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8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 127
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 227
LKICKTT J F[NDKM THK QKQGKXKD
OEJTHJE L[GTK
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 327
I`etneuub Netkrejtn`ejg Qulgnshnef Fr`upThk T wkr Lungdnef 81 Bjndke Gjek Yuntk 614
^ rc `jd Ekw ^ rc
G`ed`e YK 6EX E^ 1198
copy O`ejthje L`ugtkr lt118
Jgg rnfhts rkskrvkd E` pjrt `m thns pulgnijtn`e bjy lk rkpr duikd
`r trjesbnttkd ne jey m`rb `r ly jey bkjes kgkitr`eni `r bkihjenijg
neigudnef ph`t`i`pynef rki`rdnef `r jey nem`rbjtn`e st`rjfk `r rktrnkvjg
systkb wnth`ut prn`r pkrbnssn`e ne wrntnef mr`b thk pulgnshkrs
O`ejthje L`ugtkr hjs jsskrtkd hns rnfht uedkr thk I`pyrnfht Dksnfes jed
Qjtkets Jit gt88 t` lk ndketn1047306kd js Juth`r `m thns w`rc
Lrntnsh Gnlrjry Ijtjg`funef-ne-Qulgnijtn`e Djtj
J ijtjg`fuk rki`rd m`r thns l``c ns jvjngjlgk mr`b thk Lrntnsh Gnlrjry
NYLE gt68-1-8lt=4-gtlt=6-8 (hjrdljic)
gt68-1-8lt=4-8gt- (pjpkrljic)
Gnlrjry m I`efrkss Ijtjg`fnef-ne-Qulgnijtn`e Djtj
J ijtjg`fuk rki`rd `m thns l``c ns jvjngjlgk mr`b thk Gnlrjry `m I`efrkss
Typkskt ly Ekwfke Nbjfnef Yystkbs Qvt Gtd Ihkeejn Nednj
Qrnetkd jed l`ued ne Frkjt Lrntjne ly BQF L``cs Gtd L`dbne I`rewjgg
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
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IHJQTK
NETD[ITNE
Vk ekkd j drkjbw`rgd ne `rdkr t` dnsi`vkr thk mkjturks `m thk rkjg
w`rgd wk thnec wk nehjlnt
mdash Qjug Mkykrjlked Jfjnest Bkth`d
LJICF[ED JED NEMG[KEIK
Yjbukg Lkicktt (gt1=rsquo8gt) ns `ek `m thk b`st nbp`rtjet jed nemgu-
ketnjg wrntkrs `m thk twketnkth iketury L`re net` j bnddgk-igjss
Qr`tkstjet mjbngy ne Dulgne Lkicktt studnkd B`dkre Gjefujfks
(Mrkeih jed Ntjgnje) jt Trnenty I`ggkfk kjrenef j LJ ne gtlt6 Ne
gtlt8 jmtkr j sh`rt jed uesuiikssmug stnet js j tkjihkr jt Ijbplkgg
I`ggkfk Lkgmjst Lkicktt lkijbk gkitkur jt thk Ki`gk E`rbjgk
Yupkrnkurk ne Qjrns rkpgjinef Th`bjs BjiFrkkvy thk pkrs`e rksp`e-
snlgk m`r netr`duinef Lkicktt t` Ojbks O`yik Lkicktt wjs bjssnvkgy
nemgukeikd ly hns mkgg`w Nrnshbjebdquos wrntnef jed ne mjit pulgnshkd jekssjy `e O`yikbdquos Mneekfjes Vjck (lsquoDjetk Lrue` ]ni` O`yikbdquo)
ne gtltgt thk sjbk ykjr thjt hk pulgnshkd hns mnrst sh`rt st`ry lsquoJssubp-
tn`ebdquo Ne gt94 whngk gnvnef ne G`ed`e Lkicktt pulgnshkd B`rk Qrnics
thje Cnics j i`ggkitn`e `m sh`rt st`rnks jed ne gt9= hk i`bpgktkd
hns e`vkg Burphy (whnih wjs pulgnshkd ne gt98) Ne gt96 Lkicktt
b`vkd t` Qjrns jed bjdk Mrjeik hns pkrbjeket h`bk uetng hns dkjth
ne gt8gt
Lkickttbdquos kjrgy w`rcs neigudnef thk e`vkg Vjtt (pulgnshkd ne gt9)thk gjst e`vkg t` lk wrnttke ne Kefgnsh lkm`rk Lkicktt turekd t` wrnt-
nef ne Mrkeih ne gt4= mjngkd t` jttrjit buih irntnijg jttketn`e Nt wjs
whngk Lkicktt wjs wrntnef hns mnrst e`vkg trng`fy whnih neigudks
B`gg`y (gt) Bjg`ek Dnks (gt) jed Thk [eejbjlgk (gt9) thjt
Lkicktt pr`duikd hns b`st mjb`us w`rc jed nedkkd thk pgjy thjt wjs
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
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LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
lt
t` trjesm`rb twketnkth-iketury drjbj Vjntnef m`r F`d`t (i`bp`skd
gt48rsquo4gt) Lkicktt sjnd thjt thns pgjy wjs kssketnjggy wrnttke js j
dnvkrsn`e j lsquorkgjxjtn`e t` fkt jwjy mr`b thk jwmug pr`sk N wjs wrnt-
nef jt thk tnbkbdquolt Thk tw`-jit pgjy mkjturnef thk e`w ni`eni trjbpswjntnef m`r thns F`d`t wh` ekvkr wngg jppkjr wjs rkv`gutn`ejry jed
i`etrnlutkd ne e` sbjgg pjrt t` hns lknef jwjrdkd thk E`lkg Qrnzk m`r
gntkrjturk ne gt=gt
Vjntnef m`r F`d`t j pgjy ne whnih lsquoe`thnef hjppkes twnikbdquo9 js
]nvnje Bkrinkr mjb`usgy put nt rjdnijggy qukstn`es thk fr`ueds m nts
`we fkerk Thjt ns t` sjy Lkicktt prkskets j drjbj thjt `vkrtures
judnkeiksbdquo ljsni jssubptn`es Thkrk ns e` ihjrjitkr dkvkg`pbket e`
pg`t `m jey i`eskqukeik e` igkjr pr`frkssn`e `m jey ejrrjtnvk i`e-tket `r jitn`e nt ns j pgjy stjfnef thk jetninpjtn`e `m jitn`e rjthkr
thje jitn`e ntskgm Nentnjggy thk pgjy ljmmgkd judnkeiks3 whke mnrst pkr-
m`rbkd ne thk [entkd Ytjtks (hjvnef lkke lnggkd js thk lsquogjufh hnt `m
tw` i`etneketsbdquo4) pk`pgk mg`ickd `ut ne dr`vks Kvketujggy h`wkvkr
nt lkijbk igkjr thjt Lkickttbdquos w`rc nm e`t trjdntn`ejggy drjbjtni dnd
spkjc t` whjt wjs pkriknvkd t` lk j rki`fenzjlgk i`edntn`e ne thk
gt1s jexnkty Ne s`bk skesks jed thns ns truk m`r jgg `m Lkickttbdquos
w`rc e`t snbpgy F`d`t Lkicktt ns netkrkstkd ne jejgyznef thk hubje
lknef jt b`bkets `m netkesk skgm-jwjrkekss jed jexnkty (jed whjt ns
jexnkty nm e`t j i`edntn`e `m kxtrkbk skgm-i`esin`usekss0) F`d`t
sp`ck t` j fkekrjtn`e thjt rki`fenzkd ntskgm js jexn`us m`r bkjenef
m`r snfenmnijeik
Jed jgth`ufh nt ns pkrhjps t`` kjsy t` hnst`rninzk Lkickttbdquos w`rc m`r
netkrprktnvk i`bm`rt wk sh`ugd e`tnik thjt hns bjo`r w`rc (neigudnef
thk mnrst trng`fy jed thk drjbj `m thk gt1s jed gt=1s) wjs pr`duikdne j i`etkxt `m frkjt sh`ic jed pr`trjitkd jexnkty thk Yki`ed V`rgd
wjr hjd rkiketgy kedkd thk truth `m thk dkjth ijbps hjd lkfue t`
lk muggy ce`we jed thk fr`wnef i`emgnit lktwkke thk Vkst jed thk
Y`vnkt [en`e skrvkd js j i`estjet rkbnedkr `m thk thrkjt `m t`tjg
euigkjr jeenhngjtn`e Nedkkd Lkickttbdquos Kedfjbk (gt6) whnih tjcks
pgjik skkbnefgy jmtkr s`bk frkjt ijtjstr`phk (thk w`rgd hjs lkke
lsquoi`rpskdbdquo t` usk Ig`vbdquos h`rrnmni w`rd) spkjcs dnrkitgy js thk frkjt
irntni Thk`d`r Jd`re` jrfuks t` j p`st-H`g`ijust w`rgd
M`r jgg ntsdnmmniugty Lkickttbdquos w`rc thus d`ks spkjc t` nts tnbk d`ks prksket nm
rkjd ijrkmuggy j dnjfe`sns m thk twketnkth iketury3 rkjd mr`b je`thkr
pkrspkitnvk thk w`rc lki`bks sybpt`bjtni `m thk twketnkth iketury
Thjt ns t` sjy Lkickttbdquos w`rc i`ugd `egy hjvk lkke wrnttke ne j ike-
tury thjt wnteksskd suih bjssnvk sikeks `m dkstruitn`e jed lrutjgnty
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
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NETD[ITNE
9
Lkicktt pr`duikd Vjntnef m`r F`d`t whngk irkjtnef hns b`st nbp`r-
tjet jed nemguketnjg l`dy `m pr`sk w`rc thk mnrst trng`fy `m e`vkgs
B`gg`y Bjg`ek Dnks jed Thk [eejbjlgk Nm Vjntnef m`r F`d`t rkv`-
gutn`enzkd drjbj thns pr`sk trng`fy dnd thk sjbk t` thk e`vkg Nedkkdwk bjy jrfuk js d`ks J Jgvjrkz thjt ne thksk w`rcs Lkicktt ksske-
tnjggy lsquojssjssnejtksbdquo thk e`vkg m rb= Nm Vjntnef m`r F`d`t rkb`vkd thk
drjbj mr`b drjbj thksk e`vkgs rkb`vkd jgg i`bm`rtjlgk snfep`sts
mr`b ejrrjtnvk i`hkrket pg`t stjlgk ihjrjitkr kvkets `iiurrnef ne
ndketnmnjlgk spjik jed tnbk Nt ns igkjr thjt Lkicktt ns e`t prnbjrngy
netkrkstkd ne tkggnef lsquost`rnksbdquo ne jey i`evketn`ejg skesk hkrk3 nedkkd
`ek ijee`t kvke rkjggy suffkst j e`vkg gnck Thk [eejbjlgk mdashwhnih ns
ejrrjtkd ly shnmtnef pkrhjps l`dngkss pkrs`ejgntnks ne whjt bjy lks`bk cned `m jmtkrgnmkmdashhjs j st`ry jt jgg Ne gjtkr w`rcs gnck H`w Nt
Ns (gt=) Jgg Ytrjefk Jwjy (gt=9rsquo=4) Nbjfnejtn`e Dkjd Nbjfnek
(gt=) jed thk ski`ed trng`fy (whnih neigudks I`bpjey Sgt81R
Ngg Ykke Ngg Yjnd Sgt8R jed V`rstwjrd H` Sgt89R) Lkicktt mmkrs tkxts
whnih skkb t` dnsbjetgk thk fkekrni bjrckrs lktwkke pr`sk jed
p`ktry t` thk p`net whkrk nt lki`bks igkjr thjt hns bjne i`eikre ns
snbpgy (lut whjt j w`rd) gjefujfk ntskgm jed thk wjy hubje kxpkrn-
keik ns l`ued up ne thk gnefunstni By netkrkst ne thns Fundk wngg lk t`
suffkst thjt thns `lskssn`e wnth gjefujfk ne thk wjy wk ce`w jed
jrk ce`we ly thk w`rgd vnj gjefujfks thkbskgvks pkrhjps nekmmkitnvk
jed mjngnef ns thk thr`ufh-gnek i`eekitnef Lkickttbdquos w`rc l`th ne
pr`sk jed drjbj Ne thns skesk jed N wngg rkture t` thns p`net ne dktjng
Lkickttbdquos ijrkkr ns je kgjl`rjtk jed eujeikd i`bbketjry `e j stjtk-
bket ly phng`s`phkr Hjes-Fk`rf Fjdjbkr lsquoGjefujfk ns e`t oust
`ek `m bjebdquos p`sskssn`es ne thk w`rgd3 rjthkr `e nt dkpkeds thk mjitthjt bje hjs j w`rgd jt jggbdquo (Truth jed Bkth`d 449)
Lkickttbdquos w`rc rkv`gutn`enzkd twketnkth-iketury gntkrjturk Ikrtjnegy
t` wrntk j i`evketn`ejg pgjy w`ugd pr`vk rjthkr b`rk dnmmniugt jmtkr
Vjntnef m`r F`d`t Kedfjbk r thk gjtkr b`rk stygnstnijggy jvjet-fjrdk
w`rc Drjbjs gnck Hjppy Djys (gt=) whnih skks j ihjrjitkr lurnkd
t` hkr wjnst (gjtkr t` hkr ekic) ne thk kjrth3 `r Qgjy (gt=9) ne whnih
thrkk ihjrjitkrs netkrekd ne ures jrk m`rikd uejwjrk `m thk `thkrsbdquo
prkskeik t` spkjc jl`ut thk ejturk `m thknr t`rturkd rkgjtn`eshnp3 `rE`t N (gt6lt) ne whnih j dnskbl`dnkd b`uth mrjetnijggy spkws `ut
j ejrrjtnvk `m jssjugt jed bjdekss3 `r Lrkjth (gt=gt) j 9-ski`ed
pgjy mkjturnef j stjfk mnggkd wnth rullnsh jed thk s`ued `m j iry jt
lnrth jed dkjth jgg ihjggkefk e`tn`es `m whjt i`estntutk lsquodrjbjbdquo js
suih Qgjywrnfhts gnck Hjr`gd Qnetkr (wh` jice`wgkdfks Lkicktt
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 727
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
4
js hns bjstkr) Kdwjrd Jglkk jed Yjrjh Cjek jrk jgg bjssnvkgy
nemgukeikd ly thk pgjys thknr kxpkrnbkets wnth m`rb jed stjfnef
jrk jgg rksp`esks t` Lkickttbdquos kgjl`rjtk jed rkgketgkss irntnquk `m drj-
bjtni i`evketn`e Jed kqujggy wk ekkd t` rki`fenzk thk nemgukeik `mLkickttbdquos pr`sk `e twketnkth-iketury mnitn`e Lkickttbdquos mnrst trng`fy js
wkgg js hns gjtkr pr`sk hjs hjd ke`rb`us nemgukeik `e wrntkrs wh` ne
thknr ture hjvk lki`bk nbp`rtjet ne thk pr`frkssn`e `m twketnkth-
jed twkety-mnrst-iketury pr`sk Qjug Justkr (wh`sk Ekw ^`rc Trng`fy
ije lk rkjd js j dnrkit p`stb`dkre rkwrntnef m Lkickttbdquos mnrst trng`fy)
O B I`ktzkk (wh` ne mjit wr`tk hns QhD dnsskrtjtn`e `e Lkickttbdquos
Vjtt) jed O`he Ljevnggk (wh` ne w`rcs gnck Thk L``c `m Kvndkeik
shjrks Lkickttbdquos mjsinejtn`e wnth thk w`rcnefs m thk p`ssnlgy dkrjefkdbned) jgg igjnb je jrtnstni nehkrntjeik mr`b Lkickttbdquos snefugjr vnsn`e
thknr rkprksketjtn`es `m thk neekr skgmmdashpsyih`tni trjubjtnzkdmdashije
lk trjikd t` Lkickttbdquos netkrkst ne thk s`gntjry jed bjrfnejg mnfurk
rkduikd ne p`sskssn`es jed l`dy ekf`tnjtnef j pjth thr`ufh j h`stngk
`r nednmmkrket w`rgd
LKICKTTbdquoY YT^GK
Nt ns prkinskgy thns qujgnty `m snefugjrnty thjt rkjdkrs cky net` whke
kei`uetkrnef Lkickttbdquos w`rc thkrk ns snbpgy e`thnef rkb`tkgy gnck
Lkicktt ne thk w`rgd `m gntkrjturk Vhngk Lkickttbdquos kjrgy w`rc (Burphy
B`rk Qrnics thje Cnics thk p`sthub`usgy pulgnshkd Drkjb `m Mjnr
t` Bnddgnef V`bke6) lkjrs trjiks `m O`yikbdquos nemgukeik (js skke ne
whjt ns m`r Lkicktt ueusujggy kekrfktni kvke pgjymug pr`sk) hns gjtkr
w`rcmdashthk ture t` whnih N g`ijtk ne gt9bdquos Vjtt (wrnttke lktwkkegt4 jed gt4)mdashns uenqukgy Lkickttbdquos Vhngk nt ns pkrhjps uemjnr t`
subbjrnzk jed dnstngg thk qujgntnks `m j wrntkrbdquos w`rc wk ije bjck j
mkw fkekrjg i`bbkets hkrk Lkickttbdquos w`rc jgwjys kvke js nts b`st
kxtrkbk gnbnt `m ueijeenekss jed strjefkekss ns rkgketgkssgy hub`r-
`us nm djrcgy s Jt b`bkets m kxtrkbk dkspjnr e stjfk j ihjrjitkr
wngg `mmkr j gnek thjt wngg bjck us gjufh uekjsngy Ne Vjntnef m`r
F`d`t m`r nestjeik ]gjdnbnr jed Kstrjf`e wntekss Q`zz`bdquos lrutjg
trkjtbket `m Guicy3 thky thke hjvk thns lrnkm kxihjefk
]gjdnbnr Thjt pjsskd thk tnbk
Kstrjf`e Nt w`ugd hjvk pjsskd ne jey ijsk
]gjdnbnr ^ks lut e`t s` rjpndgy (41)
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
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NETD[ITNE
Jt b`bkets `m kxtrkbk pjne ne thk e`vkgs j ihjrjitkr wngg dkmgjtk hns
dkspjnr wnth nr`ey Bjg`ek jg`ek jed dynef ne hns lkd m`r nestjeik
`mmkrs thns lsquoBy l`dy ns whjt ns ijggkd uejdvnskdgy pkrhjps nbp`-
tket Thkrk ns vnrtujggy e`thnef nt ije d Y`bktnbks N bnss e`t lknefjlgk t` irjwg jr`ued jey b`rk Lut N jb e`t buih fnvke t` e`stjgfnjbdquo
(Bjg`ek Dnks 81)
Thns lrutjggy jbusnef wrntnef jggkvnjtks thk fg``b `m thk Lkicktt
pgjy `r e`vkg lut nt d`ks jdd j ikrtjne ueijeey mrnss`e t` `ur kxpkrn-
keik `m thk w`rc why jrk wk gjufhnef jt thns0 H`w ije thkrk lk
hub`r ne suih j dkpgktkd w`rgd0 Ne je netkrvnkw Lkicktt `eik sjnd
lsquoNm thkrk wkrk `egy djrcekss jgg w`ugd lk igkjr Nt ns lkijusk thkrk
ns e`t `egy djrcekss lut jgs` gnfht thjt `ur sntujtn`e lki`bks nekxpgn-ijlgkbdquo (ltlt1)8 Lkicktt ns thk bjstkr m bnxnef gnfht jed djrc m hub`r
wnth pjne `m thk rki`fenzjlgk wnth thk uemjbngnjr Thk rksugt ns j
cned `m wrntnef thjt ns i`esnstketgy dns`rnketnef lut e`t strjefk
ke`ufh t` lk muggy jgnkejtnef wk d` rki`fenzk jed rksp`ed t` s`bk-
thnef ne thk w`rc j qujgnty pkrhjps `m shjrkd summkrnef `m shjrkd
dkspjnr jed lk nt kvkr s` hublgk shjrkd i`bpjssn`e
kjdkrs `mtke rkbjrc `e thk pjrtniugjr qujgnty `m Lkickttbdquos ske-
tkeiks kspkinjggy ne thk pr`sk [egnck thjt `m hns kjrgy bjstkr O`yik
Lkickttbdquos bjturk pr`sk ns irystjggnek ne nts i`einsn`e Nedkkd Lkicktt
`eik rkbjrckd `e thk dnmmkrkeik lktwkke O`yikbdquos bkth`d `m i`bp`s-
nef jed hns `we
lsquowk jrk dnjbktrnijggy `pp`sntk lkijusk O`yik wjs j syethksnzkr hk
wjetkd t` put kvkrythnef thk wh`gk m hubje iugturk net` ek r
tw` l``cs jed N jb je jejgyzkr N tjck jwjy jgg thk jiindketjgslkijusk N wjet t` i`bk d`we t` thk lkdr`ic `m thk kssketnjgs thk
jrihktypjgbdquo gt
Ne Djbekd t` Mjbk Ce`wgs`e qu`tks Lkickttbdquos vnkws `e O`yik
lsquo N rkjgnzkd thjt O`yik hjd f`ek js mjr js `ek i`ugd ne thk dnrkitn`e
`m ce`wnef b`rk SlknefR ne i`etr`g `m `ekbdquos bjtkrnjg Hk wjs jgwjys
jddnef t` nt N rkjgnskd thjt by `we wjy wjs ne nbp`vkrnshbket
ne gjic `m ce`wgkdfk jed ne tjcnef jwjy ne sultrjitnef rjthkr thjene jddnef‒ bdquo (9gt) Jed thus whngk Lkickttbdquos sketkeiks jrk kjsngy
ke`ufh rkjd (wk bjy hjvk t` g``c up thk dd w`rd e`w jed jfjne)1
thkrk ns j sg`w-lure qujgnty t` thns wrntnef js bkjenefs jed rks`ejeiks
i`bk t` gnfht jed jppgy prkssurk g`ef jmtkr wk hjvk pjsskd `vkr
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
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LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
=
thk nednvndujg w`rds Thk mjb`us gnek mr`b Bjg`ek Dnks lsquoE`thnef ns
b`rk rkjg thje e`thnefbdquo (8=) ns je kxjbpgk m j sketkeik whnih sejfs
`ur jttketn`e wnth nts pkiugnjr usk `m j w`rd `r ndkj E`thnefekss
rjdnijg jlskeik thk sketkeik suffksts ns thk b`st prkssnef rkjgntywnth whnih wk bust dkjg Thk sketkeikbdquos inriugjrnty jed rkpktntn`e
b`rk`vkr ueijeengy trjesmkrs jlskeik net` prkskeik e`thnef thus
lki`bks s`bkthnef js wk mkkg nts rkjg igjnbs `e us Thk sketkeik lrng-
gnjetgy dkb`estrjtks h`w j snefgk w`rd ije shnbbkr wnth bugtnpgk
rks`ejeiks thk mnrst usk `m thk w`rd lsquoe`thnefbdquo ns vkry dnmmkrket mr`b
thk ski`ed Nedkkd thk w`rd skkbs snbugtjek`usgy t` hjvk ijsujg
jed dkkpgy phng`s`phnijg bkjenefs jgg `m whnih m`gd net` kjih `thkr
jed jrk kxihjefkd Bjg`ek jwjrk `m thk kmmkits `m hns `we w`rds`mmkrs thns i`bbketjry `e thns sketkeik lsquoN ce`w th`sk gnttgk phrjsks
thjt skkb s` nee`iu`us jed `eik y`u gkt thkb ne p`ggutk thk wh`gk
`m spkkih Thky rnsk up `ut `m thk pnt jed ce`w e` rkst uetng thky
drjf y`u d`we net` nts djrcbdquo (8=rsquo86)
Je`thkr rkgjtkd ueijeey kmmkit `iiurs whke Lkicktt `mmkrs je ndkj
`egy t` ekfjtk nts igjnbs nbbkdnjtkgy lsquoGnvk jed nevket N hjvk trnkd
N bust hjvk trnkd Nevket Nt ns e`t thk w`rd Eknthkr ns gnvkbdquo (Bjg`ek
Dnks 8gt)3 lsquoN jb dkjd lut N ekvkr gnvkdbdquo (Tkxts m`r E`thnef 999)3
lsquoYjy j l`dy Vhkrk e`ekbdquo (V`rstwjrd H` 46) Thk mnejg gneks `m
B`gg`y jrk pkrhjps thk b`st mjb`us kxjbpgk `m Lkickttbdquos skgm-
i`etrjdnit`ry skgm-ijeikggnef rhkt`rni lsquoThke N wket ljic net` thk
h`usk jed wr`tk Nt ns bndenfht Thk rjne ns lkjtnef `e thk wned`ws
Nt wjs e`t bndenfht Nt wjs e`t rjnenefbdquo (61) Thk kmmkit j dnzzynef
`ek ns t` ckkp thk rkjdkr i`esnstketgy e hkr netkrprktnvk t`ks prkvket-
nef hkr mr`b skttgnef `e jey i`bm rtjlgk `r i`bm`rtnef bkjenefThns kmmkit rkjihks nts tkrbnejg p`net ne Lkickttbdquos gjtk pr`sk ne tkxts
gnck V`rstwjrd H` Lkicktt hkrk m`rf`ks i`evketn`ejg frjbbjr
ihjrjitkr pg`t jed st`ry jed prkskets gjefujfk ntskgm js ihjrjitkr (ne
thns wjy wk jrk oustnmnkd ne jsskrtnef js suffkstkd thjt gjefujfk ns
jgwjys Lkickttbdquos bjne i`eikre) Thk gjefujfk `m thk gjtk tkxts ns i`e-
trjdnit`ry jed pr`duiks mjbngnjr vkrtnfne`us kmmkits
V`rskenef w`rds wh`sk uece`we Vhkeik uece`we Jt jgg i`stsuece`we E`w m`r t` sjy js w`rst thky bjy `egy thky `egy thky
Dnb v`nd shjdks jgg thky E`thnef sjvk whjt thky sjy Y`bkh`w
sjy E`thnef sjvk thky Vhjt thky sjy Vh`sks`kvkr whkeiks`kvkr
sjy Js w`rst thky bjy mjng kvkr w`rsk t` sjy (468)
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1027
NETD[ITNE
6
Yurkgy thns ns s`bk `m Lkickttbdquos b`st ihjggkefnef b`st dnmmniugt
wrntnef Lut nm wk gnstke t` nt ijrkmuggy wk ije jttked t` thkbks hk wngg
kxpg`rk thr`ufh`ut hns ijrkkr Vk ije hkjr Lkickttbdquos lskssnvk rkture
t` thk rhkt`rni `m lsquoe`thnefbdquo3 wk kei`uetkr hns netkrkst ne lsquomjngurkbdquo js jtr`pk `m wrntnef3 wk skk hns netkrkst ne b`vnef pjst thk ljrrnkrs `m
i`evketn`ejg gjefujfk t` kxpg`rk thk gnbnts `m whjt ije lk sjnd jed
e`t sjnd (`r bnssjnd) ne gjefujfk whnih ns ntskgm dkjd `r spkitrjg
lsquov`nd shjdksbdquo Lkicktt m`r jgg hns dnmmniugty ije lk rkjd igkjrgy lkijusk
js N kxpg`rk ne dktjng lkg`w hns wrntnef fnvks us thk netkrprktnvk iguks
wk ekkd Je netkrprktnvk dnzznekss ns j fnvke whke rkjdnef Lkicktt
whjt wk d` wnth thjt dnzznekss h`w wk ih``sk t` netkrprkt `ur
b`bkets `m ueikrtjnety lki`bks `ur tjsc `ur `lgnfjtn`e
THK DNMMNI[GT^ M KJDNEF LKICKTT FKEK
ETHNEFEKYY THK QYTH[BJE LD^
Fkerk
Thk ykjr lt11= wjs thk iketkejry `m Yjbukg Lkickttbdquos lnrth Jt vjrn-
`us mkstnvjgs jed i`emkrkeiks hns w`rcs wkrk pkrm`rbkd dnsiusskd
jed irntninzkd Nedkkd kvke thk bjnestrkjb bkdnj usujggy `lgnvn`us
t` thk w`rc `m thk gntkrjry jvjet-fjrdk t``c e`tnik nm `egy t` rkiyigk
thk prnbjry irntnijg ignihicircs jl`ut Lkickttbdquos w`rc nt ns lgkjc dnmmniugt
jed lsquojl`utbdquo thk jlsurdnty jed bkjenefgkssekss `m kxnstkeik Thns gjst
ignihicirc fnvke jt gkjst tjint supp`rt ly Lkicktt hnbskgm ns `ek thns
Fundk wngg ne pjrt skkc t` dnsbjetgk lut m r e`w wk ekkd t` jice`wg-
kdfk thk truth `m whjt ns fkekrjggy pkriknvkd jl`ut Lkickttbdquos w`rc ntsuei`bpr`bnsnef dnmmniugty Vk jrk prksketkd ne l`th thk drjbj
jed pr`sk wnth uemjbngnjr jed skkbnefgy uerkjdjlgk sntujtn`es tw`
trjbps `e j ekjr-kbpty stjfk wjntnef3 j lgned tyrjet jii`bpjenkd
ly hns irnppgkd pjrkets jed j pkkvnsh skrvjet ykjrenef m`r hns gnmk
(jed thk pgjy hk skkbs t` ce`w hk ns ne) t` ked3 j pgjy ne whnih j
b`uth spkjcnef ne ekjr nei`bprkhkesnlgk gjefujfk ns thk bjne
lsquoihjrjitkrbdquo3 je `gd bje gynef ne lkd tkggnef st`rnks uetng hk dnks
Jed `ek i`ugd f` `e jed wk shjgg hkrk gnstnef thk byrnjd dnmmniug-tnks p`skd ly Lkickttbdquos w`rc Jt j ljsni gkvkg h`wkvkr wk e`tnik `ek
i`bb`e mkjturk `m thksk tkxts `ek gnec whnih bjy lk `ur netkrprk-
tnvk ketry p`net thky jgg dkgnlkrjtkgy dnsbjetgk fkekrni kxpkitjtn`e
Thjt ns t` sjy kvkry Lkicktt tkxt dkmnks `ur e`tn`es `m whjt j pgjy `r
j e`vkg sh`ugd lk d`nef Nm wk rki`fenzk thns fkekrni lsquodki`bp`sntn`ebdquo
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1127
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
8
js Lkickttbdquos prnbjry bkth`d `m pr`lgkbjtnznef netkrprktnvk pr`t`-
i`gs wk i`bk t` je nbp`rtjet nentnjg rkjgnzjtn`e Lkickttbdquos tkxts rksnst
lknef netkrprktkd jed ijtkf`rnzkd jed thns bjy ne mjit lk whjt thky
jrk jl`ut thk pr`lgkb `m netkrprktjtn`e ntskgmThns Fundk thus wngg lkfne wnth je jejgysns `m thk wjy Lkicktt
bjenpugjtks fkerk ne hns w`rc Vjntnef m`r F`d`t m`r nestjeik ns j
drjbj ne ejbk `egy nm thk r``t `m thk w`rd lsquodrjbjbdquo ns thk Frkkc m r
lsquojitn`ebdquo Lkicktt ns dkgnlkrjtkgy wrntnef j drjbj thjt ns e`t ne mjit j
drjbj jt jgg (e`thnef hjppkes ne thk pgjy3 `r b`rk prkinskgy e`thnef
hjppkes thk kxpkrnkeik `m e`thnefekss ns whjt thk pgjy ns jl`ut)
Thk e`vkgs `m Lkickttbdquos mnrst trng`fy (B`gg`y Bjg`ek Dnks Thk
[eejbjlgk) jfjne jrk e`vkgs ne ejbk `egy js thns trng`fy pr`frkssksthkrk ns j dnbnenshnef `m pg`t jed j rkb`vjg `m jgg ndketnmnjlgk ihjr-
jitkrs wnthne ndketnmnjlgk spjik jed tnbk Lkickttbdquos gjtk pr`sk jed
drjbj lgurs thk dnstneitn`e lktwkke fkerks H`w Nt Ns j lsquoe`vkgbdquo rkjds
gnck p`ktry3 J Qnkik `m B`e`g`fuk (gt8lt) j lsquopgjybdquo rkjds gnck j sh`rt
pr`sk st`ry3 Lkickttbdquos gjst bjo`r w`rc ne thk s`-ijggkd ski`ed trng`fy
(I`bpjey Ngg Ykke Ngg Yjnd V`rstwjrd H`) rkduiks thk vkry gje-
fujfk `m pr`sk t` e`efrjbbjtnijg igjusks jed pgjiks lsquoihjrjitkrsbdquo
(wh` mueitn`e bkrkgy js frjbbjtnijg nedniks bjy nedkkd `egy lsquolkbdquo
dnskbl`dnkd frjbbjtnijg nedniks) ne g`ijtn`es thjt jrk lky`ed gnmk
jed dkjth
Nt ns by suffkstn`e thjt thk trjokit`ry `m Lkickttbdquos ijrkkr js
drjbjtnst jed e`vkgnst trjiks j systkbjtni dki`estruitn`e `m thk vkry
prkbnsks `m drjbj jed pr`sk j dki`estruitn`e thjt wntekssks thk
snbugtjek`us jed systkbjtni dnsbjetgnef `m thk skgm `r sulokit wh`
w`ugd rkgy `e ejrrjtnvk js j bkjes `m skgm-uedkrstjednef N pr`p`skhkrk t` suffkst thjt thns dki`estruitn`e thns dnsbjetgnef `m jgg
rkiknvkd struiturks `m sulokitnvnty jed ejrrjtnvk lk nt ne pr`sk `r
drjbj (jed hns ihjrjitkrs e stjfk jrk egy kvkr tkggnef st`rnks) ns thk
bjo`r thkbk m Lkickttbdquos w`rc jed m i`ursk thk ijusk m thk bjo`r
dnmmniugtnks ne thk rkjdnef `m thns w`rc
eik wk uedkrstjed thjt Lkickttbdquos bkth`d ns t` ijgg net` qukstn`e
thk vkry prkbnsks `m drjbj jed pr`sk wk bjy lk lkttkr jlgk t`
uedkrstjed whjt N skk js hns bjo`r purp`sk t` ijgg net` qukstn`e jggth`sk bkth`dsmdashejrrjtnvk lknef thk prnbjry ekmdashwk hjvk m uedkr-
stjednef `urskgvks Fkerks i`bk rkjdy lungt wnth bkjenef jed
kxpkitjtn`e pgjys jed e`vkgs hjvk struiturksmdashlkfneenefs bnddgks
kednefs3 ihjrjitkr jed pg`t lsquodkvkg`pbketbdquo3 skttnefsmdashthjt rkjdkrs ejtu-
rjggy jssubk sh`ugd lk ne pgjik Qgjys jed e`vkgs hjvk rki`fenzjlgk
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1227
NETD[ITNE
gt
ihjrjitkrs jed tkgg st`rnks thjt whngk pkrhjps i`emusnef jed ihjggkef-
nef jssubk whjt wk ije ijgg lsquoce`wjlngntybdquo Thjt ns thksk ejrrjtnvks
jrk jssubkd t` rkmgkit j rki`fenzjlgk rkjgnty `ek t` whnih thk rkjdkr
ije rnket hkrskgm J iketrjg nm uesp`cke jssubptn`e m whjt ns ijggkdigjssni rkjgnst gntkrjturk ns thjt ejrrjtnvk ntskgm ns j ejturjg jed juth`r-
ntjtnvk wjy `m i`bbuenijtnef rkjgntylt Gjefujfk ne `thkr w`rds ns
thk jdkqujtk vkhnigk m`r rkprksketnef rkjgnty jed b`st nbp`rtjetgy
m`r rkprksketnef thk skgm3 ne igjssni rkjgnst mnitn`e iruinjggy thk skgmmdash
thnec m`r nestjeik m Dnickesbdquo Djvnd I`ppkrmnkgdmdashprkikdks gjefujfk
jed usks nt i`etr`gs nt t` trjesirnlk hns rkjgnty
Lkicktt ns w`rcnef t` rkvkjg jgg thksk kxpkitjtn`es js jrtnmninjg jed
i`estruitkd Hk nednijtks thjt wk i`estruit `urskgvks js skgvks ne thkst`rnks wk tkgg thk hnst`rnks wk i`estruit jed thus hns dnsbjetgnef
`m thksk ejrrjtnvks ns hns wjy `m kxjbnenef thk vkry mrjfngnty thk vkry
i`estruitkdekss `m thk hubje jed hubje uedkrstjednef ntskgm
Ejrrjtnvk jed `thkr fkekrni i`evketn`es jrk wjys `m i`etr`ggnef
kxpkrnkeik m shjpnef kxpkrnkeik3 thky jrk e`t uepr`lgkbjtni rkmgki-
tn`es `m kxpkrnkeik Ne thk ked h`wkvkr ly systkbjtnijggy rkduinef
ejrrjtnvk t` nts ksskeik t` whjt hk ijggs nts lsquow`rskenef w`rdsbdquo Lkicktt
dnsi`vkrs thk pkrsnstket ksskeik `m thk hubje wh`sk ejrrjtnvks lsquomjng
jfjnebdquo jed lsquomjng lkttkrbdquo lut wh` ns nesnstketgy prksket ne thjt mjngurk
nm `egy js j trjik spkitkr `r fh`st `m ntskgm By jrfubket ugtnbjtkgy
ns thjt m`r jgg Lkickttbdquos skkbnef dnmmniugty jed ekfjtnvnty hns e`vkgs
jed pgjys w`rc systkbjtnijggy t` ikgklrjtk nm ne je nevkrsk wjy thk
hubje sulokit wh` wngg e`t ikjsk t` ejrrjtk jed wh` wngg thus
jgwjys lk
KD[ITNE T THK KYYKETNJGY ETHNEFEKYY
JED THK QYTH[BJE
T` lkfne pkrhjps wk sh`ugd jice`wgkdfk thjt whngk Lkickttbdquos w`rc
kxpg`rks qukstn`es i`eikrenef thk muedjbketjg ejturk m thk hubje
Lkicktt hnbskgm wngg skkb t` lk `m gnttgk hkgp t` us ne netkrprktnef thjt
w`rc Jgth`ufh hk hjs `mmkrkd s`bk nbp`rtjet nm `pjquk irntnijg
nesnfhts net` whjt jppkjrs t` lk j pkrs`ejg phng`s`phy m jrt jed gnmkLkicktt tkedkd t` rksnst `mmkrnef dnrkit netkrprktjtn`es `m hns w`rc
rksnstkd `mmkrnef whjt j ihjrjitkr ne hns e`vkg Vjtt ijggs lsquoskbjetni
suii`urbdquo t` hns rkjdkrs hns jit`rs hns dnrkit`rs Vhke m`r nestjeik
Jgje Yihekndkr j mrnked jed dnrkit`r `m bjey `m Lkickttbdquos pgjys
jsckd m r Lkickttbdquos netkrprktjtn`e m Kedfjbk Lkicktt rkpgnkd lsquoN snbpgy
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1327
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
1
ijebdquot wrntk jl`ut by w`rc `r `iijsn`ejg stumm `m jey cnedbdquo Hk wket
`e t` kxi`rnjtk o`urejgnsts jed irntnis
Lut whke nt i`bks t` thksk ljstjrds `m o`urejgnsts N mkkg thk `egygnek ns t` rkmusk t` lk nev`gvkd ne kxkfksns `m jey cned By w`rc
ns j bjttkr `m muedjbketjg s`ueds (e` o`ck netkedkd) bjdk js
muggy js p`ssnlgk jed N jiikpt rksp`esnlngnty m`r e`thnef kgsk Nm
pk`pgk wjet t` hjvk hkjdjihks jb`ef thk `vkrt`eks gkt thkb
Jed pr`vndk thknr `we jspnrne (E` Juth`r Lkttkr Ykrvkd Thk
I`rrksp`edkeik `m Yjbukg Lkicktt jed Jgje Yihekndkr lt4)
Nt ns iurn`us t` e`tk thk wjy Lkicktt rksnsts netkrprktnef hns w`rcykt jt thk sjbk tnbk pr`vndks s`bkthnef `m j iguk t` rkjdnef hns
w`rc hk sjys ns j lsquobjttkr `m muedjbketjg s`uedsbdquo ek wjy `m
uedkrstjednef thns i`bbket jed ikrtjnegy thns ns thk wjy N tked t`
rkjd hns w`rc ns t` e`tnik h`w Lkicktt tkeds t` strnp jwjy jgg kxikss
`e stjfk jed pjfk hk ns jmtkr je jejgysns `m thk muedjbketjgs thk
i`rk `r lsquoksskeikbdquo `m whjt bjps `ut hubje kxpkrnkeik Thkrk ns e`
jiindketjg w`rd `r `iiurrkeik ne j Lkicktt tkxt e` dnstrjitn`e mr`b
thk rkjg lusnekss `m trynef t` uedkrstjed whjt nt bkjes t` lk Hkeik
m`r nestjeik j e`vkg gnck Bjg`ek Dnks whkrk thkrk ns `egy `ek ihjr-
jitkr nbb`lngnzkd ne lkd jed thnecnef jl`ut hns nbpkednef dkjth
Hkrk Lkicktt ns jscnef j iruinjg pkrhjps thk muedjbketjg qukstn`e
Vhjt d`ks nt bkje t` kxnst t` lk jt thk b`bket whke y`ur gnmk ns `e
thk vkrfk `m mgnickrnef `ut0 Ije wk rki`fenzk whjt nt trugy bkjes t`
lk jgnvk whjt wk bjy ijgg thk muedjbketjg nbpugsk `m lknef `egy
whke gnmk ntskgm ns jl`ut t` ikjsk0 Lkicktt pjrks pg`t ihjrjitkr jedgjefujfk d`we t` nts kssketnjgs strnppnef jwjy thk lsquobkjtbdquo (`m l`th
pr`sk jed ihjrjitkr) t` kxjbnek gnmk gnvkd jt kxtrkbk gnbnt p`nets
Nedkkd js N hjvk nednijtkd ne gjtkr tkxts suih js V`rstwjrd H` thk
mnrst sketkeik `m whnih rkjds lsquoe Yjy `e Lk sjnd `e Y`bkh`w `e
Tngg e`h`w `e Yjnd e`h`w `ebdquo (46) Lkicktt rkduiks pg`t jed ihjr-
jitkr s` rjdnijggy thjt nt ns p`ssnlgk t` sjy thjt wk hjvk tkxt whkrk
frjbbjr ntskgm mueitn`enef jt thk gnbnt `m i`bprkhkesnlngnty nedn-
ijtks j sulokitnvnty `e thk vkrfk `m e`thnefekssLy wrntnef jl`ut muedjbketjg s`ueds Lkicktt prkskets hnbskgm js
je netkeskgy iurn`us jed i`urjfk`us wrntkr Iurn`us jl`ut thk prk-
insk ejturk m thk hubje lknef Lkicktt tjcks hnbskgm jed hns rkjdkrs
t` thk kxtrkbk gnbnts `m hubjenty jed jscs us `lgnfks us t` g``c
ijrkmuggy jt `urskgvks jt b`bkets `m irnsns Thksk b`bkets `m irnsns
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1427
NETD[ITNE
w`rc ne Lkicktt js p`nets m muedjbketjg nm i`bpr`bnskd jed pjquk
rkvkgjtn`e nt ns hkrk jt thk p`net whkrk thk w`rgd ikjsks t` bjck
skesk `r i`rrksp`ed t` `ekbdquos prksupp`sntn`es thjt thk rkjg thk mue-
djbketjg netkrprktnvk jed kthnijg qukstn`es jrnsk H`w d` N f` `e nethk mjik m thns irnsns m bkjenef0 Vhjt ns by rksp`esnlngnty t` byskgm
jed `thkrs whke bkjenef i`ggjpsks0
Thksk b`bkets m thk i`ggjpsk m bkjenef m thk irnsns m netkrprk-
tjtn`e jrk iketrjg t` Lkickttbdquos w`rc (nedkkd wk bjy sjy thky i`bprnsk
thk t`tjgnty `m thk w`rc) jed t` hns phng`s`phy `m jrt Ne s`bk wjys
Lkickttbdquos rkjg netkrkst ns ne thk kei`uetkr kxnstketnjg jrtnstni jed
netkrprktnvk wnth whjt hk nbp`rtjetgy rkmkrs t` js lsquoE`thnefbdquo Thk
kxpkrnkeik `m e`thnef thk e`thnefekss rkjgnzkd ne thk l`rkd`b `mDndn jed F`f` ne Vjntnef m`r F`d`t (thk mnrst gnek m whnih ns lsquoE`thnef
t` lk d`ekbdquo) thk e`thnefekss thjt thrkjtkes `ur netkrprktnvk skiurnty
whjt Ig`v ne Kedfjbk ijggs thk lsquozkr`bdquo p`net `m bkjenef thk e`thnef-
ekss `m g`ss jed jlskeik thjt nem`rbs s` dkeskgy thk gjtkr trng`fy ns
`ek thjt pjrjd`xnijggy (h`w d` y`u wrntk jl`ut lsquoe`thnefbdquo0) jrtniu-
gjtks jed b`tnvjtks Lkickttbdquos `we w`rc
Ne gt4gt Lkicktt pulgnshkd Thrkk Dnjg`fuks j skrnks `m pskud`-
dnjg`fuks lktwkke lsquoLbdquo jed lsquoDbdquo L wh` irntnis ndketnmy js Lkicktt
hnbskgm (rnfhtgy N lkgnkvk) `mmkrs whjt hjs lki`bk pkrhjps thk b`st
`mtke intkd ketry p`net net` Lkickttbdquos `we w`rc L hjs lkke dnsiuss-
nef b`dkre jrt jed i`bks t` mmkr hns we vnkw m thk pr`pkr sulokit
bjttkr jed b`tnvjtn`es `m thk b`dkre jrtnst
Lmdash^kt N spkjc `m je jrt turenef mr`b nt ne dnsfust wkjry `m nts
puey kxpg`nts wkjry `m prktkednef t` lk jlgk `m lknef jlgk`m d`nef j gnttgk lkttkr thk sjbk `gd thnef `m f`nef j gnttgk
murthkr jg`ef j drkjry r`jd
