Curtis Brown

Professor Tony Naylor

TH101 - Drama Classics on Video

12 October 2009

Endgame an Analysis

Samuel Beckett’s play Endgame presents a minimalistic environment to explore the

elements of relationships. Beckett wrote the play in a cyclical in format reinforcing the choice of

a self-imposed complex relationships the characters exist in. Even the opening line spoken by

Clov, “It is finished. Or at least nearly finished.” establishes this cycle. Becket has

accomplished this through a discussion of learned behaviors, fear of change, and the power of

release when the need for change is accepted.

The cyclical theme begins with Clov removing the sheet from an immobile Hamm. Soon

after a brief monologue from first Clov then Hamm, their relationship is revealed. Clov and

Hamm have established a difficult relationship filled with tension and anger between the two.

Eventually we are introduced to Nagg, Hamm’s father. Nagg’s choice of a self-centered focus is

seen within his relationship with his wife Nell. Nagg’s demand for affection from Nell has the

two of them straining for Nell to give a kiss and to have Nagg’s back scratched. When Nagg has

the opportunity to talk with Hamm, it is revealed that this is how he raised Hamm. This learned

behavior continues the cycle when Hamm treats Clov in the same manner. Clov’s behavior and

language continue to model Hamm, even when alternating between compassion and anger that

he shows. Clov continues this behavior in his relations, and expectations, of others who may

threaten the family’s world. When he sees a child approaching he decides to get the gaff and

remove the “procreator” that is approaching. This choice of action is modeled from the words

and actions taught by Hamm and the continuation of the cycle.

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Even though all of the characters are unhappy with their situation and relationships they

remain in that situation because of their fear of change. Hamm desires release from his chair

through death, but is unwilling to do it himself. Clov also wants to leave, and repeats that

statement at every opportunity. Hamm even questions why Clov on why he has not killed him.

Clov answers, “Because I don’t have the combination to the larder.” This direct statement

reveals the strange relationship and the fear of change, which allows the continuation of an

abusive relationship to exist. Hamm holds the key to the ultimate change by just sharing the

combination with Clov. Hamm’s need to feel control, and maintain the situation does not allow

him to do this. Nagg and Nell also continue to exist with this same fear, even though they have

gone from sitting in sawdust to sand dug up from the beaches and limited to an ashcan to live in.

One final example of this fear of change is Nagg’s relationship to Hamm. Nagg’s first

appearance shows his apparent helplessness, requiring support from Hamm, but near the end of

the play Nagg reveals his own fear of change by telling Hamm a story when he was a child and

how Nagg had left him crying in the dark when he was a small child. This story is designed to

remind Hamm that he is Nagg’s son, implying that he will be nothing else despite the fact that

Nagg needs Hamm’s help to survive. This also reminds Hamm that like when he was a child he

is left blind, trapped in his chair, and only able to cry out to Clov for help.

Beckett provides one small glimpse into what might happen if change, the need for

change, is accepted. Only Nell, out of the four characters in the play understands that what is

happening now is different than the way things were in the past. Nell is able to question why she

continues with the “farce” of trying to kiss Nagg when they both should know that it can’t be

done. She is able to recognize the difference between sitting on saw dust and sand. Nell also

mourns for the happiness of the sun, and the row boat in the Ardennes Forest. She appears to

break the cycle that Beckett has established for the characters. This is witnessed after Nell
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acknowledges the absurdity of their situation. Once this is done, she is released from life and dies

in her ashbin. The other characters barely notice, or react, to her death. Their fear of change

continues even after witnessing the release that Nell achieved.

Endgame illustrates the efforts people go through to maintain order within their lives.

The characters, and people, may not realize that order, and purpose may only exist in

dysfunction. Dysfunction is not the final answer, behavior may be learned, but learning does not

stop with one set of behavior if people are willing to change. Beckett has illustrated what

happens when those behaviors are not changed through the theme of the endless cycle of the

play. The characters are unable to find peace or happiness without acknowledging their fears

and changing their behaviors. Only through acceptance of this may resolution to their problems

be attained. The final warning that Beckett leaves behind is that the change in the situation may

not be the expected outcome.

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Test Questions

1. The two main characters in Endgame are:

A. Jon and Ron B. Jean and Claude C. Sugar and Spice D. Hamm and Clov

1. What is the reason that Clov gives Hamm for not killing him?
A. He loves him C. He doesn’t know the combination to the larder
B. He is like a father D. He likes order

1. The two windows look out in on two different areas, what are they called?
A. Earth and Sea C. Garden and Hill
B. Sea and Village D. Past and Present

1. Nagg’s first line is:

A. Whiskey C. Change my sand
B. Pop D. Pap!

1. Nell’s response to Nagg asking for a kiss?

A. Not in front of the boy C. She kisses him.
B. Why do I continue with the farce? D. Who are you?

1. Where does Hamm require his chair to be?

A. Right Side of the Room C. Left Side of the Room
B. Next to the Ashbins D. Center of the room

1. What did Nagg tell Hamm he did when he heard him crying out in the middle of the night?
A. Lay there in bed pretending to sleep C. Tell Nell to go take care of Hamm
B. Laugh out loud at Hamm’s suffering D. Hold him, rock him, and listen to him.

1. How does Clov respond to Hamm when he asks if he will bury him when he’s dead?
A. Of course I will. C. There aren’t any caskets.
B. What does it matter D. You can’t die.

1. When it is time for Hamm’s pain medicine what happens?

A. Clov gets his pills
B. Clov hold them over his head laughing.
1. What color does Hamm think his dog is?
A. Black B. White C. Tan D. Grey
C. Hamm crawls to the medicine cabinet
D. Clov tells Hamm there is no more
Medicine