"You're on earth, there's no cure for that!" This simple yet profound statement holds a certain truth. We are all inhabitants of this planet, facing various challenges and uncertainties. On earth, we encounter physical ailments, emotional turmoil, and countless difficulties that seem insurmountable. There may not always be a quick fix or a magic cure for our problems. However, instead of succumbing to despair, we should strive to find ways to cope and persevere. We can seek support from others, explore different solutions, and learn from our experiences. Although there may not be a cure for everything, we can still make the most of our time on earth and find meaning and purpose in the face of adversity.

“Do you believe in the life to come?”
“Mine was always that.”


In this work, there is an interesting aspect. The author emphasizes that there should be zero poop in this text. Instead, he must keep all the poop for use in his prose.

This style is more like what I'm used to, similar to that of Beckett's "Godot".

Also, I now have a complete understanding of how a mime can be published in a book for ordinary people to read. At first, this really confused me, but now it makes perfect sense. It shows that different forms of expression can have their own unique charm and meaning, and can be presented and understood in different ways.

"Fajne ciekawe ile nie zrozumiałam" can be translated as "It's interesting how much I didn't understand."

This simple statement holds a certain charm and mystery. It makes one wonder about the context in which it was said.

Perhaps the speaker was reflecting on a particular situation, a conversation, or a concept that eluded their comprehension.

It could be that they were in a new environment, learning a new language, or dealing with a complex subject.

The phrase also implies a sense of curiosity and a desire to understand more.

It might prompt the speaker to seek further clarification, ask questions, or do more research.

In a way, it is a reminder that there is always more to learn and discover, and that not understanding something is not a sign of failure but an opportunity for growth.

Overall, "Fajne ciekawe ile nie zrozumiałam" is a thought-provoking phrase that can inspire us to embrace our curiosity and keep learning.

I read this in English at http://samuel-beckett.net/endgame.html. I'm glad that Beckett provided the translation himself. (Of passing curiosity is that Wilde's Salome, another play translated by the author from the original French, lately impressed me also). Spoilers of a sort may follow, but this is not the kind of work where these might be summarily unwelcome.

This is a claustrophobic play, stark for all the clutter of its setting (being in one act). It very effectively conveys a slow spiral towards the inevitability hinted at by its title (a chess term; with various nods and allusions to the game strewn about through the play). In the characters, there is a sense of inertia before all else. They suffer but are unable to stir themselves to much. They whimsically forget they do and go through motions that Beckett makes seem as though they have gone on forever and may further still. (There are too, signs of an unconcerned awareness of their own tragedy as a performance).

Deliberate and languishing in comparison to classical theatre and even Shakespeare, but evoking something of the portentous power of the aforementioned Salomé, the play apprehends through black and absurd humour the nature of 'new' tragedy familiar from Nietzsche's Also Sprach Zarathustra.

For if tragedy is the spectacle of being overcome despite the noble or pathetic character of one's plight, a natural response (where all response is superfluous) is grim mirth.

There are signs of nostalgia from the sense-deprived Hamm (along with never fully expressed regret), Nagg and particularly Nell. But these serve to highlight its lack in the still somewhat whole Clov. (See Wikipedia for the significance of these names). He is the only one still able to move about of his own accord (though he knows this too shall diminish). He isn't still in the way of the others, but when Hamm asks what he does in his kitchen, Clov replies that he looks at the wall and sees his light dying. The impression is given that he has lost without having a thing to lose unlike the others, and that this may be why he responds when he is called upon despite frequently wondering why. (And why his manner, despite the reduced perceptions of the other occupants of the room, is so strangely methodical - he also does useless things, like trying to kill the rat lest it die). Hamm is disdainful, and throughout the play he sees Clov's fate and options through his own eyes.

Laughter, or the lead-up to laughter, comes a few times, but loses momentum and falters as soon as it is acknowledged. Though a grim humour pervades the manner of each character (save perhaps Nell, who seems too much in the past despite uttering an important line that casts this fact into the light, and then not at all).

Hamm's confused inquiries from time to time make us wonder at the setting, but it gains a new terror in being abstract. (Though some deductions, or rather, abductions are encouraged - for instance, Clov's origin). A closed feeling to the world even beyond the sterile mess of the room (where a fleeting eternity is contained) is enforced, with each utterance with the slightest hue of hope being soon (and sometimes gladly) crushed. In this way there is a feeling of accumulation to the static nature of the story, where means of relief are soon shattered, but then malevolently reform to in some way 'progress' events.

While there are many more minutiae worth comment, I have no more to say of the play at present. But I go now with enthusiasm to tackle Waiting for Godot, and would not pass up an opportunity to see the present work enacted.