DmdashJed prkmkrrnef whjt0
LmdashThk kxprkssn`e thjt thkrk ns e`thnef t` kxprkss e`thnef wnth
whnih t` kxprkss e`thnef mr`b whnih t` kxprkss e` p`wkr t`
kxprkss e` dksnrk t` kxprkss t`fkthkr wnth thk `lgnfjtn`e t`
kxprkss (=)
J eublkr `m thnefs jrk iruinjg hkrk Mnrst e`tnik h`w L kxprkssks
j wkjrnekss wnth jrtnstni i`evketn`e h`w thk ndkj `m lsquod`nef j gnttgk
lkttkr thk sjbk `gd thnefbdquo l`rks hnb (thns ns je ndkj t` whnih wk wngg
rkture) Nt ns igkjr kvke rkgjtnvkgy kjrgy ne hns ijrkkr thjt Lkicktt w`ugd
e`t lk irkjtnef i`evketn`ejggy mjbngnjr jrt E`tnik ski`ed h`w thk
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1527
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
lt
w`rd lsquoe`thnefbdquo fjthkrs j cned `m neirkbketjg rks`ejeik ne thns mnejg
sketkeik h`w nt lki`bks igkjr thjt e`thnef t` spkjc pkrhjps pjrj-
d`xnijggy lki`bks s`bkthnef s`bkthnef t` lk kxpg`rkd js j thkbk
js j rkjgnty (wk bjy rkijgg thjt gnek mr`b Bjg`ek Dnks lsquoE`thnef nsb`rk rkjg thje e`thnefbdquo) Js thns jst`enshnef sketkeik i`eigudks
Lkicktt jice`wgkdfks j pkrs`ejg kthnijg `lgnfjtn`e js je jrtnst je
`lgnfjtn`e t` `lskrvk jejgyzk jed kxprkss thksk b`bkets whke thk
e`thnef jrnsksmdashpkrhjps kvke jfjnest hns `we wnggmdashjed jppkjrs
t` euggnmy bkjenef t` thrkjtke `ur i`bm`rt t` krjsk `ur frjsp `m
thk rkjg
lsquoQYTH[BJENYBbdquo
T hjvk ljskd j ijrkkr `e thk kxpg`rjtn`e `m lsquoe`thnefbdquo bjy skkb pkr-
vkrsk t` s`bk Ikrtjnegy thk rkjdkrbdquos kei`uetkr wnth Lkickttbdquos vjrn`us
rkprksketjtn`es `m thk v`nd `m jlskeik `m g`ss wngg lk j dnmmniugt `ek
m`r thk snbpgk rkjs`e thjt Lkickttbdquos w`rgd ns dnmmniugt t` lkjr Jed
s`bk rkjdkrs `vkr thk ykjrs hjvk m`ued ne Lkickttbdquos w`rc j ikrtjne
ruthgkss pkrhjps kvke j i`gd nehubjenty Nm wk trjik thk trjokit`ry
`m Lkickttbdquos w`rc `e l`th stjfk jed ne pr`sk wk d` e`tnik thjt hns
systkbjtni rkduitn`e m thnefs whjt N hjvk suffkstkd ns hns rkduitn`e
t` thk lsquomuedjbketjgsbdquo d`ks nev`gvk thk rkduitn`e `m thk hubje skgm
whjt N wngg ne thns study lk rkmkrrnef t` js thk lsquosulokitbdquo E`tnik h`w
m`r nestjeik ne thk drjbj wk b`vk mr`b muggy kbl`dnkd sulokits ne
Vjntnef m`r F`d`t t` thk gkss physnijggy jlgk ihjrjitkrs ne Kedfjbk
(Hjbb ns lgned jed irnppgkd3 Ig`v ije `egy wjgc ne j stnmm-gkffkd
fjnt3 Ejff jed Ekgg l`th hjvk g`st thknr gkfs) t` ihjrjitkrs nbb`ln-gnzkd ne ures ne Qgjy t` thk dnskbl`dnkd B`uth `m E`t N J snbngjr
trjokit`ry h`gds ne thk mnrst pr`sk trng`fy B`gg`y wh`sk l`dy ns mjng-
nef ykt jlgk3 Bjg`ek wh` ns nbb`lngnzkd ne lkd3 thk ueejbjlgk wh`
bjy snbpgy lk j lrjne ne je ure Ne thk gjtkr pr`sk tkxts nt ns dnmmniugt
kvke t` dktkrbnek prkinskgy thk ejturk m thk hubje jed thk stjtus m
nts l`dy lsquoYjy j l`dy Vhkrk e`ek E` bned Vhkrk e`ek Thjt jt
gkjst J pgjik Vhkrk e`ek M`r thk l`dy T` lk nebdquo (46)
Lkicktt skkbs t` strnvk thr`ufh`ut hns ijrkkr t` rnd hns w`rc m thkl`dy t` w`rc thus t`wjrd whjt wk bjy ijgg j cned `m p`sthubjensb
Q`sthubjensb ije lk dkmnekd js thjt strjed `m phng`s`phy whnih
rjdnijggy irntnquks thk ndkj thjt thk nednvndujg sulokit ns thk iketkr `m
jgg thnefs thk lkfneenef jed ked `m jgg ce`wgkdfk jed kxpkrnkeik
thns ns thkrkm`rk j rjdnijg irntnquk m Hubjenst phng`s`phy whnih w`ugd
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1627
NETD[ITNE
9
p`snt thk hubjebdquos rkjs`e jed rjtn`ejgnty js lknef trjespjrketgy jvjng-
jlgk t` thk thnecnef sulokit Q`sthubjensb lkfnes ly i`uetkrnef
Hubjensbbdquos lkgnkm thjt thk hubje ns skgm-pr`duinef skgm-i`neindketjg
thjt nt ns s`bkh`w rksp`esnlgk m r thk pr`duitn`e `m nts w`rgd jed ntskxpkrnkeik `m thk w`rgd
Js j phng`s`phy p`sthubjensb ije lk trjikd t` bjey s`uriks
lut thk thnecnef `m Enktzsihk Bjrx jed Mrkud ns iruinjg Kjih
w`rckd t` suffkst thjt thk hubje sulokit ns e`t skgm-pr`duinef `r
skgm-i`neindketjg lut ns rjthkr pr`duikd ly nts iugturk (Bjrx) nts
gjefujfk (Enktzsihk) jed nts uei`esin`us drnvks jed nestneits
(Mrkud) Q`sthubjensb strnvks t` uedkrstjed thk prkinsk ki`e`bnks
`m thksk m`riks jed jscs qukstn`es gnck thksk H`w ns thk hubjesulokit t` rjthkr thje thk bjstkr `m gjefujfk0 H`w d`ks thk sulokit
ekf`tnjtk hkr rkgjtn`e t` thk drnvksmdasht`wjrd Kr`s Thjejt`smdashthjt
Mrkud p`snts0 H`w ije thk sulokit mrkk ntskgm nm jt jgg mr`b thk iug-
turjg m`riks `m ijpntjg ndk`g`fy jed rkgnfn`e m`riks whnih prkikdk
jed kxikkd thk sulokitbdquos kxpkrnkeik0
Thksk jrk jgg Lkickttbdquos qukstn`es jed hk wngg w`rc `ut jeswkrs ne
pgjys gnck Hjppy Djys jed e`vkgs gnck Burphy jed Thk [eejbjlgk
tkxts whnih jrk jl`ut h`w thk sulokit ekf`tnjtks j rkgjtn`e t` iugturk
(Hjppy Djys) t` thk drnvks (Burphy) t` gjefujfk (Thk [eejbjlgk)
Lut wk sh`ugd jgs` e`tk h`w Lkickttbdquos p`sthubjensb lki`bks
ueijeengy gntkrjgnzkd ne hns bnddgk-t`-gjtk-pkrn`d drjbj jed pr`sk
Lkicktt ns netkrkstkd ne kxpg`rnef thk vkry gnbnts `m thk hubje thk
vkry ksskeik `m whjt i`estntutks thk hubje T thns ked Lkicktt wngg
push thk hubje pjst `ur i`bb`e i`eikptujg l`uedjrnks3 thjt ns t`
sjy jt tnbks hk b`vks hns ihjrjitkrs net` thk spjik `m dkjth `m whjtns pkrhjps j cned `m jmtkrgnmk
Ne thk pr`sk thns thkbjtni lkfnes wnth Bjg`ek Dnks j e`vkg trjinef
thk b`bket j bje pjssks net` nekxnstkeik3 ne thk drjbj nt lkfnes
wnth Qgjy whnih skks thrkk ihjrjitkrs ne whjt jppkjrs t` lk je jmtkr-
gnmk (thk ihjrjitkrs jrk ne muekrjg ures) lnickrnef vkr thk ejrrjtnvk m
thknr pjst gnvks3 ne thk ski`ed trng`fy wk ije kjsngy nbjfnek nedkkd
sh`ugd nbjfnek thjt thk spkjckrs `m thk tkxts js wkgg js thk mnfurks
thjt jppkjr ne thk ejrrjtnvks jrk spkitkrs fh`sts N kxpg`rk thk mnfurk`m thk fh`st thk spkitkrmdashthk gntkrjg p`sthubjemdashne dktjng ne by
mnejg ihjptkr lut N oust wnsh t` nednijtk hkrk h`w Lkickttbdquos netkrkst
ne pjrnef thnefs d`we t` thk kssketnjgs gkjds g`fnijggy t` je netkrkst ne
thk spkitkr thk fh`st whnih lki`bks thk nbjfk `m thk hubje jmtkr
jgg thnefs hjvk lkke strnppkd wjy Qrkinskgy thk fh`st lki`bks j trjik
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1727
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
4
j bjrc `m thk hubjebdquos pjssnef `ut `m kxnstkeik lutmdashjed thns ns
jls`gutkgy iketrjgmdashthk fh`st ns je nesnstket rkbnedkr `m thk hubje
thjt `eik wjs Thk spkitkr ne `thkr w`rds skrvks t` rkiupkrjtk thk
hubje kvke js thk hubje pjssks net` `lgnvn`e thk spkitkr thuslki`bks whjt Ygjv`o _nzkc ijggs thk lsquonednvnsnlgk rkbjnedkr9bdquo T` put
nt lguetgy m`r Lkicktt thk t`tjg kgnbnejtn`e `m thk hubje ns j t`tjg
nbp`ssnlngnty
Qkrhjps Lkicktt suffksts wk ije `egy mned thk ejturk `m thk
hubje whjt hk ijggs lsquothk lkdr`ic `m thk kssketnjgsbdquo jt thk b`bket
thk hubje kxihjefks `ek stjtk m`r je`thkr `ek rkjgnty m`r je`thkr
Qkrhjps `egy thk jlskeik `m thk hubje (thk spkitkr) trugy rkvkjgs
whjt hjs lkke thk hubjebdquos truk ejturk Jed whjt ns m`r bk mjsinejt-nef jed iruinjg jl`ut thns pr`ikss ns thk wjy Lkicktt kgnbnejtks thk
hubje jt prkinskgy thk sjbk tnbk js hk kgnbnejtks dkejturks jed
dki`estruits ejrrjtnvk m`rb ntskgm Ne s`bk wjys Lkicktt ns jrfunef
thjt gjefujfk ntskgm bust lk kgnbnejtkd ne `rdkr m`r thk spkitkr thk
fh`st thk p`sthubje t` jppkjr gjefujfk bust lk kgnbnejtkd ne
`rdkr m r thk truth `m thk hubje t` lk ce`we
Vk bjy skk ne thns rkduitn`e j cned `m irukg trkjtbket `m thk
hubje j pkrvkrsk netkrkst ne nggekss jed dkijy lut N thnec thns w`ugd
lk j mjtjg netkrprktnvk krr`r Ikrtjnegy Lkickttbdquos w`rc nbpgnks thjt thk
l`dy ns jgwjys j gnjlngnty s`bkthnef thjt wngg nekvntjlgy mjng (je hngjrn-
`us gnek mr`b Bjg`ek Dnks suffksts thns lsquoNm N hjd thk usk `m by l`dy
N w`ugd thr`w nt `ut `m thk wned`wbdquo SltltR) Lut wk bust e`tnik thjt
thk l`dy `r snfes `m thk l`dy ekvkr muggy dnsjppkjrs mr`b Lkickttbdquos
w`rgd Thk pkrsnstkeik `m thk l`dy thk mrjfbketkd l`dy thk dnskb-
l`dnkd l`dy ns `ek `m Lkickttbdquos bjo`r thkbks jed `ek thjt p`skss`bk `m hns b`st netkrkstnef netkrprktnvk qukstn`es jed ihjggkefks
why d`ks Lkicktt w`rc t` rkduik jed mrjfbket thk l`dy0 H`w jrk wk
t` netkrprkt mrjfbkets `m hubjenty0
ek jeswkr t` thksk qukstn`es rkgjtks t` whjt N hjvk sjnd jl`vk
jl`ut Lkicktt rkduinef thnefs t` thk muedjbketjgs ne rdkr t` uedkr-
stjed thk ksskeik `m thk hubje ne Qgjy jed E`t N Lkicktt skkbs t`
lk suffkstnef thjt thksk ihjrjitkrs rkjggy `egy jrk thknr v`niks rkjggy
`egy jrk t` lk b`rk prkinsk thknr ejrrjtnvks Vhjt bjttkrs t` thkbjt thns spkinmni pgjik jt thns spkinmni tnbk ns thknr jlngntymdashpkrhjps
thknr i`bpugsn`e thknr `lgnfjtn`emdasht` spkjc Lkicktt w`ugd skkb t`
lk suffkstnef thjt thk t`tjgnty `m thk l`dy jt thns spkinmni b`bket ns
e`t tkrrnlgy nbp`rtjet t` thk sulokit js shk trnks t` uedkrstjed hkr
prksket sntujtn`e Lut js N suffkst wk d` e`tnik thjt Lkicktt ekvkr
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1827
NETD[ITNE
muggy rkb`vks thk l`dy `r thk snfes `m thk l`dy (v`nik m`r nestjeik)
ketnrkgy thk st`rnks hns ihjrjitkrs tkgg hns w`rc skkbs t` nbpgy jrk
wrnttke `e jed thr`ufh thk l`dy Yt`rnks jrk trjesgjtkd ne `thkr
w`rds ly thk l`dy Lkickttbdquos ihjrjitkrs bjy lk p`sthubje lut thkyjrk e`t muggy p`sti`rp`rkjg
Je`thkr wjy m puttnef thns ndkj jdbnttkdgy ek m Lkickttbdquos b`st
ihjggkefnef ns thjt sulokitnvntymdashthjt skesk thk hubje hjs `m ntskgm
js j thnecnef netkrprktnef irkjturkmdashns muggy dkpkedket `e thk l`dy
Yulokitnvnty ns kbl`dnbket y`u jrk y`ur l`dy jed y`ur l`dybdquos dksnrks
js buih js y`u jrk y`ur bned Jed thus whngk thk l`dy ns je nbpkdn-
bket jed wngg jgwjys dkijy jed mjng thk l`dy ijee`t dnsjppkjr
ne Lkicktt lkijusk thk skgm jed thk skgmbdquos uedkrstjednef `m ntskgmw`ugd js wkgg Thkrk ns js N rkjd nt thke j cned `m djrc i`bpjssn`e
ne Lkicktt m`r thk i`bpr`bnskd l`dy m`r thk irnppgkd jed thk ngg
thkrk ns j i`bpjssn`e m`r thk summkrnef sulokit wh` ije rkjggy `egy
uedkrstjed hkrskgm jed hkr w`rgd thr`ufh thk bkdnub m j dkijynef
pjnemug l`dy ur qukstn`es js rkjdkrs m Lkicktt bust e`w lki`bk
nm thk skgm uedkrstjeds ntskgm thr`ufh thk i`bpr`bnskd spkitrjg
l`dy whjt cneds `m netkrprktjtn`es wngg nt bjck0 Nm thk skgm uedkr-
stjeds thk w`rgd thr`ufh nts mrjfbketkd p`sthubje l`dy whjt
cneds `m netkrprktjtn`es `m thk w`rgd ije lk bjdk0
lsquoQYTH[BJENYBbdquo J Q]NY
Thksk jrk jgg Lkickttbdquos qukstn`es lut N wnsh t` `mmkr s`bkthnef `m j
pr`vns` lkm`rk i`etneunef N suffkstkd jl`vk thjt Lkicktt ns strnvnef
m`r j lsquocned `mbdquo p`sthubjensb N thnec nt ns lkst jgwjys t` usk tkrbspr`vnsn`ejggy wnth Lkicktt m`r surkgy `ek `m thk kmmkits `m hns w`rc
ns t` ijgg jls`gutkgy net` qukstn`e thk vkry ndkj `m stjlgk ijtkf`rnks
stjlgk `pp`sntn`es (lsquohubje-p`sthubjebdquo) Qkrhjps nt ns lkst hkrk jt
thk `utskt t` suffkst thjt hns w`rc irntnquks thk ndkj `m thk hubje
jed thk p`sthubje kqujggy Qrkinskgy ly dnsi`vkrnef thk pkrsnstkeik
`m thk hubje kvke ne nts b`st dkeudkd m rb Lkicktt kssketnjggy i`g-
gjpsks thk `pp`sntn`e lsquohubje-p`sthubjebdquo t` thk p`net whkrk thk
tkrbs lki`bk netkrihjefkjlgk jed hkeik jgb`st bkjenefgkssThjt ns t` sjy m`r Lkicktt wk jrk jgwjys jgrkjdy p`sthubje nes`-
mjr js wk jrk i`etr`ggkd ly dnsi`ursks (hnst`ry ndk`g`fy gjefujfk)
prkikdnef jed kxikkdnef us3 wk jrk jgwjys jgrkjdy p`sthubje js wk
dnsi`vkr thjt `ur l`dnks jrk sntks `m nekvntjlgk mjngurk jed i`ggjpsk3
wk jrk jgwjys jgrkjdy p`sthubje nes`mjr js thk ndkj `m j snefugjr
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1927
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
=
skgm ns je nggusn`e Lkicktt jice`wgkdfks thksk ndkjs kjrgy ne hns ijrkkr3
ne Qr`ust (gt9) hk jice`wgkdfks thjt thk skgm ns e`t j stjlgk sulokit
lut rjthkr thjt thk lsquonednvndujg ns j suiikssn`e `m nednvndujgsbdquo ()3
b`rk`vkr lsquoThk sulokit hjs dnkdmdashjed pkrhjps bjey tnbksmdashjg`efthk wjybdquo (9) By usk `m thk tkrb lsquop`sthubjebdquo thke ns s`bkthnef `m
j i`evkenkeik j wjy `m spkjcnef lsquojl`utbdquo `r lsquojr`uedbdquo thk pkiugnjrntnks
`m thk Lkickttnje sulokit thk sulokit wh` jgwjys bust ekf`tnjtk hns
rkjgnty vnj systkbs `m th`ufhtmdashgjefujfk lknef thk prnbjrymdashwh`sk
pjrjbktkrs jed pr`t`i`gs jrk jgwjys oust lky`ed hns mugg i`etr`g
THK QLGKB M NETKQKTJTNELkickttbdquos bjenpugjtn`e `m fkerk hns rkduitn`e jed dnsbjetgnef `m
thk sulokit hns rkgketgkss netkrkst ne thk vjrn`us jspkits `m lsquoe`thnef-
ekssbdquo (g`ss jlskeik)mdashhk ijggs thns hns lsquomndkgnty t` mjngurkbdquo (lsquoThrkk
Dnjg`fuksbdquo =9)mdashgkjd js N hjvk lkke suffkstnef t` s`bk mjnrgy
jiutk netkrprktnvk dnmmniugtnks Hjes-Fk`rf Fjdjbkr j phng`s`phkr
`m thk hkrbkekutni sih``g (jed studket `m Bjrtne Hkndkffkr) suf-
fksts thjt jgg rkjg netkrprktjtn`e `r lsquohkrbkekutnisbdquo lkfnes wnth
ndketnmynef j spkinmni g`ijtn`e `m d`ult `r uekjsk ne j tkxt Js hk
wrntks ne Qhng`s`phnijg Hkrbkekutnis lsquoThk rkjg p`wkr m hkrbkekutn-
ijg i`esin`usekss ns `ur jlngnty t` skk whjt ns qukstn`ejlgkbdquo (9) Vk
ekkd ne `thkr w`rds t` lk jlgk t` jsc thk pr`pkr qukstn`es `m tkxts
Lut ne Lkicktt `ur pr`lgkb lki`bks skkbnefgy netrjitjlgk lkijusk
kvkrythnef ne thk tkxt jppkjrs t` lk qukstn`ejlgk H`w jrk wk t`
netkrprkt tkxts thjt skkb pjrjd`xnijggy t` `mmkr s` bjey qukstn`es
jed thke rksnst `r m`rkig`sk thk p`ssnlngnty `m jeswkrnef th`sk quks-tn`es0 H`w ne `thkr w`rds jrk wk t` rkjd Lkicktt0
N wngg suffkst hkrk ne wjys thjt g``c ljic t` Lkickttbdquos `we skesk `m
`lgnfjtn`e (rkijgg hns skesk kxprksskd ne Thrkk Dnjg`fuks `m thk lsquo`lgn-
fjtn`e t` kxprkssbdquo) thjt `ur netkrprktjtn`es `m Lkicktt sh`ugd lkfne
ly pjynef ijrkmug jttketn`e t` thk wjys ne whnih hns tkxts jetninpjtk
`ur dnmmniugtnks jed pkrhjps `mmkr s`bk fundjeik Nm wk jrk puzzgkd ly
ikrtjne thnefsmdashVh` jrk thksk ihjrjitkrs0 Vhjt jrk thknr hnst`rnks0
Vhkrk jed whke kxjitgy jrk thksk st`rnks `iiurrnef0 Vhjt kxjitgyd`ks nt jgg bkje0mdashwk sh`ugd rki`fenzk thjt `ur pkrpgkxnty wnth
thk tkxt ns bnrr`rkd ly thk ihjrjitkrsbdquo `we pkrpgkxnty jl`ut thknr
w`rgds Thk rkjdkrbdquos sntujtn`e `m puzzgkbket ns prkinskgy thjt `m thk
ihjrjitkrs jed thus wk jrrnvk jt j iruinjg `lskrvjtn`e Lkickttbdquos tkxts
thkbskgvks wngg skt `ut thk fr`ued rugks m`r netkrprktnef hns w`rgd
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2027
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2127
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
8
Lkickttbdquos ihjrjitkrs thus mueitn`e ne j stjtk `m pr`m`ued rkfrkt jed
jf`eymdash`mtke rkprksskd jed dnsjv`wkdmdash`vkr whjt bnfht hjvk lkke
Ne Crjppbdquos Gjst Tjpk m`r nestjeik Crjpp rktrjiks hns pjst hnst`ry
thr`ufh tjpk rki`rdnefs `m hns `we v`nik t` rkvnsnt j b`bket `m p`s-snlgk th`ufh e`w m`rkvkr g`st hjppnekss Crjppbdquos we v`nik hns we
hnst`ry ns spkitrjg lkijusk hns rki`rdnefs jrk `m j dkjd jed nrrktrnkv-
jlgk pjst lut ek whnih igkjrgy stngg hjuets hnb e`w Ne whjt ns surkgy
`ek `m Lkickttbdquos b`st pjnemugmdashjed netkeskgy i`bpjssn`ejtk
b`bketsmdashwk skk h`w j fh`stgy hnst`ry lrutjgnzks Crjpp
Qjst bndenfht Ekvkr cekw suih sngkeik Thk kjrth bnfht lk uene-
hjlntkd Hkrk N ked thns rkkg L`x thrkk sp``g mnvkQkrhjps by lkst ykjrs jrk f`ek Vhke thkrk wjs j ihjeik `m hjp-
pnekss Lut N w`ugdebdquot wjet thkb ljic E`t wnth thk mnrk ne bk
e`w E` N w`ugdebdquot wjet thkb ljic (ltltgt)
Lkicktt d`ks e`t js thk irntnijg ignihicirc bjy hjvk nt bkrkgy rkprksket j
w`rgd `m jlsurdnty j w`rgd wnth`ut bkjenef Thns ns j w`rgd thjt
i`etneujggy mkkgs thk igjnbs `m thk pjst `m hnst`ry Jed thkrk ns j
bkjenef ne dnsi`vkrnef thksk igjnbs j bkjenef ne rki`fenznef `ekbdquos
nedkltkdekss t` thk pjst j bkjenef ne rkjgnznef thjt `ekbdquos `lgnfjtn`e
ns t` i`bk t` tkrbs wnth thksk igjnbs jed dklts
THKKTNIJG JQQJIH THK lsquoGNTKJT[K M THK
[EVDbdquo BKGJEIHG^ JED THK JIHN]K
Qjrt `m by purp`sk hkrk ne thns Fundk ns t` pr`vndk wjys `m bjcnefskesk `m Lkickttbdquos dnmmniugt w`rc ek wjy N wngg pr`ikkd wngg lk t`
drjw `e thk w`rc `m phng`s`phkrs thk`rnsts jed irntnis wh`sk ndkjs
jgg`w us t` uedkrstjed thk i`bpgkxnty `m Lkickttbdquos uenvkrsk N wngg
hkrk lk drjwnef `e thk gncks `m phke`bke`g`fnsts Bjrtne Hkndkffkr
Hjes-Fk`rf Fjdjbkr jed Kbbjeukg Gkvnejs bjrxnst Thk`d`r
Jd`re` psyih`jejgysts Ynfbued Mrkud jed Ojiquks Gjije jed
dki`estruitn`enst Ojiquks Dkrrndj N lkgnkvk thjt thk w`rc `m thksk
thk`rnsts ije kmmkitnvkgy uepjic ikrtjne netkrprktnvk pr`lgkbs neLkicktt oust js N lkgnkvk thjt ikrtjne b`bkets ne LkickttmdashN thnec `m
B`uthbdquos ketry net` gjefujfk ne E`t N mdashije kmmkitnvkgy nggustrjtk thk
netkrprktnvk pr`lgkbs ne thk w`rc m s`bk thk`rnsts (nedkkd N wngg usk
E`t N t` nggustrjtk Gjijebdquos dnmmniugt e`tn`e `m thk kjg) By netketn`e
ns e`t thkrkm`rk snbpgy t` rkjd Lkicktt thr`ufh j pjrtniugjr thk`ry
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
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NETD[ITNE
gt
lut t` nbjfnek thjt thkrk ns j butujg pr`ikss `m netkrprktjtn`e jed
netkrr`fjtn`e `iiurrnef lktwkke thk`rnst jed mnitn`e
THK FKBJE GKTTK
N jgs` lkgnkvk pkrhjps ejnvkgy thjt Lkicktt hnbskgm ns hns `we mnrst
jed lkst irntni Js N hjvk bketn`ekd Lkicktt `mmkrkd mkw irntnijg i`b-
bketjrnks `e hns w`rc `vkr thk ykjrs lut th`sk thjt hjvk i`bk d`we
t` usmdashjs m`r nestjeik Thrkk Dnjg`fuks mdashjrk `m frkjt vjguk t` jey
rkjdkr Ne thk gjttkr ihjptkrs `m thns study N wngg lk rkmkrrnef `mtke t`
Lkickttbdquos Fkrbje Gkttkr `m gt96 jed kspkinjggy t` hns e`tn`e `m thk
lsquogntkrjturk `m thk uew`rdbdquo j i`eikpt N thnec ns iketrjg t` thk pr`frks-sn`e `m hns w`rc N wnsh thkrkm`rk t` tjck s`bk spjik hkrk jed
`utgnek thk nbp`rtjeik `m thns Gkttkr
Ne gt9= Lkicktt trjvkgkd t` Fkrbjey `e whjt kssketnjggy wjs je
jrt h`gndjy hk vnsntkd skvkrjg jrt fjggkrnks jed jgth`ufh jefkrkd ly
thk Ejzn rkfnbkbdquos ikes`rnef `m jrt nt i`esndkrkd dkijdket hk wjs
frkjtgy nbprksskdmdashjed nemgukeikdmdashly thk w`rc hk sjw Thk trnp
skrvkd js j cned m spnrntujg jed phng`s`phnijg jwjckenef js hns dnj-
rnks jttkst Thk Fkrbje Gkttkr ns pjrt `m j i`rrksp`edkeik lktwkke
Lkicktt jed j mrnked (Jxkg Cjue wh`b hk bkt ne Fkrbjey) wrnttke
thrkk b`eths jmtkr hns rkture t` Dulgne Ne thk Gkttkr Lkicktt spkjcs
`m thk ekkd t` b`vk pjst rkiknvkd dnsi`ursks jed i`evketn`es t` gnl-
krjtk hnbskgm mr`b trjdntn`ejg gjefujfks jed m`rbs N qu`tk jt s`bk
gkefth
Nt ns nedkkd lki`bnef b`rk jed b`rk dnmmniugt kvke skeskgkss m`rbk t` wrntk je `mmninjg Kefgnsh Jed b`rk jed b`rk by `we gje-
fujfk jppkjrs t` bk gnck j vkng thjt bust lk t`re jpjrt ne `rdkr t`
fkt jt thk thnefs (`r thk E`thnefekss) lkhned nt Frjbbjr jed
Ytygk T bk thky skkb t` hjvk lki`bk js nrrkgkvjet js j ]nit`rnje
ljthnef sunt `r thk nbpkrturljlngnty `m j truk fketgkbje J bjsc
Gkt us h`pk thk tnbk wngg i`bk thjec F`d thjt ne ikrtjne inrigks nt
hjs jgrkjdy i`bk whke gjefujfk ns b`st kmmninketgy uskd whkrk
nt ns lknef b`st kmmninketgy bnsuskd Js wk ijee`t kgnbnejtk gje-fujfk jgg jt `eik wk sh`ugd jt gkjst gkjvk e`thnef ued`ek thjt
bnfht i`etrnlutk t` nts mjggnef net` dnsrkputk T` l`rk `ek h`gk
jmtkr je`thkr ne nt uetng whjt gurcs lkhned ntmdashlk nt s`bkthnef `r
e`thnefmdashlkfnes t` skkp thr`ufh3 N ijee`t nbjfnek j hnfhkr f`jg
m`r j wrntkr t`djy (6rsquo6lt)
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
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LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
lt1
Ne by kstnbjtn`e thk mugg nbpgnijtn`es `m thk Gkttkr whnih m`r bk
ns Lkickttbdquos jrtnstni bjenmkst` wngg e`t lk rkjgnzkd uetng thk gjtkr e`v-
kgs (kspkinjggy thk trng`fnks) lut wk sh`ugd rki`fenzk h`w Lkickttbdquos
stjtkd nbpjtnkeik wnth trjdntn`ejg m`rb rks`ejtks net` kvke thk kjrgypr`sk jed drjbj Lkickttbdquos dnsdjne m`r lsquo`mmninjg Kefgnshbdquo m`r lsquoFrjbbjr
jed Ytygkbdquo thnefs js nrrkgkvjet js j ]nit`rnje ljthnef sunt spkjc t`
j mrustrjtn`e j l`rkd`b kvke wnth thk g`fni jed trjokit`rnks `m thk
enektkketh-iketury e`vkg Hk spkjcs murthkr t` h`w busni jed
pjnetnef hjvk m ued wjys m b`vnef lky`ed trjdntn`ejg m`rb ne rdkr
t` rkprksket sngkeik jed jlskeik (thnefs e`t jss`injtkd wnth rkprkske-
tjtnvk jrt)3 hk suffksts thjt gjefujfk ntskgm bust lk shjttkrkd ne rdkr
t` rkvkjg whjt wjs prkvn`usgy uerkprksketjlgkJed whngk Lkickttbdquos bjenmkst` s`ueds jvjet-fjrdk hns ndkj thjt
gjefujfk ns j vkng t` lk t`re jpjrt g``cs ljic t` thk `bjetnis jed
thknr e`tn`e thjt p`ktry w`rcs t` rkvkjg thk ueskke Lkickttbdquos lsquoby
`we gjefujfk jppkjrs t` bk gnck j vkng thjt bust lk t`re jpjrtbdquo kih`ks
Yhkggkybdquos J Dkmkeik `m Q`ktry jed hns skesk thjt p`ktry gnmts lsquothk vkng
mr`b thk hnddke lkjuty `m thk w`rgd jed bjcks mjbngnjr `lokits lk
js nm thky wkrk e`t mjbngnjrbdquo (6) Thkrk ns `m i`ursk j w`rgd `m dnm-
mkrkeik lktwkke gnmtnef jed dkstr`ynef thk vkngmdashthk dnmmkrkeik
pkrhjps lktwkke thk `bjetni jed thk B`dkremdashlut Lkickttbdquos
dksnrk js j wrntkr ns j mjbngnjr `ek hns w`rc wngg jttkbpt t` sh`w thk
w`rgd ne j ekw wjy Ne by rkjdnef Lkickttbdquos tkjrnef `m thk vkng
lki`bks thk pkrmkit bktjph`r m`r thk pr`ikss `m rkvkjgnef `vkrtgy
skgm-i`esin`usgy jed irntnijggy thk nbpgnijtn`es `m jrt hkrk thk e`vkg
jed drjbj ne j ekw wjy
THK lsquoGNTKJT[K M THK [EVDbdquo
Ne thk gjst pjrjfrjph `m thk Gkttkr Lkicktt suffksts thjt thns pr`ikss
`m dkstr`ynef gjefujfk `m rkvkjgnef nts lsquotkrrnlgk bjtkrnjgntybdquo (6lt)
wngg kvketujggy gkjd t` whjt hk ijggs j lsquogntkrjturk `m thk uew`rdbdquo (69)
N wnsh ne whjt m`gg`ws t` suffkst thjt Lkickttbdquos ketnrk ijrkkr js j
wrntkr mneds nts lkfneenef jed ked nts fr`ued jed f`jg ne thns ndkj
stjtkd ne gt96 J gntkrjturk `m thk uew`rd ns `lvn`usgy j i`etrjdni-tn`e ne tkrbs j pjrjd`x je jp`rnj (t` usk thk Dkrrndkje i`estruitn`e)3
j gntkrjturk `m thk uew`rd ns je jttkbpt t` usk gjefujfk t` sngkeik
gjefujfk (hk ijggs nt lsquoJe jssjugt jfjnest w`rds ne thk ejbk `m lkjutybdquo
S69R) Hns jnb kssketnjggy ns t` mned j bkjes `m dki`bp`snef jed
b`vnef lky`ed gjefujfk t` shjttkr gjefujfk net` j cned `m krjsurk
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
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NETD[ITNE
lt
`m ntskgm (thns jttkbpt t` kgnbnejtk gjefujfk ns fk`bktrnijggy pr`p`r-
tn`ejg t` hns jttkbpt t` kgnbnejtk thk l`dy js wk wngg skk) By
jrfubket ns quntk snbpgy thns thr`ufh`ut hns ijrkkr Lkicktt ns skjrih-
nef m`r thk bkjes t` put je ked t` gntkrjturk t` put je ked t` wrntneft` put je ked t` hns `we dksnrk t` wrntk Thk trjokit`ry `m hns w`rc
mr`b thk kjrgy drjbj jed pr`sk t` thk gjtk ns `ek `m rjdnijg rkdui-
tn`e `m w`rcnef t` mned j bkjes t` gntkrjturkbdquos ked Ne thk drjbj wk
b`vk mr`b thk muggy kbl`dnkd drjbj `m F`d`t t` thk gjtk fh`stgy
pgjys whkrk `mtke gjefujfk d`ks e`t kvke mkjturk3 ne thk pr`sk wk
b`vk mr`b thk pgjymug fjrrug`usekss m Burphy t` thk shjttkrkd sye-
tjx jed dnbnenshkd frjbbjrs `m V`rstwjrd H`4
Nt ns prkinskgy lkijusk Lkickttbdquos w`rc ns fr`uedkd `e suih i`bpgkxphng`s`phnijg i`etrjdnitn`esmdashj wrntkr wrntnef gntkrjturk `ut `m
kxnstkeik nbp`ssnlgkmdashthjt N lkgnkvk wk bust hjvk rki`ursk t` thk
vjrn`us thk`rktnijg jed phng`s`phnijg trjdntn`es thjt jr`sk snbugtj-
ek`us wnth Lkickttbdquos `we dkvkg`pbket js j wrntkr By thk`rktnijg
jppr`jih ne thns Fundk ije pkrhjps lkst lk dksirnlkd js pr`bnsiu-
`us lut N tked t` thnec thjt j dki`estruitn`enst psyih`jejgysns ns thk
lkst wjy `m pr`ikkdnef wnth Lkicktt jt gkjst m`r bk T` nggustrjtk
whjt N bkje hkrkmdashjed ly wjy `m i`eigudnef thns Netr`duitn`emdash
N wnsh t` `utgnek tw` i`eikpts whnih wngg pr`vk irntnijg ne by rkjdnef
`m kspkinjggy thk drjbj
BKGJEIHGNJ
J bjo`r thkbk ne Lkicktt ns thjt `m bkb`ry `m ihjrjitkrs gnck
Crjpp `r Hjbb hjuetkd ly thk fh`st `m bkb`ry Jt j ljsni gkvkgthk Lkicktt ihjrjitkr gnvks ne j pr`trjitkd stjtk `m rkfrkt jed g`ss
j stjtk hk `r shk bjy e`t kvke rki`fenzk js suih Hnst`ry thk pjst
nbpnefks pr`m uedgy e thk ihjrjitkr jed js Lkicktt wrntks ne Qr`ust
thrkjtkes i`etneujggy t` lsquodkm`rbbdquo hnb Ne gt6 Ynfbued Mrkud pul-
gnshkd je kssjy thjt hjs rkiketgy i`bk t` lk skke js j iruinjg dnjfe`sns
`m j i`etkbp`rjry iugturjg i`edntn`e Ne lsquoB`urenef jed Bkgjeih`gnjbdquo
Mrkud jttkbpts t` i`bk t` je uedkrstjednef m h`w thk sulokit dkjgs
wnth trjubj jed g`ss Thkrk jrk hk thk`rnzks tw` rksp`esks t` g`sst` thk g`ss `m j g`vkd `ek `r thk lsquog`ss `m s`bk jlstrjitn`e whnih hjs
tjcke thk pgjik `m `ek suih js `ekbdquos i`uetry gnlkrty je ndkjg `r s`
`ebdquo (ltlt) Thk mnrst jed b`st hkjgthy ns whjt hk ijggs b`urenef
B`urenef ns j pr`ikss ly whnih thk g`ss ns i`bprkhkedkd jed
jiikptkd lsquow`rckd thr`ufhbdquo t` usk hns tkrbne`g`fy B`urenef ns thk
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
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LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
ltlt
e`rbjg wjy `ek bust dkjg wnth trjubj jed g`ss wnth whjt Mrkud
lkjutnmuggy tkrbs thk lsquoki`e`bnis `m pjnebdquo (ltlt) Qrkinskgy h`w thk
sulokit `vkri`bks g`ss ns e`t ce`we ly Mrkudmdashnt ns j dnmmniugt pr`-
ikss3 nt ns lsquow`rcbdquomdashlut kvketujggy thk b`urekr jiikpts thjt thk g`vkd`ek wnth wh`b hk bjy hjvk ndketnmnkd ns e` g`efkr hkrk t` bjcks
igjnbs `e hnb
Bkgjeih`gnj `e thk `thkr hjed ns je jle`rbjg rksp`esk t` g`ss
jed sntujtks thk sulokit ne j i`etneujg p`sntn`e `m ejrinssnstni ndketn-
mnijtn`e wnth thk g`st `lokit Ne `thkr w`rds thk bkgjeih`gy sulokit
ijee`t jiikpt thjt hkr g`vkd `ek ns ne mjit f`ek jed w`rcs pjth`g`fn-
ijggy lsquot` kstjlgnsh je ndketnmnijtn`e `m thk kf` wnth thk jljed`ekd
`lokitbdquo (lt8) Vhjt thns bkjes ns thjt thk pjstmdashg`ss trjubjmdashi`e-tneujggy w`rcs nts wjy net` thk prksket b`bket lkijusk thk sulokit
ijee`t b`vk pjst nt B`rk tr`ulgnef ns thk ndkj thjt thk sulokit d`ks
e`t wnsh t` jgg`w g`ss t` rkikdk net` hnst`ry lut dksnrks i`etneujggy t`
bjnetjne j i`eekitn`e t` thk trjubjtni b`bket Ne s`bk wjys thk
sulokit bjnetjnes thns pjth`g`fnijg stjtkmdashwhnih bjy ne mjit e`t lk
s` pjth`g`fnijg jmtkr jggmdashlkijusk thk trjubjtni b`bket ns nbp`r-
tjet m`r hkr bjy ne mjit hjvk shjpkd wh` shk ns
Vk bjy dnjfe`sk j frkjt eublkr `m Lkickttbdquos ihjrjitkrs js lknef
bkgjeih`gni ne Mrkudbdquos skesk Thky jrk hjuetkd ly thk pjst jed s`bk
gnck Crjpp Hjbb jed Vneenk dkgnlkrjtkgy jttkbpt t` rki`eekit wnth
j pjst thjt neigudks b`bkets `m g`ss jed kxtrkbk pjne Ne `thkr w`rds
thk mueitn`e `m bkb`ry ne Lkicktt ns gjrfkgy bkgjeih`gni prkinskgy
lkijusk thk ihjrjitkrs jice`wgkdfk i`esin`usgy `r uei`esin`usgy
thjt thky jrk thk pr`duits m j pjst whnih hjs bkringkssgy dkmnekd thkb
js summkrnef sulokits Lkickttbdquos ihjrjitkrs ignef s` rkgketgkssgy t` thkpjst lkijusk m`r rkjs`es wk wngg kxpg`rk thk prksket b`bket ns dkv`nd
`m snfenmnijeik3 thk jf`enznef pjst bjy lrutjgnzk lut ne nt jrk thk trjiks
thk hnst`rnijg mrjfbkets `m ndketnty jed bkjenef
THK JIHN]K
Dki`estruitn`enst Ojiquks Dkrrndj drjwnef hkjvngy `e Mrkud `mmkrs
j ski`ed rkgjtkd i`eikpt thjt N wngg usk t` rkjd thksk ihjrjitkrsbdquo rkgj-tn`e t` hnst`ry g`ss jed trjubj Ne Jrihnvk Mkvkr Dkrrndj jejgyzks
thk i`eikpt `m thk jrihnvk js j wjy `m i`bnef t` je uedkrstjednef
`m thk wjy thk sulokit ekf`tnjtks nts rkgjtn`eshnp t` hnst`ry t` thk
pjst jed thk muturk thk jrihnvk ns thus j bkjes ly whnih Dkrrndj
trnks t` uedkrstjed thk hubje js j lknef sntujtkd ne tnbk mkkgnef thk
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2627
NETD[ITNE
lt9
igjnbs `m thk tkbp`rjg Qkrhjps thk lkst wjy t` dkmnek thk jrihnvk ns
js j i`eikptujg `r bjtkrnjg spjik `m bkb`ry Thk bned ije skrvk js
je jrihnvk oust js j gnlrjry `r physnijg b`eubket ije Dkrrndj suf-
fksts thjt thk jrihnvk ns j pgjik m i`bbjedbket jed i`bbkeikbketj pgjik whkrk kvkets `m thk pjst jrk d`iubketkd juth`rntjtnvkgy js
bjrcnef thk lkfneenef `m s`bkthnef j gnmk j iugturk j invngnzjtn`e
Jrihnvks jrk spjiks m prkskrvjtn`e i`eskrvjtn`e lut jgs` m irkjtn`e
j iugturkbdquos uedkrstjednef m ntskgmmdashj sulokitbdquos uedkrstjednef m ntskgmmdash
ns irkjtkd wnthne thk spjik `m thk jrihnvk
Nt ns igkjr thjt thk jrihnvk ns j wjy `m bjtkrnjgnznef bjcnef i`e-
irktk thk pjst Jed nm hnst`ry ns gjrfkgy r ije lk gjrfkgy thk ejrrjtnvks
`m i`equkst dkmkjt jed vn`gkeik thk jrihnvk ns jgs` f`nef t` mueitn`ejs j spjik i`bbkb`rjtnef trjubj jed g`ss Nt strncks bk thkrkm`rk
thjt thk jrihnvkmdashjs j spjik thjt bjnetjnes j i`etneujg rkgjtn`e t` thk
pjstmdashns jgwjys jgrkjdy j bkgjeih`gy spjik Vhjt N wnsh t` suffkst
hkrk ne spkinmni rkgjtn`e t` Lkickttbdquos w`rc ns thjt thk Lkickttnje sul-
okit lki`bks j gntkrjg kbl`dnbket m whjt N hjvk kgskwhkrk ijggkd thk
lsquobkgjeih`gy jrihnvkbdquo Thk Lkickttnje sulokit nbb`lngnzkd jed
mrjfbketkdmdashthnec `m Vneenk lurnkd t` hkr ekic ne kjrth ne Hjppy
Djys3 `m B`uth ne E`t N 3 `m Bjg`ek ne Bjg`ek Dnks3 `m thk mnfurk ne
I`bpjey mdashns jgwjys j hnst`rnijg sulokit j sulokit b`rk prkinskgy
sulokit t` hnst`ry Yhk ns i`etneujggy rkbkblkrnef s`bktnbks jfjnest
hkr wngg whjt hjs `iiurrkd ne thk pjst3 shk ns i`etneujggy jttkbptnef
t` rkijpturk j pjst shk bjy e`t muggy i`bprkhked
Jed nt ns thk Lkickttnje l`dy whnih lki`bks thk prnbjry rkp`sn-
