays, which were completely unfamiliar to me prior to this.

Rather than obsessing over absurd dialogue regarding life, death, suicide, atheism, and so on, these shorter plays are more minimalistic in nature.

However, they are just as powerful.

It is nearly impossible not to contemplate the deeper questions of life when delving into Beckett's works.

Compared to other absurd texts, his works are highly accessible, devoid of the satisfaction that comes from clichés.

All in all, I would rate it a perfect 5/5.

Some of the pieces for television don't quite connect when you're just reading them.

Notable exception: Eh Joe. But they do give you a sense of how deadly serious Beckett was about his stage notes and rules.

Godot, Krapp, Happy Days, and What Where are perfect.

The only downside here is that a huge piece of Beckett's dramatic oeuvre is endurance.

And for that to click, you really need to be in an audience rather than reading at your own pace.

Most of these plays take place in their own prescriptive time which is very hard to communicate while reading.

For example, the slow and deliberate pacing of Godot, which is essential to its impact, can be lost when read on the page.

Similarly, the intense focus and concentration required to fully appreciate Krapp's Last Tape are more easily achieved in a live performance.

However, despite these limitations, reading Beckett's plays can still provide valuable insights into his unique vision and style.

It allows us to study his language, his use of silence, and his exploration of themes such as absurdity, despair, and the human condition.

In conclusion, while Beckett's plays are best experienced live, reading them can also be a rewarding and enlightening experience.

Transcendental ekstasis.

It represents a whole other reproach to the conventions of theatrics and of states of being.

It is as if there is a rebellion against the norms that govern the world of drama and the very essence of our existence.

Lay it bare, Sam, let it rot.

This command seems to urge Sam to expose something, perhaps a hidden truth or a suppressed emotion, and let it decay and transform.

“But I was not made for the great light that devours, a dim lamp was all I had been given, and patience without end, to shine it on the empty shadows.”

Here, the speaker laments their inadequacy in the face of a powerful force.

They feel that they are not meant for the intense and all-consuming light, but rather have been given a meager lamp and endless patience to illuminate the empty shadows.

This could suggest a sense of insignificance or a struggle to find meaning in a world that seems overwhelming.

Overall, these words evoke a sense of mystery, rebellion, and longing for something more.

They invite the reader to explore the depths of their own emotions and question the conventions that shape their lives.

Samuel Beckett's works are truly remarkable. His plays like Godot, Endgame, Krapp’s Last Tape and Happy Days are all masterpieces that offer unique insights into the human condition.

Not only that, but his radio plays such as Embers and All That Fall are also highly regarded. Reading the whole set in a short time can be a bit overwhelming, especially when it comes to the more pretentious and curious works.

The themes in Beckett's works often revolve around ageing, regrets, and negative self-talk, which can become repetitive after a while. However, upon reflection, this collection is a seminal one that every literature lover should read.

As expected, the stage plays come to life when seen on stage, the radio plays have a different charm when heard, and the film ideas are fascinating when watched. Overall, Beckett's works are a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the depths of human nature and the art of drama.