My first readings of Beckett, Endgame.
A play set in one place, Hamm is the paralytic, Clov serves him, Nagg and Nell are the two old people in the bins and Hamm keeps them there.
Hamm gives orders to Clov who follows them according to what Hamm wants.
I will only talk about this play as it is written. Every time I turn a page, I find a short, deep, strange, philosophical dialogue, and here are some of them:


-\\tClov: Why do you look at me?
-\\tHamm: There's no one else
***
-\\tHamm: How are your legs?
-\\tClov: Bad
-\\tHamm: But you can move
-\\tClov: Yes
-\\tHamm: Then move!
***
-\\tHamm: The waves?
-\\tClov: Of lead
-\\tHamm: And the sun?
-\\tClov: Absence
-\\tHamm: So it's night then
-\\tClov: No
-\\tHamm: So what is it?
-\\tClov: Grey
-\\tHamm: Grey! Did I say grey?
-\\tClov: A pale black that wraps the universe
***
-\\tHamm: Don't you see that we mean something
-\\tClov: We mean? We? We mean! A joke!


Whatever Beckett wanted in this play, I couldn't prevent my imagination from telling his play in a different interpretation and way. I'm sure of what I've come to, even if it contradicts the whole play. I will tell you this story:

Hamm is a paralytic, Clov is his servant, the end of the world is in its moments before the last. In this world, only Hamm, Clov, Nagg, Nell are left. The neighbour Peggy has been killed. Hamm orders Clov to put his parents in the ashbin to get rid of them. He is looking for the last distance to survive. If the end depends on the number, then he tries to survive until the last number, or the one before the last. The old people will die soon. Clov serves him and follows his orders out of pity because he knows that he is the last one left in this world. Everyone is dead outside the building. He sees a person through his binoculars. Hamm orders him to kill him, proving an attempt to survive more. Everyone will die, and Clov will be left, the only survivor in this world full of corpses. Then he will face all the dead and die as Hamm told him: There will be no one with you. An endless void will surround you and all the dead will come from all eras so they can't fill this void, and there will be no one to pity you. The story ends with Clov leaving the place to fulfill Hamm's prophecy. Hamm, who accepts to be the number before the last. Clov is the last, or in other words, he is the number zero in the countdown of the world, the number that Clov repeated twice. The first time when Hamm asked him: What did you find? And he answered zero. The second time after a while: When Clov said as he was looking through the binoculars and didn't find anything: Zero zero zero. And Hamm said: Nothing moves. Clov replied: Zero

Beckett's "Endgame" is a complex and thought-provoking play that challenges the reader's perception of reality and meaning. The dialogue between the characters is sparse yet profound, filled with philosophical musings and absurdist humor. The setting, a desolate and decaying room, adds to the overall sense of isolation and hopelessness. As the story unfolds, we see the characters挣扎 with their existence, trying to find some purpose or reason in a world that seems to have lost all meaning. The play forces us to question our own assumptions about life, death, and the human condition, leaving us with a sense of unease and a desire to understand more. It is a work of art that demands to be read and reread, each time revealing new layers of meaning and depth.

Read for class*

Samuel Beckett is a renowned author, but I must admit that his works are most definitely not for me. Oh well! I have tried to engage with his writing, but it just doesn't resonate. His style is often complex and晦涩, filled with strange characters and convoluted storylines. Maybe it's because I lack the necessary literary background or understanding to fully appreciate his genius. However, I respect his contributions to the literary world and the impact he has had on countless other writers. Each person has their own preferences when it comes to literature, and unfortunately, Beckett's works fall outside of my personal taste. That's okay though, as there are so many other wonderful authors and books out there waiting for me to discover. I'll continue to explore different genres and styles until I find those that truly speak to me.

You're on earth, there's no cure for that!

This simple sentence holds a certain profoundness. It implies that being on earth, we are faced with various situations and problems that may seem insurmountable or without a straightforward solution.

Earth is a complex and diverse place, filled with challenges such as natural disasters, diseases, social issues, and personal hardships. Sometimes, despite our best efforts and the advancements in science and technology, there are still things that we cannot cure or fix immediately.

However, this does not mean that we should give up hope. Instead, it should serve as a reminder that we need to be resilient, adaptable, and continue to strive for solutions. We can work together as a global community to address these issues, support one another, and find ways to make the most of our time on earth, even in the face of seemingly incurable difficulties.

In conclusion, while there may be no cure for some of the things we encounter on earth, we can still choose to approach them with a positive attitude and a determination to make a difference.

A play that seems to be crafted in a convoluted dream, reading like a beautiful yet eerie poem. The dialogue presented here is both thought-provoking and melancholic.

\\n  -Nature has forgotten us.
-There's no more nature.
-No more nature! You exaggerate.
-In the vicinity.
-But we breathe, we change! We lose our hair, our teeth! Our bloom! Our ideals!\\n

It makes one wonder about the relationship between humanity and nature. Have we truly strayed so far that nature has turned its back on us? The loss of not only physical attributes like hair and teeth but also the intangible ideals and the bloom of our lives is a poignant reminder of our changing state. After reading this, only silence seems appropriate, as if words fail to capture the depth of emotions and the profound message hidden within these lines.

"Use your head, can't you? Use your head." These words echo in our ears, emphasizing the importance of thinking. In life, we often encounter various situations where we need to rely on our minds to solve problems. Whether it's making decisions, finding solutions, or coming up with creative ideas, using our heads is essential.