t`ry m`r thksk rkbjnes thksk trjiks `m hnst`ry Thk ihjrjitkr bjy
kxnstmdashjs ne Hjppy Djys r Kedfjbk mdashjt whjt jppkjrs t` lk thk ked`m hubje iugturk lut shkmdashhkr l`dymdashbjnetjnes thk jrihnvjg trjiks
`m thjt g`st iugturk Thk nbjfks Lkicktt fnvks us ne hns drjbj jed
pr`skmdashj dnskbl`dnkd b`uth j l`dy nbb`lngnzkd ne j whkkgihjnr
`r thk kjrth pk`pgk ne uresmdashjrk nbjfks thjt i`eirktnzk thk ndkj `m
bkb`ry js kbl`dnkd `r jrihnvkd N suffkstkd jl`vk thjt m`r Lkicktt
sulokitnvntymdashthk skesk m wh` wk jrkmdashns muggy dkpkedket e thk l`dy
Vhjt Mrkud jed Dkrrndj jgg`w us t` uedkrstjed ns thk wjy sulokitnv-
nty ne Lkicktt ns muggy dkpkedket `e hnst`ry jed jrihnvkd bkb`ryMrkudbdquos e`tn`es `m b`urenef jed bkgjeih`gnj t`fkthkr wnth thk
Dkrrndkje rkjdnef `m thk jrihnvk jrk i`eikpts thjt wngg pr`vk uskmug
ne rkjdnef je juth`r wh`sk w`rc ns jt j pr`m`ued gkvkg jgwjys jl`ut
thk pjst j pjst whnih bjy hjvk rkikdkd net` m`rfktmugekss lut wh`sk
igjnbs jrk stngg lknef mkgt Ne nts strjefkekss Lkickttbdquos w`rc prkskets
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LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
eubkr`us dnmmniugtnks lut js wk shjgg dnsi`vkr hk ekvkr jljed`es
hns rkjdkr `r judnkeik i`bpgktkgy Mnrst js N hjvk bketn`ekd hns
ihjrjitkrsmdashwh` jt tnbks lki`bk `ur surr`fjtks `ur ueijeey d`u-
lgksmdashkxprkss buih thk sjbk i`emusn`e jl`ut thknr w`rgds js thkrkjdkr3 js suih thk strjefkekss lkijusk shjrkd lki`bks ne j skesk
e`rbjgnzkd Yki`ed jed pkrhjps b`rk nbp`rtjet Lkickttbdquos w`rc
ckys net` muedjbketjggy rki`fenzjlgk sntujtn`es Vk jgg jrk irkjtn`es
`m hnst`rnks wk bjy e`t rki`fenzk `r wnsh t` rki`fenzk3 wk jgg jt
tnbks dnsjv`w `ur pjsts kvke js wk mkkg thk prkssurks `m hnst`ry3 wk
jgg ne `thkr w`rds jrk hnst`rnijgmdashne Mrkudbdquos tkrbs bkgjeih`gymdash
irkjturks Lkickttbdquos w`rc ns iruinjg lkijusk nt rkgketgkssgy rkb`rskgkssgy
i`bpkgs us t` i`emr`et thk pr`m`ued igjnbs thjt hnst`ry bust bjckup`e us jgg Js wk i`bk t` rki`fenzk thk igjnbs `m thk pjst jed rkjg-
nzk thk kxtket t` whnih hnst`ry i`estruits thk hubje sulokit wk lkfne
t` uedkrstjed thjt Lkickttbdquos w`rc jt tnbks skkbnefgy s` strjefk
skkbnefgy nehubje ns `egy kvkr j i`bpjssn`ejtk jttkbpt t` i`bprk-
hked hubjenty ntskgm
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 227
LKICKTT J F[NDKM THK QKQGKXKD
OEJTHJE L[GTK
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
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I`etneuub Netkrejtn`ejg Qulgnshnef Fr`upThk T wkr Lungdnef 81 Bjndke Gjek Yuntk 614
^ rc `jd Ekw ^ rc
G`ed`e YK 6EX E^ 1198
copy O`ejthje L`ugtkr lt118
Jgg rnfhts rkskrvkd E` pjrt `m thns pulgnijtn`e bjy lk rkpr duikd
`r trjesbnttkd ne jey m`rb `r ly jey bkjes kgkitr`eni `r bkihjenijg
neigudnef ph`t`i`pynef rki`rdnef `r jey nem`rbjtn`e st`rjfk `r rktrnkvjg
systkb wnth`ut prn`r pkrbnssn`e ne wrntnef mr`b thk pulgnshkrs
O`ejthje L`ugtkr hjs jsskrtkd hns rnfht uedkr thk I`pyrnfht Dksnfes jed
Qjtkets Jit gt88 t` lk ndketn1047306kd js Juth`r `m thns w`rc
Lrntnsh Gnlrjry Ijtjg`funef-ne-Qulgnijtn`e Djtj
J ijtjg`fuk rki`rd m`r thns l``c ns jvjngjlgk mr`b thk Lrntnsh Gnlrjry
NYLE gt68-1-8lt=4-gtlt=6-8 (hjrdljic)
gt68-1-8lt=4-8gt- (pjpkrljic)
Gnlrjry m I`efrkss Ijtjg`fnef-ne-Qulgnijtn`e Djtj
J ijtjg`fuk rki`rd `m thns l``c ns jvjngjlgk mr`b thk Gnlrjry `m I`efrkss
Typkskt ly Ekwfke Nbjfnef Yystkbs Qvt Gtd Ihkeejn Nednj
Qrnetkd jed l`ued ne Frkjt Lrntjne ly BQF L``cs Gtd L`dbne I`rewjgg
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 427
IHJQTK
NETD[ITNE
Vk ekkd j drkjbw`rgd ne `rdkr t` dnsi`vkr thk mkjturks `m thk rkjg
w`rgd wk thnec wk nehjlnt
mdash Qjug Mkykrjlked Jfjnest Bkth`d
LJICF[ED JED NEMG[KEIK
Yjbukg Lkicktt (gt1=rsquo8gt) ns `ek `m thk b`st nbp`rtjet jed nemgu-
ketnjg wrntkrs `m thk twketnkth iketury L`re net` j bnddgk-igjss
Qr`tkstjet mjbngy ne Dulgne Lkicktt studnkd B`dkre Gjefujfks
(Mrkeih jed Ntjgnje) jt Trnenty I`ggkfk kjrenef j LJ ne gtlt6 Ne
gtlt8 jmtkr j sh`rt jed uesuiikssmug stnet js j tkjihkr jt Ijbplkgg
I`ggkfk Lkgmjst Lkicktt lkijbk gkitkur jt thk Ki`gk E`rbjgk
Yupkrnkurk ne Qjrns rkpgjinef Th`bjs BjiFrkkvy thk pkrs`e rksp`e-
snlgk m`r netr`duinef Lkicktt t` Ojbks O`yik Lkicktt wjs bjssnvkgy
nemgukeikd ly hns mkgg`w Nrnshbjebdquos wrntnef jed ne mjit pulgnshkd jekssjy `e O`yikbdquos Mneekfjes Vjck (lsquoDjetk Lrue` ]ni` O`yikbdquo)
ne gtltgt thk sjbk ykjr thjt hk pulgnshkd hns mnrst sh`rt st`ry lsquoJssubp-
tn`ebdquo Ne gt94 whngk gnvnef ne G`ed`e Lkicktt pulgnshkd B`rk Qrnics
thje Cnics j i`ggkitn`e `m sh`rt st`rnks jed ne gt9= hk i`bpgktkd
hns e`vkg Burphy (whnih wjs pulgnshkd ne gt98) Ne gt96 Lkicktt
b`vkd t` Qjrns jed bjdk Mrjeik hns pkrbjeket h`bk uetng hns dkjth
ne gt8gt
Lkickttbdquos kjrgy w`rcs neigudnef thk e`vkg Vjtt (pulgnshkd ne gt9)thk gjst e`vkg t` lk wrnttke ne Kefgnsh lkm`rk Lkicktt turekd t` wrnt-
nef ne Mrkeih ne gt4= mjngkd t` jttrjit buih irntnijg jttketn`e Nt wjs
whngk Lkicktt wjs wrntnef hns mnrst e`vkg trng`fy whnih neigudks
B`gg`y (gt) Bjg`ek Dnks (gt) jed Thk [eejbjlgk (gt9) thjt
Lkicktt pr`duikd hns b`st mjb`us w`rc jed nedkkd thk pgjy thjt wjs
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 527
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
lt
t` trjesm`rb twketnkth-iketury drjbj Vjntnef m`r F`d`t (i`bp`skd
gt48rsquo4gt) Lkicktt sjnd thjt thns pgjy wjs kssketnjggy wrnttke js j
dnvkrsn`e j lsquorkgjxjtn`e t` fkt jwjy mr`b thk jwmug pr`sk N wjs wrnt-
nef jt thk tnbkbdquolt Thk tw`-jit pgjy mkjturnef thk e`w ni`eni trjbpswjntnef m`r thns F`d`t wh` ekvkr wngg jppkjr wjs rkv`gutn`ejry jed
i`etrnlutkd ne e` sbjgg pjrt t` hns lknef jwjrdkd thk E`lkg Qrnzk m`r
gntkrjturk ne gt=gt
Vjntnef m`r F`d`t j pgjy ne whnih lsquoe`thnef hjppkes twnikbdquo9 js
]nvnje Bkrinkr mjb`usgy put nt rjdnijggy qukstn`es thk fr`ueds m nts
`we fkerk Thjt ns t` sjy Lkicktt prkskets j drjbj thjt `vkrtures
judnkeiksbdquo ljsni jssubptn`es Thkrk ns e` ihjrjitkr dkvkg`pbket e`
pg`t `m jey i`eskqukeik e` igkjr pr`frkssn`e `m jey ejrrjtnvk i`e-tket `r jitn`e nt ns j pgjy stjfnef thk jetninpjtn`e `m jitn`e rjthkr
thje jitn`e ntskgm Nentnjggy thk pgjy ljmmgkd judnkeiks3 whke mnrst pkr-
m`rbkd ne thk [entkd Ytjtks (hjvnef lkke lnggkd js thk lsquogjufh hnt `m
tw` i`etneketsbdquo4) pk`pgk mg`ickd `ut ne dr`vks Kvketujggy h`wkvkr
nt lkijbk igkjr thjt Lkickttbdquos w`rc nm e`t trjdntn`ejggy drjbjtni dnd
spkjc t` whjt wjs pkriknvkd t` lk j rki`fenzjlgk i`edntn`e ne thk
gt1s jexnkty Ne s`bk skesks jed thns ns truk m`r jgg `m Lkickttbdquos
w`rc e`t snbpgy F`d`t Lkicktt ns netkrkstkd ne jejgyznef thk hubje
lknef jt b`bkets `m netkesk skgm-jwjrkekss jed jexnkty (jed whjt ns
jexnkty nm e`t j i`edntn`e `m kxtrkbk skgm-i`esin`usekss0) F`d`t
sp`ck t` j fkekrjtn`e thjt rki`fenzkd ntskgm js jexn`us m`r bkjenef
m`r snfenmnijeik
Jed jgth`ufh nt ns pkrhjps t`` kjsy t` hnst`rninzk Lkickttbdquos w`rc m`r
netkrprktnvk i`bm`rt wk sh`ugd e`tnik thjt hns bjo`r w`rc (neigudnef
thk mnrst trng`fy jed thk drjbj `m thk gt1s jed gt=1s) wjs pr`duikdne j i`etkxt `m frkjt sh`ic jed pr`trjitkd jexnkty thk Yki`ed V`rgd
wjr hjd rkiketgy kedkd thk truth `m thk dkjth ijbps hjd lkfue t`
lk muggy ce`we jed thk fr`wnef i`emgnit lktwkke thk Vkst jed thk
Y`vnkt [en`e skrvkd js j i`estjet rkbnedkr `m thk thrkjt `m t`tjg
euigkjr jeenhngjtn`e Nedkkd Lkickttbdquos Kedfjbk (gt6) whnih tjcks
pgjik skkbnefgy jmtkr s`bk frkjt ijtjstr`phk (thk w`rgd hjs lkke
lsquoi`rpskdbdquo t` usk Ig`vbdquos h`rrnmni w`rd) spkjcs dnrkitgy js thk frkjt
irntni Thk`d`r Jd`re` jrfuks t` j p`st-H`g`ijust w`rgd
M`r jgg ntsdnmmniugty Lkickttbdquos w`rc thus d`ks spkjc t` nts tnbk d`ks prksket nm
rkjd ijrkmuggy j dnjfe`sns m thk twketnkth iketury3 rkjd mr`b je`thkr
pkrspkitnvk thk w`rc lki`bks sybpt`bjtni `m thk twketnkth iketury
Thjt ns t` sjy Lkickttbdquos w`rc i`ugd `egy hjvk lkke wrnttke ne j ike-
tury thjt wnteksskd suih bjssnvk sikeks `m dkstruitn`e jed lrutjgnty
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
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NETD[ITNE
9
Lkicktt pr`duikd Vjntnef m`r F`d`t whngk irkjtnef hns b`st nbp`r-
tjet jed nemguketnjg l`dy `m pr`sk w`rc thk mnrst trng`fy `m e`vkgs
B`gg`y Bjg`ek Dnks jed Thk [eejbjlgk Nm Vjntnef m`r F`d`t rkv`-
gutn`enzkd drjbj thns pr`sk trng`fy dnd thk sjbk t` thk e`vkg Nedkkdwk bjy jrfuk js d`ks J Jgvjrkz thjt ne thksk w`rcs Lkicktt ksske-
tnjggy lsquojssjssnejtksbdquo thk e`vkg m rb= Nm Vjntnef m`r F`d`t rkb`vkd thk
drjbj mr`b drjbj thksk e`vkgs rkb`vkd jgg i`bm`rtjlgk snfep`sts
mr`b ejrrjtnvk i`hkrket pg`t stjlgk ihjrjitkr kvkets `iiurrnef ne
ndketnmnjlgk spjik jed tnbk Nt ns igkjr thjt Lkicktt ns e`t prnbjrngy
netkrkstkd ne tkggnef lsquost`rnksbdquo ne jey i`evketn`ejg skesk hkrk3 nedkkd
`ek ijee`t kvke rkjggy suffkst j e`vkg gnck Thk [eejbjlgk mdashwhnih ns
ejrrjtkd ly shnmtnef pkrhjps l`dngkss pkrs`ejgntnks ne whjt bjy lks`bk cned `m jmtkrgnmkmdashhjs j st`ry jt jgg Ne gjtkr w`rcs gnck H`w Nt
Ns (gt=) Jgg Ytrjefk Jwjy (gt=9rsquo=4) Nbjfnejtn`e Dkjd Nbjfnek
(gt=) jed thk ski`ed trng`fy (whnih neigudks I`bpjey Sgt81R
Ngg Ykke Ngg Yjnd Sgt8R jed V`rstwjrd H` Sgt89R) Lkicktt mmkrs tkxts
whnih skkb t` dnsbjetgk thk fkekrni bjrckrs lktwkke pr`sk jed
p`ktry t` thk p`net whkrk nt lki`bks igkjr thjt hns bjne i`eikre ns
snbpgy (lut whjt j w`rd) gjefujfk ntskgm jed thk wjy hubje kxpkrn-
keik ns l`ued up ne thk gnefunstni By netkrkst ne thns Fundk wngg lk t`
suffkst thjt thns `lskssn`e wnth gjefujfk ne thk wjy wk ce`w jed
jrk ce`we ly thk w`rgd vnj gjefujfks thkbskgvks pkrhjps nekmmkitnvk
jed mjngnef ns thk thr`ufh-gnek i`eekitnef Lkickttbdquos w`rc l`th ne
pr`sk jed drjbj Ne thns skesk jed N wngg rkture t` thns p`net ne dktjng
Lkickttbdquos ijrkkr ns je kgjl`rjtk jed eujeikd i`bbketjry `e j stjtk-
bket ly phng`s`phkr Hjes-Fk`rf Fjdjbkr lsquoGjefujfk ns e`t oust
`ek `m bjebdquos p`sskssn`es ne thk w`rgd3 rjthkr `e nt dkpkeds thk mjitthjt bje hjs j w`rgd jt jggbdquo (Truth jed Bkth`d 449)
Lkickttbdquos w`rc rkv`gutn`enzkd twketnkth-iketury gntkrjturk Ikrtjnegy
t` wrntk j i`evketn`ejg pgjy w`ugd pr`vk rjthkr b`rk dnmmniugt jmtkr
Vjntnef m`r F`d`t Kedfjbk r thk gjtkr b`rk stygnstnijggy jvjet-fjrdk
w`rc Drjbjs gnck Hjppy Djys (gt=) whnih skks j ihjrjitkr lurnkd
t` hkr wjnst (gjtkr t` hkr ekic) ne thk kjrth3 `r Qgjy (gt=9) ne whnih
thrkk ihjrjitkrs netkrekd ne ures jrk m`rikd uejwjrk `m thk `thkrsbdquo
prkskeik t` spkjc jl`ut thk ejturk `m thknr t`rturkd rkgjtn`eshnp3 `rE`t N (gt6lt) ne whnih j dnskbl`dnkd b`uth mrjetnijggy spkws `ut
j ejrrjtnvk `m jssjugt jed bjdekss3 `r Lrkjth (gt=gt) j 9-ski`ed
pgjy mkjturnef j stjfk mnggkd wnth rullnsh jed thk s`ued `m j iry jt
lnrth jed dkjth jgg ihjggkefk e`tn`es `m whjt i`estntutk lsquodrjbjbdquo js
suih Qgjywrnfhts gnck Hjr`gd Qnetkr (wh` jice`wgkdfks Lkicktt
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
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LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
4
js hns bjstkr) Kdwjrd Jglkk jed Yjrjh Cjek jrk jgg bjssnvkgy
nemgukeikd ly thk pgjys thknr kxpkrnbkets wnth m`rb jed stjfnef
jrk jgg rksp`esks t` Lkickttbdquos kgjl`rjtk jed rkgketgkss irntnquk `m drj-
bjtni i`evketn`e Jed kqujggy wk ekkd t` rki`fenzk thk nemgukeik `mLkickttbdquos pr`sk `e twketnkth-iketury mnitn`e Lkickttbdquos mnrst trng`fy js
wkgg js hns gjtkr pr`sk hjs hjd ke`rb`us nemgukeik `e wrntkrs wh` ne
thknr ture hjvk lki`bk nbp`rtjet ne thk pr`frkssn`e `m twketnkth-
jed twkety-mnrst-iketury pr`sk Qjug Justkr (wh`sk Ekw ^`rc Trng`fy
ije lk rkjd js j dnrkit p`stb`dkre rkwrntnef m Lkickttbdquos mnrst trng`fy)
O B I`ktzkk (wh` ne mjit wr`tk hns QhD dnsskrtjtn`e `e Lkickttbdquos
Vjtt) jed O`he Ljevnggk (wh` ne w`rcs gnck Thk L``c `m Kvndkeik
shjrks Lkickttbdquos mjsinejtn`e wnth thk w`rcnefs m thk p`ssnlgy dkrjefkdbned) jgg igjnb je jrtnstni nehkrntjeik mr`b Lkickttbdquos snefugjr vnsn`e
thknr rkprksketjtn`es `m thk neekr skgmmdashpsyih`tni trjubjtnzkdmdashije
lk trjikd t` Lkickttbdquos netkrkst ne thk s`gntjry jed bjrfnejg mnfurk
rkduikd ne p`sskssn`es jed l`dy ekf`tnjtnef j pjth thr`ufh j h`stngk
`r nednmmkrket w`rgd
LKICKTTbdquoY YT^GK
Nt ns prkinskgy thns qujgnty `m snefugjrnty thjt rkjdkrs cky net` whke
kei`uetkrnef Lkickttbdquos w`rc thkrk ns snbpgy e`thnef rkb`tkgy gnck
Lkicktt ne thk w`rgd `m gntkrjturk Vhngk Lkickttbdquos kjrgy w`rc (Burphy
B`rk Qrnics thje Cnics thk p`sthub`usgy pulgnshkd Drkjb `m Mjnr
t` Bnddgnef V`bke6) lkjrs trjiks `m O`yikbdquos nemgukeik (js skke ne
whjt ns m`r Lkicktt ueusujggy kekrfktni kvke pgjymug pr`sk) hns gjtkr
w`rcmdashthk ture t` whnih N g`ijtk ne gt9bdquos Vjtt (wrnttke lktwkkegt4 jed gt4)mdashns uenqukgy Lkickttbdquos Vhngk nt ns pkrhjps uemjnr t`
subbjrnzk jed dnstngg thk qujgntnks `m j wrntkrbdquos w`rc wk ije bjck j
mkw fkekrjg i`bbkets hkrk Lkickttbdquos w`rc jgwjys kvke js nts b`st
kxtrkbk gnbnt `m ueijeenekss jed strjefkekss ns rkgketgkssgy hub`r-
`us nm djrcgy s Jt b`bkets m kxtrkbk dkspjnr e stjfk j ihjrjitkr
wngg `mmkr j gnek thjt wngg bjck us gjufh uekjsngy Ne Vjntnef m`r
F`d`t m`r nestjeik ]gjdnbnr jed Kstrjf`e wntekss Q`zz`bdquos lrutjg
trkjtbket `m Guicy3 thky thke hjvk thns lrnkm kxihjefk
]gjdnbnr Thjt pjsskd thk tnbk
Kstrjf`e Nt w`ugd hjvk pjsskd ne jey ijsk
]gjdnbnr ^ks lut e`t s` rjpndgy (41)
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
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NETD[ITNE
Jt b`bkets `m kxtrkbk pjne ne thk e`vkgs j ihjrjitkr wngg dkmgjtk hns
dkspjnr wnth nr`ey Bjg`ek jg`ek jed dynef ne hns lkd m`r nestjeik
`mmkrs thns lsquoBy l`dy ns whjt ns ijggkd uejdvnskdgy pkrhjps nbp`-
tket Thkrk ns vnrtujggy e`thnef nt ije d Y`bktnbks N bnss e`t lknefjlgk t` irjwg jr`ued jey b`rk Lut N jb e`t buih fnvke t` e`stjgfnjbdquo
(Bjg`ek Dnks 81)
Thns lrutjggy jbusnef wrntnef jggkvnjtks thk fg``b `m thk Lkicktt
pgjy `r e`vkg lut nt d`ks jdd j ikrtjne ueijeey mrnss`e t` `ur kxpkrn-
keik `m thk w`rc why jrk wk gjufhnef jt thns0 H`w ije thkrk lk
hub`r ne suih j dkpgktkd w`rgd0 Ne je netkrvnkw Lkicktt `eik sjnd
lsquoNm thkrk wkrk `egy djrcekss jgg w`ugd lk igkjr Nt ns lkijusk thkrk
ns e`t `egy djrcekss lut jgs` gnfht thjt `ur sntujtn`e lki`bks nekxpgn-ijlgkbdquo (ltlt1)8 Lkicktt ns thk bjstkr m bnxnef gnfht jed djrc m hub`r
wnth pjne `m thk rki`fenzjlgk wnth thk uemjbngnjr Thk rksugt ns j
cned `m wrntnef thjt ns i`esnstketgy dns`rnketnef lut e`t strjefk
ke`ufh t` lk muggy jgnkejtnef wk d` rki`fenzk jed rksp`ed t` s`bk-
thnef ne thk w`rc j qujgnty pkrhjps `m shjrkd summkrnef `m shjrkd
dkspjnr jed lk nt kvkr s` hublgk shjrkd i`bpjssn`e
kjdkrs `mtke rkbjrc `e thk pjrtniugjr qujgnty `m Lkickttbdquos ske-
tkeiks kspkinjggy ne thk pr`sk [egnck thjt `m hns kjrgy bjstkr O`yik
Lkickttbdquos bjturk pr`sk ns irystjggnek ne nts i`einsn`e Nedkkd Lkicktt
`eik rkbjrckd `e thk dnmmkrkeik lktwkke O`yikbdquos bkth`d `m i`bp`s-
nef jed hns `we
lsquowk jrk dnjbktrnijggy `pp`sntk lkijusk O`yik wjs j syethksnzkr hk
wjetkd t` put kvkrythnef thk wh`gk m hubje iugturk net` ek r
tw` l``cs jed N jb je jejgyzkr N tjck jwjy jgg thk jiindketjgslkijusk N wjet t` i`bk d`we t` thk lkdr`ic `m thk kssketnjgs thk
jrihktypjgbdquo gt
Ne Djbekd t` Mjbk Ce`wgs`e qu`tks Lkickttbdquos vnkws `e O`yik
lsquo N rkjgnzkd thjt O`yik hjd f`ek js mjr js `ek i`ugd ne thk dnrkitn`e
`m ce`wnef b`rk SlknefR ne i`etr`g `m `ekbdquos bjtkrnjg Hk wjs jgwjys
jddnef t` nt N rkjgnskd thjt by `we wjy wjs ne nbp`vkrnshbket
ne gjic `m ce`wgkdfk jed ne tjcnef jwjy ne sultrjitnef rjthkr thjene jddnef‒ bdquo (9gt) Jed thus whngk Lkickttbdquos sketkeiks jrk kjsngy
ke`ufh rkjd (wk bjy hjvk t` g``c up thk dd w`rd e`w jed jfjne)1
thkrk ns j sg`w-lure qujgnty t` thns wrntnef js bkjenefs jed rks`ejeiks
i`bk t` gnfht jed jppgy prkssurk g`ef jmtkr wk hjvk pjsskd `vkr
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
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LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
=
thk nednvndujg w`rds Thk mjb`us gnek mr`b Bjg`ek Dnks lsquoE`thnef ns
b`rk rkjg thje e`thnefbdquo (8=) ns je kxjbpgk m j sketkeik whnih sejfs
`ur jttketn`e wnth nts pkiugnjr usk `m j w`rd `r ndkj E`thnefekss
rjdnijg jlskeik thk sketkeik suffksts ns thk b`st prkssnef rkjgntywnth whnih wk bust dkjg Thk sketkeikbdquos inriugjrnty jed rkpktntn`e
b`rk`vkr ueijeengy trjesmkrs jlskeik net` prkskeik e`thnef thus
lki`bks s`bkthnef js wk mkkg nts rkjg igjnbs `e us Thk sketkeik lrng-
gnjetgy dkb`estrjtks h`w j snefgk w`rd ije shnbbkr wnth bugtnpgk
rks`ejeiks thk mnrst usk `m thk w`rd lsquoe`thnefbdquo ns vkry dnmmkrket mr`b
thk ski`ed Nedkkd thk w`rd skkbs snbugtjek`usgy t` hjvk ijsujg
jed dkkpgy phng`s`phnijg bkjenefs jgg `m whnih m`gd net` kjih `thkr
jed jrk kxihjefkd Bjg`ek jwjrk `m thk kmmkits `m hns `we w`rds`mmkrs thns i`bbketjry `e thns sketkeik lsquoN ce`w th`sk gnttgk phrjsks
thjt skkb s` nee`iu`us jed `eik y`u gkt thkb ne p`ggutk thk wh`gk
`m spkkih Thky rnsk up `ut `m thk pnt jed ce`w e` rkst uetng thky
drjf y`u d`we net` nts djrcbdquo (8=rsquo86)
Je`thkr rkgjtkd ueijeey kmmkit `iiurs whke Lkicktt `mmkrs je ndkj
`egy t` ekfjtk nts igjnbs nbbkdnjtkgy lsquoGnvk jed nevket N hjvk trnkd
N bust hjvk trnkd Nevket Nt ns e`t thk w`rd Eknthkr ns gnvkbdquo (Bjg`ek
Dnks 8gt)3 lsquoN jb dkjd lut N ekvkr gnvkdbdquo (Tkxts m`r E`thnef 999)3
lsquoYjy j l`dy Vhkrk e`ekbdquo (V`rstwjrd H` 46) Thk mnejg gneks `m
B`gg`y jrk pkrhjps thk b`st mjb`us kxjbpgk `m Lkickttbdquos skgm-
i`etrjdnit`ry skgm-ijeikggnef rhkt`rni lsquoThke N wket ljic net` thk
h`usk jed wr`tk Nt ns bndenfht Thk rjne ns lkjtnef `e thk wned`ws
Nt wjs e`t bndenfht Nt wjs e`t rjnenefbdquo (61) Thk kmmkit j dnzzynef
`ek ns t` ckkp thk rkjdkr i`esnstketgy e hkr netkrprktnvk t`ks prkvket-
nef hkr mr`b skttgnef `e jey i`bm rtjlgk `r i`bm`rtnef bkjenefThns kmmkit rkjihks nts tkrbnejg p`net ne Lkickttbdquos gjtk pr`sk ne tkxts
gnck V`rstwjrd H` Lkicktt hkrk m`rf`ks i`evketn`ejg frjbbjr
ihjrjitkr pg`t jed st`ry jed prkskets gjefujfk ntskgm js ihjrjitkr (ne
thns wjy wk jrk oustnmnkd ne jsskrtnef js suffkstkd thjt gjefujfk ns
jgwjys Lkickttbdquos bjne i`eikre) Thk gjefujfk `m thk gjtk tkxts ns i`e-
trjdnit`ry jed pr`duiks mjbngnjr vkrtnfne`us kmmkits
V`rskenef w`rds wh`sk uece`we Vhkeik uece`we Jt jgg i`stsuece`we E`w m`r t` sjy js w`rst thky bjy `egy thky `egy thky
Dnb v`nd shjdks jgg thky E`thnef sjvk whjt thky sjy Y`bkh`w
sjy E`thnef sjvk thky Vhjt thky sjy Vh`sks`kvkr whkeiks`kvkr
sjy Js w`rst thky bjy mjng kvkr w`rsk t` sjy (468)
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1027
NETD[ITNE
6
Yurkgy thns ns s`bk `m Lkickttbdquos b`st ihjggkefnef b`st dnmmniugt
wrntnef Lut nm wk gnstke t` nt ijrkmuggy wk ije jttked t` thkbks hk wngg
kxpg`rk thr`ufh`ut hns ijrkkr Vk ije hkjr Lkickttbdquos lskssnvk rkture
t` thk rhkt`rni `m lsquoe`thnefbdquo3 wk kei`uetkr hns netkrkst ne lsquomjngurkbdquo js jtr`pk `m wrntnef3 wk skk hns netkrkst ne b`vnef pjst thk ljrrnkrs `m
i`evketn`ejg gjefujfk t` kxpg`rk thk gnbnts `m whjt ije lk sjnd jed
e`t sjnd (`r bnssjnd) ne gjefujfk whnih ns ntskgm dkjd `r spkitrjg
lsquov`nd shjdksbdquo Lkicktt m`r jgg hns dnmmniugty ije lk rkjd igkjrgy lkijusk
js N kxpg`rk ne dktjng lkg`w hns wrntnef fnvks us thk netkrprktnvk iguks
wk ekkd Je netkrprktnvk dnzznekss ns j fnvke whke rkjdnef Lkicktt
whjt wk d` wnth thjt dnzznekss h`w wk ih``sk t` netkrprkt `ur
b`bkets `m ueikrtjnety lki`bks `ur tjsc `ur `lgnfjtn`e
THK DNMMNI[GT^ M KJDNEF LKICKTT FKEK
ETHNEFEKYY THK QYTH[BJE LD^
Fkerk
Thk ykjr lt11= wjs thk iketkejry `m Yjbukg Lkickttbdquos lnrth Jt vjrn-
`us mkstnvjgs jed i`emkrkeiks hns w`rcs wkrk pkrm`rbkd dnsiusskd
jed irntninzkd Nedkkd kvke thk bjnestrkjb bkdnj usujggy `lgnvn`us
t` thk w`rc `m thk gntkrjry jvjet-fjrdk t``c e`tnik nm `egy t` rkiyigk
thk prnbjry irntnijg ignihicircs jl`ut Lkickttbdquos w`rc nt ns lgkjc dnmmniugt
jed lsquojl`utbdquo thk jlsurdnty jed bkjenefgkssekss `m kxnstkeik Thns gjst
ignihicirc fnvke jt gkjst tjint supp`rt ly Lkicktt hnbskgm ns `ek thns
Fundk wngg ne pjrt skkc t` dnsbjetgk lut m r e`w wk ekkd t` jice`wg-
kdfk thk truth `m whjt ns fkekrjggy pkriknvkd jl`ut Lkickttbdquos w`rc ntsuei`bpr`bnsnef dnmmniugty Vk jrk prksketkd ne l`th thk drjbj
jed pr`sk wnth uemjbngnjr jed skkbnefgy uerkjdjlgk sntujtn`es tw`
trjbps `e j ekjr-kbpty stjfk wjntnef3 j lgned tyrjet jii`bpjenkd
ly hns irnppgkd pjrkets jed j pkkvnsh skrvjet ykjrenef m`r hns gnmk
(jed thk pgjy hk skkbs t` ce`w hk ns ne) t` ked3 j pgjy ne whnih j
b`uth spkjcnef ne ekjr nei`bprkhkesnlgk gjefujfk ns thk bjne
lsquoihjrjitkrbdquo3 je `gd bje gynef ne lkd tkggnef st`rnks uetng hk dnks
Jed `ek i`ugd f` `e jed wk shjgg hkrk gnstnef thk byrnjd dnmmniug-tnks p`skd ly Lkickttbdquos w`rc Jt j ljsni gkvkg h`wkvkr wk e`tnik `ek
i`bb`e mkjturk `m thksk tkxts `ek gnec whnih bjy lk `ur netkrprk-
tnvk ketry p`net thky jgg dkgnlkrjtkgy dnsbjetgk fkekrni kxpkitjtn`e
Thjt ns t` sjy kvkry Lkicktt tkxt dkmnks `ur e`tn`es `m whjt j pgjy `r
j e`vkg sh`ugd lk d`nef Nm wk rki`fenzk thns fkekrni lsquodki`bp`sntn`ebdquo
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1127
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
8
js Lkickttbdquos prnbjry bkth`d `m pr`lgkbjtnznef netkrprktnvk pr`t`-
i`gs wk i`bk t` je nbp`rtjet nentnjg rkjgnzjtn`e Lkickttbdquos tkxts rksnst
lknef netkrprktkd jed ijtkf`rnzkd jed thns bjy ne mjit lk whjt thky
jrk jl`ut thk pr`lgkb `m netkrprktjtn`e ntskgmThns Fundk thus wngg lkfne wnth je jejgysns `m thk wjy Lkicktt
bjenpugjtks fkerk ne hns w`rc Vjntnef m`r F`d`t m`r nestjeik ns j
drjbj ne ejbk `egy nm thk r``t `m thk w`rd lsquodrjbjbdquo ns thk Frkkc m r
lsquojitn`ebdquo Lkicktt ns dkgnlkrjtkgy wrntnef j drjbj thjt ns e`t ne mjit j
drjbj jt jgg (e`thnef hjppkes ne thk pgjy3 `r b`rk prkinskgy e`thnef
hjppkes thk kxpkrnkeik `m e`thnefekss ns whjt thk pgjy ns jl`ut)
Thk e`vkgs `m Lkickttbdquos mnrst trng`fy (B`gg`y Bjg`ek Dnks Thk
[eejbjlgk) jfjne jrk e`vkgs ne ejbk `egy js thns trng`fy pr`frkssksthkrk ns j dnbnenshnef `m pg`t jed j rkb`vjg `m jgg ndketnmnjlgk ihjr-
jitkrs wnthne ndketnmnjlgk spjik jed tnbk Lkickttbdquos gjtk pr`sk jed
drjbj lgurs thk dnstneitn`e lktwkke fkerks H`w Nt Ns j lsquoe`vkgbdquo rkjds
gnck p`ktry3 J Qnkik `m B`e`g`fuk (gt8lt) j lsquopgjybdquo rkjds gnck j sh`rt
pr`sk st`ry3 Lkickttbdquos gjst bjo`r w`rc ne thk s`-ijggkd ski`ed trng`fy
(I`bpjey Ngg Ykke Ngg Yjnd V`rstwjrd H`) rkduiks thk vkry gje-
fujfk `m pr`sk t` e`efrjbbjtnijg igjusks jed pgjiks lsquoihjrjitkrsbdquo
(wh` mueitn`e bkrkgy js frjbbjtnijg nedniks bjy nedkkd `egy lsquolkbdquo
dnskbl`dnkd frjbbjtnijg nedniks) ne g`ijtn`es thjt jrk lky`ed gnmk
jed dkjth
Nt ns by suffkstn`e thjt thk trjokit`ry `m Lkickttbdquos ijrkkr js
drjbjtnst jed e`vkgnst trjiks j systkbjtni dki`estruitn`e `m thk vkry
prkbnsks `m drjbj jed pr`sk j dki`estruitn`e thjt wntekssks thk
snbugtjek`us jed systkbjtni dnsbjetgnef `m thk skgm `r sulokit wh`
w`ugd rkgy `e ejrrjtnvk js j bkjes `m skgm-uedkrstjednef N pr`p`skhkrk t` suffkst thjt thns dki`estruitn`e thns dnsbjetgnef `m jgg
rkiknvkd struiturks `m sulokitnvnty jed ejrrjtnvk lk nt ne pr`sk `r
drjbj (jed hns ihjrjitkrs e stjfk jrk egy kvkr tkggnef st`rnks) ns thk
bjo`r thkbk m Lkickttbdquos w`rc jed m i`ursk thk ijusk m thk bjo`r
dnmmniugtnks ne thk rkjdnef `m thns w`rc
eik wk uedkrstjed thjt Lkickttbdquos bkth`d ns t` ijgg net` qukstn`e
thk vkry prkbnsks `m drjbj jed pr`sk wk bjy lk lkttkr jlgk t`
uedkrstjed whjt N skk js hns bjo`r purp`sk t` ijgg net` qukstn`e jggth`sk bkth`dsmdashejrrjtnvk lknef thk prnbjry ekmdashwk hjvk m uedkr-
stjednef `urskgvks Fkerks i`bk rkjdy lungt wnth bkjenef jed
kxpkitjtn`e pgjys jed e`vkgs hjvk struiturksmdashlkfneenefs bnddgks
kednefs3 ihjrjitkr jed pg`t lsquodkvkg`pbketbdquo3 skttnefsmdashthjt rkjdkrs ejtu-
rjggy jssubk sh`ugd lk ne pgjik Qgjys jed e`vkgs hjvk rki`fenzjlgk
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1227
NETD[ITNE
gt
ihjrjitkrs jed tkgg st`rnks thjt whngk pkrhjps i`emusnef jed ihjggkef-
nef jssubk whjt wk ije ijgg lsquoce`wjlngntybdquo Thjt ns thksk ejrrjtnvks
jrk jssubkd t` rkmgkit j rki`fenzjlgk rkjgnty `ek t` whnih thk rkjdkr
ije rnket hkrskgm J iketrjg nm uesp`cke jssubptn`e m whjt ns ijggkdigjssni rkjgnst gntkrjturk ns thjt ejrrjtnvk ntskgm ns j ejturjg jed juth`r-
ntjtnvk wjy `m i`bbuenijtnef rkjgntylt Gjefujfk ne `thkr w`rds ns
thk jdkqujtk vkhnigk m`r rkprksketnef rkjgnty jed b`st nbp`rtjetgy
m`r rkprksketnef thk skgm3 ne igjssni rkjgnst mnitn`e iruinjggy thk skgmmdash
thnec m`r nestjeik m Dnickesbdquo Djvnd I`ppkrmnkgdmdashprkikdks gjefujfk
jed usks nt i`etr`gs nt t` trjesirnlk hns rkjgnty
Lkicktt ns w`rcnef t` rkvkjg jgg thksk kxpkitjtn`es js jrtnmninjg jed
i`estruitkd Hk nednijtks thjt wk i`estruit `urskgvks js skgvks ne thkst`rnks wk tkgg thk hnst`rnks wk i`estruit jed thus hns dnsbjetgnef
`m thksk ejrrjtnvks ns hns wjy `m kxjbnenef thk vkry mrjfngnty thk vkry
i`estruitkdekss `m thk hubje jed hubje uedkrstjednef ntskgm
Ejrrjtnvk jed `thkr fkekrni i`evketn`es jrk wjys `m i`etr`ggnef
kxpkrnkeik m shjpnef kxpkrnkeik3 thky jrk e`t uepr`lgkbjtni rkmgki-
tn`es `m kxpkrnkeik Ne thk ked h`wkvkr ly systkbjtnijggy rkduinef
ejrrjtnvk t` nts ksskeik t` whjt hk ijggs nts lsquow`rskenef w`rdsbdquo Lkicktt
dnsi`vkrs thk pkrsnstket ksskeik `m thk hubje wh`sk ejrrjtnvks lsquomjng
jfjnebdquo jed lsquomjng lkttkrbdquo lut wh` ns nesnstketgy prksket ne thjt mjngurk
nm `egy js j trjik spkitkr `r fh`st `m ntskgm By jrfubket ugtnbjtkgy
ns thjt m`r jgg Lkickttbdquos skkbnef dnmmniugty jed ekfjtnvnty hns e`vkgs
jed pgjys w`rc systkbjtnijggy t` ikgklrjtk nm ne je nevkrsk wjy thk
hubje sulokit wh` wngg e`t ikjsk t` ejrrjtk jed wh` wngg thus
jgwjys lk
KD[ITNE T THK KYYKETNJGY ETHNEFEKYY
JED THK QYTH[BJE
T` lkfne pkrhjps wk sh`ugd jice`wgkdfk thjt whngk Lkickttbdquos w`rc
kxpg`rks qukstn`es i`eikrenef thk muedjbketjg ejturk m thk hubje
Lkicktt hnbskgm wngg skkb t` lk `m gnttgk hkgp t` us ne netkrprktnef thjt
w`rc Jgth`ufh hk hjs `mmkrkd s`bk nbp`rtjet nm `pjquk irntnijg
nesnfhts net` whjt jppkjrs t` lk j pkrs`ejg phng`s`phy m jrt jed gnmkLkicktt tkedkd t` rksnst `mmkrnef dnrkit netkrprktjtn`es `m hns w`rc
rksnstkd `mmkrnef whjt j ihjrjitkr ne hns e`vkg Vjtt ijggs lsquoskbjetni
suii`urbdquo t` hns rkjdkrs hns jit`rs hns dnrkit`rs Vhke m`r nestjeik
Jgje Yihekndkr j mrnked jed dnrkit`r `m bjey `m Lkickttbdquos pgjys
jsckd m r Lkickttbdquos netkrprktjtn`e m Kedfjbk Lkicktt rkpgnkd lsquoN snbpgy
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1327
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
1
ijebdquot wrntk jl`ut by w`rc `r `iijsn`ejg stumm `m jey cnedbdquo Hk wket
`e t` kxi`rnjtk o`urejgnsts jed irntnis
Lut whke nt i`bks t` thksk ljstjrds `m o`urejgnsts N mkkg thk `egygnek ns t` rkmusk t` lk nev`gvkd ne kxkfksns `m jey cned By w`rc
ns j bjttkr `m muedjbketjg s`ueds (e` o`ck netkedkd) bjdk js
muggy js p`ssnlgk jed N jiikpt rksp`esnlngnty m`r e`thnef kgsk Nm
pk`pgk wjet t` hjvk hkjdjihks jb`ef thk `vkrt`eks gkt thkb
Jed pr`vndk thknr `we jspnrne (E` Juth`r Lkttkr Ykrvkd Thk
I`rrksp`edkeik `m Yjbukg Lkicktt jed Jgje Yihekndkr lt4)
Nt ns iurn`us t` e`tk thk wjy Lkicktt rksnsts netkrprktnef hns w`rcykt jt thk sjbk tnbk pr`vndks s`bkthnef `m j iguk t` rkjdnef hns
w`rc hk sjys ns j lsquobjttkr `m muedjbketjg s`uedsbdquo ek wjy `m
uedkrstjednef thns i`bbket jed ikrtjnegy thns ns thk wjy N tked t`
rkjd hns w`rc ns t` e`tnik h`w Lkicktt tkeds t` strnp jwjy jgg kxikss
`e stjfk jed pjfk hk ns jmtkr je jejgysns `m thk muedjbketjgs thk
i`rk `r lsquoksskeikbdquo `m whjt bjps `ut hubje kxpkrnkeik Thkrk ns e`
jiindketjg w`rd `r `iiurrkeik ne j Lkicktt tkxt e` dnstrjitn`e mr`b
thk rkjg lusnekss `m trynef t` uedkrstjed whjt nt bkjes t` lk Hkeik
m`r nestjeik j e`vkg gnck Bjg`ek Dnks whkrk thkrk ns `egy `ek ihjr-
jitkr nbb`lngnzkd ne lkd jed thnecnef jl`ut hns nbpkednef dkjth
Hkrk Lkicktt ns jscnef j iruinjg pkrhjps thk muedjbketjg qukstn`e
Vhjt d`ks nt bkje t` kxnst t` lk jt thk b`bket whke y`ur gnmk ns `e
thk vkrfk `m mgnickrnef `ut0 Ije wk rki`fenzk whjt nt trugy bkjes t`
lk jgnvk whjt wk bjy ijgg thk muedjbketjg nbpugsk `m lknef `egy
whke gnmk ntskgm ns jl`ut t` ikjsk0 Lkicktt pjrks pg`t ihjrjitkr jedgjefujfk d`we t` nts kssketnjgs strnppnef jwjy thk lsquobkjtbdquo (`m l`th
pr`sk jed ihjrjitkr) t` kxjbnek gnmk gnvkd jt kxtrkbk gnbnt p`nets
Nedkkd js N hjvk nednijtkd ne gjtkr tkxts suih js V`rstwjrd H` thk
mnrst sketkeik `m whnih rkjds lsquoe Yjy `e Lk sjnd `e Y`bkh`w `e
Tngg e`h`w `e Yjnd e`h`w `ebdquo (46) Lkicktt rkduiks pg`t jed ihjr-
jitkr s` rjdnijggy thjt nt ns p`ssnlgk t` sjy thjt wk hjvk tkxt whkrk
frjbbjr ntskgm mueitn`enef jt thk gnbnt `m i`bprkhkesnlngnty nedn-
ijtks j sulokitnvnty `e thk vkrfk `m e`thnefekssLy wrntnef jl`ut muedjbketjg s`ueds Lkicktt prkskets hnbskgm js
