Treatment of existentialism nihilism in Endgame

摘要

Endgame is an interesting play of Samuel Beckett which deserves a serious analysis in terms of nihilism and existentialism. The play is in search of the meaning of man's existence amid uncertainty in the world. This play is certainly different from other major plays of Samuel Beckett in which most of the characters are crippled and helpless like other characters of Beckett subject to suffering, frustration and absurdity in life. The play also delineates the sub-themes of existentialism like authenticity, death, bad-faith and nothingness with the help of these characters. Moreover, the play develops in the tradition of absurd play challenging the classical norms of unities and plot. The stage setting in Endgame seems strange reflecting the theme of existentialism and nihilism. Lastly, the play gives the concept of absurd and cyclical time which presents the uncertainty of man's existence in the world. Thus, the play is a typical one for existentialist study.