However, sometimes we may be lazy or reluctant to think deeply. We might take the easy way out or rely on others for answers. But as the saying goes, "You're on earth, there's no cure for that!" We have to take responsibility for our own thinking and actions.

By using our heads, we can expand our knowledge, improve our skills, and gain a better understanding of the world around us. We can also avoid making mistakes and make more informed choices. So, the next time you face a challenge, remember to use your head and think carefully. You might be surprised at what you can achieve.

Long review short:

I. Fucking. Love. Beckett.

Beckett is truly an extraordinary individual. His works have a profound impact on me. Every time I engage with his writing, it's like embarking on a unique journey. His words have the power to touch my soul and make me see the world from a different perspective. The way he crafts his stories and characters is simply masterful. There's a certain charm and allure in his writing that keeps me coming back for more. I can't get enough of Beckett. His talent is undeniable, and I am completely in awe of him. I will continue to explore his works and discover new treasures within them. Beckett is a literary genius, and I am privileged to have the opportunity to experience his art.

The critics say that the end of the play is as a second part of the drama Waiting for Godot which focused on the nothingness of life, but in this drama, Beckett dealt with the end, death.

As usual in the theater of the absurd, there is no time. The drama rotates in one place in a room with four characters, all of them with disabilities. None of them is complete and physically healthy. Hamm, who cannot stand and is the one who controls everyone, and Clov, who cannot sit and does nothing but obey Hamm's orders and keeps asking him why he obeys him but he doesn't know. He is like Estragon in his repetition that he will leave but he cannot leave.. And Hamm's parents, Nell and Nagg, who live in the ash bins. There is no meaning to anything here except in the dialogue, which we will find repetitive and contrived.

It is a wonderful drama. In my opinion, the dialogue and the theatrical framework here are stronger than in Waiting for Godot, but the second one impressed me more than the first despite this.

Feels good to be reading Beckett again. This time, it's Endgame, which is definitely harder to get into than Waiting for Godot. When I got frustrated, I turned to the 2000 movie adaption with David Thewlis as Clov. It's brilliant, perfectly conveying both the bleakness and the humor of the piece.

\\n  HAMM: Have you not had enough?
CLOV: Yes. [Pause.] Of what?
HAMM: Of this... this... thing.
CLOV: I always had.\\n

Endgame is an absurdist, tragicomic one-act play. It's about a blind, paralyzed, domineering elderly man, his geriatric parents, and his doddering, dithering, harried, servile companion in an abandoned shack in a post-apocalyptic wasteland. They mention awaiting some unspecified “end” which seems to be the end of their relationship, death, and the end of the play itself.

The play's content consists mostly of terse, back and forth dialogue between the characters, like bantering, along with trivial stage actions. The plot is held together by the development of a grotesque story-within-a-story that Hamm is writing. The title refers to chess, framing the characters as in a losing battle with each other or their fate.

\\n  CLOV: I say to myself that the earth is extinguished, though I never saw it lit.\\n

Endgame was originally written in French and translated into English by Beckett himself. Written before but premiered after Waiting for Godot, it's among his best works. Beckett considered it his masterpiece, the most aesthetically perfect and compact representation of his views on human existence. He even refers to it in Krapp's Last Tape.

Beckett said the names of the characters were inspired by the words for “hammer” and “nail” in English, French, and German. So we have Hamm, Clov, Nagg, and Nell.

Clov enters a dreary room, draws the curtains, and prepares Hamm for the day. He says “It’s nearly finished,” but it's not clear what he means. He wakes Hamm by pulling a bloodstained rag off his head. They banter briefly, and Hamm says “It’s time it ended.”

Eventually, Hamm's parents, Nell and Nagg, appear from trash cans. Hamm is just as threatening and condescending with them as with Clov, but they still share some humor. Hamm tells his father he's writing a story and recites part of it.

Clov returns, and they continue to banter in a quick-witted and comical way, but with dark undertones. Clov often threatens to leave, but it's clear he has nowhere to go. The stage actions are intentionally banal and monotonous.

\\n  HAMM: You weep, and weep, for nothing, so as not to laugh, and little by little... you begin to grieve.\\n

By the end, Clov seems set on leaving Hamm. He tells him there's no more painkiller. Hamm finishes his story, and believes Clov has left, but Clov stands there silently. Hamm discards some of his belongings and says the bloodstained rag “will remain”.

\\n  HAMM: Nature has forgotten us.
CLOV: There's no more nature.
HAMM: No more nature! You exaggerate.
CLOV: In the vicinity.
HAMM: But we breathe, we change! We lose our hair, our teeth! Our bloom! Our ideals!
CLOV: Then she hasn't forgotten us.\\n

Endgame expresses existential angst and despair, depicting Beckett's view of the extreme futility of human life. It's also a quintessential work of “tragicomedy”. As Adorno said, understanding Endgame means understanding why it can't be understood. The play strives to show the absence of meaning and embodies the human condition. Beckett captured the tragicomedy of our lives, and for that, we remember him.

// Random things from the biography: Beckett was stabbed by a street pimp and won the Nobel Prize for Literature. Who else can say that? Queen shit.