je netkeskgy iurn`us jed i`urjfk`us wrntkr Iurn`us jl`ut thk prk-
insk ejturk m thk hubje lknef Lkicktt tjcks hnbskgm jed hns rkjdkrs
t` thk kxtrkbk gnbnts `m hubjenty jed jscs us `lgnfks us t` g``c
ijrkmuggy jt `urskgvks jt b`bkets `m irnsns Thksk b`bkets `m irnsns
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1427
NETD[ITNE
w`rc ne Lkicktt js p`nets m muedjbketjg nm i`bpr`bnskd jed pjquk
rkvkgjtn`e nt ns hkrk jt thk p`net whkrk thk w`rgd ikjsks t` bjck
skesk `r i`rrksp`ed t` `ekbdquos prksupp`sntn`es thjt thk rkjg thk mue-
djbketjg netkrprktnvk jed kthnijg qukstn`es jrnsk H`w d` N f` `e nethk mjik m thns irnsns m bkjenef0 Vhjt ns by rksp`esnlngnty t` byskgm
jed `thkrs whke bkjenef i`ggjpsks0
Thksk b`bkets m thk i`ggjpsk m bkjenef m thk irnsns m netkrprk-
tjtn`e jrk iketrjg t` Lkickttbdquos w`rc (nedkkd wk bjy sjy thky i`bprnsk
thk t`tjgnty `m thk w`rc) jed t` hns phng`s`phy `m jrt Ne s`bk wjys
Lkickttbdquos rkjg netkrkst ns ne thk kei`uetkr kxnstketnjg jrtnstni jed
netkrprktnvk wnth whjt hk nbp`rtjetgy rkmkrs t` js lsquoE`thnefbdquo Thk
kxpkrnkeik `m e`thnef thk e`thnefekss rkjgnzkd ne thk l`rkd`b `mDndn jed F`f` ne Vjntnef m`r F`d`t (thk mnrst gnek m whnih ns lsquoE`thnef
t` lk d`ekbdquo) thk e`thnefekss thjt thrkjtkes `ur netkrprktnvk skiurnty
whjt Ig`v ne Kedfjbk ijggs thk lsquozkr`bdquo p`net `m bkjenef thk e`thnef-
ekss `m g`ss jed jlskeik thjt nem`rbs s` dkeskgy thk gjtkr trng`fy ns
`ek thjt pjrjd`xnijggy (h`w d` y`u wrntk jl`ut lsquoe`thnefbdquo0) jrtniu-
gjtks jed b`tnvjtks Lkickttbdquos `we w`rc
Ne gt4gt Lkicktt pulgnshkd Thrkk Dnjg`fuks j skrnks `m pskud`-
dnjg`fuks lktwkke lsquoLbdquo jed lsquoDbdquo L wh` irntnis ndketnmy js Lkicktt
hnbskgm (rnfhtgy N lkgnkvk) `mmkrs whjt hjs lki`bk pkrhjps thk b`st
`mtke intkd ketry p`net net` Lkickttbdquos `we w`rc L hjs lkke dnsiuss-
nef b`dkre jrt jed i`bks t` mmkr hns we vnkw m thk pr`pkr sulokit
bjttkr jed b`tnvjtn`es `m thk b`dkre jrtnst
Lmdash^kt N spkjc `m je jrt turenef mr`b nt ne dnsfust wkjry `m nts
puey kxpg`nts wkjry `m prktkednef t` lk jlgk `m lknef jlgk`m d`nef j gnttgk lkttkr thk sjbk `gd thnef `m f`nef j gnttgk
murthkr jg`ef j drkjry r`jd
DmdashJed prkmkrrnef whjt0
LmdashThk kxprkssn`e thjt thkrk ns e`thnef t` kxprkss e`thnef wnth
whnih t` kxprkss e`thnef mr`b whnih t` kxprkss e` p`wkr t`
kxprkss e` dksnrk t` kxprkss t`fkthkr wnth thk `lgnfjtn`e t`
kxprkss (=)
J eublkr `m thnefs jrk iruinjg hkrk Mnrst e`tnik h`w L kxprkssks
j wkjrnekss wnth jrtnstni i`evketn`e h`w thk ndkj `m lsquod`nef j gnttgk
lkttkr thk sjbk `gd thnefbdquo l`rks hnb (thns ns je ndkj t` whnih wk wngg
rkture) Nt ns igkjr kvke rkgjtnvkgy kjrgy ne hns ijrkkr thjt Lkicktt w`ugd
e`t lk irkjtnef i`evketn`ejggy mjbngnjr jrt E`tnik ski`ed h`w thk
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1527
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
lt
w`rd lsquoe`thnefbdquo fjthkrs j cned `m neirkbketjg rks`ejeik ne thns mnejg
sketkeik h`w nt lki`bks igkjr thjt e`thnef t` spkjc pkrhjps pjrj-
d`xnijggy lki`bks s`bkthnef s`bkthnef t` lk kxpg`rkd js j thkbk
js j rkjgnty (wk bjy rkijgg thjt gnek mr`b Bjg`ek Dnks lsquoE`thnef nsb`rk rkjg thje e`thnefbdquo) Js thns jst`enshnef sketkeik i`eigudks
Lkicktt jice`wgkdfks j pkrs`ejg kthnijg `lgnfjtn`e js je jrtnst je
`lgnfjtn`e t` `lskrvk jejgyzk jed kxprkss thksk b`bkets whke thk
e`thnef jrnsksmdashpkrhjps kvke jfjnest hns `we wnggmdashjed jppkjrs
t` euggnmy bkjenef t` thrkjtke `ur i`bm`rt t` krjsk `ur frjsp `m
thk rkjg
lsquoQYTH[BJENYBbdquo
T hjvk ljskd j ijrkkr `e thk kxpg`rjtn`e `m lsquoe`thnefbdquo bjy skkb pkr-
vkrsk t` s`bk Ikrtjnegy thk rkjdkrbdquos kei`uetkr wnth Lkickttbdquos vjrn`us
rkprksketjtn`es `m thk v`nd `m jlskeik `m g`ss wngg lk j dnmmniugt `ek
m`r thk snbpgk rkjs`e thjt Lkickttbdquos w`rgd ns dnmmniugt t` lkjr Jed
s`bk rkjdkrs `vkr thk ykjrs hjvk m`ued ne Lkickttbdquos w`rc j ikrtjne
ruthgkss pkrhjps kvke j i`gd nehubjenty Nm wk trjik thk trjokit`ry
`m Lkickttbdquos w`rc `e l`th stjfk jed ne pr`sk wk d` e`tnik thjt hns
systkbjtni rkduitn`e m thnefs whjt N hjvk suffkstkd ns hns rkduitn`e
t` thk lsquomuedjbketjgsbdquo d`ks nev`gvk thk rkduitn`e `m thk hubje skgm
whjt N wngg ne thns study lk rkmkrrnef t` js thk lsquosulokitbdquo E`tnik h`w
m`r nestjeik ne thk drjbj wk b`vk mr`b muggy kbl`dnkd sulokits ne
Vjntnef m`r F`d`t t` thk gkss physnijggy jlgk ihjrjitkrs ne Kedfjbk
(Hjbb ns lgned jed irnppgkd3 Ig`v ije `egy wjgc ne j stnmm-gkffkd
fjnt3 Ejff jed Ekgg l`th hjvk g`st thknr gkfs) t` ihjrjitkrs nbb`ln-gnzkd ne ures ne Qgjy t` thk dnskbl`dnkd B`uth `m E`t N J snbngjr
trjokit`ry h`gds ne thk mnrst pr`sk trng`fy B`gg`y wh`sk l`dy ns mjng-
nef ykt jlgk3 Bjg`ek wh` ns nbb`lngnzkd ne lkd3 thk ueejbjlgk wh`
bjy snbpgy lk j lrjne ne je ure Ne thk gjtkr pr`sk tkxts nt ns dnmmniugt
kvke t` dktkrbnek prkinskgy thk ejturk m thk hubje jed thk stjtus m
nts l`dy lsquoYjy j l`dy Vhkrk e`ek E` bned Vhkrk e`ek Thjt jt
gkjst J pgjik Vhkrk e`ek M`r thk l`dy T` lk nebdquo (46)
Lkicktt skkbs t` strnvk thr`ufh`ut hns ijrkkr t` rnd hns w`rc m thkl`dy t` w`rc thus t`wjrd whjt wk bjy ijgg j cned `m p`sthubjensb
Q`sthubjensb ije lk dkmnekd js thjt strjed `m phng`s`phy whnih
rjdnijggy irntnquks thk ndkj thjt thk nednvndujg sulokit ns thk iketkr `m
jgg thnefs thk lkfneenef jed ked `m jgg ce`wgkdfk jed kxpkrnkeik
thns ns thkrkm`rk j rjdnijg irntnquk m Hubjenst phng`s`phy whnih w`ugd
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1627
NETD[ITNE
9
p`snt thk hubjebdquos rkjs`e jed rjtn`ejgnty js lknef trjespjrketgy jvjng-
jlgk t` thk thnecnef sulokit Q`sthubjensb lkfnes ly i`uetkrnef
Hubjensbbdquos lkgnkm thjt thk hubje ns skgm-pr`duinef skgm-i`neindketjg
thjt nt ns s`bkh`w rksp`esnlgk m r thk pr`duitn`e `m nts w`rgd jed ntskxpkrnkeik `m thk w`rgd
Js j phng`s`phy p`sthubjensb ije lk trjikd t` bjey s`uriks
lut thk thnecnef `m Enktzsihk Bjrx jed Mrkud ns iruinjg Kjih
w`rckd t` suffkst thjt thk hubje sulokit ns e`t skgm-pr`duinef `r
skgm-i`neindketjg lut ns rjthkr pr`duikd ly nts iugturk (Bjrx) nts
gjefujfk (Enktzsihk) jed nts uei`esin`us drnvks jed nestneits
(Mrkud) Q`sthubjensb strnvks t` uedkrstjed thk prkinsk ki`e`bnks
`m thksk m`riks jed jscs qukstn`es gnck thksk H`w ns thk hubjesulokit t` rjthkr thje thk bjstkr `m gjefujfk0 H`w d`ks thk sulokit
ekf`tnjtk hkr rkgjtn`e t` thk drnvksmdasht`wjrd Kr`s Thjejt`smdashthjt
Mrkud p`snts0 H`w ije thk sulokit mrkk ntskgm nm jt jgg mr`b thk iug-
turjg m`riks `m ijpntjg ndk`g`fy jed rkgnfn`e m`riks whnih prkikdk
jed kxikkd thk sulokitbdquos kxpkrnkeik0
Thksk jrk jgg Lkickttbdquos qukstn`es jed hk wngg w`rc `ut jeswkrs ne
pgjys gnck Hjppy Djys jed e`vkgs gnck Burphy jed Thk [eejbjlgk
tkxts whnih jrk jl`ut h`w thk sulokit ekf`tnjtks j rkgjtn`e t` iugturk
(Hjppy Djys) t` thk drnvks (Burphy) t` gjefujfk (Thk [eejbjlgk)
Lut wk sh`ugd jgs` e`tk h`w Lkickttbdquos p`sthubjensb lki`bks
ueijeengy gntkrjgnzkd ne hns bnddgk-t`-gjtk-pkrn`d drjbj jed pr`sk
Lkicktt ns netkrkstkd ne kxpg`rnef thk vkry gnbnts `m thk hubje thk
vkry ksskeik `m whjt i`estntutks thk hubje T thns ked Lkicktt wngg
push thk hubje pjst `ur i`bb`e i`eikptujg l`uedjrnks3 thjt ns t`
sjy jt tnbks hk b`vks hns ihjrjitkrs net` thk spjik `m dkjth `m whjtns pkrhjps j cned `m jmtkrgnmk
Ne thk pr`sk thns thkbjtni lkfnes wnth Bjg`ek Dnks j e`vkg trjinef
thk b`bket j bje pjssks net` nekxnstkeik3 ne thk drjbj nt lkfnes
wnth Qgjy whnih skks thrkk ihjrjitkrs ne whjt jppkjrs t` lk je jmtkr-
gnmk (thk ihjrjitkrs jrk ne muekrjg ures) lnickrnef vkr thk ejrrjtnvk m
thknr pjst gnvks3 ne thk ski`ed trng`fy wk ije kjsngy nbjfnek nedkkd
sh`ugd nbjfnek thjt thk spkjckrs `m thk tkxts js wkgg js thk mnfurks
thjt jppkjr ne thk ejrrjtnvks jrk spkitkrs fh`sts N kxpg`rk thk mnfurk`m thk fh`st thk spkitkrmdashthk gntkrjg p`sthubjemdashne dktjng ne by
mnejg ihjptkr lut N oust wnsh t` nednijtk hkrk h`w Lkickttbdquos netkrkst
ne pjrnef thnefs d`we t` thk kssketnjgs gkjds g`fnijggy t` je netkrkst ne
thk spkitkr thk fh`st whnih lki`bks thk nbjfk `m thk hubje jmtkr
jgg thnefs hjvk lkke strnppkd wjy Qrkinskgy thk fh`st lki`bks j trjik
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1727
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
4
j bjrc `m thk hubjebdquos pjssnef `ut `m kxnstkeik lutmdashjed thns ns
jls`gutkgy iketrjgmdashthk fh`st ns je nesnstket rkbnedkr `m thk hubje
thjt `eik wjs Thk spkitkr ne `thkr w`rds skrvks t` rkiupkrjtk thk
hubje kvke js thk hubje pjssks net` `lgnvn`e thk spkitkr thuslki`bks whjt Ygjv`o _nzkc ijggs thk lsquonednvnsnlgk rkbjnedkr9bdquo T` put
nt lguetgy m`r Lkicktt thk t`tjg kgnbnejtn`e `m thk hubje ns j t`tjg
nbp`ssnlngnty
Qkrhjps Lkicktt suffksts wk ije `egy mned thk ejturk `m thk
hubje whjt hk ijggs lsquothk lkdr`ic `m thk kssketnjgsbdquo jt thk b`bket
thk hubje kxihjefks `ek stjtk m`r je`thkr `ek rkjgnty m`r je`thkr
Qkrhjps `egy thk jlskeik `m thk hubje (thk spkitkr) trugy rkvkjgs
whjt hjs lkke thk hubjebdquos truk ejturk Jed whjt ns m`r bk mjsinejt-nef jed iruinjg jl`ut thns pr`ikss ns thk wjy Lkicktt kgnbnejtks thk
hubje jt prkinskgy thk sjbk tnbk js hk kgnbnejtks dkejturks jed
dki`estruits ejrrjtnvk m`rb ntskgm Ne s`bk wjys Lkicktt ns jrfunef
thjt gjefujfk ntskgm bust lk kgnbnejtkd ne `rdkr m`r thk spkitkr thk
fh`st thk p`sthubje t` jppkjr gjefujfk bust lk kgnbnejtkd ne
`rdkr m r thk truth `m thk hubje t` lk ce`we
Vk bjy skk ne thns rkduitn`e j cned `m irukg trkjtbket `m thk
hubje j pkrvkrsk netkrkst ne nggekss jed dkijy lut N thnec thns w`ugd
lk j mjtjg netkrprktnvk krr`r Ikrtjnegy Lkickttbdquos w`rc nbpgnks thjt thk
l`dy ns jgwjys j gnjlngnty s`bkthnef thjt wngg nekvntjlgy mjng (je hngjrn-
`us gnek mr`b Bjg`ek Dnks suffksts thns lsquoNm N hjd thk usk `m by l`dy
N w`ugd thr`w nt `ut `m thk wned`wbdquo SltltR) Lut wk bust e`tnik thjt
thk l`dy `r snfes `m thk l`dy ekvkr muggy dnsjppkjrs mr`b Lkickttbdquos
w`rgd Thk pkrsnstkeik `m thk l`dy thk mrjfbketkd l`dy thk dnskb-
l`dnkd l`dy ns `ek `m Lkickttbdquos bjo`r thkbks jed `ek thjt p`skss`bk `m hns b`st netkrkstnef netkrprktnvk qukstn`es jed ihjggkefks
why d`ks Lkicktt w`rc t` rkduik jed mrjfbket thk l`dy0 H`w jrk wk
t` netkrprkt mrjfbkets `m hubjenty0
ek jeswkr t` thksk qukstn`es rkgjtks t` whjt N hjvk sjnd jl`vk
jl`ut Lkicktt rkduinef thnefs t` thk muedjbketjgs ne rdkr t` uedkr-
stjed thk ksskeik `m thk hubje ne Qgjy jed E`t N Lkicktt skkbs t`
lk suffkstnef thjt thksk ihjrjitkrs rkjggy `egy jrk thknr v`niks rkjggy
`egy jrk t` lk b`rk prkinsk thknr ejrrjtnvks Vhjt bjttkrs t` thkbjt thns spkinmni pgjik jt thns spkinmni tnbk ns thknr jlngntymdashpkrhjps
thknr i`bpugsn`e thknr `lgnfjtn`emdasht` spkjc Lkicktt w`ugd skkb t`
lk suffkstnef thjt thk t`tjgnty `m thk l`dy jt thns spkinmni b`bket ns
e`t tkrrnlgy nbp`rtjet t` thk sulokit js shk trnks t` uedkrstjed hkr
prksket sntujtn`e Lut js N suffkst wk d` e`tnik thjt Lkicktt ekvkr
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1827
NETD[ITNE
muggy rkb`vks thk l`dy `r thk snfes `m thk l`dy (v`nik m`r nestjeik)
ketnrkgy thk st`rnks hns ihjrjitkrs tkgg hns w`rc skkbs t` nbpgy jrk
wrnttke `e jed thr`ufh thk l`dy Yt`rnks jrk trjesgjtkd ne `thkr
w`rds ly thk l`dy Lkickttbdquos ihjrjitkrs bjy lk p`sthubje lut thkyjrk e`t muggy p`sti`rp`rkjg
Je`thkr wjy m puttnef thns ndkj jdbnttkdgy ek m Lkickttbdquos b`st
ihjggkefnef ns thjt sulokitnvntymdashthjt skesk thk hubje hjs `m ntskgm
js j thnecnef netkrprktnef irkjturkmdashns muggy dkpkedket `e thk l`dy
Yulokitnvnty ns kbl`dnbket y`u jrk y`ur l`dy jed y`ur l`dybdquos dksnrks
js buih js y`u jrk y`ur bned Jed thus whngk thk l`dy ns je nbpkdn-
bket jed wngg jgwjys dkijy jed mjng thk l`dy ijee`t dnsjppkjr
ne Lkicktt lkijusk thk skgm jed thk skgmbdquos uedkrstjednef `m ntskgmw`ugd js wkgg Thkrk ns js N rkjd nt thke j cned `m djrc i`bpjssn`e
ne Lkicktt m`r thk i`bpr`bnskd l`dy m`r thk irnppgkd jed thk ngg
thkrk ns j i`bpjssn`e m`r thk summkrnef sulokit wh` ije rkjggy `egy
uedkrstjed hkrskgm jed hkr w`rgd thr`ufh thk bkdnub m j dkijynef
pjnemug l`dy ur qukstn`es js rkjdkrs m Lkicktt bust e`w lki`bk
nm thk skgm uedkrstjeds ntskgm thr`ufh thk i`bpr`bnskd spkitrjg
l`dy whjt cneds `m netkrprktjtn`es wngg nt bjck0 Nm thk skgm uedkr-
stjeds thk w`rgd thr`ufh nts mrjfbketkd p`sthubje l`dy whjt
cneds `m netkrprktjtn`es `m thk w`rgd ije lk bjdk0
lsquoQYTH[BJENYBbdquo J Q]NY
Thksk jrk jgg Lkickttbdquos qukstn`es lut N wnsh t` `mmkr s`bkthnef `m j
pr`vns` lkm`rk i`etneunef N suffkstkd jl`vk thjt Lkicktt ns strnvnef
m`r j lsquocned `mbdquo p`sthubjensb N thnec nt ns lkst jgwjys t` usk tkrbspr`vnsn`ejggy wnth Lkicktt m`r surkgy `ek `m thk kmmkits `m hns w`rc
ns t` ijgg jls`gutkgy net` qukstn`e thk vkry ndkj `m stjlgk ijtkf`rnks
stjlgk `pp`sntn`es (lsquohubje-p`sthubjebdquo) Qkrhjps nt ns lkst hkrk jt
thk `utskt t` suffkst thjt hns w`rc irntnquks thk ndkj `m thk hubje
jed thk p`sthubje kqujggy Qrkinskgy ly dnsi`vkrnef thk pkrsnstkeik
`m thk hubje kvke ne nts b`st dkeudkd m rb Lkicktt kssketnjggy i`g-
gjpsks thk `pp`sntn`e lsquohubje-p`sthubjebdquo t` thk p`net whkrk thk
tkrbs lki`bk netkrihjefkjlgk jed hkeik jgb`st bkjenefgkssThjt ns t` sjy m`r Lkicktt wk jrk jgwjys jgrkjdy p`sthubje nes`-
mjr js wk jrk i`etr`ggkd ly dnsi`ursks (hnst`ry ndk`g`fy gjefujfk)
prkikdnef jed kxikkdnef us3 wk jrk jgwjys jgrkjdy p`sthubje js wk
dnsi`vkr thjt `ur l`dnks jrk sntks `m nekvntjlgk mjngurk jed i`ggjpsk3
wk jrk jgwjys jgrkjdy p`sthubje nes`mjr js thk ndkj `m j snefugjr
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1927
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
=
skgm ns je nggusn`e Lkicktt jice`wgkdfks thksk ndkjs kjrgy ne hns ijrkkr3
ne Qr`ust (gt9) hk jice`wgkdfks thjt thk skgm ns e`t j stjlgk sulokit
lut rjthkr thjt thk lsquonednvndujg ns j suiikssn`e `m nednvndujgsbdquo ()3
b`rk`vkr lsquoThk sulokit hjs dnkdmdashjed pkrhjps bjey tnbksmdashjg`efthk wjybdquo (9) By usk `m thk tkrb lsquop`sthubjebdquo thke ns s`bkthnef `m
j i`evkenkeik j wjy `m spkjcnef lsquojl`utbdquo `r lsquojr`uedbdquo thk pkiugnjrntnks
`m thk Lkickttnje sulokit thk sulokit wh` jgwjys bust ekf`tnjtk hns
rkjgnty vnj systkbs `m th`ufhtmdashgjefujfk lknef thk prnbjrymdashwh`sk
pjrjbktkrs jed pr`t`i`gs jrk jgwjys oust lky`ed hns mugg i`etr`g
THK QLGKB M NETKQKTJTNELkickttbdquos bjenpugjtn`e `m fkerk hns rkduitn`e jed dnsbjetgnef `m
thk sulokit hns rkgketgkss netkrkst ne thk vjrn`us jspkits `m lsquoe`thnef-
ekssbdquo (g`ss jlskeik)mdashhk ijggs thns hns lsquomndkgnty t` mjngurkbdquo (lsquoThrkk
Dnjg`fuksbdquo =9)mdashgkjd js N hjvk lkke suffkstnef t` s`bk mjnrgy
jiutk netkrprktnvk dnmmniugtnks Hjes-Fk`rf Fjdjbkr j phng`s`phkr
`m thk hkrbkekutni sih``g (jed studket `m Bjrtne Hkndkffkr) suf-
fksts thjt jgg rkjg netkrprktjtn`e `r lsquohkrbkekutnisbdquo lkfnes wnth
ndketnmynef j spkinmni g`ijtn`e `m d`ult `r uekjsk ne j tkxt Js hk
wrntks ne Qhng`s`phnijg Hkrbkekutnis lsquoThk rkjg p`wkr m hkrbkekutn-
ijg i`esin`usekss ns `ur jlngnty t` skk whjt ns qukstn`ejlgkbdquo (9) Vk
ekkd ne `thkr w`rds t` lk jlgk t` jsc thk pr`pkr qukstn`es `m tkxts
Lut ne Lkicktt `ur pr`lgkb lki`bks skkbnefgy netrjitjlgk lkijusk
kvkrythnef ne thk tkxt jppkjrs t` lk qukstn`ejlgk H`w jrk wk t`
netkrprkt tkxts thjt skkb pjrjd`xnijggy t` `mmkr s` bjey qukstn`es
jed thke rksnst `r m`rkig`sk thk p`ssnlngnty `m jeswkrnef th`sk quks-tn`es0 H`w ne `thkr w`rds jrk wk t` rkjd Lkicktt0
N wngg suffkst hkrk ne wjys thjt g``c ljic t` Lkickttbdquos `we skesk `m
`lgnfjtn`e (rkijgg hns skesk kxprksskd ne Thrkk Dnjg`fuks `m thk lsquo`lgn-
fjtn`e t` kxprkssbdquo) thjt `ur netkrprktjtn`es `m Lkicktt sh`ugd lkfne
ly pjynef ijrkmug jttketn`e t` thk wjys ne whnih hns tkxts jetninpjtk
`ur dnmmniugtnks jed pkrhjps `mmkr s`bk fundjeik Nm wk jrk puzzgkd ly
ikrtjne thnefsmdashVh` jrk thksk ihjrjitkrs0 Vhjt jrk thknr hnst`rnks0
Vhkrk jed whke kxjitgy jrk thksk st`rnks `iiurrnef0 Vhjt kxjitgyd`ks nt jgg bkje0mdashwk sh`ugd rki`fenzk thjt `ur pkrpgkxnty wnth
thk tkxt ns bnrr`rkd ly thk ihjrjitkrsbdquo `we pkrpgkxnty jl`ut thknr
w`rgds Thk rkjdkrbdquos sntujtn`e `m puzzgkbket ns prkinskgy thjt `m thk
ihjrjitkrs jed thus wk jrrnvk jt j iruinjg `lskrvjtn`e Lkickttbdquos tkxts
thkbskgvks wngg skt `ut thk fr`ued rugks m`r netkrprktnef hns w`rgd
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2027
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2127
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
8
Lkickttbdquos ihjrjitkrs thus mueitn`e ne j stjtk `m pr`m`ued rkfrkt jed
jf`eymdash`mtke rkprksskd jed dnsjv`wkdmdash`vkr whjt bnfht hjvk lkke
Ne Crjppbdquos Gjst Tjpk m`r nestjeik Crjpp rktrjiks hns pjst hnst`ry
thr`ufh tjpk rki`rdnefs `m hns `we v`nik t` rkvnsnt j b`bket `m p`s-snlgk th`ufh e`w m`rkvkr g`st hjppnekss Crjppbdquos we v`nik hns we
hnst`ry ns spkitrjg lkijusk hns rki`rdnefs jrk `m j dkjd jed nrrktrnkv-
jlgk pjst lut ek whnih igkjrgy stngg hjuets hnb e`w Ne whjt ns surkgy
`ek `m Lkickttbdquos b`st pjnemugmdashjed netkeskgy i`bpjssn`ejtk
b`bketsmdashwk skk h`w j fh`stgy hnst`ry lrutjgnzks Crjpp
Qjst bndenfht Ekvkr cekw suih sngkeik Thk kjrth bnfht lk uene-
hjlntkd Hkrk N ked thns rkkg L`x thrkk sp``g mnvkQkrhjps by lkst ykjrs jrk f`ek Vhke thkrk wjs j ihjeik `m hjp-
pnekss Lut N w`ugdebdquot wjet thkb ljic E`t wnth thk mnrk ne bk
e`w E` N w`ugdebdquot wjet thkb ljic (ltltgt)
Lkicktt d`ks e`t js thk irntnijg ignihicirc bjy hjvk nt bkrkgy rkprksket j
w`rgd `m jlsurdnty j w`rgd wnth`ut bkjenef Thns ns j w`rgd thjt
i`etneujggy mkkgs thk igjnbs `m thk pjst `m hnst`ry Jed thkrk ns j
bkjenef ne dnsi`vkrnef thksk igjnbs j bkjenef ne rki`fenznef `ekbdquos
nedkltkdekss t` thk pjst j bkjenef ne rkjgnznef thjt `ekbdquos `lgnfjtn`e
ns t` i`bk t` tkrbs wnth thksk igjnbs jed dklts
THKKTNIJG JQQJIH THK lsquoGNTKJT[K M THK
[EVDbdquo BKGJEIHG^ JED THK JIHN]K
Qjrt `m by purp`sk hkrk ne thns Fundk ns t` pr`vndk wjys `m bjcnefskesk `m Lkickttbdquos dnmmniugt w`rc ek wjy N wngg pr`ikkd wngg lk t`
drjw `e thk w`rc `m phng`s`phkrs thk`rnsts jed irntnis wh`sk ndkjs
jgg`w us t` uedkrstjed thk i`bpgkxnty `m Lkickttbdquos uenvkrsk N wngg
hkrk lk drjwnef `e thk gncks `m phke`bke`g`fnsts Bjrtne Hkndkffkr
Hjes-Fk`rf Fjdjbkr jed Kbbjeukg Gkvnejs bjrxnst Thk`d`r
Jd`re` psyih`jejgysts Ynfbued Mrkud jed Ojiquks Gjije jed
dki`estruitn`enst Ojiquks Dkrrndj N lkgnkvk thjt thk w`rc `m thksk
thk`rnsts ije kmmkitnvkgy uepjic ikrtjne netkrprktnvk pr`lgkbs neLkicktt oust js N lkgnkvk thjt ikrtjne b`bkets ne LkickttmdashN thnec `m
B`uthbdquos ketry net` gjefujfk ne E`t N mdashije kmmkitnvkgy nggustrjtk thk
netkrprktnvk pr`lgkbs ne thk w`rc m s`bk thk`rnsts (nedkkd N wngg usk
E`t N t` nggustrjtk Gjijebdquos dnmmniugt e`tn`e `m thk kjg) By netketn`e
ns e`t thkrkm`rk snbpgy t` rkjd Lkicktt thr`ufh j pjrtniugjr thk`ry
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
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NETD[ITNE
gt
lut t` nbjfnek thjt thkrk ns j butujg pr`ikss `m netkrprktjtn`e jed
netkrr`fjtn`e `iiurrnef lktwkke thk`rnst jed mnitn`e
THK FKBJE GKTTK
N jgs` lkgnkvk pkrhjps ejnvkgy thjt Lkicktt hnbskgm ns hns `we mnrst
jed lkst irntni Js N hjvk bketn`ekd Lkicktt `mmkrkd mkw irntnijg i`b-
bketjrnks `e hns w`rc `vkr thk ykjrs lut th`sk thjt hjvk i`bk d`we
t` usmdashjs m`r nestjeik Thrkk Dnjg`fuks mdashjrk `m frkjt vjguk t` jey
rkjdkr Ne thk gjttkr ihjptkrs `m thns study N wngg lk rkmkrrnef `mtke t`
Lkickttbdquos Fkrbje Gkttkr `m gt96 jed kspkinjggy t` hns e`tn`e `m thk
lsquogntkrjturk `m thk uew`rdbdquo j i`eikpt N thnec ns iketrjg t` thk pr`frks-sn`e `m hns w`rc N wnsh thkrkm`rk t` tjck s`bk spjik hkrk jed
`utgnek thk nbp`rtjeik `m thns Gkttkr
Ne gt9= Lkicktt trjvkgkd t` Fkrbjey `e whjt kssketnjggy wjs je
jrt h`gndjy hk vnsntkd skvkrjg jrt fjggkrnks jed jgth`ufh jefkrkd ly
thk Ejzn rkfnbkbdquos ikes`rnef `m jrt nt i`esndkrkd dkijdket hk wjs
frkjtgy nbprksskdmdashjed nemgukeikdmdashly thk w`rc hk sjw Thk trnp
skrvkd js j cned m spnrntujg jed phng`s`phnijg jwjckenef js hns dnj-
rnks jttkst Thk Fkrbje Gkttkr ns pjrt `m j i`rrksp`edkeik lktwkke
Lkicktt jed j mrnked (Jxkg Cjue wh`b hk bkt ne Fkrbjey) wrnttke
thrkk b`eths jmtkr hns rkture t` Dulgne Ne thk Gkttkr Lkicktt spkjcs
`m thk ekkd t` b`vk pjst rkiknvkd dnsi`ursks jed i`evketn`es t` gnl-
krjtk hnbskgm mr`b trjdntn`ejg gjefujfks jed m`rbs N qu`tk jt s`bk
gkefth
Nt ns nedkkd lki`bnef b`rk jed b`rk dnmmniugt kvke skeskgkss m`rbk t` wrntk je `mmninjg Kefgnsh Jed b`rk jed b`rk by `we gje-
fujfk jppkjrs t` bk gnck j vkng thjt bust lk t`re jpjrt ne `rdkr t`
fkt jt thk thnefs (`r thk E`thnefekss) lkhned nt Frjbbjr jed
Ytygk T bk thky skkb t` hjvk lki`bk js nrrkgkvjet js j ]nit`rnje
ljthnef sunt `r thk nbpkrturljlngnty `m j truk fketgkbje J bjsc
Gkt us h`pk thk tnbk wngg i`bk thjec F`d thjt ne ikrtjne inrigks nt
hjs jgrkjdy i`bk whke gjefujfk ns b`st kmmninketgy uskd whkrk
nt ns lknef b`st kmmninketgy bnsuskd Js wk ijee`t kgnbnejtk gje-fujfk jgg jt `eik wk sh`ugd jt gkjst gkjvk e`thnef ued`ek thjt
bnfht i`etrnlutk t` nts mjggnef net` dnsrkputk T` l`rk `ek h`gk
jmtkr je`thkr ne nt uetng whjt gurcs lkhned ntmdashlk nt s`bkthnef `r
e`thnefmdashlkfnes t` skkp thr`ufh3 N ijee`t nbjfnek j hnfhkr f`jg
m`r j wrntkr t`djy (6rsquo6lt)
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
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LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
lt1
Ne by kstnbjtn`e thk mugg nbpgnijtn`es `m thk Gkttkr whnih m`r bk
ns Lkickttbdquos jrtnstni bjenmkst` wngg e`t lk rkjgnzkd uetng thk gjtkr e`v-
kgs (kspkinjggy thk trng`fnks) lut wk sh`ugd rki`fenzk h`w Lkickttbdquos
stjtkd nbpjtnkeik wnth trjdntn`ejg m`rb rks`ejtks net` kvke thk kjrgypr`sk jed drjbj Lkickttbdquos dnsdjne m`r lsquo`mmninjg Kefgnshbdquo m`r lsquoFrjbbjr
jed Ytygkbdquo thnefs js nrrkgkvjet js j ]nit`rnje ljthnef sunt spkjc t`
j mrustrjtn`e j l`rkd`b kvke wnth thk g`fni jed trjokit`rnks `m thk
enektkketh-iketury e`vkg Hk spkjcs murthkr t` h`w busni jed
pjnetnef hjvk m ued wjys m b`vnef lky`ed trjdntn`ejg m`rb ne rdkr
t` rkprksket sngkeik jed jlskeik (thnefs e`t jss`injtkd wnth rkprkske-
tjtnvk jrt)3 hk suffksts thjt gjefujfk ntskgm bust lk shjttkrkd ne rdkr
t` rkvkjg whjt wjs prkvn`usgy uerkprksketjlgkJed whngk Lkickttbdquos bjenmkst` s`ueds jvjet-fjrdk hns ndkj thjt
gjefujfk ns j vkng t` lk t`re jpjrt g``cs ljic t` thk `bjetnis jed
thknr e`tn`e thjt p`ktry w`rcs t` rkvkjg thk ueskke Lkickttbdquos lsquoby
`we gjefujfk jppkjrs t` bk gnck j vkng thjt bust lk t`re jpjrtbdquo kih`ks
Yhkggkybdquos J Dkmkeik `m Q`ktry jed hns skesk thjt p`ktry gnmts lsquothk vkng
mr`b thk hnddke lkjuty `m thk w`rgd jed bjcks mjbngnjr `lokits lk
js nm thky wkrk e`t mjbngnjrbdquo (6) Thkrk ns `m i`ursk j w`rgd `m dnm-
mkrkeik lktwkke gnmtnef jed dkstr`ynef thk vkngmdashthk dnmmkrkeik
pkrhjps lktwkke thk `bjetni jed thk B`dkremdashlut Lkickttbdquos
dksnrk js j wrntkr ns j mjbngnjr `ek hns w`rc wngg jttkbpt t` sh`w thk
w`rgd ne j ekw wjy Ne by rkjdnef Lkickttbdquos tkjrnef `m thk vkng
lki`bks thk pkrmkit bktjph`r m`r thk pr`ikss `m rkvkjgnef `vkrtgy
skgm-i`esin`usgy jed irntnijggy thk nbpgnijtn`es `m jrt hkrk thk e`vkg
jed drjbj ne j ekw wjy
THK lsquoGNTKJT[K M THK [EVDbdquo
Ne thk gjst pjrjfrjph `m thk Gkttkr Lkicktt suffksts thjt thns pr`ikss
`m dkstr`ynef gjefujfk `m rkvkjgnef nts lsquotkrrnlgk bjtkrnjgntybdquo (6lt)
wngg kvketujggy gkjd t` whjt hk ijggs j lsquogntkrjturk `m thk uew`rdbdquo (69)
N wnsh ne whjt m`gg`ws t` suffkst thjt Lkickttbdquos ketnrk ijrkkr js j
wrntkr mneds nts lkfneenef jed ked nts fr`ued jed f`jg ne thns ndkj
stjtkd ne gt96 J gntkrjturk `m thk uew`rd ns `lvn`usgy j i`etrjdni-tn`e ne tkrbs j pjrjd`x je jp`rnj (t` usk thk Dkrrndkje i`estruitn`e)3
j gntkrjturk `m thk uew`rd ns je jttkbpt t` usk gjefujfk t` sngkeik
gjefujfk (hk ijggs nt lsquoJe jssjugt jfjnest w`rds ne thk ejbk `m lkjutybdquo
S69R) Hns jnb kssketnjggy ns t` mned j bkjes `m dki`bp`snef jed
b`vnef lky`ed gjefujfk t` shjttkr gjefujfk net` j cned `m krjsurk
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
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NETD[ITNE
lt
`m ntskgm (thns jttkbpt t` kgnbnejtk gjefujfk ns fk`bktrnijggy pr`p`r-
tn`ejg t` hns jttkbpt t` kgnbnejtk thk l`dy js wk wngg skk) By
jrfubket ns quntk snbpgy thns thr`ufh`ut hns ijrkkr Lkicktt ns skjrih-
nef m`r thk bkjes t` put je ked t` gntkrjturk t` put je ked t` wrntneft` put je ked t` hns `we dksnrk t` wrntk Thk trjokit`ry `m hns w`rc
mr`b thk kjrgy drjbj jed pr`sk t` thk gjtk ns `ek `m rjdnijg rkdui-
tn`e `m w`rcnef t` mned j bkjes t` gntkrjturkbdquos ked Ne thk drjbj wk
b`vk mr`b thk muggy kbl`dnkd drjbj `m F`d`t t` thk gjtk fh`stgy
pgjys whkrk `mtke gjefujfk d`ks e`t kvke mkjturk3 ne thk pr`sk wk
b`vk mr`b thk pgjymug fjrrug`usekss m Burphy t` thk shjttkrkd sye-
tjx jed dnbnenshkd frjbbjrs `m V`rstwjrd H`4
Nt ns prkinskgy lkijusk Lkickttbdquos w`rc ns fr`uedkd `e suih i`bpgkxphng`s`phnijg i`etrjdnitn`esmdashj wrntkr wrntnef gntkrjturk `ut `m
kxnstkeik nbp`ssnlgkmdashthjt N lkgnkvk wk bust hjvk rki`ursk t` thk
vjrn`us thk`rktnijg jed phng`s`phnijg trjdntn`es thjt jr`sk snbugtj-
ek`us wnth Lkickttbdquos `we dkvkg`pbket js j wrntkr By thk`rktnijg
jppr`jih ne thns Fundk ije pkrhjps lkst lk dksirnlkd js pr`bnsiu-
`us lut N tked t` thnec thjt j dki`estruitn`enst psyih`jejgysns ns thk
lkst wjy `m pr`ikkdnef wnth Lkicktt jt gkjst m`r bk T` nggustrjtk
whjt N bkje hkrkmdashjed ly wjy `m i`eigudnef thns Netr`duitn`emdash
N wnsh t` `utgnek tw` i`eikpts whnih wngg pr`vk irntnijg ne by rkjdnef
`m kspkinjggy thk drjbj
BKGJEIHGNJ
J bjo`r thkbk ne Lkicktt ns thjt `m bkb`ry `m ihjrjitkrs gnck
Crjpp `r Hjbb hjuetkd ly thk fh`st `m bkb`ry Jt j ljsni gkvkgthk Lkicktt ihjrjitkr gnvks ne j pr`trjitkd stjtk `m rkfrkt jed g`ss
j stjtk hk `r shk bjy e`t kvke rki`fenzk js suih Hnst`ry thk pjst
nbpnefks pr`m uedgy e thk ihjrjitkr jed js Lkicktt wrntks ne Qr`ust
thrkjtkes i`etneujggy t` lsquodkm`rbbdquo hnb Ne gt6 Ynfbued Mrkud pul-
gnshkd je kssjy thjt hjs rkiketgy i`bk t` lk skke js j iruinjg dnjfe`sns
`m j i`etkbp`rjry iugturjg i`edntn`e Ne lsquoB`urenef jed Bkgjeih`gnjbdquo
Mrkud jttkbpts t` i`bk t` je uedkrstjednef m h`w thk sulokit dkjgs
wnth trjubj jed g`ss Thkrk jrk hk thk`rnzks tw` rksp`esks t` g`sst` thk g`ss `m j g`vkd `ek `r thk lsquog`ss `m s`bk jlstrjitn`e whnih hjs
tjcke thk pgjik `m `ek suih js `ekbdquos i`uetry gnlkrty je ndkjg `r s`
`ebdquo (ltlt) Thk mnrst jed b`st hkjgthy ns whjt hk ijggs b`urenef
B`urenef ns j pr`ikss ly whnih thk g`ss ns i`bprkhkedkd jed
jiikptkd lsquow`rckd thr`ufhbdquo t` usk hns tkrbne`g`fy B`urenef ns thk
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
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LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
ltlt
e`rbjg wjy `ek bust dkjg wnth trjubj jed g`ss wnth whjt Mrkud
lkjutnmuggy tkrbs thk lsquoki`e`bnis `m pjnebdquo (ltlt) Qrkinskgy h`w thk
sulokit `vkri`bks g`ss ns e`t ce`we ly Mrkudmdashnt ns j dnmmniugt pr`-
ikss3 nt ns lsquow`rcbdquomdashlut kvketujggy thk b`urekr jiikpts thjt thk g`vkd`ek wnth wh`b hk bjy hjvk ndketnmnkd ns e` g`efkr hkrk t` bjcks
igjnbs `e hnb
Bkgjeih`gnj `e thk `thkr hjed ns je jle`rbjg rksp`esk t` g`ss
jed sntujtks thk sulokit ne j i`etneujg p`sntn`e `m ejrinssnstni ndketn-
mnijtn`e wnth thk g`st `lokit Ne `thkr w`rds thk bkgjeih`gy sulokit
ijee`t jiikpt thjt hkr g`vkd `ek ns ne mjit f`ek jed w`rcs pjth`g`fn-
ijggy lsquot` kstjlgnsh je ndketnmnijtn`e `m thk kf` wnth thk jljed`ekd
`lokitbdquo (lt8) Vhjt thns bkjes ns thjt thk pjstmdashg`ss trjubjmdashi`e-tneujggy w`rcs nts wjy net` thk prksket b`bket lkijusk thk sulokit
ijee`t b`vk pjst nt B`rk tr`ulgnef ns thk ndkj thjt thk sulokit d`ks
e`t wnsh t` jgg`w g`ss t` rkikdk net` hnst`ry lut dksnrks i`etneujggy t`
bjnetjne j i`eekitn`e t` thk trjubjtni b`bket Ne s`bk wjys thk
sulokit bjnetjnes thns pjth`g`fnijg stjtkmdashwhnih bjy ne mjit e`t lk
s` pjth`g`fnijg jmtkr jggmdashlkijusk thk trjubjtni b`bket ns nbp`r-
tjet m`r hkr bjy ne mjit hjvk shjpkd wh` shk ns
Vk bjy dnjfe`sk j frkjt eublkr `m Lkickttbdquos ihjrjitkrs js lknef
bkgjeih`gni ne Mrkudbdquos skesk Thky jrk hjuetkd ly thk pjst jed s`bk
gnck Crjpp Hjbb jed Vneenk dkgnlkrjtkgy jttkbpt t` rki`eekit wnth
j pjst thjt neigudks b`bkets `m g`ss jed kxtrkbk pjne Ne `thkr w`rds
thk mueitn`e `m bkb`ry ne Lkicktt ns gjrfkgy bkgjeih`gni prkinskgy
lkijusk thk ihjrjitkrs jice`wgkdfk i`esin`usgy `r uei`esin`usgy
thjt thky jrk thk pr`duits m j pjst whnih hjs bkringkssgy dkmnekd thkb
js summkrnef sulokits Lkickttbdquos ihjrjitkrs ignef s` rkgketgkssgy t` thkpjst lkijusk m`r rkjs`es wk wngg kxpg`rk thk prksket b`bket ns dkv`nd
`m snfenmnijeik3 thk jf`enznef pjst bjy lrutjgnzk lut ne nt jrk thk trjiks
thk hnst`rnijg mrjfbkets `m ndketnty jed bkjenef
THK JIHN]K
Dki`estruitn`enst Ojiquks Dkrrndj drjwnef hkjvngy `e Mrkud `mmkrs
j ski`ed rkgjtkd i`eikpt thjt N wngg usk t` rkjd thksk ihjrjitkrsbdquo rkgj-tn`e t` hnst`ry g`ss jed trjubj Ne Jrihnvk Mkvkr Dkrrndj jejgyzks
thk i`eikpt `m thk jrihnvk js j wjy `m i`bnef t` je uedkrstjednef
`m thk wjy thk sulokit ekf`tnjtks nts rkgjtn`eshnp t` hnst`ry t` thk
pjst jed thk muturk thk jrihnvk ns thus j bkjes ly whnih Dkrrndj
trnks t` uedkrstjed thk hubje js j lknef sntujtkd ne tnbk mkkgnef thk
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2627
NETD[ITNE
lt9
igjnbs `m thk tkbp`rjg Qkrhjps thk lkst wjy t` dkmnek thk jrihnvk ns
js j i`eikptujg `r bjtkrnjg spjik `m bkb`ry Thk bned ije skrvk js
je jrihnvk oust js j gnlrjry `r physnijg b`eubket ije Dkrrndj suf-
fksts thjt thk jrihnvk ns j pgjik m i`bbjedbket jed i`bbkeikbketj pgjik whkrk kvkets `m thk pjst jrk d`iubketkd juth`rntjtnvkgy js
bjrcnef thk lkfneenef `m s`bkthnef j gnmk j iugturk j invngnzjtn`e
Jrihnvks jrk spjiks m prkskrvjtn`e i`eskrvjtn`e lut jgs` m irkjtn`e
j iugturkbdquos uedkrstjednef m ntskgmmdashj sulokitbdquos uedkrstjednef m ntskgmmdash
ns irkjtkd wnthne thk spjik `m thk jrihnvk
Nt ns igkjr thjt thk jrihnvk ns j wjy `m bjtkrnjgnznef bjcnef i`e-
irktk thk pjst Jed nm hnst`ry ns gjrfkgy r ije lk gjrfkgy thk ejrrjtnvks
`m i`equkst dkmkjt jed vn`gkeik thk jrihnvk ns jgs` f`nef t` mueitn`ejs j spjik i`bbkb`rjtnef trjubj jed g`ss Nt strncks bk thkrkm`rk
thjt thk jrihnvkmdashjs j spjik thjt bjnetjnes j i`etneujg rkgjtn`e t` thk
pjstmdashns jgwjys jgrkjdy j bkgjeih`gy spjik Vhjt N wnsh t` suffkst
hkrk ne spkinmni rkgjtn`e t` Lkickttbdquos w`rc ns thjt thk Lkickttnje sul-
okit lki`bks j gntkrjg kbl`dnbket m whjt N hjvk kgskwhkrk ijggkd thk
lsquobkgjeih`gy jrihnvkbdquo Thk Lkickttnje sulokit nbb`lngnzkd jed
mrjfbketkdmdashthnec `m Vneenk lurnkd t` hkr ekic ne kjrth ne Hjppy
Djys3 `m B`uth ne E`t N 3 `m Bjg`ek ne Bjg`ek Dnks3 `m thk mnfurk ne
I`bpjey mdashns jgwjys j hnst`rnijg sulokit j sulokit b`rk prkinskgy
sulokit t` hnst`ry Yhk ns i`etneujggy rkbkblkrnef s`bktnbks jfjnest
hkr wngg whjt hjs `iiurrkd ne thk pjst3 shk ns i`etneujggy jttkbptnef
t` rkijpturk j pjst shk bjy e`t muggy i`bprkhked
Jed nt ns thk Lkickttnje l`dy whnih lki`bks thk prnbjry rkp`sn-
t`ry m`r thksk rkbjnes thksk trjiks `m hnst`ry Thk ihjrjitkr bjy
kxnstmdashjs ne Hjppy Djys r Kedfjbk mdashjt whjt jppkjrs t` lk thk ked`m hubje iugturk lut shkmdashhkr l`dymdashbjnetjnes thk jrihnvjg trjiks
`m thjt g`st iugturk Thk nbjfks Lkicktt fnvks us ne hns drjbj jed
pr`skmdashj dnskbl`dnkd b`uth j l`dy nbb`lngnzkd ne j whkkgihjnr
`r thk kjrth pk`pgk ne uresmdashjrk nbjfks thjt i`eirktnzk thk ndkj `m
bkb`ry js kbl`dnkd `r jrihnvkd N suffkstkd jl`vk thjt m`r Lkicktt
sulokitnvntymdashthk skesk m wh` wk jrkmdashns muggy dkpkedket e thk l`dy
Vhjt Mrkud jed Dkrrndj jgg`w us t` uedkrstjed ns thk wjy sulokitnv-
nty ne Lkicktt ns muggy dkpkedket `e hnst`ry jed jrihnvkd bkb`ryMrkudbdquos e`tn`es `m b`urenef jed bkgjeih`gnj t`fkthkr wnth thk
Dkrrndkje rkjdnef `m thk jrihnvk jrk i`eikpts thjt wngg pr`vk uskmug
ne rkjdnef je juth`r wh`sk w`rc ns jt j pr`m`ued gkvkg jgwjys jl`ut
thk pjst j pjst whnih bjy hjvk rkikdkd net` m`rfktmugekss lut wh`sk
igjnbs jrk stngg lknef mkgt Ne nts strjefkekss Lkickttbdquos w`rc prkskets
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
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LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
eubkr`us dnmmniugtnks lut js wk shjgg dnsi`vkr hk ekvkr jljed`es
hns rkjdkr `r judnkeik i`bpgktkgy Mnrst js N hjvk bketn`ekd hns
ihjrjitkrsmdashwh` jt tnbks lki`bk `ur surr`fjtks `ur ueijeey d`u-
lgksmdashkxprkss buih thk sjbk i`emusn`e jl`ut thknr w`rgds js thkrkjdkr3 js suih thk strjefkekss lkijusk shjrkd lki`bks ne j skesk
e`rbjgnzkd Yki`ed jed pkrhjps b`rk nbp`rtjet Lkickttbdquos w`rc
ckys net` muedjbketjggy rki`fenzjlgk sntujtn`es Vk jgg jrk irkjtn`es
`m hnst`rnks wk bjy e`t rki`fenzk `r wnsh t` rki`fenzk3 wk jgg jt
tnbks dnsjv`w `ur pjsts kvke js wk mkkg thk prkssurks `m hnst`ry3 wk
jgg ne `thkr w`rds jrk hnst`rnijgmdashne Mrkudbdquos tkrbs bkgjeih`gymdash
irkjturks Lkickttbdquos w`rc ns iruinjg lkijusk nt rkgketgkssgy rkb`rskgkssgy
i`bpkgs us t` i`emr`et thk pr`m`ued igjnbs thjt hnst`ry bust bjckup`e us jgg Js wk i`bk t` rki`fenzk thk igjnbs `m thk pjst jed rkjg-
nzk thk kxtket t` whnih hnst`ry i`estruits thk hubje sulokit wk lkfne
t` uedkrstjed thjt Lkickttbdquos w`rc jt tnbks skkbnefgy s` strjefk
skkbnefgy nehubje ns `egy kvkr j i`bpjssn`ejtk jttkbpt t` i`bprk-
hked hubjenty ntskgm
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
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I`etneuub Netkrejtn`ejg Qulgnshnef Fr`upThk T wkr Lungdnef 81 Bjndke Gjek Yuntk 614
^ rc `jd Ekw ^ rc
G`ed`e YK 6EX E^ 1198
copy O`ejthje L`ugtkr lt118
Jgg rnfhts rkskrvkd E` pjrt `m thns pulgnijtn`e bjy lk rkpr duikd
`r trjesbnttkd ne jey m`rb `r ly jey bkjes kgkitr`eni `r bkihjenijg
neigudnef ph`t`i`pynef rki`rdnef `r jey nem`rbjtn`e st`rjfk `r rktrnkvjg
systkb wnth`ut prn`r pkrbnssn`e ne wrntnef mr`b thk pulgnshkrs
O`ejthje L`ugtkr hjs jsskrtkd hns rnfht uedkr thk I`pyrnfht Dksnfes jed
Qjtkets Jit gt88 t` lk ndketn1047306kd js Juth`r `m thns w`rc
Lrntnsh Gnlrjry Ijtjg`funef-ne-Qulgnijtn`e Djtj
J ijtjg`fuk rki`rd m`r thns l``c ns jvjngjlgk mr`b thk Lrntnsh Gnlrjry
NYLE gt68-1-8lt=4-gtlt=6-8 (hjrdljic)
gt68-1-8lt=4-8gt- (pjpkrljic)
Gnlrjry m I`efrkss Ijtjg`fnef-ne-Qulgnijtn`e Djtj
J ijtjg`fuk rki`rd `m thns l``c ns jvjngjlgk mr`b thk Gnlrjry `m I`efrkss
Typkskt ly Ekwfke Nbjfnef Yystkbs Qvt Gtd Ihkeejn Nednj
Qrnetkd jed l`ued ne Frkjt Lrntjne ly BQF L``cs Gtd L`dbne I`rewjgg
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 427
IHJQTK
NETD[ITNE
Vk ekkd j drkjbw`rgd ne `rdkr t` dnsi`vkr thk mkjturks `m thk rkjg
w`rgd wk thnec wk nehjlnt
mdash Qjug Mkykrjlked Jfjnest Bkth`d
LJICF[ED JED NEMG[KEIK
Yjbukg Lkicktt (gt1=rsquo8gt) ns `ek `m thk b`st nbp`rtjet jed nemgu-
ketnjg wrntkrs `m thk twketnkth iketury L`re net` j bnddgk-igjss
Qr`tkstjet mjbngy ne Dulgne Lkicktt studnkd B`dkre Gjefujfks
(Mrkeih jed Ntjgnje) jt Trnenty I`ggkfk kjrenef j LJ ne gtlt6 Ne
gtlt8 jmtkr j sh`rt jed uesuiikssmug stnet js j tkjihkr jt Ijbplkgg
I`ggkfk Lkgmjst Lkicktt lkijbk gkitkur jt thk Ki`gk E`rbjgk
Yupkrnkurk ne Qjrns rkpgjinef Th`bjs BjiFrkkvy thk pkrs`e rksp`e-
snlgk m`r netr`duinef Lkicktt t` Ojbks O`yik Lkicktt wjs bjssnvkgy
nemgukeikd ly hns mkgg`w Nrnshbjebdquos wrntnef jed ne mjit pulgnshkd jekssjy `e O`yikbdquos Mneekfjes Vjck (lsquoDjetk Lrue` ]ni` O`yikbdquo)
ne gtltgt thk sjbk ykjr thjt hk pulgnshkd hns mnrst sh`rt st`ry lsquoJssubp-
tn`ebdquo Ne gt94 whngk gnvnef ne G`ed`e Lkicktt pulgnshkd B`rk Qrnics
thje Cnics j i`ggkitn`e `m sh`rt st`rnks jed ne gt9= hk i`bpgktkd
hns e`vkg Burphy (whnih wjs pulgnshkd ne gt98) Ne gt96 Lkicktt
b`vkd t` Qjrns jed bjdk Mrjeik hns pkrbjeket h`bk uetng hns dkjth
ne gt8gt
Lkickttbdquos kjrgy w`rcs neigudnef thk e`vkg Vjtt (pulgnshkd ne gt9)thk gjst e`vkg t` lk wrnttke ne Kefgnsh lkm`rk Lkicktt turekd t` wrnt-
nef ne Mrkeih ne gt4= mjngkd t` jttrjit buih irntnijg jttketn`e Nt wjs
whngk Lkicktt wjs wrntnef hns mnrst e`vkg trng`fy whnih neigudks
B`gg`y (gt) Bjg`ek Dnks (gt) jed Thk [eejbjlgk (gt9) thjt
Lkicktt pr`duikd hns b`st mjb`us w`rc jed nedkkd thk pgjy thjt wjs
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 527
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
lt
t` trjesm`rb twketnkth-iketury drjbj Vjntnef m`r F`d`t (i`bp`skd
gt48rsquo4gt) Lkicktt sjnd thjt thns pgjy wjs kssketnjggy wrnttke js j
dnvkrsn`e j lsquorkgjxjtn`e t` fkt jwjy mr`b thk jwmug pr`sk N wjs wrnt-
nef jt thk tnbkbdquolt Thk tw`-jit pgjy mkjturnef thk e`w ni`eni trjbpswjntnef m`r thns F`d`t wh` ekvkr wngg jppkjr wjs rkv`gutn`ejry jed
i`etrnlutkd ne e` sbjgg pjrt t` hns lknef jwjrdkd thk E`lkg Qrnzk m`r
gntkrjturk ne gt=gt
Vjntnef m`r F`d`t j pgjy ne whnih lsquoe`thnef hjppkes twnikbdquo9 js
]nvnje Bkrinkr mjb`usgy put nt rjdnijggy qukstn`es thk fr`ueds m nts
`we fkerk Thjt ns t` sjy Lkicktt prkskets j drjbj thjt `vkrtures
judnkeiksbdquo ljsni jssubptn`es Thkrk ns e` ihjrjitkr dkvkg`pbket e`
pg`t `m jey i`eskqukeik e` igkjr pr`frkssn`e `m jey ejrrjtnvk i`e-tket `r jitn`e nt ns j pgjy stjfnef thk jetninpjtn`e `m jitn`e rjthkr
thje jitn`e ntskgm Nentnjggy thk pgjy ljmmgkd judnkeiks3 whke mnrst pkr-
m`rbkd ne thk [entkd Ytjtks (hjvnef lkke lnggkd js thk lsquogjufh hnt `m
tw` i`etneketsbdquo4) pk`pgk mg`ickd `ut ne dr`vks Kvketujggy h`wkvkr
nt lkijbk igkjr thjt Lkickttbdquos w`rc nm e`t trjdntn`ejggy drjbjtni dnd
spkjc t` whjt wjs pkriknvkd t` lk j rki`fenzjlgk i`edntn`e ne thk
gt1s jexnkty Ne s`bk skesks jed thns ns truk m`r jgg `m Lkickttbdquos
w`rc e`t snbpgy F`d`t Lkicktt ns netkrkstkd ne jejgyznef thk hubje
lknef jt b`bkets `m netkesk skgm-jwjrkekss jed jexnkty (jed whjt ns
jexnkty nm e`t j i`edntn`e `m kxtrkbk skgm-i`esin`usekss0) F`d`t
sp`ck t` j fkekrjtn`e thjt rki`fenzkd ntskgm js jexn`us m`r bkjenef
m`r snfenmnijeik
Jed jgth`ufh nt ns pkrhjps t`` kjsy t` hnst`rninzk Lkickttbdquos w`rc m`r
netkrprktnvk i`bm`rt wk sh`ugd e`tnik thjt hns bjo`r w`rc (neigudnef
thk mnrst trng`fy jed thk drjbj `m thk gt1s jed gt=1s) wjs pr`duikdne j i`etkxt `m frkjt sh`ic jed pr`trjitkd jexnkty thk Yki`ed V`rgd
wjr hjd rkiketgy kedkd thk truth `m thk dkjth ijbps hjd lkfue t`
lk muggy ce`we jed thk fr`wnef i`emgnit lktwkke thk Vkst jed thk
Y`vnkt [en`e skrvkd js j i`estjet rkbnedkr `m thk thrkjt `m t`tjg
euigkjr jeenhngjtn`e Nedkkd Lkickttbdquos Kedfjbk (gt6) whnih tjcks
pgjik skkbnefgy jmtkr s`bk frkjt ijtjstr`phk (thk w`rgd hjs lkke
lsquoi`rpskdbdquo t` usk Ig`vbdquos h`rrnmni w`rd) spkjcs dnrkitgy js thk frkjt
irntni Thk`d`r Jd`re` jrfuks t` j p`st-H`g`ijust w`rgd
M`r jgg ntsdnmmniugty Lkickttbdquos w`rc thus d`ks spkjc t` nts tnbk d`ks prksket nm
rkjd ijrkmuggy j dnjfe`sns m thk twketnkth iketury3 rkjd mr`b je`thkr
pkrspkitnvk thk w`rc lki`bks sybpt`bjtni `m thk twketnkth iketury
Thjt ns t` sjy Lkickttbdquos w`rc i`ugd `egy hjvk lkke wrnttke ne j ike-
tury thjt wnteksskd suih bjssnvk sikeks `m dkstruitn`e jed lrutjgnty
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
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NETD[ITNE
9
Lkicktt pr`duikd Vjntnef m`r F`d`t whngk irkjtnef hns b`st nbp`r-
tjet jed nemguketnjg l`dy `m pr`sk w`rc thk mnrst trng`fy `m e`vkgs
B`gg`y Bjg`ek Dnks jed Thk [eejbjlgk Nm Vjntnef m`r F`d`t rkv`-
gutn`enzkd drjbj thns pr`sk trng`fy dnd thk sjbk t` thk e`vkg Nedkkdwk bjy jrfuk js d`ks J Jgvjrkz thjt ne thksk w`rcs Lkicktt ksske-
tnjggy lsquojssjssnejtksbdquo thk e`vkg m rb= Nm Vjntnef m`r F`d`t rkb`vkd thk
drjbj mr`b drjbj thksk e`vkgs rkb`vkd jgg i`bm`rtjlgk snfep`sts
mr`b ejrrjtnvk i`hkrket pg`t stjlgk ihjrjitkr kvkets `iiurrnef ne
ndketnmnjlgk spjik jed tnbk Nt ns igkjr thjt Lkicktt ns e`t prnbjrngy
netkrkstkd ne tkggnef lsquost`rnksbdquo ne jey i`evketn`ejg skesk hkrk3 nedkkd
`ek ijee`t kvke rkjggy suffkst j e`vkg gnck Thk [eejbjlgk mdashwhnih ns
ejrrjtkd ly shnmtnef pkrhjps l`dngkss pkrs`ejgntnks ne whjt bjy lks`bk cned `m jmtkrgnmkmdashhjs j st`ry jt jgg Ne gjtkr w`rcs gnck H`w Nt
Ns (gt=) Jgg Ytrjefk Jwjy (gt=9rsquo=4) Nbjfnejtn`e Dkjd Nbjfnek
(gt=) jed thk ski`ed trng`fy (whnih neigudks I`bpjey Sgt81R
Ngg Ykke Ngg Yjnd Sgt8R jed V`rstwjrd H` Sgt89R) Lkicktt mmkrs tkxts
whnih skkb t` dnsbjetgk thk fkekrni bjrckrs lktwkke pr`sk jed
p`ktry t` thk p`net whkrk nt lki`bks igkjr thjt hns bjne i`eikre ns
snbpgy (lut whjt j w`rd) gjefujfk ntskgm jed thk wjy hubje kxpkrn-
keik ns l`ued up ne thk gnefunstni By netkrkst ne thns Fundk wngg lk t`
suffkst thjt thns `lskssn`e wnth gjefujfk ne thk wjy wk ce`w jed
jrk ce`we ly thk w`rgd vnj gjefujfks thkbskgvks pkrhjps nekmmkitnvk
jed mjngnef ns thk thr`ufh-gnek i`eekitnef Lkickttbdquos w`rc l`th ne
pr`sk jed drjbj Ne thns skesk jed N wngg rkture t` thns p`net ne dktjng
Lkickttbdquos ijrkkr ns je kgjl`rjtk jed eujeikd i`bbketjry `e j stjtk-
bket ly phng`s`phkr Hjes-Fk`rf Fjdjbkr lsquoGjefujfk ns e`t oust
`ek `m bjebdquos p`sskssn`es ne thk w`rgd3 rjthkr `e nt dkpkeds thk mjitthjt bje hjs j w`rgd jt jggbdquo (Truth jed Bkth`d 449)
Lkickttbdquos w`rc rkv`gutn`enzkd twketnkth-iketury gntkrjturk Ikrtjnegy
t` wrntk j i`evketn`ejg pgjy w`ugd pr`vk rjthkr b`rk dnmmniugt jmtkr
Vjntnef m`r F`d`t Kedfjbk r thk gjtkr b`rk stygnstnijggy jvjet-fjrdk
w`rc Drjbjs gnck Hjppy Djys (gt=) whnih skks j ihjrjitkr lurnkd
t` hkr wjnst (gjtkr t` hkr ekic) ne thk kjrth3 `r Qgjy (gt=9) ne whnih
thrkk ihjrjitkrs netkrekd ne ures jrk m`rikd uejwjrk `m thk `thkrsbdquo
prkskeik t` spkjc jl`ut thk ejturk `m thknr t`rturkd rkgjtn`eshnp3 `rE`t N (gt6lt) ne whnih j dnskbl`dnkd b`uth mrjetnijggy spkws `ut
j ejrrjtnvk `m jssjugt jed bjdekss3 `r Lrkjth (gt=gt) j 9-ski`ed
pgjy mkjturnef j stjfk mnggkd wnth rullnsh jed thk s`ued `m j iry jt
lnrth jed dkjth jgg ihjggkefk e`tn`es `m whjt i`estntutk lsquodrjbjbdquo js
suih Qgjywrnfhts gnck Hjr`gd Qnetkr (wh` jice`wgkdfks Lkicktt
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
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LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
4
js hns bjstkr) Kdwjrd Jglkk jed Yjrjh Cjek jrk jgg bjssnvkgy
nemgukeikd ly thk pgjys thknr kxpkrnbkets wnth m`rb jed stjfnef
jrk jgg rksp`esks t` Lkickttbdquos kgjl`rjtk jed rkgketgkss irntnquk `m drj-
bjtni i`evketn`e Jed kqujggy wk ekkd t` rki`fenzk thk nemgukeik `mLkickttbdquos pr`sk `e twketnkth-iketury mnitn`e Lkickttbdquos mnrst trng`fy js
wkgg js hns gjtkr pr`sk hjs hjd ke`rb`us nemgukeik `e wrntkrs wh` ne
thknr ture hjvk lki`bk nbp`rtjet ne thk pr`frkssn`e `m twketnkth-
jed twkety-mnrst-iketury pr`sk Qjug Justkr (wh`sk Ekw ^`rc Trng`fy
ije lk rkjd js j dnrkit p`stb`dkre rkwrntnef m Lkickttbdquos mnrst trng`fy)
O B I`ktzkk (wh` ne mjit wr`tk hns QhD dnsskrtjtn`e `e Lkickttbdquos
Vjtt) jed O`he Ljevnggk (wh` ne w`rcs gnck Thk L``c `m Kvndkeik
shjrks Lkickttbdquos mjsinejtn`e wnth thk w`rcnefs m thk p`ssnlgy dkrjefkdbned) jgg igjnb je jrtnstni nehkrntjeik mr`b Lkickttbdquos snefugjr vnsn`e
thknr rkprksketjtn`es `m thk neekr skgmmdashpsyih`tni trjubjtnzkdmdashije
lk trjikd t` Lkickttbdquos netkrkst ne thk s`gntjry jed bjrfnejg mnfurk
rkduikd ne p`sskssn`es jed l`dy ekf`tnjtnef j pjth thr`ufh j h`stngk
`r nednmmkrket w`rgd
LKICKTTbdquoY YT^GK
Nt ns prkinskgy thns qujgnty `m snefugjrnty thjt rkjdkrs cky net` whke
kei`uetkrnef Lkickttbdquos w`rc thkrk ns snbpgy e`thnef rkb`tkgy gnck
Lkicktt ne thk w`rgd `m gntkrjturk Vhngk Lkickttbdquos kjrgy w`rc (Burphy
B`rk Qrnics thje Cnics thk p`sthub`usgy pulgnshkd Drkjb `m Mjnr
t` Bnddgnef V`bke6) lkjrs trjiks `m O`yikbdquos nemgukeik (js skke ne
whjt ns m`r Lkicktt ueusujggy kekrfktni kvke pgjymug pr`sk) hns gjtkr
w`rcmdashthk ture t` whnih N g`ijtk ne gt9bdquos Vjtt (wrnttke lktwkkegt4 jed gt4)mdashns uenqukgy Lkickttbdquos Vhngk nt ns pkrhjps uemjnr t`
subbjrnzk jed dnstngg thk qujgntnks `m j wrntkrbdquos w`rc wk ije bjck j
mkw fkekrjg i`bbkets hkrk Lkickttbdquos w`rc jgwjys kvke js nts b`st
kxtrkbk gnbnt `m ueijeenekss jed strjefkekss ns rkgketgkssgy hub`r-
`us nm djrcgy s Jt b`bkets m kxtrkbk dkspjnr e stjfk j ihjrjitkr
wngg `mmkr j gnek thjt wngg bjck us gjufh uekjsngy Ne Vjntnef m`r
F`d`t m`r nestjeik ]gjdnbnr jed Kstrjf`e wntekss Q`zz`bdquos lrutjg
trkjtbket `m Guicy3 thky thke hjvk thns lrnkm kxihjefk
]gjdnbnr Thjt pjsskd thk tnbk
Kstrjf`e Nt w`ugd hjvk pjsskd ne jey ijsk
]gjdnbnr ^ks lut e`t s` rjpndgy (41)
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 827
NETD[ITNE
Jt b`bkets `m kxtrkbk pjne ne thk e`vkgs j ihjrjitkr wngg dkmgjtk hns
dkspjnr wnth nr`ey Bjg`ek jg`ek jed dynef ne hns lkd m`r nestjeik
`mmkrs thns lsquoBy l`dy ns whjt ns ijggkd uejdvnskdgy pkrhjps nbp`-
tket Thkrk ns vnrtujggy e`thnef nt ije d Y`bktnbks N bnss e`t lknefjlgk t` irjwg jr`ued jey b`rk Lut N jb e`t buih fnvke t` e`stjgfnjbdquo
(Bjg`ek Dnks 81)
Thns lrutjggy jbusnef wrntnef jggkvnjtks thk fg``b `m thk Lkicktt
pgjy `r e`vkg lut nt d`ks jdd j ikrtjne ueijeey mrnss`e t` `ur kxpkrn-
keik `m thk w`rc why jrk wk gjufhnef jt thns0 H`w ije thkrk lk
hub`r ne suih j dkpgktkd w`rgd0 Ne je netkrvnkw Lkicktt `eik sjnd
lsquoNm thkrk wkrk `egy djrcekss jgg w`ugd lk igkjr Nt ns lkijusk thkrk
ns e`t `egy djrcekss lut jgs` gnfht thjt `ur sntujtn`e lki`bks nekxpgn-ijlgkbdquo (ltlt1)8 Lkicktt ns thk bjstkr m bnxnef gnfht jed djrc m hub`r
wnth pjne `m thk rki`fenzjlgk wnth thk uemjbngnjr Thk rksugt ns j
cned `m wrntnef thjt ns i`esnstketgy dns`rnketnef lut e`t strjefk
ke`ufh t` lk muggy jgnkejtnef wk d` rki`fenzk jed rksp`ed t` s`bk-
thnef ne thk w`rc j qujgnty pkrhjps `m shjrkd summkrnef `m shjrkd
dkspjnr jed lk nt kvkr s` hublgk shjrkd i`bpjssn`e
kjdkrs `mtke rkbjrc `e thk pjrtniugjr qujgnty `m Lkickttbdquos ske-
tkeiks kspkinjggy ne thk pr`sk [egnck thjt `m hns kjrgy bjstkr O`yik
Lkickttbdquos bjturk pr`sk ns irystjggnek ne nts i`einsn`e Nedkkd Lkicktt
`eik rkbjrckd `e thk dnmmkrkeik lktwkke O`yikbdquos bkth`d `m i`bp`s-
nef jed hns `we
lsquowk jrk dnjbktrnijggy `pp`sntk lkijusk O`yik wjs j syethksnzkr hk
wjetkd t` put kvkrythnef thk wh`gk m hubje iugturk net` ek r
tw` l``cs jed N jb je jejgyzkr N tjck jwjy jgg thk jiindketjgslkijusk N wjet t` i`bk d`we t` thk lkdr`ic `m thk kssketnjgs thk
jrihktypjgbdquo gt
Ne Djbekd t` Mjbk Ce`wgs`e qu`tks Lkickttbdquos vnkws `e O`yik
lsquo N rkjgnzkd thjt O`yik hjd f`ek js mjr js `ek i`ugd ne thk dnrkitn`e
`m ce`wnef b`rk SlknefR ne i`etr`g `m `ekbdquos bjtkrnjg Hk wjs jgwjys
jddnef t` nt N rkjgnskd thjt by `we wjy wjs ne nbp`vkrnshbket
ne gjic `m ce`wgkdfk jed ne tjcnef jwjy ne sultrjitnef rjthkr thjene jddnef‒ bdquo (9gt) Jed thus whngk Lkickttbdquos sketkeiks jrk kjsngy
ke`ufh rkjd (wk bjy hjvk t` g``c up thk dd w`rd e`w jed jfjne)1
thkrk ns j sg`w-lure qujgnty t` thns wrntnef js bkjenefs jed rks`ejeiks
i`bk t` gnfht jed jppgy prkssurk g`ef jmtkr wk hjvk pjsskd `vkr
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 927
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
=
thk nednvndujg w`rds Thk mjb`us gnek mr`b Bjg`ek Dnks lsquoE`thnef ns
b`rk rkjg thje e`thnefbdquo (8=) ns je kxjbpgk m j sketkeik whnih sejfs
`ur jttketn`e wnth nts pkiugnjr usk `m j w`rd `r ndkj E`thnefekss
rjdnijg jlskeik thk sketkeik suffksts ns thk b`st prkssnef rkjgntywnth whnih wk bust dkjg Thk sketkeikbdquos inriugjrnty jed rkpktntn`e
b`rk`vkr ueijeengy trjesmkrs jlskeik net` prkskeik e`thnef thus
lki`bks s`bkthnef js wk mkkg nts rkjg igjnbs `e us Thk sketkeik lrng-
gnjetgy dkb`estrjtks h`w j snefgk w`rd ije shnbbkr wnth bugtnpgk
rks`ejeiks thk mnrst usk `m thk w`rd lsquoe`thnefbdquo ns vkry dnmmkrket mr`b
thk ski`ed Nedkkd thk w`rd skkbs snbugtjek`usgy t` hjvk ijsujg
jed dkkpgy phng`s`phnijg bkjenefs jgg `m whnih m`gd net` kjih `thkr
jed jrk kxihjefkd Bjg`ek jwjrk `m thk kmmkits `m hns `we w`rds`mmkrs thns i`bbketjry `e thns sketkeik lsquoN ce`w th`sk gnttgk phrjsks
thjt skkb s` nee`iu`us jed `eik y`u gkt thkb ne p`ggutk thk wh`gk
`m spkkih Thky rnsk up `ut `m thk pnt jed ce`w e` rkst uetng thky
drjf y`u d`we net` nts djrcbdquo (8=rsquo86)
Je`thkr rkgjtkd ueijeey kmmkit `iiurs whke Lkicktt `mmkrs je ndkj
`egy t` ekfjtk nts igjnbs nbbkdnjtkgy lsquoGnvk jed nevket N hjvk trnkd
N bust hjvk trnkd Nevket Nt ns e`t thk w`rd Eknthkr ns gnvkbdquo (Bjg`ek
Dnks 8gt)3 lsquoN jb dkjd lut N ekvkr gnvkdbdquo (Tkxts m`r E`thnef 999)3
lsquoYjy j l`dy Vhkrk e`ekbdquo (V`rstwjrd H` 46) Thk mnejg gneks `m
B`gg`y jrk pkrhjps thk b`st mjb`us kxjbpgk `m Lkickttbdquos skgm-
i`etrjdnit`ry skgm-ijeikggnef rhkt`rni lsquoThke N wket ljic net` thk
h`usk jed wr`tk Nt ns bndenfht Thk rjne ns lkjtnef `e thk wned`ws
Nt wjs e`t bndenfht Nt wjs e`t rjnenefbdquo (61) Thk kmmkit j dnzzynef
`ek ns t` ckkp thk rkjdkr i`esnstketgy e hkr netkrprktnvk t`ks prkvket-
nef hkr mr`b skttgnef `e jey i`bm rtjlgk `r i`bm`rtnef bkjenefThns kmmkit rkjihks nts tkrbnejg p`net ne Lkickttbdquos gjtk pr`sk ne tkxts
gnck V`rstwjrd H` Lkicktt hkrk m`rf`ks i`evketn`ejg frjbbjr
ihjrjitkr pg`t jed st`ry jed prkskets gjefujfk ntskgm js ihjrjitkr (ne
thns wjy wk jrk oustnmnkd ne jsskrtnef js suffkstkd thjt gjefujfk ns
jgwjys Lkickttbdquos bjne i`eikre) Thk gjefujfk `m thk gjtk tkxts ns i`e-
trjdnit`ry jed pr`duiks mjbngnjr vkrtnfne`us kmmkits
V`rskenef w`rds wh`sk uece`we Vhkeik uece`we Jt jgg i`stsuece`we E`w m`r t` sjy js w`rst thky bjy `egy thky `egy thky
Dnb v`nd shjdks jgg thky E`thnef sjvk whjt thky sjy Y`bkh`w
sjy E`thnef sjvk thky Vhjt thky sjy Vh`sks`kvkr whkeiks`kvkr
sjy Js w`rst thky bjy mjng kvkr w`rsk t` sjy (468)
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1027
NETD[ITNE
6
Yurkgy thns ns s`bk `m Lkickttbdquos b`st ihjggkefnef b`st dnmmniugt
wrntnef Lut nm wk gnstke t` nt ijrkmuggy wk ije jttked t` thkbks hk wngg
kxpg`rk thr`ufh`ut hns ijrkkr Vk ije hkjr Lkickttbdquos lskssnvk rkture
t` thk rhkt`rni `m lsquoe`thnefbdquo3 wk kei`uetkr hns netkrkst ne lsquomjngurkbdquo js jtr`pk `m wrntnef3 wk skk hns netkrkst ne b`vnef pjst thk ljrrnkrs `m
i`evketn`ejg gjefujfk t` kxpg`rk thk gnbnts `m whjt ije lk sjnd jed
e`t sjnd (`r bnssjnd) ne gjefujfk whnih ns ntskgm dkjd `r spkitrjg
lsquov`nd shjdksbdquo Lkicktt m`r jgg hns dnmmniugty ije lk rkjd igkjrgy lkijusk
js N kxpg`rk ne dktjng lkg`w hns wrntnef fnvks us thk netkrprktnvk iguks
wk ekkd Je netkrprktnvk dnzznekss ns j fnvke whke rkjdnef Lkicktt
whjt wk d` wnth thjt dnzznekss h`w wk ih``sk t` netkrprkt `ur
b`bkets `m ueikrtjnety lki`bks `ur tjsc `ur `lgnfjtn`e
THK DNMMNI[GT^ M KJDNEF LKICKTT FKEK
ETHNEFEKYY THK QYTH[BJE LD^
Fkerk
Thk ykjr lt11= wjs thk iketkejry `m Yjbukg Lkickttbdquos lnrth Jt vjrn-
`us mkstnvjgs jed i`emkrkeiks hns w`rcs wkrk pkrm`rbkd dnsiusskd
jed irntninzkd Nedkkd kvke thk bjnestrkjb bkdnj usujggy `lgnvn`us
t` thk w`rc `m thk gntkrjry jvjet-fjrdk t``c e`tnik nm `egy t` rkiyigk
thk prnbjry irntnijg ignihicircs jl`ut Lkickttbdquos w`rc nt ns lgkjc dnmmniugt
jed lsquojl`utbdquo thk jlsurdnty jed bkjenefgkssekss `m kxnstkeik Thns gjst
ignihicirc fnvke jt gkjst tjint supp`rt ly Lkicktt hnbskgm ns `ek thns
Fundk wngg ne pjrt skkc t` dnsbjetgk lut m r e`w wk ekkd t` jice`wg-
kdfk thk truth `m whjt ns fkekrjggy pkriknvkd jl`ut Lkickttbdquos w`rc ntsuei`bpr`bnsnef dnmmniugty Vk jrk prksketkd ne l`th thk drjbj
jed pr`sk wnth uemjbngnjr jed skkbnefgy uerkjdjlgk sntujtn`es tw`
trjbps `e j ekjr-kbpty stjfk wjntnef3 j lgned tyrjet jii`bpjenkd
ly hns irnppgkd pjrkets jed j pkkvnsh skrvjet ykjrenef m`r hns gnmk
(jed thk pgjy hk skkbs t` ce`w hk ns ne) t` ked3 j pgjy ne whnih j
b`uth spkjcnef ne ekjr nei`bprkhkesnlgk gjefujfk ns thk bjne
lsquoihjrjitkrbdquo3 je `gd bje gynef ne lkd tkggnef st`rnks uetng hk dnks
Jed `ek i`ugd f` `e jed wk shjgg hkrk gnstnef thk byrnjd dnmmniug-tnks p`skd ly Lkickttbdquos w`rc Jt j ljsni gkvkg h`wkvkr wk e`tnik `ek
i`bb`e mkjturk `m thksk tkxts `ek gnec whnih bjy lk `ur netkrprk-
tnvk ketry p`net thky jgg dkgnlkrjtkgy dnsbjetgk fkekrni kxpkitjtn`e
Thjt ns t` sjy kvkry Lkicktt tkxt dkmnks `ur e`tn`es `m whjt j pgjy `r
j e`vkg sh`ugd lk d`nef Nm wk rki`fenzk thns fkekrni lsquodki`bp`sntn`ebdquo
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1127
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
8
js Lkickttbdquos prnbjry bkth`d `m pr`lgkbjtnznef netkrprktnvk pr`t`-
i`gs wk i`bk t` je nbp`rtjet nentnjg rkjgnzjtn`e Lkickttbdquos tkxts rksnst
lknef netkrprktkd jed ijtkf`rnzkd jed thns bjy ne mjit lk whjt thky
jrk jl`ut thk pr`lgkb `m netkrprktjtn`e ntskgmThns Fundk thus wngg lkfne wnth je jejgysns `m thk wjy Lkicktt
bjenpugjtks fkerk ne hns w`rc Vjntnef m`r F`d`t m`r nestjeik ns j
drjbj ne ejbk `egy nm thk r``t `m thk w`rd lsquodrjbjbdquo ns thk Frkkc m r
lsquojitn`ebdquo Lkicktt ns dkgnlkrjtkgy wrntnef j drjbj thjt ns e`t ne mjit j
drjbj jt jgg (e`thnef hjppkes ne thk pgjy3 `r b`rk prkinskgy e`thnef
hjppkes thk kxpkrnkeik `m e`thnefekss ns whjt thk pgjy ns jl`ut)
Thk e`vkgs `m Lkickttbdquos mnrst trng`fy (B`gg`y Bjg`ek Dnks Thk
[eejbjlgk) jfjne jrk e`vkgs ne ejbk `egy js thns trng`fy pr`frkssksthkrk ns j dnbnenshnef `m pg`t jed j rkb`vjg `m jgg ndketnmnjlgk ihjr-
jitkrs wnthne ndketnmnjlgk spjik jed tnbk Lkickttbdquos gjtk pr`sk jed
drjbj lgurs thk dnstneitn`e lktwkke fkerks H`w Nt Ns j lsquoe`vkgbdquo rkjds
gnck p`ktry3 J Qnkik `m B`e`g`fuk (gt8lt) j lsquopgjybdquo rkjds gnck j sh`rt
pr`sk st`ry3 Lkickttbdquos gjst bjo`r w`rc ne thk s`-ijggkd ski`ed trng`fy
(I`bpjey Ngg Ykke Ngg Yjnd V`rstwjrd H`) rkduiks thk vkry gje-
fujfk `m pr`sk t` e`efrjbbjtnijg igjusks jed pgjiks lsquoihjrjitkrsbdquo
(wh` mueitn`e bkrkgy js frjbbjtnijg nedniks bjy nedkkd `egy lsquolkbdquo
dnskbl`dnkd frjbbjtnijg nedniks) ne g`ijtn`es thjt jrk lky`ed gnmk
jed dkjth
Nt ns by suffkstn`e thjt thk trjokit`ry `m Lkickttbdquos ijrkkr js
drjbjtnst jed e`vkgnst trjiks j systkbjtni dki`estruitn`e `m thk vkry
prkbnsks `m drjbj jed pr`sk j dki`estruitn`e thjt wntekssks thk
snbugtjek`us jed systkbjtni dnsbjetgnef `m thk skgm `r sulokit wh`
w`ugd rkgy `e ejrrjtnvk js j bkjes `m skgm-uedkrstjednef N pr`p`skhkrk t` suffkst thjt thns dki`estruitn`e thns dnsbjetgnef `m jgg
rkiknvkd struiturks `m sulokitnvnty jed ejrrjtnvk lk nt ne pr`sk `r
drjbj (jed hns ihjrjitkrs e stjfk jrk egy kvkr tkggnef st`rnks) ns thk
bjo`r thkbk m Lkickttbdquos w`rc jed m i`ursk thk ijusk m thk bjo`r
dnmmniugtnks ne thk rkjdnef `m thns w`rc
eik wk uedkrstjed thjt Lkickttbdquos bkth`d ns t` ijgg net` qukstn`e
thk vkry prkbnsks `m drjbj jed pr`sk wk bjy lk lkttkr jlgk t`
uedkrstjed whjt N skk js hns bjo`r purp`sk t` ijgg net` qukstn`e jggth`sk bkth`dsmdashejrrjtnvk lknef thk prnbjry ekmdashwk hjvk m uedkr-
stjednef `urskgvks Fkerks i`bk rkjdy lungt wnth bkjenef jed
kxpkitjtn`e pgjys jed e`vkgs hjvk struiturksmdashlkfneenefs bnddgks
kednefs3 ihjrjitkr jed pg`t lsquodkvkg`pbketbdquo3 skttnefsmdashthjt rkjdkrs ejtu-
rjggy jssubk sh`ugd lk ne pgjik Qgjys jed e`vkgs hjvk rki`fenzjlgk
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1227
NETD[ITNE
gt
ihjrjitkrs jed tkgg st`rnks thjt whngk pkrhjps i`emusnef jed ihjggkef-
nef jssubk whjt wk ije ijgg lsquoce`wjlngntybdquo Thjt ns thksk ejrrjtnvks
jrk jssubkd t` rkmgkit j rki`fenzjlgk rkjgnty `ek t` whnih thk rkjdkr
ije rnket hkrskgm J iketrjg nm uesp`cke jssubptn`e m whjt ns ijggkdigjssni rkjgnst gntkrjturk ns thjt ejrrjtnvk ntskgm ns j ejturjg jed juth`r-
ntjtnvk wjy `m i`bbuenijtnef rkjgntylt Gjefujfk ne `thkr w`rds ns
thk jdkqujtk vkhnigk m`r rkprksketnef rkjgnty jed b`st nbp`rtjetgy
m`r rkprksketnef thk skgm3 ne igjssni rkjgnst mnitn`e iruinjggy thk skgmmdash
thnec m`r nestjeik m Dnickesbdquo Djvnd I`ppkrmnkgdmdashprkikdks gjefujfk
jed usks nt i`etr`gs nt t` trjesirnlk hns rkjgnty
Lkicktt ns w`rcnef t` rkvkjg jgg thksk kxpkitjtn`es js jrtnmninjg jed
i`estruitkd Hk nednijtks thjt wk i`estruit `urskgvks js skgvks ne thkst`rnks wk tkgg thk hnst`rnks wk i`estruit jed thus hns dnsbjetgnef
`m thksk ejrrjtnvks ns hns wjy `m kxjbnenef thk vkry mrjfngnty thk vkry
i`estruitkdekss `m thk hubje jed hubje uedkrstjednef ntskgm
Ejrrjtnvk jed `thkr fkekrni i`evketn`es jrk wjys `m i`etr`ggnef
kxpkrnkeik m shjpnef kxpkrnkeik3 thky jrk e`t uepr`lgkbjtni rkmgki-
tn`es `m kxpkrnkeik Ne thk ked h`wkvkr ly systkbjtnijggy rkduinef
ejrrjtnvk t` nts ksskeik t` whjt hk ijggs nts lsquow`rskenef w`rdsbdquo Lkicktt
dnsi`vkrs thk pkrsnstket ksskeik `m thk hubje wh`sk ejrrjtnvks lsquomjng
jfjnebdquo jed lsquomjng lkttkrbdquo lut wh` ns nesnstketgy prksket ne thjt mjngurk
nm `egy js j trjik spkitkr `r fh`st `m ntskgm By jrfubket ugtnbjtkgy
ns thjt m`r jgg Lkickttbdquos skkbnef dnmmniugty jed ekfjtnvnty hns e`vkgs
jed pgjys w`rc systkbjtnijggy t` ikgklrjtk nm ne je nevkrsk wjy thk
hubje sulokit wh` wngg e`t ikjsk t` ejrrjtk jed wh` wngg thus
jgwjys lk
KD[ITNE T THK KYYKETNJGY ETHNEFEKYY
JED THK QYTH[BJE
T` lkfne pkrhjps wk sh`ugd jice`wgkdfk thjt whngk Lkickttbdquos w`rc
kxpg`rks qukstn`es i`eikrenef thk muedjbketjg ejturk m thk hubje
Lkicktt hnbskgm wngg skkb t` lk `m gnttgk hkgp t` us ne netkrprktnef thjt
w`rc Jgth`ufh hk hjs `mmkrkd s`bk nbp`rtjet nm `pjquk irntnijg
nesnfhts net` whjt jppkjrs t` lk j pkrs`ejg phng`s`phy m jrt jed gnmkLkicktt tkedkd t` rksnst `mmkrnef dnrkit netkrprktjtn`es `m hns w`rc
rksnstkd `mmkrnef whjt j ihjrjitkr ne hns e`vkg Vjtt ijggs lsquoskbjetni
suii`urbdquo t` hns rkjdkrs hns jit`rs hns dnrkit`rs Vhke m`r nestjeik
Jgje Yihekndkr j mrnked jed dnrkit`r `m bjey `m Lkickttbdquos pgjys
jsckd m r Lkickttbdquos netkrprktjtn`e m Kedfjbk Lkicktt rkpgnkd lsquoN snbpgy
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1327
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
1
ijebdquot wrntk jl`ut by w`rc `r `iijsn`ejg stumm `m jey cnedbdquo Hk wket
`e t` kxi`rnjtk o`urejgnsts jed irntnis
Lut whke nt i`bks t` thksk ljstjrds `m o`urejgnsts N mkkg thk `egygnek ns t` rkmusk t` lk nev`gvkd ne kxkfksns `m jey cned By w`rc
ns j bjttkr `m muedjbketjg s`ueds (e` o`ck netkedkd) bjdk js
muggy js p`ssnlgk jed N jiikpt rksp`esnlngnty m`r e`thnef kgsk Nm
pk`pgk wjet t` hjvk hkjdjihks jb`ef thk `vkrt`eks gkt thkb
Jed pr`vndk thknr `we jspnrne (E` Juth`r Lkttkr Ykrvkd Thk
I`rrksp`edkeik `m Yjbukg Lkicktt jed Jgje Yihekndkr lt4)
Nt ns iurn`us t` e`tk thk wjy Lkicktt rksnsts netkrprktnef hns w`rcykt jt thk sjbk tnbk pr`vndks s`bkthnef `m j iguk t` rkjdnef hns
w`rc hk sjys ns j lsquobjttkr `m muedjbketjg s`uedsbdquo ek wjy `m
uedkrstjednef thns i`bbket jed ikrtjnegy thns ns thk wjy N tked t`
rkjd hns w`rc ns t` e`tnik h`w Lkicktt tkeds t` strnp jwjy jgg kxikss
`e stjfk jed pjfk hk ns jmtkr je jejgysns `m thk muedjbketjgs thk
i`rk `r lsquoksskeikbdquo `m whjt bjps `ut hubje kxpkrnkeik Thkrk ns e`
jiindketjg w`rd `r `iiurrkeik ne j Lkicktt tkxt e` dnstrjitn`e mr`b
thk rkjg lusnekss `m trynef t` uedkrstjed whjt nt bkjes t` lk Hkeik
m`r nestjeik j e`vkg gnck Bjg`ek Dnks whkrk thkrk ns `egy `ek ihjr-
jitkr nbb`lngnzkd ne lkd jed thnecnef jl`ut hns nbpkednef dkjth
Hkrk Lkicktt ns jscnef j iruinjg pkrhjps thk muedjbketjg qukstn`e
Vhjt d`ks nt bkje t` kxnst t` lk jt thk b`bket whke y`ur gnmk ns `e
thk vkrfk `m mgnickrnef `ut0 Ije wk rki`fenzk whjt nt trugy bkjes t`
lk jgnvk whjt wk bjy ijgg thk muedjbketjg nbpugsk `m lknef `egy
whke gnmk ntskgm ns jl`ut t` ikjsk0 Lkicktt pjrks pg`t ihjrjitkr jedgjefujfk d`we t` nts kssketnjgs strnppnef jwjy thk lsquobkjtbdquo (`m l`th
pr`sk jed ihjrjitkr) t` kxjbnek gnmk gnvkd jt kxtrkbk gnbnt p`nets
Nedkkd js N hjvk nednijtkd ne gjtkr tkxts suih js V`rstwjrd H` thk
mnrst sketkeik `m whnih rkjds lsquoe Yjy `e Lk sjnd `e Y`bkh`w `e
Tngg e`h`w `e Yjnd e`h`w `ebdquo (46) Lkicktt rkduiks pg`t jed ihjr-
jitkr s` rjdnijggy thjt nt ns p`ssnlgk t` sjy thjt wk hjvk tkxt whkrk
frjbbjr ntskgm mueitn`enef jt thk gnbnt `m i`bprkhkesnlngnty nedn-
ijtks j sulokitnvnty `e thk vkrfk `m e`thnefekssLy wrntnef jl`ut muedjbketjg s`ueds Lkicktt prkskets hnbskgm js
je netkeskgy iurn`us jed i`urjfk`us wrntkr Iurn`us jl`ut thk prk-
insk ejturk m thk hubje lknef Lkicktt tjcks hnbskgm jed hns rkjdkrs
t` thk kxtrkbk gnbnts `m hubjenty jed jscs us `lgnfks us t` g``c
ijrkmuggy jt `urskgvks jt b`bkets `m irnsns Thksk b`bkets `m irnsns
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1427
NETD[ITNE
w`rc ne Lkicktt js p`nets m muedjbketjg nm i`bpr`bnskd jed pjquk
rkvkgjtn`e nt ns hkrk jt thk p`net whkrk thk w`rgd ikjsks t` bjck
skesk `r i`rrksp`ed t` `ekbdquos prksupp`sntn`es thjt thk rkjg thk mue-
djbketjg netkrprktnvk jed kthnijg qukstn`es jrnsk H`w d` N f` `e nethk mjik m thns irnsns m bkjenef0 Vhjt ns by rksp`esnlngnty t` byskgm
jed `thkrs whke bkjenef i`ggjpsks0
Thksk b`bkets m thk i`ggjpsk m bkjenef m thk irnsns m netkrprk-
tjtn`e jrk iketrjg t` Lkickttbdquos w`rc (nedkkd wk bjy sjy thky i`bprnsk
thk t`tjgnty `m thk w`rc) jed t` hns phng`s`phy `m jrt Ne s`bk wjys
Lkickttbdquos rkjg netkrkst ns ne thk kei`uetkr kxnstketnjg jrtnstni jed
netkrprktnvk wnth whjt hk nbp`rtjetgy rkmkrs t` js lsquoE`thnefbdquo Thk
kxpkrnkeik `m e`thnef thk e`thnefekss rkjgnzkd ne thk l`rkd`b `mDndn jed F`f` ne Vjntnef m`r F`d`t (thk mnrst gnek m whnih ns lsquoE`thnef
t` lk d`ekbdquo) thk e`thnefekss thjt thrkjtkes `ur netkrprktnvk skiurnty
whjt Ig`v ne Kedfjbk ijggs thk lsquozkr`bdquo p`net `m bkjenef thk e`thnef-
ekss `m g`ss jed jlskeik thjt nem`rbs s` dkeskgy thk gjtkr trng`fy ns
`ek thjt pjrjd`xnijggy (h`w d` y`u wrntk jl`ut lsquoe`thnefbdquo0) jrtniu-
gjtks jed b`tnvjtks Lkickttbdquos `we w`rc
Ne gt4gt Lkicktt pulgnshkd Thrkk Dnjg`fuks j skrnks `m pskud`-
dnjg`fuks lktwkke lsquoLbdquo jed lsquoDbdquo L wh` irntnis ndketnmy js Lkicktt
hnbskgm (rnfhtgy N lkgnkvk) `mmkrs whjt hjs lki`bk pkrhjps thk b`st
`mtke intkd ketry p`net net` Lkickttbdquos `we w`rc L hjs lkke dnsiuss-
nef b`dkre jrt jed i`bks t` mmkr hns we vnkw m thk pr`pkr sulokit
bjttkr jed b`tnvjtn`es `m thk b`dkre jrtnst
Lmdash^kt N spkjc `m je jrt turenef mr`b nt ne dnsfust wkjry `m nts
puey kxpg`nts wkjry `m prktkednef t` lk jlgk `m lknef jlgk`m d`nef j gnttgk lkttkr thk sjbk `gd thnef `m f`nef j gnttgk
murthkr jg`ef j drkjry r`jd
DmdashJed prkmkrrnef whjt0
LmdashThk kxprkssn`e thjt thkrk ns e`thnef t` kxprkss e`thnef wnth
whnih t` kxprkss e`thnef mr`b whnih t` kxprkss e` p`wkr t`
kxprkss e` dksnrk t` kxprkss t`fkthkr wnth thk `lgnfjtn`e t`
kxprkss (=)
J eublkr `m thnefs jrk iruinjg hkrk Mnrst e`tnik h`w L kxprkssks
j wkjrnekss wnth jrtnstni i`evketn`e h`w thk ndkj `m lsquod`nef j gnttgk
lkttkr thk sjbk `gd thnefbdquo l`rks hnb (thns ns je ndkj t` whnih wk wngg
rkture) Nt ns igkjr kvke rkgjtnvkgy kjrgy ne hns ijrkkr thjt Lkicktt w`ugd
e`t lk irkjtnef i`evketn`ejggy mjbngnjr jrt E`tnik ski`ed h`w thk
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1527
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
lt
w`rd lsquoe`thnefbdquo fjthkrs j cned `m neirkbketjg rks`ejeik ne thns mnejg
sketkeik h`w nt lki`bks igkjr thjt e`thnef t` spkjc pkrhjps pjrj-
d`xnijggy lki`bks s`bkthnef s`bkthnef t` lk kxpg`rkd js j thkbk
js j rkjgnty (wk bjy rkijgg thjt gnek mr`b Bjg`ek Dnks lsquoE`thnef nsb`rk rkjg thje e`thnefbdquo) Js thns jst`enshnef sketkeik i`eigudks
Lkicktt jice`wgkdfks j pkrs`ejg kthnijg `lgnfjtn`e js je jrtnst je
`lgnfjtn`e t` `lskrvk jejgyzk jed kxprkss thksk b`bkets whke thk
e`thnef jrnsksmdashpkrhjps kvke jfjnest hns `we wnggmdashjed jppkjrs
t` euggnmy bkjenef t` thrkjtke `ur i`bm`rt t` krjsk `ur frjsp `m
thk rkjg
lsquoQYTH[BJENYBbdquo
T hjvk ljskd j ijrkkr `e thk kxpg`rjtn`e `m lsquoe`thnefbdquo bjy skkb pkr-
vkrsk t` s`bk Ikrtjnegy thk rkjdkrbdquos kei`uetkr wnth Lkickttbdquos vjrn`us
rkprksketjtn`es `m thk v`nd `m jlskeik `m g`ss wngg lk j dnmmniugt `ek
m`r thk snbpgk rkjs`e thjt Lkickttbdquos w`rgd ns dnmmniugt t` lkjr Jed
s`bk rkjdkrs `vkr thk ykjrs hjvk m`ued ne Lkickttbdquos w`rc j ikrtjne
ruthgkss pkrhjps kvke j i`gd nehubjenty Nm wk trjik thk trjokit`ry
`m Lkickttbdquos w`rc `e l`th stjfk jed ne pr`sk wk d` e`tnik thjt hns
systkbjtni rkduitn`e m thnefs whjt N hjvk suffkstkd ns hns rkduitn`e
t` thk lsquomuedjbketjgsbdquo d`ks nev`gvk thk rkduitn`e `m thk hubje skgm
whjt N wngg ne thns study lk rkmkrrnef t` js thk lsquosulokitbdquo E`tnik h`w
m`r nestjeik ne thk drjbj wk b`vk mr`b muggy kbl`dnkd sulokits ne
Vjntnef m`r F`d`t t` thk gkss physnijggy jlgk ihjrjitkrs ne Kedfjbk
(Hjbb ns lgned jed irnppgkd3 Ig`v ije `egy wjgc ne j stnmm-gkffkd
fjnt3 Ejff jed Ekgg l`th hjvk g`st thknr gkfs) t` ihjrjitkrs nbb`ln-gnzkd ne ures ne Qgjy t` thk dnskbl`dnkd B`uth `m E`t N J snbngjr
trjokit`ry h`gds ne thk mnrst pr`sk trng`fy B`gg`y wh`sk l`dy ns mjng-
nef ykt jlgk3 Bjg`ek wh` ns nbb`lngnzkd ne lkd3 thk ueejbjlgk wh`
bjy snbpgy lk j lrjne ne je ure Ne thk gjtkr pr`sk tkxts nt ns dnmmniugt
kvke t` dktkrbnek prkinskgy thk ejturk m thk hubje jed thk stjtus m
nts l`dy lsquoYjy j l`dy Vhkrk e`ek E` bned Vhkrk e`ek Thjt jt
gkjst J pgjik Vhkrk e`ek M`r thk l`dy T` lk nebdquo (46)
Lkicktt skkbs t` strnvk thr`ufh`ut hns ijrkkr t` rnd hns w`rc m thkl`dy t` w`rc thus t`wjrd whjt wk bjy ijgg j cned `m p`sthubjensb
Q`sthubjensb ije lk dkmnekd js thjt strjed `m phng`s`phy whnih
rjdnijggy irntnquks thk ndkj thjt thk nednvndujg sulokit ns thk iketkr `m
jgg thnefs thk lkfneenef jed ked `m jgg ce`wgkdfk jed kxpkrnkeik
thns ns thkrkm`rk j rjdnijg irntnquk m Hubjenst phng`s`phy whnih w`ugd
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1627
NETD[ITNE
9
p`snt thk hubjebdquos rkjs`e jed rjtn`ejgnty js lknef trjespjrketgy jvjng-
jlgk t` thk thnecnef sulokit Q`sthubjensb lkfnes ly i`uetkrnef
Hubjensbbdquos lkgnkm thjt thk hubje ns skgm-pr`duinef skgm-i`neindketjg
thjt nt ns s`bkh`w rksp`esnlgk m r thk pr`duitn`e `m nts w`rgd jed ntskxpkrnkeik `m thk w`rgd
Js j phng`s`phy p`sthubjensb ije lk trjikd t` bjey s`uriks
lut thk thnecnef `m Enktzsihk Bjrx jed Mrkud ns iruinjg Kjih
w`rckd t` suffkst thjt thk hubje sulokit ns e`t skgm-pr`duinef `r
skgm-i`neindketjg lut ns rjthkr pr`duikd ly nts iugturk (Bjrx) nts
gjefujfk (Enktzsihk) jed nts uei`esin`us drnvks jed nestneits
(Mrkud) Q`sthubjensb strnvks t` uedkrstjed thk prkinsk ki`e`bnks
`m thksk m`riks jed jscs qukstn`es gnck thksk H`w ns thk hubjesulokit t` rjthkr thje thk bjstkr `m gjefujfk0 H`w d`ks thk sulokit
ekf`tnjtk hkr rkgjtn`e t` thk drnvksmdasht`wjrd Kr`s Thjejt`smdashthjt
Mrkud p`snts0 H`w ije thk sulokit mrkk ntskgm nm jt jgg mr`b thk iug-
turjg m`riks `m ijpntjg ndk`g`fy jed rkgnfn`e m`riks whnih prkikdk
jed kxikkd thk sulokitbdquos kxpkrnkeik0
Thksk jrk jgg Lkickttbdquos qukstn`es jed hk wngg w`rc `ut jeswkrs ne
pgjys gnck Hjppy Djys jed e`vkgs gnck Burphy jed Thk [eejbjlgk
tkxts whnih jrk jl`ut h`w thk sulokit ekf`tnjtks j rkgjtn`e t` iugturk
(Hjppy Djys) t` thk drnvks (Burphy) t` gjefujfk (Thk [eejbjlgk)
Lut wk sh`ugd jgs` e`tk h`w Lkickttbdquos p`sthubjensb lki`bks
ueijeengy gntkrjgnzkd ne hns bnddgk-t`-gjtk-pkrn`d drjbj jed pr`sk
Lkicktt ns netkrkstkd ne kxpg`rnef thk vkry gnbnts `m thk hubje thk
vkry ksskeik `m whjt i`estntutks thk hubje T thns ked Lkicktt wngg
push thk hubje pjst `ur i`bb`e i`eikptujg l`uedjrnks3 thjt ns t`
sjy jt tnbks hk b`vks hns ihjrjitkrs net` thk spjik `m dkjth `m whjtns pkrhjps j cned `m jmtkrgnmk
Ne thk pr`sk thns thkbjtni lkfnes wnth Bjg`ek Dnks j e`vkg trjinef
thk b`bket j bje pjssks net` nekxnstkeik3 ne thk drjbj nt lkfnes
wnth Qgjy whnih skks thrkk ihjrjitkrs ne whjt jppkjrs t` lk je jmtkr-
gnmk (thk ihjrjitkrs jrk ne muekrjg ures) lnickrnef vkr thk ejrrjtnvk m
thknr pjst gnvks3 ne thk ski`ed trng`fy wk ije kjsngy nbjfnek nedkkd
sh`ugd nbjfnek thjt thk spkjckrs `m thk tkxts js wkgg js thk mnfurks
thjt jppkjr ne thk ejrrjtnvks jrk spkitkrs fh`sts N kxpg`rk thk mnfurk`m thk fh`st thk spkitkrmdashthk gntkrjg p`sthubjemdashne dktjng ne by
mnejg ihjptkr lut N oust wnsh t` nednijtk hkrk h`w Lkickttbdquos netkrkst
ne pjrnef thnefs d`we t` thk kssketnjgs gkjds g`fnijggy t` je netkrkst ne
thk spkitkr thk fh`st whnih lki`bks thk nbjfk `m thk hubje jmtkr
jgg thnefs hjvk lkke strnppkd wjy Qrkinskgy thk fh`st lki`bks j trjik
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1727
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
4
j bjrc `m thk hubjebdquos pjssnef `ut `m kxnstkeik lutmdashjed thns ns
jls`gutkgy iketrjgmdashthk fh`st ns je nesnstket rkbnedkr `m thk hubje
thjt `eik wjs Thk spkitkr ne `thkr w`rds skrvks t` rkiupkrjtk thk
hubje kvke js thk hubje pjssks net` `lgnvn`e thk spkitkr thuslki`bks whjt Ygjv`o _nzkc ijggs thk lsquonednvnsnlgk rkbjnedkr9bdquo T` put
nt lguetgy m`r Lkicktt thk t`tjg kgnbnejtn`e `m thk hubje ns j t`tjg
nbp`ssnlngnty
Qkrhjps Lkicktt suffksts wk ije `egy mned thk ejturk `m thk
hubje whjt hk ijggs lsquothk lkdr`ic `m thk kssketnjgsbdquo jt thk b`bket
thk hubje kxihjefks `ek stjtk m`r je`thkr `ek rkjgnty m`r je`thkr
Qkrhjps `egy thk jlskeik `m thk hubje (thk spkitkr) trugy rkvkjgs
whjt hjs lkke thk hubjebdquos truk ejturk Jed whjt ns m`r bk mjsinejt-nef jed iruinjg jl`ut thns pr`ikss ns thk wjy Lkicktt kgnbnejtks thk
hubje jt prkinskgy thk sjbk tnbk js hk kgnbnejtks dkejturks jed
dki`estruits ejrrjtnvk m`rb ntskgm Ne s`bk wjys Lkicktt ns jrfunef
thjt gjefujfk ntskgm bust lk kgnbnejtkd ne `rdkr m`r thk spkitkr thk
fh`st thk p`sthubje t` jppkjr gjefujfk bust lk kgnbnejtkd ne
`rdkr m r thk truth `m thk hubje t` lk ce`we
Vk bjy skk ne thns rkduitn`e j cned `m irukg trkjtbket `m thk
hubje j pkrvkrsk netkrkst ne nggekss jed dkijy lut N thnec thns w`ugd
lk j mjtjg netkrprktnvk krr`r Ikrtjnegy Lkickttbdquos w`rc nbpgnks thjt thk
l`dy ns jgwjys j gnjlngnty s`bkthnef thjt wngg nekvntjlgy mjng (je hngjrn-
`us gnek mr`b Bjg`ek Dnks suffksts thns lsquoNm N hjd thk usk `m by l`dy
N w`ugd thr`w nt `ut `m thk wned`wbdquo SltltR) Lut wk bust e`tnik thjt
thk l`dy `r snfes `m thk l`dy ekvkr muggy dnsjppkjrs mr`b Lkickttbdquos
w`rgd Thk pkrsnstkeik `m thk l`dy thk mrjfbketkd l`dy thk dnskb-
l`dnkd l`dy ns `ek `m Lkickttbdquos bjo`r thkbks jed `ek thjt p`skss`bk `m hns b`st netkrkstnef netkrprktnvk qukstn`es jed ihjggkefks
why d`ks Lkicktt w`rc t` rkduik jed mrjfbket thk l`dy0 H`w jrk wk
t` netkrprkt mrjfbkets `m hubjenty0
ek jeswkr t` thksk qukstn`es rkgjtks t` whjt N hjvk sjnd jl`vk
jl`ut Lkicktt rkduinef thnefs t` thk muedjbketjgs ne rdkr t` uedkr-
stjed thk ksskeik `m thk hubje ne Qgjy jed E`t N Lkicktt skkbs t`
lk suffkstnef thjt thksk ihjrjitkrs rkjggy `egy jrk thknr v`niks rkjggy
`egy jrk t` lk b`rk prkinsk thknr ejrrjtnvks Vhjt bjttkrs t` thkbjt thns spkinmni pgjik jt thns spkinmni tnbk ns thknr jlngntymdashpkrhjps
thknr i`bpugsn`e thknr `lgnfjtn`emdasht` spkjc Lkicktt w`ugd skkb t`
lk suffkstnef thjt thk t`tjgnty `m thk l`dy jt thns spkinmni b`bket ns
e`t tkrrnlgy nbp`rtjet t` thk sulokit js shk trnks t` uedkrstjed hkr
prksket sntujtn`e Lut js N suffkst wk d` e`tnik thjt Lkicktt ekvkr
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1827
NETD[ITNE
muggy rkb`vks thk l`dy `r thk snfes `m thk l`dy (v`nik m`r nestjeik)
ketnrkgy thk st`rnks hns ihjrjitkrs tkgg hns w`rc skkbs t` nbpgy jrk
wrnttke `e jed thr`ufh thk l`dy Yt`rnks jrk trjesgjtkd ne `thkr
w`rds ly thk l`dy Lkickttbdquos ihjrjitkrs bjy lk p`sthubje lut thkyjrk e`t muggy p`sti`rp`rkjg
Je`thkr wjy m puttnef thns ndkj jdbnttkdgy ek m Lkickttbdquos b`st
ihjggkefnef ns thjt sulokitnvntymdashthjt skesk thk hubje hjs `m ntskgm
js j thnecnef netkrprktnef irkjturkmdashns muggy dkpkedket `e thk l`dy
Yulokitnvnty ns kbl`dnbket y`u jrk y`ur l`dy jed y`ur l`dybdquos dksnrks
js buih js y`u jrk y`ur bned Jed thus whngk thk l`dy ns je nbpkdn-
bket jed wngg jgwjys dkijy jed mjng thk l`dy ijee`t dnsjppkjr
ne Lkicktt lkijusk thk skgm jed thk skgmbdquos uedkrstjednef `m ntskgmw`ugd js wkgg Thkrk ns js N rkjd nt thke j cned `m djrc i`bpjssn`e
ne Lkicktt m`r thk i`bpr`bnskd l`dy m`r thk irnppgkd jed thk ngg
thkrk ns j i`bpjssn`e m`r thk summkrnef sulokit wh` ije rkjggy `egy
uedkrstjed hkrskgm jed hkr w`rgd thr`ufh thk bkdnub m j dkijynef
pjnemug l`dy ur qukstn`es js rkjdkrs m Lkicktt bust e`w lki`bk
nm thk skgm uedkrstjeds ntskgm thr`ufh thk i`bpr`bnskd spkitrjg
l`dy whjt cneds `m netkrprktjtn`es wngg nt bjck0 Nm thk skgm uedkr-
stjeds thk w`rgd thr`ufh nts mrjfbketkd p`sthubje l`dy whjt
cneds `m netkrprktjtn`es `m thk w`rgd ije lk bjdk0
lsquoQYTH[BJENYBbdquo J Q]NY
Thksk jrk jgg Lkickttbdquos qukstn`es lut N wnsh t` `mmkr s`bkthnef `m j
pr`vns` lkm`rk i`etneunef N suffkstkd jl`vk thjt Lkicktt ns strnvnef
m`r j lsquocned `mbdquo p`sthubjensb N thnec nt ns lkst jgwjys t` usk tkrbspr`vnsn`ejggy wnth Lkicktt m`r surkgy `ek `m thk kmmkits `m hns w`rc
ns t` ijgg jls`gutkgy net` qukstn`e thk vkry ndkj `m stjlgk ijtkf`rnks
stjlgk `pp`sntn`es (lsquohubje-p`sthubjebdquo) Qkrhjps nt ns lkst hkrk jt
thk `utskt t` suffkst thjt hns w`rc irntnquks thk ndkj `m thk hubje
jed thk p`sthubje kqujggy Qrkinskgy ly dnsi`vkrnef thk pkrsnstkeik
`m thk hubje kvke ne nts b`st dkeudkd m rb Lkicktt kssketnjggy i`g-
gjpsks thk `pp`sntn`e lsquohubje-p`sthubjebdquo t` thk p`net whkrk thk
tkrbs lki`bk netkrihjefkjlgk jed hkeik jgb`st bkjenefgkssThjt ns t` sjy m`r Lkicktt wk jrk jgwjys jgrkjdy p`sthubje nes`-
mjr js wk jrk i`etr`ggkd ly dnsi`ursks (hnst`ry ndk`g`fy gjefujfk)
prkikdnef jed kxikkdnef us3 wk jrk jgwjys jgrkjdy p`sthubje js wk
dnsi`vkr thjt `ur l`dnks jrk sntks `m nekvntjlgk mjngurk jed i`ggjpsk3
wk jrk jgwjys jgrkjdy p`sthubje nes`mjr js thk ndkj `m j snefugjr
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1927
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
=
skgm ns je nggusn`e Lkicktt jice`wgkdfks thksk ndkjs kjrgy ne hns ijrkkr3
ne Qr`ust (gt9) hk jice`wgkdfks thjt thk skgm ns e`t j stjlgk sulokit
lut rjthkr thjt thk lsquonednvndujg ns j suiikssn`e `m nednvndujgsbdquo ()3
b`rk`vkr lsquoThk sulokit hjs dnkdmdashjed pkrhjps bjey tnbksmdashjg`efthk wjybdquo (9) By usk `m thk tkrb lsquop`sthubjebdquo thke ns s`bkthnef `m
j i`evkenkeik j wjy `m spkjcnef lsquojl`utbdquo `r lsquojr`uedbdquo thk pkiugnjrntnks
`m thk Lkickttnje sulokit thk sulokit wh` jgwjys bust ekf`tnjtk hns
rkjgnty vnj systkbs `m th`ufhtmdashgjefujfk lknef thk prnbjrymdashwh`sk
pjrjbktkrs jed pr`t`i`gs jrk jgwjys oust lky`ed hns mugg i`etr`g
THK QLGKB M NETKQKTJTNELkickttbdquos bjenpugjtn`e `m fkerk hns rkduitn`e jed dnsbjetgnef `m
thk sulokit hns rkgketgkss netkrkst ne thk vjrn`us jspkits `m lsquoe`thnef-
ekssbdquo (g`ss jlskeik)mdashhk ijggs thns hns lsquomndkgnty t` mjngurkbdquo (lsquoThrkk
Dnjg`fuksbdquo =9)mdashgkjd js N hjvk lkke suffkstnef t` s`bk mjnrgy
jiutk netkrprktnvk dnmmniugtnks Hjes-Fk`rf Fjdjbkr j phng`s`phkr
`m thk hkrbkekutni sih``g (jed studket `m Bjrtne Hkndkffkr) suf-
fksts thjt jgg rkjg netkrprktjtn`e `r lsquohkrbkekutnisbdquo lkfnes wnth
ndketnmynef j spkinmni g`ijtn`e `m d`ult `r uekjsk ne j tkxt Js hk
wrntks ne Qhng`s`phnijg Hkrbkekutnis lsquoThk rkjg p`wkr m hkrbkekutn-
ijg i`esin`usekss ns `ur jlngnty t` skk whjt ns qukstn`ejlgkbdquo (9) Vk
ekkd ne `thkr w`rds t` lk jlgk t` jsc thk pr`pkr qukstn`es `m tkxts
Lut ne Lkicktt `ur pr`lgkb lki`bks skkbnefgy netrjitjlgk lkijusk
kvkrythnef ne thk tkxt jppkjrs t` lk qukstn`ejlgk H`w jrk wk t`
netkrprkt tkxts thjt skkb pjrjd`xnijggy t` `mmkr s` bjey qukstn`es
jed thke rksnst `r m`rkig`sk thk p`ssnlngnty `m jeswkrnef th`sk quks-tn`es0 H`w ne `thkr w`rds jrk wk t` rkjd Lkicktt0
N wngg suffkst hkrk ne wjys thjt g``c ljic t` Lkickttbdquos `we skesk `m
`lgnfjtn`e (rkijgg hns skesk kxprksskd ne Thrkk Dnjg`fuks `m thk lsquo`lgn-
fjtn`e t` kxprkssbdquo) thjt `ur netkrprktjtn`es `m Lkicktt sh`ugd lkfne
ly pjynef ijrkmug jttketn`e t` thk wjys ne whnih hns tkxts jetninpjtk
`ur dnmmniugtnks jed pkrhjps `mmkr s`bk fundjeik Nm wk jrk puzzgkd ly
ikrtjne thnefsmdashVh` jrk thksk ihjrjitkrs0 Vhjt jrk thknr hnst`rnks0
Vhkrk jed whke kxjitgy jrk thksk st`rnks `iiurrnef0 Vhjt kxjitgyd`ks nt jgg bkje0mdashwk sh`ugd rki`fenzk thjt `ur pkrpgkxnty wnth
thk tkxt ns bnrr`rkd ly thk ihjrjitkrsbdquo `we pkrpgkxnty jl`ut thknr
w`rgds Thk rkjdkrbdquos sntujtn`e `m puzzgkbket ns prkinskgy thjt `m thk
ihjrjitkrs jed thus wk jrrnvk jt j iruinjg `lskrvjtn`e Lkickttbdquos tkxts
thkbskgvks wngg skt `ut thk fr`ued rugks m`r netkrprktnef hns w`rgd
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2027
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2127
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
8
Lkickttbdquos ihjrjitkrs thus mueitn`e ne j stjtk `m pr`m`ued rkfrkt jed
jf`eymdash`mtke rkprksskd jed dnsjv`wkdmdash`vkr whjt bnfht hjvk lkke
Ne Crjppbdquos Gjst Tjpk m`r nestjeik Crjpp rktrjiks hns pjst hnst`ry
thr`ufh tjpk rki`rdnefs `m hns `we v`nik t` rkvnsnt j b`bket `m p`s-snlgk th`ufh e`w m`rkvkr g`st hjppnekss Crjppbdquos we v`nik hns we
hnst`ry ns spkitrjg lkijusk hns rki`rdnefs jrk `m j dkjd jed nrrktrnkv-
jlgk pjst lut ek whnih igkjrgy stngg hjuets hnb e`w Ne whjt ns surkgy
`ek `m Lkickttbdquos b`st pjnemugmdashjed netkeskgy i`bpjssn`ejtk
b`bketsmdashwk skk h`w j fh`stgy hnst`ry lrutjgnzks Crjpp
Qjst bndenfht Ekvkr cekw suih sngkeik Thk kjrth bnfht lk uene-
hjlntkd Hkrk N ked thns rkkg L`x thrkk sp``g mnvkQkrhjps by lkst ykjrs jrk f`ek Vhke thkrk wjs j ihjeik `m hjp-
pnekss Lut N w`ugdebdquot wjet thkb ljic E`t wnth thk mnrk ne bk
e`w E` N w`ugdebdquot wjet thkb ljic (ltltgt)
Lkicktt d`ks e`t js thk irntnijg ignihicirc bjy hjvk nt bkrkgy rkprksket j
w`rgd `m jlsurdnty j w`rgd wnth`ut bkjenef Thns ns j w`rgd thjt
i`etneujggy mkkgs thk igjnbs `m thk pjst `m hnst`ry Jed thkrk ns j
bkjenef ne dnsi`vkrnef thksk igjnbs j bkjenef ne rki`fenznef `ekbdquos
nedkltkdekss t` thk pjst j bkjenef ne rkjgnznef thjt `ekbdquos `lgnfjtn`e
ns t` i`bk t` tkrbs wnth thksk igjnbs jed dklts
THKKTNIJG JQQJIH THK lsquoGNTKJT[K M THK
[EVDbdquo BKGJEIHG^ JED THK JIHN]K
Qjrt `m by purp`sk hkrk ne thns Fundk ns t` pr`vndk wjys `m bjcnefskesk `m Lkickttbdquos dnmmniugt w`rc ek wjy N wngg pr`ikkd wngg lk t`
drjw `e thk w`rc `m phng`s`phkrs thk`rnsts jed irntnis wh`sk ndkjs
jgg`w us t` uedkrstjed thk i`bpgkxnty `m Lkickttbdquos uenvkrsk N wngg
hkrk lk drjwnef `e thk gncks `m phke`bke`g`fnsts Bjrtne Hkndkffkr
Hjes-Fk`rf Fjdjbkr jed Kbbjeukg Gkvnejs bjrxnst Thk`d`r
Jd`re` psyih`jejgysts Ynfbued Mrkud jed Ojiquks Gjije jed
dki`estruitn`enst Ojiquks Dkrrndj N lkgnkvk thjt thk w`rc `m thksk
thk`rnsts ije kmmkitnvkgy uepjic ikrtjne netkrprktnvk pr`lgkbs neLkicktt oust js N lkgnkvk thjt ikrtjne b`bkets ne LkickttmdashN thnec `m
B`uthbdquos ketry net` gjefujfk ne E`t N mdashije kmmkitnvkgy nggustrjtk thk
netkrprktnvk pr`lgkbs ne thk w`rc m s`bk thk`rnsts (nedkkd N wngg usk
E`t N t` nggustrjtk Gjijebdquos dnmmniugt e`tn`e `m thk kjg) By netketn`e
ns e`t thkrkm`rk snbpgy t` rkjd Lkicktt thr`ufh j pjrtniugjr thk`ry
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2227
NETD[ITNE
gt
lut t` nbjfnek thjt thkrk ns j butujg pr`ikss `m netkrprktjtn`e jed
netkrr`fjtn`e `iiurrnef lktwkke thk`rnst jed mnitn`e
THK FKBJE GKTTK
N jgs` lkgnkvk pkrhjps ejnvkgy thjt Lkicktt hnbskgm ns hns `we mnrst
jed lkst irntni Js N hjvk bketn`ekd Lkicktt `mmkrkd mkw irntnijg i`b-
bketjrnks `e hns w`rc `vkr thk ykjrs lut th`sk thjt hjvk i`bk d`we
t` usmdashjs m`r nestjeik Thrkk Dnjg`fuks mdashjrk `m frkjt vjguk t` jey
rkjdkr Ne thk gjttkr ihjptkrs `m thns study N wngg lk rkmkrrnef `mtke t`
Lkickttbdquos Fkrbje Gkttkr `m gt96 jed kspkinjggy t` hns e`tn`e `m thk
lsquogntkrjturk `m thk uew`rdbdquo j i`eikpt N thnec ns iketrjg t` thk pr`frks-sn`e `m hns w`rc N wnsh thkrkm`rk t` tjck s`bk spjik hkrk jed
`utgnek thk nbp`rtjeik `m thns Gkttkr
Ne gt9= Lkicktt trjvkgkd t` Fkrbjey `e whjt kssketnjggy wjs je
jrt h`gndjy hk vnsntkd skvkrjg jrt fjggkrnks jed jgth`ufh jefkrkd ly
thk Ejzn rkfnbkbdquos ikes`rnef `m jrt nt i`esndkrkd dkijdket hk wjs
frkjtgy nbprksskdmdashjed nemgukeikdmdashly thk w`rc hk sjw Thk trnp
skrvkd js j cned m spnrntujg jed phng`s`phnijg jwjckenef js hns dnj-
rnks jttkst Thk Fkrbje Gkttkr ns pjrt `m j i`rrksp`edkeik lktwkke
Lkicktt jed j mrnked (Jxkg Cjue wh`b hk bkt ne Fkrbjey) wrnttke
thrkk b`eths jmtkr hns rkture t` Dulgne Ne thk Gkttkr Lkicktt spkjcs
`m thk ekkd t` b`vk pjst rkiknvkd dnsi`ursks jed i`evketn`es t` gnl-
krjtk hnbskgm mr`b trjdntn`ejg gjefujfks jed m`rbs N qu`tk jt s`bk
gkefth
Nt ns nedkkd lki`bnef b`rk jed b`rk dnmmniugt kvke skeskgkss m`rbk t` wrntk je `mmninjg Kefgnsh Jed b`rk jed b`rk by `we gje-
fujfk jppkjrs t` bk gnck j vkng thjt bust lk t`re jpjrt ne `rdkr t`
fkt jt thk thnefs (`r thk E`thnefekss) lkhned nt Frjbbjr jed
Ytygk T bk thky skkb t` hjvk lki`bk js nrrkgkvjet js j ]nit`rnje
ljthnef sunt `r thk nbpkrturljlngnty `m j truk fketgkbje J bjsc
Gkt us h`pk thk tnbk wngg i`bk thjec F`d thjt ne ikrtjne inrigks nt
hjs jgrkjdy i`bk whke gjefujfk ns b`st kmmninketgy uskd whkrk
nt ns lknef b`st kmmninketgy bnsuskd Js wk ijee`t kgnbnejtk gje-fujfk jgg jt `eik wk sh`ugd jt gkjst gkjvk e`thnef ued`ek thjt
bnfht i`etrnlutk t` nts mjggnef net` dnsrkputk T` l`rk `ek h`gk
jmtkr je`thkr ne nt uetng whjt gurcs lkhned ntmdashlk nt s`bkthnef `r
e`thnefmdashlkfnes t` skkp thr`ufh3 N ijee`t nbjfnek j hnfhkr f`jg
m`r j wrntkr t`djy (6rsquo6lt)
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2327
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
lt1
Ne by kstnbjtn`e thk mugg nbpgnijtn`es `m thk Gkttkr whnih m`r bk
ns Lkickttbdquos jrtnstni bjenmkst` wngg e`t lk rkjgnzkd uetng thk gjtkr e`v-
kgs (kspkinjggy thk trng`fnks) lut wk sh`ugd rki`fenzk h`w Lkickttbdquos
stjtkd nbpjtnkeik wnth trjdntn`ejg m`rb rks`ejtks net` kvke thk kjrgypr`sk jed drjbj Lkickttbdquos dnsdjne m`r lsquo`mmninjg Kefgnshbdquo m`r lsquoFrjbbjr
jed Ytygkbdquo thnefs js nrrkgkvjet js j ]nit`rnje ljthnef sunt spkjc t`
j mrustrjtn`e j l`rkd`b kvke wnth thk g`fni jed trjokit`rnks `m thk
enektkketh-iketury e`vkg Hk spkjcs murthkr t` h`w busni jed
pjnetnef hjvk m ued wjys m b`vnef lky`ed trjdntn`ejg m`rb ne rdkr
t` rkprksket sngkeik jed jlskeik (thnefs e`t jss`injtkd wnth rkprkske-
tjtnvk jrt)3 hk suffksts thjt gjefujfk ntskgm bust lk shjttkrkd ne rdkr
t` rkvkjg whjt wjs prkvn`usgy uerkprksketjlgkJed whngk Lkickttbdquos bjenmkst` s`ueds jvjet-fjrdk hns ndkj thjt
gjefujfk ns j vkng t` lk t`re jpjrt g``cs ljic t` thk `bjetnis jed
thknr e`tn`e thjt p`ktry w`rcs t` rkvkjg thk ueskke Lkickttbdquos lsquoby
`we gjefujfk jppkjrs t` bk gnck j vkng thjt bust lk t`re jpjrtbdquo kih`ks
Yhkggkybdquos J Dkmkeik `m Q`ktry jed hns skesk thjt p`ktry gnmts lsquothk vkng
mr`b thk hnddke lkjuty `m thk w`rgd jed bjcks mjbngnjr `lokits lk
js nm thky wkrk e`t mjbngnjrbdquo (6) Thkrk ns `m i`ursk j w`rgd `m dnm-
mkrkeik lktwkke gnmtnef jed dkstr`ynef thk vkngmdashthk dnmmkrkeik
pkrhjps lktwkke thk `bjetni jed thk B`dkremdashlut Lkickttbdquos
dksnrk js j wrntkr ns j mjbngnjr `ek hns w`rc wngg jttkbpt t` sh`w thk
w`rgd ne j ekw wjy Ne by rkjdnef Lkickttbdquos tkjrnef `m thk vkng
lki`bks thk pkrmkit bktjph`r m`r thk pr`ikss `m rkvkjgnef `vkrtgy
skgm-i`esin`usgy jed irntnijggy thk nbpgnijtn`es `m jrt hkrk thk e`vkg
jed drjbj ne j ekw wjy
THK lsquoGNTKJT[K M THK [EVDbdquo
Ne thk gjst pjrjfrjph `m thk Gkttkr Lkicktt suffksts thjt thns pr`ikss
`m dkstr`ynef gjefujfk `m rkvkjgnef nts lsquotkrrnlgk bjtkrnjgntybdquo (6lt)
wngg kvketujggy gkjd t` whjt hk ijggs j lsquogntkrjturk `m thk uew`rdbdquo (69)
N wnsh ne whjt m`gg`ws t` suffkst thjt Lkickttbdquos ketnrk ijrkkr js j
wrntkr mneds nts lkfneenef jed ked nts fr`ued jed f`jg ne thns ndkj
stjtkd ne gt96 J gntkrjturk `m thk uew`rd ns `lvn`usgy j i`etrjdni-tn`e ne tkrbs j pjrjd`x je jp`rnj (t` usk thk Dkrrndkje i`estruitn`e)3
j gntkrjturk `m thk uew`rd ns je jttkbpt t` usk gjefujfk t` sngkeik
gjefujfk (hk ijggs nt lsquoJe jssjugt jfjnest w`rds ne thk ejbk `m lkjutybdquo
S69R) Hns jnb kssketnjggy ns t` mned j bkjes `m dki`bp`snef jed
b`vnef lky`ed gjefujfk t` shjttkr gjefujfk net` j cned `m krjsurk
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2427
NETD[ITNE
lt
`m ntskgm (thns jttkbpt t` kgnbnejtk gjefujfk ns fk`bktrnijggy pr`p`r-
tn`ejg t` hns jttkbpt t` kgnbnejtk thk l`dy js wk wngg skk) By
jrfubket ns quntk snbpgy thns thr`ufh`ut hns ijrkkr Lkicktt ns skjrih-
nef m`r thk bkjes t` put je ked t` gntkrjturk t` put je ked t` wrntneft` put je ked t` hns `we dksnrk t` wrntk Thk trjokit`ry `m hns w`rc
mr`b thk kjrgy drjbj jed pr`sk t` thk gjtk ns `ek `m rjdnijg rkdui-
tn`e `m w`rcnef t` mned j bkjes t` gntkrjturkbdquos ked Ne thk drjbj wk
b`vk mr`b thk muggy kbl`dnkd drjbj `m F`d`t t` thk gjtk fh`stgy
pgjys whkrk `mtke gjefujfk d`ks e`t kvke mkjturk3 ne thk pr`sk wk
b`vk mr`b thk pgjymug fjrrug`usekss m Burphy t` thk shjttkrkd sye-
tjx jed dnbnenshkd frjbbjrs `m V`rstwjrd H`4
Nt ns prkinskgy lkijusk Lkickttbdquos w`rc ns fr`uedkd `e suih i`bpgkxphng`s`phnijg i`etrjdnitn`esmdashj wrntkr wrntnef gntkrjturk `ut `m
kxnstkeik nbp`ssnlgkmdashthjt N lkgnkvk wk bust hjvk rki`ursk t` thk
vjrn`us thk`rktnijg jed phng`s`phnijg trjdntn`es thjt jr`sk snbugtj-
ek`us wnth Lkickttbdquos `we dkvkg`pbket js j wrntkr By thk`rktnijg
jppr`jih ne thns Fundk ije pkrhjps lkst lk dksirnlkd js pr`bnsiu-
`us lut N tked t` thnec thjt j dki`estruitn`enst psyih`jejgysns ns thk
lkst wjy `m pr`ikkdnef wnth Lkicktt jt gkjst m`r bk T` nggustrjtk
whjt N bkje hkrkmdashjed ly wjy `m i`eigudnef thns Netr`duitn`emdash
N wnsh t` `utgnek tw` i`eikpts whnih wngg pr`vk irntnijg ne by rkjdnef
`m kspkinjggy thk drjbj
BKGJEIHGNJ
J bjo`r thkbk ne Lkicktt ns thjt `m bkb`ry `m ihjrjitkrs gnck
Crjpp `r Hjbb hjuetkd ly thk fh`st `m bkb`ry Jt j ljsni gkvkgthk Lkicktt ihjrjitkr gnvks ne j pr`trjitkd stjtk `m rkfrkt jed g`ss
j stjtk hk `r shk bjy e`t kvke rki`fenzk js suih Hnst`ry thk pjst
nbpnefks pr`m uedgy e thk ihjrjitkr jed js Lkicktt wrntks ne Qr`ust
thrkjtkes i`etneujggy t` lsquodkm`rbbdquo hnb Ne gt6 Ynfbued Mrkud pul-
gnshkd je kssjy thjt hjs rkiketgy i`bk t` lk skke js j iruinjg dnjfe`sns
`m j i`etkbp`rjry iugturjg i`edntn`e Ne lsquoB`urenef jed Bkgjeih`gnjbdquo
Mrkud jttkbpts t` i`bk t` je uedkrstjednef m h`w thk sulokit dkjgs
wnth trjubj jed g`ss Thkrk jrk hk thk`rnzks tw` rksp`esks t` g`sst` thk g`ss `m j g`vkd `ek `r thk lsquog`ss `m s`bk jlstrjitn`e whnih hjs
tjcke thk pgjik `m `ek suih js `ekbdquos i`uetry gnlkrty je ndkjg `r s`
`ebdquo (ltlt) Thk mnrst jed b`st hkjgthy ns whjt hk ijggs b`urenef
B`urenef ns j pr`ikss ly whnih thk g`ss ns i`bprkhkedkd jed
jiikptkd lsquow`rckd thr`ufhbdquo t` usk hns tkrbne`g`fy B`urenef ns thk
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2527
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
ltlt
e`rbjg wjy `ek bust dkjg wnth trjubj jed g`ss wnth whjt Mrkud
lkjutnmuggy tkrbs thk lsquoki`e`bnis `m pjnebdquo (ltlt) Qrkinskgy h`w thk
sulokit `vkri`bks g`ss ns e`t ce`we ly Mrkudmdashnt ns j dnmmniugt pr`-
ikss3 nt ns lsquow`rcbdquomdashlut kvketujggy thk b`urekr jiikpts thjt thk g`vkd`ek wnth wh`b hk bjy hjvk ndketnmnkd ns e` g`efkr hkrk t` bjcks
igjnbs `e hnb
Bkgjeih`gnj `e thk `thkr hjed ns je jle`rbjg rksp`esk t` g`ss
jed sntujtks thk sulokit ne j i`etneujg p`sntn`e `m ejrinssnstni ndketn-
mnijtn`e wnth thk g`st `lokit Ne `thkr w`rds thk bkgjeih`gy sulokit
ijee`t jiikpt thjt hkr g`vkd `ek ns ne mjit f`ek jed w`rcs pjth`g`fn-
ijggy lsquot` kstjlgnsh je ndketnmnijtn`e `m thk kf` wnth thk jljed`ekd
`lokitbdquo (lt8) Vhjt thns bkjes ns thjt thk pjstmdashg`ss trjubjmdashi`e-tneujggy w`rcs nts wjy net` thk prksket b`bket lkijusk thk sulokit
ijee`t b`vk pjst nt B`rk tr`ulgnef ns thk ndkj thjt thk sulokit d`ks
e`t wnsh t` jgg`w g`ss t` rkikdk net` hnst`ry lut dksnrks i`etneujggy t`
bjnetjne j i`eekitn`e t` thk trjubjtni b`bket Ne s`bk wjys thk
sulokit bjnetjnes thns pjth`g`fnijg stjtkmdashwhnih bjy ne mjit e`t lk
s` pjth`g`fnijg jmtkr jggmdashlkijusk thk trjubjtni b`bket ns nbp`r-
tjet m`r hkr bjy ne mjit hjvk shjpkd wh` shk ns
Vk bjy dnjfe`sk j frkjt eublkr `m Lkickttbdquos ihjrjitkrs js lknef
bkgjeih`gni ne Mrkudbdquos skesk Thky jrk hjuetkd ly thk pjst jed s`bk
gnck Crjpp Hjbb jed Vneenk dkgnlkrjtkgy jttkbpt t` rki`eekit wnth
j pjst thjt neigudks b`bkets `m g`ss jed kxtrkbk pjne Ne `thkr w`rds
thk mueitn`e `m bkb`ry ne Lkicktt ns gjrfkgy bkgjeih`gni prkinskgy
lkijusk thk ihjrjitkrs jice`wgkdfk i`esin`usgy `r uei`esin`usgy
thjt thky jrk thk pr`duits m j pjst whnih hjs bkringkssgy dkmnekd thkb
js summkrnef sulokits Lkickttbdquos ihjrjitkrs ignef s` rkgketgkssgy t` thkpjst lkijusk m`r rkjs`es wk wngg kxpg`rk thk prksket b`bket ns dkv`nd
`m snfenmnijeik3 thk jf`enznef pjst bjy lrutjgnzk lut ne nt jrk thk trjiks
thk hnst`rnijg mrjfbkets `m ndketnty jed bkjenef
THK JIHN]K
Dki`estruitn`enst Ojiquks Dkrrndj drjwnef hkjvngy `e Mrkud `mmkrs
j ski`ed rkgjtkd i`eikpt thjt N wngg usk t` rkjd thksk ihjrjitkrsbdquo rkgj-tn`e t` hnst`ry g`ss jed trjubj Ne Jrihnvk Mkvkr Dkrrndj jejgyzks
thk i`eikpt `m thk jrihnvk js j wjy `m i`bnef t` je uedkrstjednef
`m thk wjy thk sulokit ekf`tnjtks nts rkgjtn`eshnp t` hnst`ry t` thk
pjst jed thk muturk thk jrihnvk ns thus j bkjes ly whnih Dkrrndj
trnks t` uedkrstjed thk hubje js j lknef sntujtkd ne tnbk mkkgnef thk
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2627
NETD[ITNE
lt9
igjnbs `m thk tkbp`rjg Qkrhjps thk lkst wjy t` dkmnek thk jrihnvk ns
js j i`eikptujg `r bjtkrnjg spjik `m bkb`ry Thk bned ije skrvk js
je jrihnvk oust js j gnlrjry `r physnijg b`eubket ije Dkrrndj suf-
fksts thjt thk jrihnvk ns j pgjik m i`bbjedbket jed i`bbkeikbketj pgjik whkrk kvkets `m thk pjst jrk d`iubketkd juth`rntjtnvkgy js
bjrcnef thk lkfneenef `m s`bkthnef j gnmk j iugturk j invngnzjtn`e
Jrihnvks jrk spjiks m prkskrvjtn`e i`eskrvjtn`e lut jgs` m irkjtn`e
j iugturkbdquos uedkrstjednef m ntskgmmdashj sulokitbdquos uedkrstjednef m ntskgmmdash
ns irkjtkd wnthne thk spjik `m thk jrihnvk
Nt ns igkjr thjt thk jrihnvk ns j wjy `m bjtkrnjgnznef bjcnef i`e-
irktk thk pjst Jed nm hnst`ry ns gjrfkgy r ije lk gjrfkgy thk ejrrjtnvks
`m i`equkst dkmkjt jed vn`gkeik thk jrihnvk ns jgs` f`nef t` mueitn`ejs j spjik i`bbkb`rjtnef trjubj jed g`ss Nt strncks bk thkrkm`rk
thjt thk jrihnvkmdashjs j spjik thjt bjnetjnes j i`etneujg rkgjtn`e t` thk
pjstmdashns jgwjys jgrkjdy j bkgjeih`gy spjik Vhjt N wnsh t` suffkst
hkrk ne spkinmni rkgjtn`e t` Lkickttbdquos w`rc ns thjt thk Lkickttnje sul-
okit lki`bks j gntkrjg kbl`dnbket m whjt N hjvk kgskwhkrk ijggkd thk
lsquobkgjeih`gy jrihnvkbdquo Thk Lkickttnje sulokit nbb`lngnzkd jed
mrjfbketkdmdashthnec `m Vneenk lurnkd t` hkr ekic ne kjrth ne Hjppy
Djys3 `m B`uth ne E`t N 3 `m Bjg`ek ne Bjg`ek Dnks3 `m thk mnfurk ne
I`bpjey mdashns jgwjys j hnst`rnijg sulokit j sulokit b`rk prkinskgy
sulokit t` hnst`ry Yhk ns i`etneujggy rkbkblkrnef s`bktnbks jfjnest
hkr wngg whjt hjs `iiurrkd ne thk pjst3 shk ns i`etneujggy jttkbptnef
t` rkijpturk j pjst shk bjy e`t muggy i`bprkhked
Jed nt ns thk Lkickttnje l`dy whnih lki`bks thk prnbjry rkp`sn-
t`ry m`r thksk rkbjnes thksk trjiks `m hnst`ry Thk ihjrjitkr bjy
kxnstmdashjs ne Hjppy Djys r Kedfjbk mdashjt whjt jppkjrs t` lk thk ked`m hubje iugturk lut shkmdashhkr l`dymdashbjnetjnes thk jrihnvjg trjiks
`m thjt g`st iugturk Thk nbjfks Lkicktt fnvks us ne hns drjbj jed
pr`skmdashj dnskbl`dnkd b`uth j l`dy nbb`lngnzkd ne j whkkgihjnr
`r thk kjrth pk`pgk ne uresmdashjrk nbjfks thjt i`eirktnzk thk ndkj `m
bkb`ry js kbl`dnkd `r jrihnvkd N suffkstkd jl`vk thjt m`r Lkicktt
sulokitnvntymdashthk skesk m wh` wk jrkmdashns muggy dkpkedket e thk l`dy
Vhjt Mrkud jed Dkrrndj jgg`w us t` uedkrstjed ns thk wjy sulokitnv-
nty ne Lkicktt ns muggy dkpkedket `e hnst`ry jed jrihnvkd bkb`ryMrkudbdquos e`tn`es `m b`urenef jed bkgjeih`gnj t`fkthkr wnth thk
Dkrrndkje rkjdnef `m thk jrihnvk jrk i`eikpts thjt wngg pr`vk uskmug
ne rkjdnef je juth`r wh`sk w`rc ns jt j pr`m`ued gkvkg jgwjys jl`ut
thk pjst j pjst whnih bjy hjvk rkikdkd net` m`rfktmugekss lut wh`sk
igjnbs jrk stngg lknef mkgt Ne nts strjefkekss Lkickttbdquos w`rc prkskets
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
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LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
eubkr`us dnmmniugtnks lut js wk shjgg dnsi`vkr hk ekvkr jljed`es
hns rkjdkr `r judnkeik i`bpgktkgy Mnrst js N hjvk bketn`ekd hns
ihjrjitkrsmdashwh` jt tnbks lki`bk `ur surr`fjtks `ur ueijeey d`u-
lgksmdashkxprkss buih thk sjbk i`emusn`e jl`ut thknr w`rgds js thkrkjdkr3 js suih thk strjefkekss lkijusk shjrkd lki`bks ne j skesk
e`rbjgnzkd Yki`ed jed pkrhjps b`rk nbp`rtjet Lkickttbdquos w`rc
ckys net` muedjbketjggy rki`fenzjlgk sntujtn`es Vk jgg jrk irkjtn`es
`m hnst`rnks wk bjy e`t rki`fenzk `r wnsh t` rki`fenzk3 wk jgg jt
tnbks dnsjv`w `ur pjsts kvke js wk mkkg thk prkssurks `m hnst`ry3 wk
jgg ne `thkr w`rds jrk hnst`rnijgmdashne Mrkudbdquos tkrbs bkgjeih`gymdash
irkjturks Lkickttbdquos w`rc ns iruinjg lkijusk nt rkgketgkssgy rkb`rskgkssgy
i`bpkgs us t` i`emr`et thk pr`m`ued igjnbs thjt hnst`ry bust bjckup`e us jgg Js wk i`bk t` rki`fenzk thk igjnbs `m thk pjst jed rkjg-
nzk thk kxtket t` whnih hnst`ry i`estruits thk hubje sulokit wk lkfne
t` uedkrstjed thjt Lkickttbdquos w`rc jt tnbks skkbnefgy s` strjefk
skkbnefgy nehubje ns `egy kvkr j i`bpjssn`ejtk jttkbpt t` i`bprk-
hked hubjenty ntskgm
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 427
IHJQTK
NETD[ITNE
Vk ekkd j drkjbw`rgd ne `rdkr t` dnsi`vkr thk mkjturks `m thk rkjg
w`rgd wk thnec wk nehjlnt
mdash Qjug Mkykrjlked Jfjnest Bkth`d
LJICF[ED JED NEMG[KEIK
Yjbukg Lkicktt (gt1=rsquo8gt) ns `ek `m thk b`st nbp`rtjet jed nemgu-
ketnjg wrntkrs `m thk twketnkth iketury L`re net` j bnddgk-igjss
Qr`tkstjet mjbngy ne Dulgne Lkicktt studnkd B`dkre Gjefujfks
(Mrkeih jed Ntjgnje) jt Trnenty I`ggkfk kjrenef j LJ ne gtlt6 Ne
gtlt8 jmtkr j sh`rt jed uesuiikssmug stnet js j tkjihkr jt Ijbplkgg
I`ggkfk Lkgmjst Lkicktt lkijbk gkitkur jt thk Ki`gk E`rbjgk
Yupkrnkurk ne Qjrns rkpgjinef Th`bjs BjiFrkkvy thk pkrs`e rksp`e-
snlgk m`r netr`duinef Lkicktt t` Ojbks O`yik Lkicktt wjs bjssnvkgy
nemgukeikd ly hns mkgg`w Nrnshbjebdquos wrntnef jed ne mjit pulgnshkd jekssjy `e O`yikbdquos Mneekfjes Vjck (lsquoDjetk Lrue` ]ni` O`yikbdquo)
ne gtltgt thk sjbk ykjr thjt hk pulgnshkd hns mnrst sh`rt st`ry lsquoJssubp-
tn`ebdquo Ne gt94 whngk gnvnef ne G`ed`e Lkicktt pulgnshkd B`rk Qrnics
thje Cnics j i`ggkitn`e `m sh`rt st`rnks jed ne gt9= hk i`bpgktkd
hns e`vkg Burphy (whnih wjs pulgnshkd ne gt98) Ne gt96 Lkicktt
b`vkd t` Qjrns jed bjdk Mrjeik hns pkrbjeket h`bk uetng hns dkjth
ne gt8gt
Lkickttbdquos kjrgy w`rcs neigudnef thk e`vkg Vjtt (pulgnshkd ne gt9)thk gjst e`vkg t` lk wrnttke ne Kefgnsh lkm`rk Lkicktt turekd t` wrnt-
nef ne Mrkeih ne gt4= mjngkd t` jttrjit buih irntnijg jttketn`e Nt wjs
whngk Lkicktt wjs wrntnef hns mnrst e`vkg trng`fy whnih neigudks
B`gg`y (gt) Bjg`ek Dnks (gt) jed Thk [eejbjlgk (gt9) thjt
Lkicktt pr`duikd hns b`st mjb`us w`rc jed nedkkd thk pgjy thjt wjs
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 527
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
lt
t` trjesm`rb twketnkth-iketury drjbj Vjntnef m`r F`d`t (i`bp`skd
gt48rsquo4gt) Lkicktt sjnd thjt thns pgjy wjs kssketnjggy wrnttke js j
dnvkrsn`e j lsquorkgjxjtn`e t` fkt jwjy mr`b thk jwmug pr`sk N wjs wrnt-
nef jt thk tnbkbdquolt Thk tw`-jit pgjy mkjturnef thk e`w ni`eni trjbpswjntnef m`r thns F`d`t wh` ekvkr wngg jppkjr wjs rkv`gutn`ejry jed
i`etrnlutkd ne e` sbjgg pjrt t` hns lknef jwjrdkd thk E`lkg Qrnzk m`r
gntkrjturk ne gt=gt
Vjntnef m`r F`d`t j pgjy ne whnih lsquoe`thnef hjppkes twnikbdquo9 js
]nvnje Bkrinkr mjb`usgy put nt rjdnijggy qukstn`es thk fr`ueds m nts
`we fkerk Thjt ns t` sjy Lkicktt prkskets j drjbj thjt `vkrtures
judnkeiksbdquo ljsni jssubptn`es Thkrk ns e` ihjrjitkr dkvkg`pbket e`
pg`t `m jey i`eskqukeik e` igkjr pr`frkssn`e `m jey ejrrjtnvk i`e-tket `r jitn`e nt ns j pgjy stjfnef thk jetninpjtn`e `m jitn`e rjthkr
thje jitn`e ntskgm Nentnjggy thk pgjy ljmmgkd judnkeiks3 whke mnrst pkr-
m`rbkd ne thk [entkd Ytjtks (hjvnef lkke lnggkd js thk lsquogjufh hnt `m
tw` i`etneketsbdquo4) pk`pgk mg`ickd `ut ne dr`vks Kvketujggy h`wkvkr
nt lkijbk igkjr thjt Lkickttbdquos w`rc nm e`t trjdntn`ejggy drjbjtni dnd
spkjc t` whjt wjs pkriknvkd t` lk j rki`fenzjlgk i`edntn`e ne thk
gt1s jexnkty Ne s`bk skesks jed thns ns truk m`r jgg `m Lkickttbdquos
w`rc e`t snbpgy F`d`t Lkicktt ns netkrkstkd ne jejgyznef thk hubje
lknef jt b`bkets `m netkesk skgm-jwjrkekss jed jexnkty (jed whjt ns
jexnkty nm e`t j i`edntn`e `m kxtrkbk skgm-i`esin`usekss0) F`d`t
sp`ck t` j fkekrjtn`e thjt rki`fenzkd ntskgm js jexn`us m`r bkjenef
m`r snfenmnijeik
Jed jgth`ufh nt ns pkrhjps t`` kjsy t` hnst`rninzk Lkickttbdquos w`rc m`r
netkrprktnvk i`bm`rt wk sh`ugd e`tnik thjt hns bjo`r w`rc (neigudnef
thk mnrst trng`fy jed thk drjbj `m thk gt1s jed gt=1s) wjs pr`duikdne j i`etkxt `m frkjt sh`ic jed pr`trjitkd jexnkty thk Yki`ed V`rgd
wjr hjd rkiketgy kedkd thk truth `m thk dkjth ijbps hjd lkfue t`
lk muggy ce`we jed thk fr`wnef i`emgnit lktwkke thk Vkst jed thk
Y`vnkt [en`e skrvkd js j i`estjet rkbnedkr `m thk thrkjt `m t`tjg
euigkjr jeenhngjtn`e Nedkkd Lkickttbdquos Kedfjbk (gt6) whnih tjcks
pgjik skkbnefgy jmtkr s`bk frkjt ijtjstr`phk (thk w`rgd hjs lkke
lsquoi`rpskdbdquo t` usk Ig`vbdquos h`rrnmni w`rd) spkjcs dnrkitgy js thk frkjt
irntni Thk`d`r Jd`re` jrfuks t` j p`st-H`g`ijust w`rgd
M`r jgg ntsdnmmniugty Lkickttbdquos w`rc thus d`ks spkjc t` nts tnbk d`ks prksket nm
rkjd ijrkmuggy j dnjfe`sns m thk twketnkth iketury3 rkjd mr`b je`thkr
pkrspkitnvk thk w`rc lki`bks sybpt`bjtni `m thk twketnkth iketury
Thjt ns t` sjy Lkickttbdquos w`rc i`ugd `egy hjvk lkke wrnttke ne j ike-
tury thjt wnteksskd suih bjssnvk sikeks `m dkstruitn`e jed lrutjgnty
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
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NETD[ITNE
9
Lkicktt pr`duikd Vjntnef m`r F`d`t whngk irkjtnef hns b`st nbp`r-
tjet jed nemguketnjg l`dy `m pr`sk w`rc thk mnrst trng`fy `m e`vkgs
B`gg`y Bjg`ek Dnks jed Thk [eejbjlgk Nm Vjntnef m`r F`d`t rkv`-
gutn`enzkd drjbj thns pr`sk trng`fy dnd thk sjbk t` thk e`vkg Nedkkdwk bjy jrfuk js d`ks J Jgvjrkz thjt ne thksk w`rcs Lkicktt ksske-
tnjggy lsquojssjssnejtksbdquo thk e`vkg m rb= Nm Vjntnef m`r F`d`t rkb`vkd thk
drjbj mr`b drjbj thksk e`vkgs rkb`vkd jgg i`bm`rtjlgk snfep`sts
mr`b ejrrjtnvk i`hkrket pg`t stjlgk ihjrjitkr kvkets `iiurrnef ne
ndketnmnjlgk spjik jed tnbk Nt ns igkjr thjt Lkicktt ns e`t prnbjrngy
netkrkstkd ne tkggnef lsquost`rnksbdquo ne jey i`evketn`ejg skesk hkrk3 nedkkd
`ek ijee`t kvke rkjggy suffkst j e`vkg gnck Thk [eejbjlgk mdashwhnih ns
ejrrjtkd ly shnmtnef pkrhjps l`dngkss pkrs`ejgntnks ne whjt bjy lks`bk cned `m jmtkrgnmkmdashhjs j st`ry jt jgg Ne gjtkr w`rcs gnck H`w Nt
Ns (gt=) Jgg Ytrjefk Jwjy (gt=9rsquo=4) Nbjfnejtn`e Dkjd Nbjfnek
(gt=) jed thk ski`ed trng`fy (whnih neigudks I`bpjey Sgt81R
Ngg Ykke Ngg Yjnd Sgt8R jed V`rstwjrd H` Sgt89R) Lkicktt mmkrs tkxts
whnih skkb t` dnsbjetgk thk fkekrni bjrckrs lktwkke pr`sk jed
p`ktry t` thk p`net whkrk nt lki`bks igkjr thjt hns bjne i`eikre ns
snbpgy (lut whjt j w`rd) gjefujfk ntskgm jed thk wjy hubje kxpkrn-
keik ns l`ued up ne thk gnefunstni By netkrkst ne thns Fundk wngg lk t`
suffkst thjt thns `lskssn`e wnth gjefujfk ne thk wjy wk ce`w jed
jrk ce`we ly thk w`rgd vnj gjefujfks thkbskgvks pkrhjps nekmmkitnvk
jed mjngnef ns thk thr`ufh-gnek i`eekitnef Lkickttbdquos w`rc l`th ne
pr`sk jed drjbj Ne thns skesk jed N wngg rkture t` thns p`net ne dktjng
Lkickttbdquos ijrkkr ns je kgjl`rjtk jed eujeikd i`bbketjry `e j stjtk-
bket ly phng`s`phkr Hjes-Fk`rf Fjdjbkr lsquoGjefujfk ns e`t oust
`ek `m bjebdquos p`sskssn`es ne thk w`rgd3 rjthkr `e nt dkpkeds thk mjitthjt bje hjs j w`rgd jt jggbdquo (Truth jed Bkth`d 449)
Lkickttbdquos w`rc rkv`gutn`enzkd twketnkth-iketury gntkrjturk Ikrtjnegy
t` wrntk j i`evketn`ejg pgjy w`ugd pr`vk rjthkr b`rk dnmmniugt jmtkr
Vjntnef m`r F`d`t Kedfjbk r thk gjtkr b`rk stygnstnijggy jvjet-fjrdk
w`rc Drjbjs gnck Hjppy Djys (gt=) whnih skks j ihjrjitkr lurnkd
t` hkr wjnst (gjtkr t` hkr ekic) ne thk kjrth3 `r Qgjy (gt=9) ne whnih
thrkk ihjrjitkrs netkrekd ne ures jrk m`rikd uejwjrk `m thk `thkrsbdquo
prkskeik t` spkjc jl`ut thk ejturk `m thknr t`rturkd rkgjtn`eshnp3 `rE`t N (gt6lt) ne whnih j dnskbl`dnkd b`uth mrjetnijggy spkws `ut
j ejrrjtnvk `m jssjugt jed bjdekss3 `r Lrkjth (gt=gt) j 9-ski`ed
pgjy mkjturnef j stjfk mnggkd wnth rullnsh jed thk s`ued `m j iry jt
lnrth jed dkjth jgg ihjggkefk e`tn`es `m whjt i`estntutk lsquodrjbjbdquo js
suih Qgjywrnfhts gnck Hjr`gd Qnetkr (wh` jice`wgkdfks Lkicktt
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
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LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
4
js hns bjstkr) Kdwjrd Jglkk jed Yjrjh Cjek jrk jgg bjssnvkgy
nemgukeikd ly thk pgjys thknr kxpkrnbkets wnth m`rb jed stjfnef
jrk jgg rksp`esks t` Lkickttbdquos kgjl`rjtk jed rkgketgkss irntnquk `m drj-
bjtni i`evketn`e Jed kqujggy wk ekkd t` rki`fenzk thk nemgukeik `mLkickttbdquos pr`sk `e twketnkth-iketury mnitn`e Lkickttbdquos mnrst trng`fy js
wkgg js hns gjtkr pr`sk hjs hjd ke`rb`us nemgukeik `e wrntkrs wh` ne
thknr ture hjvk lki`bk nbp`rtjet ne thk pr`frkssn`e `m twketnkth-
jed twkety-mnrst-iketury pr`sk Qjug Justkr (wh`sk Ekw ^`rc Trng`fy
ije lk rkjd js j dnrkit p`stb`dkre rkwrntnef m Lkickttbdquos mnrst trng`fy)
O B I`ktzkk (wh` ne mjit wr`tk hns QhD dnsskrtjtn`e `e Lkickttbdquos
Vjtt) jed O`he Ljevnggk (wh` ne w`rcs gnck Thk L``c `m Kvndkeik
shjrks Lkickttbdquos mjsinejtn`e wnth thk w`rcnefs m thk p`ssnlgy dkrjefkdbned) jgg igjnb je jrtnstni nehkrntjeik mr`b Lkickttbdquos snefugjr vnsn`e
thknr rkprksketjtn`es `m thk neekr skgmmdashpsyih`tni trjubjtnzkdmdashije
lk trjikd t` Lkickttbdquos netkrkst ne thk s`gntjry jed bjrfnejg mnfurk
rkduikd ne p`sskssn`es jed l`dy ekf`tnjtnef j pjth thr`ufh j h`stngk
`r nednmmkrket w`rgd
LKICKTTbdquoY YT^GK
Nt ns prkinskgy thns qujgnty `m snefugjrnty thjt rkjdkrs cky net` whke
kei`uetkrnef Lkickttbdquos w`rc thkrk ns snbpgy e`thnef rkb`tkgy gnck
Lkicktt ne thk w`rgd `m gntkrjturk Vhngk Lkickttbdquos kjrgy w`rc (Burphy
B`rk Qrnics thje Cnics thk p`sthub`usgy pulgnshkd Drkjb `m Mjnr
t` Bnddgnef V`bke6) lkjrs trjiks `m O`yikbdquos nemgukeik (js skke ne
whjt ns m`r Lkicktt ueusujggy kekrfktni kvke pgjymug pr`sk) hns gjtkr
w`rcmdashthk ture t` whnih N g`ijtk ne gt9bdquos Vjtt (wrnttke lktwkkegt4 jed gt4)mdashns uenqukgy Lkickttbdquos Vhngk nt ns pkrhjps uemjnr t`
subbjrnzk jed dnstngg thk qujgntnks `m j wrntkrbdquos w`rc wk ije bjck j
mkw fkekrjg i`bbkets hkrk Lkickttbdquos w`rc jgwjys kvke js nts b`st
kxtrkbk gnbnt `m ueijeenekss jed strjefkekss ns rkgketgkssgy hub`r-
`us nm djrcgy s Jt b`bkets m kxtrkbk dkspjnr e stjfk j ihjrjitkr
wngg `mmkr j gnek thjt wngg bjck us gjufh uekjsngy Ne Vjntnef m`r
F`d`t m`r nestjeik ]gjdnbnr jed Kstrjf`e wntekss Q`zz`bdquos lrutjg
trkjtbket `m Guicy3 thky thke hjvk thns lrnkm kxihjefk
]gjdnbnr Thjt pjsskd thk tnbk
Kstrjf`e Nt w`ugd hjvk pjsskd ne jey ijsk
]gjdnbnr ^ks lut e`t s` rjpndgy (41)
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
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NETD[ITNE
Jt b`bkets `m kxtrkbk pjne ne thk e`vkgs j ihjrjitkr wngg dkmgjtk hns
dkspjnr wnth nr`ey Bjg`ek jg`ek jed dynef ne hns lkd m`r nestjeik
`mmkrs thns lsquoBy l`dy ns whjt ns ijggkd uejdvnskdgy pkrhjps nbp`-
tket Thkrk ns vnrtujggy e`thnef nt ije d Y`bktnbks N bnss e`t lknefjlgk t` irjwg jr`ued jey b`rk Lut N jb e`t buih fnvke t` e`stjgfnjbdquo
(Bjg`ek Dnks 81)
Thns lrutjggy jbusnef wrntnef jggkvnjtks thk fg``b `m thk Lkicktt
pgjy `r e`vkg lut nt d`ks jdd j ikrtjne ueijeey mrnss`e t` `ur kxpkrn-
keik `m thk w`rc why jrk wk gjufhnef jt thns0 H`w ije thkrk lk
hub`r ne suih j dkpgktkd w`rgd0 Ne je netkrvnkw Lkicktt `eik sjnd
lsquoNm thkrk wkrk `egy djrcekss jgg w`ugd lk igkjr Nt ns lkijusk thkrk
ns e`t `egy djrcekss lut jgs` gnfht thjt `ur sntujtn`e lki`bks nekxpgn-ijlgkbdquo (ltlt1)8 Lkicktt ns thk bjstkr m bnxnef gnfht jed djrc m hub`r
wnth pjne `m thk rki`fenzjlgk wnth thk uemjbngnjr Thk rksugt ns j
cned `m wrntnef thjt ns i`esnstketgy dns`rnketnef lut e`t strjefk
ke`ufh t` lk muggy jgnkejtnef wk d` rki`fenzk jed rksp`ed t` s`bk-
thnef ne thk w`rc j qujgnty pkrhjps `m shjrkd summkrnef `m shjrkd
dkspjnr jed lk nt kvkr s` hublgk shjrkd i`bpjssn`e
kjdkrs `mtke rkbjrc `e thk pjrtniugjr qujgnty `m Lkickttbdquos ske-
tkeiks kspkinjggy ne thk pr`sk [egnck thjt `m hns kjrgy bjstkr O`yik
Lkickttbdquos bjturk pr`sk ns irystjggnek ne nts i`einsn`e Nedkkd Lkicktt
`eik rkbjrckd `e thk dnmmkrkeik lktwkke O`yikbdquos bkth`d `m i`bp`s-
nef jed hns `we
lsquowk jrk dnjbktrnijggy `pp`sntk lkijusk O`yik wjs j syethksnzkr hk
wjetkd t` put kvkrythnef thk wh`gk m hubje iugturk net` ek r
tw` l``cs jed N jb je jejgyzkr N tjck jwjy jgg thk jiindketjgslkijusk N wjet t` i`bk d`we t` thk lkdr`ic `m thk kssketnjgs thk
jrihktypjgbdquo gt
Ne Djbekd t` Mjbk Ce`wgs`e qu`tks Lkickttbdquos vnkws `e O`yik
lsquo N rkjgnzkd thjt O`yik hjd f`ek js mjr js `ek i`ugd ne thk dnrkitn`e
`m ce`wnef b`rk SlknefR ne i`etr`g `m `ekbdquos bjtkrnjg Hk wjs jgwjys
jddnef t` nt N rkjgnskd thjt by `we wjy wjs ne nbp`vkrnshbket
ne gjic `m ce`wgkdfk jed ne tjcnef jwjy ne sultrjitnef rjthkr thjene jddnef‒ bdquo (9gt) Jed thus whngk Lkickttbdquos sketkeiks jrk kjsngy
ke`ufh rkjd (wk bjy hjvk t` g``c up thk dd w`rd e`w jed jfjne)1
thkrk ns j sg`w-lure qujgnty t` thns wrntnef js bkjenefs jed rks`ejeiks
i`bk t` gnfht jed jppgy prkssurk g`ef jmtkr wk hjvk pjsskd `vkr
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 927
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
=
thk nednvndujg w`rds Thk mjb`us gnek mr`b Bjg`ek Dnks lsquoE`thnef ns
b`rk rkjg thje e`thnefbdquo (8=) ns je kxjbpgk m j sketkeik whnih sejfs
`ur jttketn`e wnth nts pkiugnjr usk `m j w`rd `r ndkj E`thnefekss
rjdnijg jlskeik thk sketkeik suffksts ns thk b`st prkssnef rkjgntywnth whnih wk bust dkjg Thk sketkeikbdquos inriugjrnty jed rkpktntn`e
b`rk`vkr ueijeengy trjesmkrs jlskeik net` prkskeik e`thnef thus
lki`bks s`bkthnef js wk mkkg nts rkjg igjnbs `e us Thk sketkeik lrng-
gnjetgy dkb`estrjtks h`w j snefgk w`rd ije shnbbkr wnth bugtnpgk
rks`ejeiks thk mnrst usk `m thk w`rd lsquoe`thnefbdquo ns vkry dnmmkrket mr`b
thk ski`ed Nedkkd thk w`rd skkbs snbugtjek`usgy t` hjvk ijsujg
jed dkkpgy phng`s`phnijg bkjenefs jgg `m whnih m`gd net` kjih `thkr
jed jrk kxihjefkd Bjg`ek jwjrk `m thk kmmkits `m hns `we w`rds`mmkrs thns i`bbketjry `e thns sketkeik lsquoN ce`w th`sk gnttgk phrjsks
thjt skkb s` nee`iu`us jed `eik y`u gkt thkb ne p`ggutk thk wh`gk
`m spkkih Thky rnsk up `ut `m thk pnt jed ce`w e` rkst uetng thky
drjf y`u d`we net` nts djrcbdquo (8=rsquo86)
Je`thkr rkgjtkd ueijeey kmmkit `iiurs whke Lkicktt `mmkrs je ndkj
`egy t` ekfjtk nts igjnbs nbbkdnjtkgy lsquoGnvk jed nevket N hjvk trnkd
N bust hjvk trnkd Nevket Nt ns e`t thk w`rd Eknthkr ns gnvkbdquo (Bjg`ek
Dnks 8gt)3 lsquoN jb dkjd lut N ekvkr gnvkdbdquo (Tkxts m`r E`thnef 999)3
lsquoYjy j l`dy Vhkrk e`ekbdquo (V`rstwjrd H` 46) Thk mnejg gneks `m
B`gg`y jrk pkrhjps thk b`st mjb`us kxjbpgk `m Lkickttbdquos skgm-
i`etrjdnit`ry skgm-ijeikggnef rhkt`rni lsquoThke N wket ljic net` thk
h`usk jed wr`tk Nt ns bndenfht Thk rjne ns lkjtnef `e thk wned`ws
Nt wjs e`t bndenfht Nt wjs e`t rjnenefbdquo (61) Thk kmmkit j dnzzynef
`ek ns t` ckkp thk rkjdkr i`esnstketgy e hkr netkrprktnvk t`ks prkvket-
nef hkr mr`b skttgnef `e jey i`bm rtjlgk `r i`bm`rtnef bkjenefThns kmmkit rkjihks nts tkrbnejg p`net ne Lkickttbdquos gjtk pr`sk ne tkxts
gnck V`rstwjrd H` Lkicktt hkrk m`rf`ks i`evketn`ejg frjbbjr
ihjrjitkr pg`t jed st`ry jed prkskets gjefujfk ntskgm js ihjrjitkr (ne
thns wjy wk jrk oustnmnkd ne jsskrtnef js suffkstkd thjt gjefujfk ns
jgwjys Lkickttbdquos bjne i`eikre) Thk gjefujfk `m thk gjtk tkxts ns i`e-
trjdnit`ry jed pr`duiks mjbngnjr vkrtnfne`us kmmkits
V`rskenef w`rds wh`sk uece`we Vhkeik uece`we Jt jgg i`stsuece`we E`w m`r t` sjy js w`rst thky bjy `egy thky `egy thky
Dnb v`nd shjdks jgg thky E`thnef sjvk whjt thky sjy Y`bkh`w
sjy E`thnef sjvk thky Vhjt thky sjy Vh`sks`kvkr whkeiks`kvkr
sjy Js w`rst thky bjy mjng kvkr w`rsk t` sjy (468)
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1027
NETD[ITNE
6
Yurkgy thns ns s`bk `m Lkickttbdquos b`st ihjggkefnef b`st dnmmniugt
wrntnef Lut nm wk gnstke t` nt ijrkmuggy wk ije jttked t` thkbks hk wngg
kxpg`rk thr`ufh`ut hns ijrkkr Vk ije hkjr Lkickttbdquos lskssnvk rkture
t` thk rhkt`rni `m lsquoe`thnefbdquo3 wk kei`uetkr hns netkrkst ne lsquomjngurkbdquo js jtr`pk `m wrntnef3 wk skk hns netkrkst ne b`vnef pjst thk ljrrnkrs `m
i`evketn`ejg gjefujfk t` kxpg`rk thk gnbnts `m whjt ije lk sjnd jed
e`t sjnd (`r bnssjnd) ne gjefujfk whnih ns ntskgm dkjd `r spkitrjg
lsquov`nd shjdksbdquo Lkicktt m`r jgg hns dnmmniugty ije lk rkjd igkjrgy lkijusk
js N kxpg`rk ne dktjng lkg`w hns wrntnef fnvks us thk netkrprktnvk iguks
wk ekkd Je netkrprktnvk dnzznekss ns j fnvke whke rkjdnef Lkicktt
whjt wk d` wnth thjt dnzznekss h`w wk ih``sk t` netkrprkt `ur
b`bkets `m ueikrtjnety lki`bks `ur tjsc `ur `lgnfjtn`e
THK DNMMNI[GT^ M KJDNEF LKICKTT FKEK
ETHNEFEKYY THK QYTH[BJE LD^
Fkerk
Thk ykjr lt11= wjs thk iketkejry `m Yjbukg Lkickttbdquos lnrth Jt vjrn-
`us mkstnvjgs jed i`emkrkeiks hns w`rcs wkrk pkrm`rbkd dnsiusskd
jed irntninzkd Nedkkd kvke thk bjnestrkjb bkdnj usujggy `lgnvn`us
t` thk w`rc `m thk gntkrjry jvjet-fjrdk t``c e`tnik nm `egy t` rkiyigk
thk prnbjry irntnijg ignihicircs jl`ut Lkickttbdquos w`rc nt ns lgkjc dnmmniugt
jed lsquojl`utbdquo thk jlsurdnty jed bkjenefgkssekss `m kxnstkeik Thns gjst
ignihicirc fnvke jt gkjst tjint supp`rt ly Lkicktt hnbskgm ns `ek thns
Fundk wngg ne pjrt skkc t` dnsbjetgk lut m r e`w wk ekkd t` jice`wg-
kdfk thk truth `m whjt ns fkekrjggy pkriknvkd jl`ut Lkickttbdquos w`rc ntsuei`bpr`bnsnef dnmmniugty Vk jrk prksketkd ne l`th thk drjbj
jed pr`sk wnth uemjbngnjr jed skkbnefgy uerkjdjlgk sntujtn`es tw`
trjbps `e j ekjr-kbpty stjfk wjntnef3 j lgned tyrjet jii`bpjenkd
ly hns irnppgkd pjrkets jed j pkkvnsh skrvjet ykjrenef m`r hns gnmk
(jed thk pgjy hk skkbs t` ce`w hk ns ne) t` ked3 j pgjy ne whnih j
b`uth spkjcnef ne ekjr nei`bprkhkesnlgk gjefujfk ns thk bjne
lsquoihjrjitkrbdquo3 je `gd bje gynef ne lkd tkggnef st`rnks uetng hk dnks
Jed `ek i`ugd f` `e jed wk shjgg hkrk gnstnef thk byrnjd dnmmniug-tnks p`skd ly Lkickttbdquos w`rc Jt j ljsni gkvkg h`wkvkr wk e`tnik `ek
i`bb`e mkjturk `m thksk tkxts `ek gnec whnih bjy lk `ur netkrprk-
tnvk ketry p`net thky jgg dkgnlkrjtkgy dnsbjetgk fkekrni kxpkitjtn`e
Thjt ns t` sjy kvkry Lkicktt tkxt dkmnks `ur e`tn`es `m whjt j pgjy `r
j e`vkg sh`ugd lk d`nef Nm wk rki`fenzk thns fkekrni lsquodki`bp`sntn`ebdquo
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1127
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
8
js Lkickttbdquos prnbjry bkth`d `m pr`lgkbjtnznef netkrprktnvk pr`t`-
i`gs wk i`bk t` je nbp`rtjet nentnjg rkjgnzjtn`e Lkickttbdquos tkxts rksnst
lknef netkrprktkd jed ijtkf`rnzkd jed thns bjy ne mjit lk whjt thky
jrk jl`ut thk pr`lgkb `m netkrprktjtn`e ntskgmThns Fundk thus wngg lkfne wnth je jejgysns `m thk wjy Lkicktt
bjenpugjtks fkerk ne hns w`rc Vjntnef m`r F`d`t m`r nestjeik ns j
drjbj ne ejbk `egy nm thk r``t `m thk w`rd lsquodrjbjbdquo ns thk Frkkc m r
lsquojitn`ebdquo Lkicktt ns dkgnlkrjtkgy wrntnef j drjbj thjt ns e`t ne mjit j
drjbj jt jgg (e`thnef hjppkes ne thk pgjy3 `r b`rk prkinskgy e`thnef
hjppkes thk kxpkrnkeik `m e`thnefekss ns whjt thk pgjy ns jl`ut)
Thk e`vkgs `m Lkickttbdquos mnrst trng`fy (B`gg`y Bjg`ek Dnks Thk
[eejbjlgk) jfjne jrk e`vkgs ne ejbk `egy js thns trng`fy pr`frkssksthkrk ns j dnbnenshnef `m pg`t jed j rkb`vjg `m jgg ndketnmnjlgk ihjr-
jitkrs wnthne ndketnmnjlgk spjik jed tnbk Lkickttbdquos gjtk pr`sk jed
drjbj lgurs thk dnstneitn`e lktwkke fkerks H`w Nt Ns j lsquoe`vkgbdquo rkjds
gnck p`ktry3 J Qnkik `m B`e`g`fuk (gt8lt) j lsquopgjybdquo rkjds gnck j sh`rt
pr`sk st`ry3 Lkickttbdquos gjst bjo`r w`rc ne thk s`-ijggkd ski`ed trng`fy
(I`bpjey Ngg Ykke Ngg Yjnd V`rstwjrd H`) rkduiks thk vkry gje-
fujfk `m pr`sk t` e`efrjbbjtnijg igjusks jed pgjiks lsquoihjrjitkrsbdquo
(wh` mueitn`e bkrkgy js frjbbjtnijg nedniks bjy nedkkd `egy lsquolkbdquo
dnskbl`dnkd frjbbjtnijg nedniks) ne g`ijtn`es thjt jrk lky`ed gnmk
jed dkjth
Nt ns by suffkstn`e thjt thk trjokit`ry `m Lkickttbdquos ijrkkr js
drjbjtnst jed e`vkgnst trjiks j systkbjtni dki`estruitn`e `m thk vkry
prkbnsks `m drjbj jed pr`sk j dki`estruitn`e thjt wntekssks thk
snbugtjek`us jed systkbjtni dnsbjetgnef `m thk skgm `r sulokit wh`
w`ugd rkgy `e ejrrjtnvk js j bkjes `m skgm-uedkrstjednef N pr`p`skhkrk t` suffkst thjt thns dki`estruitn`e thns dnsbjetgnef `m jgg
rkiknvkd struiturks `m sulokitnvnty jed ejrrjtnvk lk nt ne pr`sk `r
drjbj (jed hns ihjrjitkrs e stjfk jrk egy kvkr tkggnef st`rnks) ns thk
bjo`r thkbk m Lkickttbdquos w`rc jed m i`ursk thk ijusk m thk bjo`r
dnmmniugtnks ne thk rkjdnef `m thns w`rc
eik wk uedkrstjed thjt Lkickttbdquos bkth`d ns t` ijgg net` qukstn`e
thk vkry prkbnsks `m drjbj jed pr`sk wk bjy lk lkttkr jlgk t`
uedkrstjed whjt N skk js hns bjo`r purp`sk t` ijgg net` qukstn`e jggth`sk bkth`dsmdashejrrjtnvk lknef thk prnbjry ekmdashwk hjvk m uedkr-
stjednef `urskgvks Fkerks i`bk rkjdy lungt wnth bkjenef jed
kxpkitjtn`e pgjys jed e`vkgs hjvk struiturksmdashlkfneenefs bnddgks
kednefs3 ihjrjitkr jed pg`t lsquodkvkg`pbketbdquo3 skttnefsmdashthjt rkjdkrs ejtu-
rjggy jssubk sh`ugd lk ne pgjik Qgjys jed e`vkgs hjvk rki`fenzjlgk
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1227
NETD[ITNE
gt
ihjrjitkrs jed tkgg st`rnks thjt whngk pkrhjps i`emusnef jed ihjggkef-
nef jssubk whjt wk ije ijgg lsquoce`wjlngntybdquo Thjt ns thksk ejrrjtnvks
jrk jssubkd t` rkmgkit j rki`fenzjlgk rkjgnty `ek t` whnih thk rkjdkr
ije rnket hkrskgm J iketrjg nm uesp`cke jssubptn`e m whjt ns ijggkdigjssni rkjgnst gntkrjturk ns thjt ejrrjtnvk ntskgm ns j ejturjg jed juth`r-
ntjtnvk wjy `m i`bbuenijtnef rkjgntylt Gjefujfk ne `thkr w`rds ns
thk jdkqujtk vkhnigk m`r rkprksketnef rkjgnty jed b`st nbp`rtjetgy
m`r rkprksketnef thk skgm3 ne igjssni rkjgnst mnitn`e iruinjggy thk skgmmdash
thnec m`r nestjeik m Dnickesbdquo Djvnd I`ppkrmnkgdmdashprkikdks gjefujfk
jed usks nt i`etr`gs nt t` trjesirnlk hns rkjgnty
Lkicktt ns w`rcnef t` rkvkjg jgg thksk kxpkitjtn`es js jrtnmninjg jed
i`estruitkd Hk nednijtks thjt wk i`estruit `urskgvks js skgvks ne thkst`rnks wk tkgg thk hnst`rnks wk i`estruit jed thus hns dnsbjetgnef
`m thksk ejrrjtnvks ns hns wjy `m kxjbnenef thk vkry mrjfngnty thk vkry
i`estruitkdekss `m thk hubje jed hubje uedkrstjednef ntskgm
Ejrrjtnvk jed `thkr fkekrni i`evketn`es jrk wjys `m i`etr`ggnef
kxpkrnkeik m shjpnef kxpkrnkeik3 thky jrk e`t uepr`lgkbjtni rkmgki-
tn`es `m kxpkrnkeik Ne thk ked h`wkvkr ly systkbjtnijggy rkduinef
ejrrjtnvk t` nts ksskeik t` whjt hk ijggs nts lsquow`rskenef w`rdsbdquo Lkicktt
dnsi`vkrs thk pkrsnstket ksskeik `m thk hubje wh`sk ejrrjtnvks lsquomjng
jfjnebdquo jed lsquomjng lkttkrbdquo lut wh` ns nesnstketgy prksket ne thjt mjngurk
nm `egy js j trjik spkitkr `r fh`st `m ntskgm By jrfubket ugtnbjtkgy
ns thjt m`r jgg Lkickttbdquos skkbnef dnmmniugty jed ekfjtnvnty hns e`vkgs
jed pgjys w`rc systkbjtnijggy t` ikgklrjtk nm ne je nevkrsk wjy thk
hubje sulokit wh` wngg e`t ikjsk t` ejrrjtk jed wh` wngg thus
jgwjys lk
KD[ITNE T THK KYYKETNJGY ETHNEFEKYY
JED THK QYTH[BJE
T` lkfne pkrhjps wk sh`ugd jice`wgkdfk thjt whngk Lkickttbdquos w`rc
kxpg`rks qukstn`es i`eikrenef thk muedjbketjg ejturk m thk hubje
Lkicktt hnbskgm wngg skkb t` lk `m gnttgk hkgp t` us ne netkrprktnef thjt
w`rc Jgth`ufh hk hjs `mmkrkd s`bk nbp`rtjet nm `pjquk irntnijg
nesnfhts net` whjt jppkjrs t` lk j pkrs`ejg phng`s`phy m jrt jed gnmkLkicktt tkedkd t` rksnst `mmkrnef dnrkit netkrprktjtn`es `m hns w`rc
rksnstkd `mmkrnef whjt j ihjrjitkr ne hns e`vkg Vjtt ijggs lsquoskbjetni
suii`urbdquo t` hns rkjdkrs hns jit`rs hns dnrkit`rs Vhke m`r nestjeik
Jgje Yihekndkr j mrnked jed dnrkit`r `m bjey `m Lkickttbdquos pgjys
jsckd m r Lkickttbdquos netkrprktjtn`e m Kedfjbk Lkicktt rkpgnkd lsquoN snbpgy
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1327
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
1
ijebdquot wrntk jl`ut by w`rc `r `iijsn`ejg stumm `m jey cnedbdquo Hk wket
`e t` kxi`rnjtk o`urejgnsts jed irntnis
Lut whke nt i`bks t` thksk ljstjrds `m o`urejgnsts N mkkg thk `egygnek ns t` rkmusk t` lk nev`gvkd ne kxkfksns `m jey cned By w`rc
ns j bjttkr `m muedjbketjg s`ueds (e` o`ck netkedkd) bjdk js
muggy js p`ssnlgk jed N jiikpt rksp`esnlngnty m`r e`thnef kgsk Nm
pk`pgk wjet t` hjvk hkjdjihks jb`ef thk `vkrt`eks gkt thkb
Jed pr`vndk thknr `we jspnrne (E` Juth`r Lkttkr Ykrvkd Thk
I`rrksp`edkeik `m Yjbukg Lkicktt jed Jgje Yihekndkr lt4)
Nt ns iurn`us t` e`tk thk wjy Lkicktt rksnsts netkrprktnef hns w`rcykt jt thk sjbk tnbk pr`vndks s`bkthnef `m j iguk t` rkjdnef hns
w`rc hk sjys ns j lsquobjttkr `m muedjbketjg s`uedsbdquo ek wjy `m
uedkrstjednef thns i`bbket jed ikrtjnegy thns ns thk wjy N tked t`
rkjd hns w`rc ns t` e`tnik h`w Lkicktt tkeds t` strnp jwjy jgg kxikss
`e stjfk jed pjfk hk ns jmtkr je jejgysns `m thk muedjbketjgs thk
i`rk `r lsquoksskeikbdquo `m whjt bjps `ut hubje kxpkrnkeik Thkrk ns e`
jiindketjg w`rd `r `iiurrkeik ne j Lkicktt tkxt e` dnstrjitn`e mr`b
thk rkjg lusnekss `m trynef t` uedkrstjed whjt nt bkjes t` lk Hkeik
m`r nestjeik j e`vkg gnck Bjg`ek Dnks whkrk thkrk ns `egy `ek ihjr-
jitkr nbb`lngnzkd ne lkd jed thnecnef jl`ut hns nbpkednef dkjth
Hkrk Lkicktt ns jscnef j iruinjg pkrhjps thk muedjbketjg qukstn`e
Vhjt d`ks nt bkje t` kxnst t` lk jt thk b`bket whke y`ur gnmk ns `e
thk vkrfk `m mgnickrnef `ut0 Ije wk rki`fenzk whjt nt trugy bkjes t`
lk jgnvk whjt wk bjy ijgg thk muedjbketjg nbpugsk `m lknef `egy
whke gnmk ntskgm ns jl`ut t` ikjsk0 Lkicktt pjrks pg`t ihjrjitkr jedgjefujfk d`we t` nts kssketnjgs strnppnef jwjy thk lsquobkjtbdquo (`m l`th
pr`sk jed ihjrjitkr) t` kxjbnek gnmk gnvkd jt kxtrkbk gnbnt p`nets
Nedkkd js N hjvk nednijtkd ne gjtkr tkxts suih js V`rstwjrd H` thk
mnrst sketkeik `m whnih rkjds lsquoe Yjy `e Lk sjnd `e Y`bkh`w `e
Tngg e`h`w `e Yjnd e`h`w `ebdquo (46) Lkicktt rkduiks pg`t jed ihjr-
jitkr s` rjdnijggy thjt nt ns p`ssnlgk t` sjy thjt wk hjvk tkxt whkrk
frjbbjr ntskgm mueitn`enef jt thk gnbnt `m i`bprkhkesnlngnty nedn-
ijtks j sulokitnvnty `e thk vkrfk `m e`thnefekssLy wrntnef jl`ut muedjbketjg s`ueds Lkicktt prkskets hnbskgm js
je netkeskgy iurn`us jed i`urjfk`us wrntkr Iurn`us jl`ut thk prk-
insk ejturk m thk hubje lknef Lkicktt tjcks hnbskgm jed hns rkjdkrs
t` thk kxtrkbk gnbnts `m hubjenty jed jscs us `lgnfks us t` g``c
ijrkmuggy jt `urskgvks jt b`bkets `m irnsns Thksk b`bkets `m irnsns
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1427
NETD[ITNE
w`rc ne Lkicktt js p`nets m muedjbketjg nm i`bpr`bnskd jed pjquk
rkvkgjtn`e nt ns hkrk jt thk p`net whkrk thk w`rgd ikjsks t` bjck
skesk `r i`rrksp`ed t` `ekbdquos prksupp`sntn`es thjt thk rkjg thk mue-
djbketjg netkrprktnvk jed kthnijg qukstn`es jrnsk H`w d` N f` `e nethk mjik m thns irnsns m bkjenef0 Vhjt ns by rksp`esnlngnty t` byskgm
jed `thkrs whke bkjenef i`ggjpsks0
Thksk b`bkets m thk i`ggjpsk m bkjenef m thk irnsns m netkrprk-
tjtn`e jrk iketrjg t` Lkickttbdquos w`rc (nedkkd wk bjy sjy thky i`bprnsk
thk t`tjgnty `m thk w`rc) jed t` hns phng`s`phy `m jrt Ne s`bk wjys
Lkickttbdquos rkjg netkrkst ns ne thk kei`uetkr kxnstketnjg jrtnstni jed
netkrprktnvk wnth whjt hk nbp`rtjetgy rkmkrs t` js lsquoE`thnefbdquo Thk
kxpkrnkeik `m e`thnef thk e`thnefekss rkjgnzkd ne thk l`rkd`b `mDndn jed F`f` ne Vjntnef m`r F`d`t (thk mnrst gnek m whnih ns lsquoE`thnef
t` lk d`ekbdquo) thk e`thnefekss thjt thrkjtkes `ur netkrprktnvk skiurnty
whjt Ig`v ne Kedfjbk ijggs thk lsquozkr`bdquo p`net `m bkjenef thk e`thnef-
ekss `m g`ss jed jlskeik thjt nem`rbs s` dkeskgy thk gjtkr trng`fy ns
`ek thjt pjrjd`xnijggy (h`w d` y`u wrntk jl`ut lsquoe`thnefbdquo0) jrtniu-
gjtks jed b`tnvjtks Lkickttbdquos `we w`rc
Ne gt4gt Lkicktt pulgnshkd Thrkk Dnjg`fuks j skrnks `m pskud`-
dnjg`fuks lktwkke lsquoLbdquo jed lsquoDbdquo L wh` irntnis ndketnmy js Lkicktt
hnbskgm (rnfhtgy N lkgnkvk) `mmkrs whjt hjs lki`bk pkrhjps thk b`st
`mtke intkd ketry p`net net` Lkickttbdquos `we w`rc L hjs lkke dnsiuss-
nef b`dkre jrt jed i`bks t` mmkr hns we vnkw m thk pr`pkr sulokit
bjttkr jed b`tnvjtn`es `m thk b`dkre jrtnst
Lmdash^kt N spkjc `m je jrt turenef mr`b nt ne dnsfust wkjry `m nts
puey kxpg`nts wkjry `m prktkednef t` lk jlgk `m lknef jlgk`m d`nef j gnttgk lkttkr thk sjbk `gd thnef `m f`nef j gnttgk
murthkr jg`ef j drkjry r`jd
DmdashJed prkmkrrnef whjt0
LmdashThk kxprkssn`e thjt thkrk ns e`thnef t` kxprkss e`thnef wnth
whnih t` kxprkss e`thnef mr`b whnih t` kxprkss e` p`wkr t`
kxprkss e` dksnrk t` kxprkss t`fkthkr wnth thk `lgnfjtn`e t`
kxprkss (=)
J eublkr `m thnefs jrk iruinjg hkrk Mnrst e`tnik h`w L kxprkssks
j wkjrnekss wnth jrtnstni i`evketn`e h`w thk ndkj `m lsquod`nef j gnttgk
lkttkr thk sjbk `gd thnefbdquo l`rks hnb (thns ns je ndkj t` whnih wk wngg
rkture) Nt ns igkjr kvke rkgjtnvkgy kjrgy ne hns ijrkkr thjt Lkicktt w`ugd
e`t lk irkjtnef i`evketn`ejggy mjbngnjr jrt E`tnik ski`ed h`w thk
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1527
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
lt
w`rd lsquoe`thnefbdquo fjthkrs j cned `m neirkbketjg rks`ejeik ne thns mnejg
sketkeik h`w nt lki`bks igkjr thjt e`thnef t` spkjc pkrhjps pjrj-
d`xnijggy lki`bks s`bkthnef s`bkthnef t` lk kxpg`rkd js j thkbk
js j rkjgnty (wk bjy rkijgg thjt gnek mr`b Bjg`ek Dnks lsquoE`thnef nsb`rk rkjg thje e`thnefbdquo) Js thns jst`enshnef sketkeik i`eigudks
Lkicktt jice`wgkdfks j pkrs`ejg kthnijg `lgnfjtn`e js je jrtnst je
`lgnfjtn`e t` `lskrvk jejgyzk jed kxprkss thksk b`bkets whke thk
e`thnef jrnsksmdashpkrhjps kvke jfjnest hns `we wnggmdashjed jppkjrs
t` euggnmy bkjenef t` thrkjtke `ur i`bm`rt t` krjsk `ur frjsp `m
thk rkjg
lsquoQYTH[BJENYBbdquo
T hjvk ljskd j ijrkkr `e thk kxpg`rjtn`e `m lsquoe`thnefbdquo bjy skkb pkr-
vkrsk t` s`bk Ikrtjnegy thk rkjdkrbdquos kei`uetkr wnth Lkickttbdquos vjrn`us
rkprksketjtn`es `m thk v`nd `m jlskeik `m g`ss wngg lk j dnmmniugt `ek
m`r thk snbpgk rkjs`e thjt Lkickttbdquos w`rgd ns dnmmniugt t` lkjr Jed
s`bk rkjdkrs `vkr thk ykjrs hjvk m`ued ne Lkickttbdquos w`rc j ikrtjne
ruthgkss pkrhjps kvke j i`gd nehubjenty Nm wk trjik thk trjokit`ry
`m Lkickttbdquos w`rc `e l`th stjfk jed ne pr`sk wk d` e`tnik thjt hns
systkbjtni rkduitn`e m thnefs whjt N hjvk suffkstkd ns hns rkduitn`e
t` thk lsquomuedjbketjgsbdquo d`ks nev`gvk thk rkduitn`e `m thk hubje skgm
whjt N wngg ne thns study lk rkmkrrnef t` js thk lsquosulokitbdquo E`tnik h`w
m`r nestjeik ne thk drjbj wk b`vk mr`b muggy kbl`dnkd sulokits ne
Vjntnef m`r F`d`t t` thk gkss physnijggy jlgk ihjrjitkrs ne Kedfjbk
(Hjbb ns lgned jed irnppgkd3 Ig`v ije `egy wjgc ne j stnmm-gkffkd
fjnt3 Ejff jed Ekgg l`th hjvk g`st thknr gkfs) t` ihjrjitkrs nbb`ln-gnzkd ne ures ne Qgjy t` thk dnskbl`dnkd B`uth `m E`t N J snbngjr
trjokit`ry h`gds ne thk mnrst pr`sk trng`fy B`gg`y wh`sk l`dy ns mjng-
nef ykt jlgk3 Bjg`ek wh` ns nbb`lngnzkd ne lkd3 thk ueejbjlgk wh`
bjy snbpgy lk j lrjne ne je ure Ne thk gjtkr pr`sk tkxts nt ns dnmmniugt
kvke t` dktkrbnek prkinskgy thk ejturk m thk hubje jed thk stjtus m
nts l`dy lsquoYjy j l`dy Vhkrk e`ek E` bned Vhkrk e`ek Thjt jt
gkjst J pgjik Vhkrk e`ek M`r thk l`dy T` lk nebdquo (46)
Lkicktt skkbs t` strnvk thr`ufh`ut hns ijrkkr t` rnd hns w`rc m thkl`dy t` w`rc thus t`wjrd whjt wk bjy ijgg j cned `m p`sthubjensb
Q`sthubjensb ije lk dkmnekd js thjt strjed `m phng`s`phy whnih
rjdnijggy irntnquks thk ndkj thjt thk nednvndujg sulokit ns thk iketkr `m
jgg thnefs thk lkfneenef jed ked `m jgg ce`wgkdfk jed kxpkrnkeik
thns ns thkrkm`rk j rjdnijg irntnquk m Hubjenst phng`s`phy whnih w`ugd
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1627
NETD[ITNE
9
p`snt thk hubjebdquos rkjs`e jed rjtn`ejgnty js lknef trjespjrketgy jvjng-
jlgk t` thk thnecnef sulokit Q`sthubjensb lkfnes ly i`uetkrnef
Hubjensbbdquos lkgnkm thjt thk hubje ns skgm-pr`duinef skgm-i`neindketjg
thjt nt ns s`bkh`w rksp`esnlgk m r thk pr`duitn`e `m nts w`rgd jed ntskxpkrnkeik `m thk w`rgd
Js j phng`s`phy p`sthubjensb ije lk trjikd t` bjey s`uriks
lut thk thnecnef `m Enktzsihk Bjrx jed Mrkud ns iruinjg Kjih
w`rckd t` suffkst thjt thk hubje sulokit ns e`t skgm-pr`duinef `r
skgm-i`neindketjg lut ns rjthkr pr`duikd ly nts iugturk (Bjrx) nts
gjefujfk (Enktzsihk) jed nts uei`esin`us drnvks jed nestneits
(Mrkud) Q`sthubjensb strnvks t` uedkrstjed thk prkinsk ki`e`bnks
`m thksk m`riks jed jscs qukstn`es gnck thksk H`w ns thk hubjesulokit t` rjthkr thje thk bjstkr `m gjefujfk0 H`w d`ks thk sulokit
ekf`tnjtk hkr rkgjtn`e t` thk drnvksmdasht`wjrd Kr`s Thjejt`smdashthjt
Mrkud p`snts0 H`w ije thk sulokit mrkk ntskgm nm jt jgg mr`b thk iug-
turjg m`riks `m ijpntjg ndk`g`fy jed rkgnfn`e m`riks whnih prkikdk
jed kxikkd thk sulokitbdquos kxpkrnkeik0
Thksk jrk jgg Lkickttbdquos qukstn`es jed hk wngg w`rc `ut jeswkrs ne
pgjys gnck Hjppy Djys jed e`vkgs gnck Burphy jed Thk [eejbjlgk
tkxts whnih jrk jl`ut h`w thk sulokit ekf`tnjtks j rkgjtn`e t` iugturk
(Hjppy Djys) t` thk drnvks (Burphy) t` gjefujfk (Thk [eejbjlgk)
Lut wk sh`ugd jgs` e`tk h`w Lkickttbdquos p`sthubjensb lki`bks
ueijeengy gntkrjgnzkd ne hns bnddgk-t`-gjtk-pkrn`d drjbj jed pr`sk
Lkicktt ns netkrkstkd ne kxpg`rnef thk vkry gnbnts `m thk hubje thk
vkry ksskeik `m whjt i`estntutks thk hubje T thns ked Lkicktt wngg
push thk hubje pjst `ur i`bb`e i`eikptujg l`uedjrnks3 thjt ns t`
sjy jt tnbks hk b`vks hns ihjrjitkrs net` thk spjik `m dkjth `m whjtns pkrhjps j cned `m jmtkrgnmk
Ne thk pr`sk thns thkbjtni lkfnes wnth Bjg`ek Dnks j e`vkg trjinef
thk b`bket j bje pjssks net` nekxnstkeik3 ne thk drjbj nt lkfnes
wnth Qgjy whnih skks thrkk ihjrjitkrs ne whjt jppkjrs t` lk je jmtkr-
gnmk (thk ihjrjitkrs jrk ne muekrjg ures) lnickrnef vkr thk ejrrjtnvk m
thknr pjst gnvks3 ne thk ski`ed trng`fy wk ije kjsngy nbjfnek nedkkd
sh`ugd nbjfnek thjt thk spkjckrs `m thk tkxts js wkgg js thk mnfurks
thjt jppkjr ne thk ejrrjtnvks jrk spkitkrs fh`sts N kxpg`rk thk mnfurk`m thk fh`st thk spkitkrmdashthk gntkrjg p`sthubjemdashne dktjng ne by
mnejg ihjptkr lut N oust wnsh t` nednijtk hkrk h`w Lkickttbdquos netkrkst
ne pjrnef thnefs d`we t` thk kssketnjgs gkjds g`fnijggy t` je netkrkst ne
thk spkitkr thk fh`st whnih lki`bks thk nbjfk `m thk hubje jmtkr
jgg thnefs hjvk lkke strnppkd wjy Qrkinskgy thk fh`st lki`bks j trjik
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1727
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
4
j bjrc `m thk hubjebdquos pjssnef `ut `m kxnstkeik lutmdashjed thns ns
jls`gutkgy iketrjgmdashthk fh`st ns je nesnstket rkbnedkr `m thk hubje
thjt `eik wjs Thk spkitkr ne `thkr w`rds skrvks t` rkiupkrjtk thk
hubje kvke js thk hubje pjssks net` `lgnvn`e thk spkitkr thuslki`bks whjt Ygjv`o _nzkc ijggs thk lsquonednvnsnlgk rkbjnedkr9bdquo T` put
nt lguetgy m`r Lkicktt thk t`tjg kgnbnejtn`e `m thk hubje ns j t`tjg
nbp`ssnlngnty
Qkrhjps Lkicktt suffksts wk ije `egy mned thk ejturk `m thk
hubje whjt hk ijggs lsquothk lkdr`ic `m thk kssketnjgsbdquo jt thk b`bket
thk hubje kxihjefks `ek stjtk m`r je`thkr `ek rkjgnty m`r je`thkr
Qkrhjps `egy thk jlskeik `m thk hubje (thk spkitkr) trugy rkvkjgs
whjt hjs lkke thk hubjebdquos truk ejturk Jed whjt ns m`r bk mjsinejt-nef jed iruinjg jl`ut thns pr`ikss ns thk wjy Lkicktt kgnbnejtks thk
hubje jt prkinskgy thk sjbk tnbk js hk kgnbnejtks dkejturks jed
dki`estruits ejrrjtnvk m`rb ntskgm Ne s`bk wjys Lkicktt ns jrfunef
thjt gjefujfk ntskgm bust lk kgnbnejtkd ne `rdkr m`r thk spkitkr thk
fh`st thk p`sthubje t` jppkjr gjefujfk bust lk kgnbnejtkd ne
`rdkr m r thk truth `m thk hubje t` lk ce`we
Vk bjy skk ne thns rkduitn`e j cned `m irukg trkjtbket `m thk
hubje j pkrvkrsk netkrkst ne nggekss jed dkijy lut N thnec thns w`ugd
lk j mjtjg netkrprktnvk krr`r Ikrtjnegy Lkickttbdquos w`rc nbpgnks thjt thk
l`dy ns jgwjys j gnjlngnty s`bkthnef thjt wngg nekvntjlgy mjng (je hngjrn-
`us gnek mr`b Bjg`ek Dnks suffksts thns lsquoNm N hjd thk usk `m by l`dy
N w`ugd thr`w nt `ut `m thk wned`wbdquo SltltR) Lut wk bust e`tnik thjt
thk l`dy `r snfes `m thk l`dy ekvkr muggy dnsjppkjrs mr`b Lkickttbdquos
w`rgd Thk pkrsnstkeik `m thk l`dy thk mrjfbketkd l`dy thk dnskb-
l`dnkd l`dy ns `ek `m Lkickttbdquos bjo`r thkbks jed `ek thjt p`skss`bk `m hns b`st netkrkstnef netkrprktnvk qukstn`es jed ihjggkefks
why d`ks Lkicktt w`rc t` rkduik jed mrjfbket thk l`dy0 H`w jrk wk
t` netkrprkt mrjfbkets `m hubjenty0
ek jeswkr t` thksk qukstn`es rkgjtks t` whjt N hjvk sjnd jl`vk
jl`ut Lkicktt rkduinef thnefs t` thk muedjbketjgs ne rdkr t` uedkr-
stjed thk ksskeik `m thk hubje ne Qgjy jed E`t N Lkicktt skkbs t`
lk suffkstnef thjt thksk ihjrjitkrs rkjggy `egy jrk thknr v`niks rkjggy
`egy jrk t` lk b`rk prkinsk thknr ejrrjtnvks Vhjt bjttkrs t` thkbjt thns spkinmni pgjik jt thns spkinmni tnbk ns thknr jlngntymdashpkrhjps
thknr i`bpugsn`e thknr `lgnfjtn`emdasht` spkjc Lkicktt w`ugd skkb t`
lk suffkstnef thjt thk t`tjgnty `m thk l`dy jt thns spkinmni b`bket ns
e`t tkrrnlgy nbp`rtjet t` thk sulokit js shk trnks t` uedkrstjed hkr
prksket sntujtn`e Lut js N suffkst wk d` e`tnik thjt Lkicktt ekvkr
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1827
NETD[ITNE
muggy rkb`vks thk l`dy `r thk snfes `m thk l`dy (v`nik m`r nestjeik)
ketnrkgy thk st`rnks hns ihjrjitkrs tkgg hns w`rc skkbs t` nbpgy jrk
wrnttke `e jed thr`ufh thk l`dy Yt`rnks jrk trjesgjtkd ne `thkr
w`rds ly thk l`dy Lkickttbdquos ihjrjitkrs bjy lk p`sthubje lut thkyjrk e`t muggy p`sti`rp`rkjg
Je`thkr wjy m puttnef thns ndkj jdbnttkdgy ek m Lkickttbdquos b`st
ihjggkefnef ns thjt sulokitnvntymdashthjt skesk thk hubje hjs `m ntskgm
js j thnecnef netkrprktnef irkjturkmdashns muggy dkpkedket `e thk l`dy
Yulokitnvnty ns kbl`dnbket y`u jrk y`ur l`dy jed y`ur l`dybdquos dksnrks
js buih js y`u jrk y`ur bned Jed thus whngk thk l`dy ns je nbpkdn-
bket jed wngg jgwjys dkijy jed mjng thk l`dy ijee`t dnsjppkjr
ne Lkicktt lkijusk thk skgm jed thk skgmbdquos uedkrstjednef `m ntskgmw`ugd js wkgg Thkrk ns js N rkjd nt thke j cned `m djrc i`bpjssn`e
ne Lkicktt m`r thk i`bpr`bnskd l`dy m`r thk irnppgkd jed thk ngg
thkrk ns j i`bpjssn`e m`r thk summkrnef sulokit wh` ije rkjggy `egy
uedkrstjed hkrskgm jed hkr w`rgd thr`ufh thk bkdnub m j dkijynef
pjnemug l`dy ur qukstn`es js rkjdkrs m Lkicktt bust e`w lki`bk
nm thk skgm uedkrstjeds ntskgm thr`ufh thk i`bpr`bnskd spkitrjg
l`dy whjt cneds `m netkrprktjtn`es wngg nt bjck0 Nm thk skgm uedkr-
stjeds thk w`rgd thr`ufh nts mrjfbketkd p`sthubje l`dy whjt
cneds `m netkrprktjtn`es `m thk w`rgd ije lk bjdk0
lsquoQYTH[BJENYBbdquo J Q]NY
Thksk jrk jgg Lkickttbdquos qukstn`es lut N wnsh t` `mmkr s`bkthnef `m j
pr`vns` lkm`rk i`etneunef N suffkstkd jl`vk thjt Lkicktt ns strnvnef
m`r j lsquocned `mbdquo p`sthubjensb N thnec nt ns lkst jgwjys t` usk tkrbspr`vnsn`ejggy wnth Lkicktt m`r surkgy `ek `m thk kmmkits `m hns w`rc
ns t` ijgg jls`gutkgy net` qukstn`e thk vkry ndkj `m stjlgk ijtkf`rnks
stjlgk `pp`sntn`es (lsquohubje-p`sthubjebdquo) Qkrhjps nt ns lkst hkrk jt
thk `utskt t` suffkst thjt hns w`rc irntnquks thk ndkj `m thk hubje
jed thk p`sthubje kqujggy Qrkinskgy ly dnsi`vkrnef thk pkrsnstkeik
`m thk hubje kvke ne nts b`st dkeudkd m rb Lkicktt kssketnjggy i`g-
gjpsks thk `pp`sntn`e lsquohubje-p`sthubjebdquo t` thk p`net whkrk thk
tkrbs lki`bk netkrihjefkjlgk jed hkeik jgb`st bkjenefgkssThjt ns t` sjy m`r Lkicktt wk jrk jgwjys jgrkjdy p`sthubje nes`-
mjr js wk jrk i`etr`ggkd ly dnsi`ursks (hnst`ry ndk`g`fy gjefujfk)
prkikdnef jed kxikkdnef us3 wk jrk jgwjys jgrkjdy p`sthubje js wk
dnsi`vkr thjt `ur l`dnks jrk sntks `m nekvntjlgk mjngurk jed i`ggjpsk3
wk jrk jgwjys jgrkjdy p`sthubje nes`mjr js thk ndkj `m j snefugjr
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1927
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
=
skgm ns je nggusn`e Lkicktt jice`wgkdfks thksk ndkjs kjrgy ne hns ijrkkr3
ne Qr`ust (gt9) hk jice`wgkdfks thjt thk skgm ns e`t j stjlgk sulokit
lut rjthkr thjt thk lsquonednvndujg ns j suiikssn`e `m nednvndujgsbdquo ()3
b`rk`vkr lsquoThk sulokit hjs dnkdmdashjed pkrhjps bjey tnbksmdashjg`efthk wjybdquo (9) By usk `m thk tkrb lsquop`sthubjebdquo thke ns s`bkthnef `m
j i`evkenkeik j wjy `m spkjcnef lsquojl`utbdquo `r lsquojr`uedbdquo thk pkiugnjrntnks
`m thk Lkickttnje sulokit thk sulokit wh` jgwjys bust ekf`tnjtk hns
rkjgnty vnj systkbs `m th`ufhtmdashgjefujfk lknef thk prnbjrymdashwh`sk
pjrjbktkrs jed pr`t`i`gs jrk jgwjys oust lky`ed hns mugg i`etr`g
THK QLGKB M NETKQKTJTNELkickttbdquos bjenpugjtn`e `m fkerk hns rkduitn`e jed dnsbjetgnef `m
thk sulokit hns rkgketgkss netkrkst ne thk vjrn`us jspkits `m lsquoe`thnef-
ekssbdquo (g`ss jlskeik)mdashhk ijggs thns hns lsquomndkgnty t` mjngurkbdquo (lsquoThrkk
Dnjg`fuksbdquo =9)mdashgkjd js N hjvk lkke suffkstnef t` s`bk mjnrgy
jiutk netkrprktnvk dnmmniugtnks Hjes-Fk`rf Fjdjbkr j phng`s`phkr
`m thk hkrbkekutni sih``g (jed studket `m Bjrtne Hkndkffkr) suf-
fksts thjt jgg rkjg netkrprktjtn`e `r lsquohkrbkekutnisbdquo lkfnes wnth
ndketnmynef j spkinmni g`ijtn`e `m d`ult `r uekjsk ne j tkxt Js hk
wrntks ne Qhng`s`phnijg Hkrbkekutnis lsquoThk rkjg p`wkr m hkrbkekutn-
ijg i`esin`usekss ns `ur jlngnty t` skk whjt ns qukstn`ejlgkbdquo (9) Vk
ekkd ne `thkr w`rds t` lk jlgk t` jsc thk pr`pkr qukstn`es `m tkxts
Lut ne Lkicktt `ur pr`lgkb lki`bks skkbnefgy netrjitjlgk lkijusk
kvkrythnef ne thk tkxt jppkjrs t` lk qukstn`ejlgk H`w jrk wk t`
netkrprkt tkxts thjt skkb pjrjd`xnijggy t` `mmkr s` bjey qukstn`es
jed thke rksnst `r m`rkig`sk thk p`ssnlngnty `m jeswkrnef th`sk quks-tn`es0 H`w ne `thkr w`rds jrk wk t` rkjd Lkicktt0
N wngg suffkst hkrk ne wjys thjt g``c ljic t` Lkickttbdquos `we skesk `m
`lgnfjtn`e (rkijgg hns skesk kxprksskd ne Thrkk Dnjg`fuks `m thk lsquo`lgn-
fjtn`e t` kxprkssbdquo) thjt `ur netkrprktjtn`es `m Lkicktt sh`ugd lkfne
ly pjynef ijrkmug jttketn`e t` thk wjys ne whnih hns tkxts jetninpjtk
`ur dnmmniugtnks jed pkrhjps `mmkr s`bk fundjeik Nm wk jrk puzzgkd ly
ikrtjne thnefsmdashVh` jrk thksk ihjrjitkrs0 Vhjt jrk thknr hnst`rnks0
Vhkrk jed whke kxjitgy jrk thksk st`rnks `iiurrnef0 Vhjt kxjitgyd`ks nt jgg bkje0mdashwk sh`ugd rki`fenzk thjt `ur pkrpgkxnty wnth
thk tkxt ns bnrr`rkd ly thk ihjrjitkrsbdquo `we pkrpgkxnty jl`ut thknr
w`rgds Thk rkjdkrbdquos sntujtn`e `m puzzgkbket ns prkinskgy thjt `m thk
ihjrjitkrs jed thus wk jrrnvk jt j iruinjg `lskrvjtn`e Lkickttbdquos tkxts
thkbskgvks wngg skt `ut thk fr`ued rugks m`r netkrprktnef hns w`rgd
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2027
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2127
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
8
Lkickttbdquos ihjrjitkrs thus mueitn`e ne j stjtk `m pr`m`ued rkfrkt jed
jf`eymdash`mtke rkprksskd jed dnsjv`wkdmdash`vkr whjt bnfht hjvk lkke
Ne Crjppbdquos Gjst Tjpk m`r nestjeik Crjpp rktrjiks hns pjst hnst`ry
thr`ufh tjpk rki`rdnefs `m hns `we v`nik t` rkvnsnt j b`bket `m p`s-snlgk th`ufh e`w m`rkvkr g`st hjppnekss Crjppbdquos we v`nik hns we
hnst`ry ns spkitrjg lkijusk hns rki`rdnefs jrk `m j dkjd jed nrrktrnkv-
jlgk pjst lut ek whnih igkjrgy stngg hjuets hnb e`w Ne whjt ns surkgy
`ek `m Lkickttbdquos b`st pjnemugmdashjed netkeskgy i`bpjssn`ejtk
b`bketsmdashwk skk h`w j fh`stgy hnst`ry lrutjgnzks Crjpp
Qjst bndenfht Ekvkr cekw suih sngkeik Thk kjrth bnfht lk uene-
hjlntkd Hkrk N ked thns rkkg L`x thrkk sp``g mnvkQkrhjps by lkst ykjrs jrk f`ek Vhke thkrk wjs j ihjeik `m hjp-
pnekss Lut N w`ugdebdquot wjet thkb ljic E`t wnth thk mnrk ne bk
e`w E` N w`ugdebdquot wjet thkb ljic (ltltgt)
Lkicktt d`ks e`t js thk irntnijg ignihicirc bjy hjvk nt bkrkgy rkprksket j
w`rgd `m jlsurdnty j w`rgd wnth`ut bkjenef Thns ns j w`rgd thjt
i`etneujggy mkkgs thk igjnbs `m thk pjst `m hnst`ry Jed thkrk ns j
bkjenef ne dnsi`vkrnef thksk igjnbs j bkjenef ne rki`fenznef `ekbdquos
nedkltkdekss t` thk pjst j bkjenef ne rkjgnznef thjt `ekbdquos `lgnfjtn`e
ns t` i`bk t` tkrbs wnth thksk igjnbs jed dklts
THKKTNIJG JQQJIH THK lsquoGNTKJT[K M THK
[EVDbdquo BKGJEIHG^ JED THK JIHN]K
Qjrt `m by purp`sk hkrk ne thns Fundk ns t` pr`vndk wjys `m bjcnefskesk `m Lkickttbdquos dnmmniugt w`rc ek wjy N wngg pr`ikkd wngg lk t`
drjw `e thk w`rc `m phng`s`phkrs thk`rnsts jed irntnis wh`sk ndkjs
jgg`w us t` uedkrstjed thk i`bpgkxnty `m Lkickttbdquos uenvkrsk N wngg
hkrk lk drjwnef `e thk gncks `m phke`bke`g`fnsts Bjrtne Hkndkffkr
Hjes-Fk`rf Fjdjbkr jed Kbbjeukg Gkvnejs bjrxnst Thk`d`r
Jd`re` psyih`jejgysts Ynfbued Mrkud jed Ojiquks Gjije jed
dki`estruitn`enst Ojiquks Dkrrndj N lkgnkvk thjt thk w`rc `m thksk
thk`rnsts ije kmmkitnvkgy uepjic ikrtjne netkrprktnvk pr`lgkbs neLkicktt oust js N lkgnkvk thjt ikrtjne b`bkets ne LkickttmdashN thnec `m
B`uthbdquos ketry net` gjefujfk ne E`t N mdashije kmmkitnvkgy nggustrjtk thk
netkrprktnvk pr`lgkbs ne thk w`rc m s`bk thk`rnsts (nedkkd N wngg usk
E`t N t` nggustrjtk Gjijebdquos dnmmniugt e`tn`e `m thk kjg) By netketn`e
ns e`t thkrkm`rk snbpgy t` rkjd Lkicktt thr`ufh j pjrtniugjr thk`ry
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2227
NETD[ITNE
gt
lut t` nbjfnek thjt thkrk ns j butujg pr`ikss `m netkrprktjtn`e jed
netkrr`fjtn`e `iiurrnef lktwkke thk`rnst jed mnitn`e
THK FKBJE GKTTK
N jgs` lkgnkvk pkrhjps ejnvkgy thjt Lkicktt hnbskgm ns hns `we mnrst
jed lkst irntni Js N hjvk bketn`ekd Lkicktt `mmkrkd mkw irntnijg i`b-
bketjrnks `e hns w`rc `vkr thk ykjrs lut th`sk thjt hjvk i`bk d`we
t` usmdashjs m`r nestjeik Thrkk Dnjg`fuks mdashjrk `m frkjt vjguk t` jey
rkjdkr Ne thk gjttkr ihjptkrs `m thns study N wngg lk rkmkrrnef `mtke t`
Lkickttbdquos Fkrbje Gkttkr `m gt96 jed kspkinjggy t` hns e`tn`e `m thk
lsquogntkrjturk `m thk uew`rdbdquo j i`eikpt N thnec ns iketrjg t` thk pr`frks-sn`e `m hns w`rc N wnsh thkrkm`rk t` tjck s`bk spjik hkrk jed
`utgnek thk nbp`rtjeik `m thns Gkttkr
Ne gt9= Lkicktt trjvkgkd t` Fkrbjey `e whjt kssketnjggy wjs je
jrt h`gndjy hk vnsntkd skvkrjg jrt fjggkrnks jed jgth`ufh jefkrkd ly
thk Ejzn rkfnbkbdquos ikes`rnef `m jrt nt i`esndkrkd dkijdket hk wjs
frkjtgy nbprksskdmdashjed nemgukeikdmdashly thk w`rc hk sjw Thk trnp
skrvkd js j cned m spnrntujg jed phng`s`phnijg jwjckenef js hns dnj-
rnks jttkst Thk Fkrbje Gkttkr ns pjrt `m j i`rrksp`edkeik lktwkke
Lkicktt jed j mrnked (Jxkg Cjue wh`b hk bkt ne Fkrbjey) wrnttke
thrkk b`eths jmtkr hns rkture t` Dulgne Ne thk Gkttkr Lkicktt spkjcs
`m thk ekkd t` b`vk pjst rkiknvkd dnsi`ursks jed i`evketn`es t` gnl-
krjtk hnbskgm mr`b trjdntn`ejg gjefujfks jed m`rbs N qu`tk jt s`bk
gkefth
Nt ns nedkkd lki`bnef b`rk jed b`rk dnmmniugt kvke skeskgkss m`rbk t` wrntk je `mmninjg Kefgnsh Jed b`rk jed b`rk by `we gje-
fujfk jppkjrs t` bk gnck j vkng thjt bust lk t`re jpjrt ne `rdkr t`
fkt jt thk thnefs (`r thk E`thnefekss) lkhned nt Frjbbjr jed
Ytygk T bk thky skkb t` hjvk lki`bk js nrrkgkvjet js j ]nit`rnje
ljthnef sunt `r thk nbpkrturljlngnty `m j truk fketgkbje J bjsc
Gkt us h`pk thk tnbk wngg i`bk thjec F`d thjt ne ikrtjne inrigks nt
hjs jgrkjdy i`bk whke gjefujfk ns b`st kmmninketgy uskd whkrk
nt ns lknef b`st kmmninketgy bnsuskd Js wk ijee`t kgnbnejtk gje-fujfk jgg jt `eik wk sh`ugd jt gkjst gkjvk e`thnef ued`ek thjt
bnfht i`etrnlutk t` nts mjggnef net` dnsrkputk T` l`rk `ek h`gk
jmtkr je`thkr ne nt uetng whjt gurcs lkhned ntmdashlk nt s`bkthnef `r
e`thnefmdashlkfnes t` skkp thr`ufh3 N ijee`t nbjfnek j hnfhkr f`jg
m`r j wrntkr t`djy (6rsquo6lt)
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2327
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
lt1
Ne by kstnbjtn`e thk mugg nbpgnijtn`es `m thk Gkttkr whnih m`r bk
ns Lkickttbdquos jrtnstni bjenmkst` wngg e`t lk rkjgnzkd uetng thk gjtkr e`v-
kgs (kspkinjggy thk trng`fnks) lut wk sh`ugd rki`fenzk h`w Lkickttbdquos
stjtkd nbpjtnkeik wnth trjdntn`ejg m`rb rks`ejtks net` kvke thk kjrgypr`sk jed drjbj Lkickttbdquos dnsdjne m`r lsquo`mmninjg Kefgnshbdquo m`r lsquoFrjbbjr
jed Ytygkbdquo thnefs js nrrkgkvjet js j ]nit`rnje ljthnef sunt spkjc t`
j mrustrjtn`e j l`rkd`b kvke wnth thk g`fni jed trjokit`rnks `m thk
enektkketh-iketury e`vkg Hk spkjcs murthkr t` h`w busni jed
pjnetnef hjvk m ued wjys m b`vnef lky`ed trjdntn`ejg m`rb ne rdkr
t` rkprksket sngkeik jed jlskeik (thnefs e`t jss`injtkd wnth rkprkske-
tjtnvk jrt)3 hk suffksts thjt gjefujfk ntskgm bust lk shjttkrkd ne rdkr
t` rkvkjg whjt wjs prkvn`usgy uerkprksketjlgkJed whngk Lkickttbdquos bjenmkst` s`ueds jvjet-fjrdk hns ndkj thjt
gjefujfk ns j vkng t` lk t`re jpjrt g``cs ljic t` thk `bjetnis jed
thknr e`tn`e thjt p`ktry w`rcs t` rkvkjg thk ueskke Lkickttbdquos lsquoby
`we gjefujfk jppkjrs t` bk gnck j vkng thjt bust lk t`re jpjrtbdquo kih`ks
Yhkggkybdquos J Dkmkeik `m Q`ktry jed hns skesk thjt p`ktry gnmts lsquothk vkng
mr`b thk hnddke lkjuty `m thk w`rgd jed bjcks mjbngnjr `lokits lk
js nm thky wkrk e`t mjbngnjrbdquo (6) Thkrk ns `m i`ursk j w`rgd `m dnm-
mkrkeik lktwkke gnmtnef jed dkstr`ynef thk vkngmdashthk dnmmkrkeik
pkrhjps lktwkke thk `bjetni jed thk B`dkremdashlut Lkickttbdquos
dksnrk js j wrntkr ns j mjbngnjr `ek hns w`rc wngg jttkbpt t` sh`w thk
w`rgd ne j ekw wjy Ne by rkjdnef Lkickttbdquos tkjrnef `m thk vkng
lki`bks thk pkrmkit bktjph`r m`r thk pr`ikss `m rkvkjgnef `vkrtgy
skgm-i`esin`usgy jed irntnijggy thk nbpgnijtn`es `m jrt hkrk thk e`vkg
jed drjbj ne j ekw wjy
THK lsquoGNTKJT[K M THK [EVDbdquo
Ne thk gjst pjrjfrjph `m thk Gkttkr Lkicktt suffksts thjt thns pr`ikss
`m dkstr`ynef gjefujfk `m rkvkjgnef nts lsquotkrrnlgk bjtkrnjgntybdquo (6lt)
wngg kvketujggy gkjd t` whjt hk ijggs j lsquogntkrjturk `m thk uew`rdbdquo (69)
N wnsh ne whjt m`gg`ws t` suffkst thjt Lkickttbdquos ketnrk ijrkkr js j
wrntkr mneds nts lkfneenef jed ked nts fr`ued jed f`jg ne thns ndkj
stjtkd ne gt96 J gntkrjturk `m thk uew`rd ns `lvn`usgy j i`etrjdni-tn`e ne tkrbs j pjrjd`x je jp`rnj (t` usk thk Dkrrndkje i`estruitn`e)3
j gntkrjturk `m thk uew`rd ns je jttkbpt t` usk gjefujfk t` sngkeik
gjefujfk (hk ijggs nt lsquoJe jssjugt jfjnest w`rds ne thk ejbk `m lkjutybdquo
S69R) Hns jnb kssketnjggy ns t` mned j bkjes `m dki`bp`snef jed
b`vnef lky`ed gjefujfk t` shjttkr gjefujfk net` j cned `m krjsurk
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2427
NETD[ITNE
lt
`m ntskgm (thns jttkbpt t` kgnbnejtk gjefujfk ns fk`bktrnijggy pr`p`r-
tn`ejg t` hns jttkbpt t` kgnbnejtk thk l`dy js wk wngg skk) By
jrfubket ns quntk snbpgy thns thr`ufh`ut hns ijrkkr Lkicktt ns skjrih-
nef m`r thk bkjes t` put je ked t` gntkrjturk t` put je ked t` wrntneft` put je ked t` hns `we dksnrk t` wrntk Thk trjokit`ry `m hns w`rc
mr`b thk kjrgy drjbj jed pr`sk t` thk gjtk ns `ek `m rjdnijg rkdui-
tn`e `m w`rcnef t` mned j bkjes t` gntkrjturkbdquos ked Ne thk drjbj wk
b`vk mr`b thk muggy kbl`dnkd drjbj `m F`d`t t` thk gjtk fh`stgy
pgjys whkrk `mtke gjefujfk d`ks e`t kvke mkjturk3 ne thk pr`sk wk
b`vk mr`b thk pgjymug fjrrug`usekss m Burphy t` thk shjttkrkd sye-
tjx jed dnbnenshkd frjbbjrs `m V`rstwjrd H`4
Nt ns prkinskgy lkijusk Lkickttbdquos w`rc ns fr`uedkd `e suih i`bpgkxphng`s`phnijg i`etrjdnitn`esmdashj wrntkr wrntnef gntkrjturk `ut `m
kxnstkeik nbp`ssnlgkmdashthjt N lkgnkvk wk bust hjvk rki`ursk t` thk
vjrn`us thk`rktnijg jed phng`s`phnijg trjdntn`es thjt jr`sk snbugtj-
ek`us wnth Lkickttbdquos `we dkvkg`pbket js j wrntkr By thk`rktnijg
jppr`jih ne thns Fundk ije pkrhjps lkst lk dksirnlkd js pr`bnsiu-
`us lut N tked t` thnec thjt j dki`estruitn`enst psyih`jejgysns ns thk
lkst wjy `m pr`ikkdnef wnth Lkicktt jt gkjst m`r bk T` nggustrjtk
whjt N bkje hkrkmdashjed ly wjy `m i`eigudnef thns Netr`duitn`emdash
N wnsh t` `utgnek tw` i`eikpts whnih wngg pr`vk irntnijg ne by rkjdnef
`m kspkinjggy thk drjbj
BKGJEIHGNJ
J bjo`r thkbk ne Lkicktt ns thjt `m bkb`ry `m ihjrjitkrs gnck
Crjpp `r Hjbb hjuetkd ly thk fh`st `m bkb`ry Jt j ljsni gkvkgthk Lkicktt ihjrjitkr gnvks ne j pr`trjitkd stjtk `m rkfrkt jed g`ss
j stjtk hk `r shk bjy e`t kvke rki`fenzk js suih Hnst`ry thk pjst
nbpnefks pr`m uedgy e thk ihjrjitkr jed js Lkicktt wrntks ne Qr`ust
thrkjtkes i`etneujggy t` lsquodkm`rbbdquo hnb Ne gt6 Ynfbued Mrkud pul-
gnshkd je kssjy thjt hjs rkiketgy i`bk t` lk skke js j iruinjg dnjfe`sns
`m j i`etkbp`rjry iugturjg i`edntn`e Ne lsquoB`urenef jed Bkgjeih`gnjbdquo
Mrkud jttkbpts t` i`bk t` je uedkrstjednef m h`w thk sulokit dkjgs
wnth trjubj jed g`ss Thkrk jrk hk thk`rnzks tw` rksp`esks t` g`sst` thk g`ss `m j g`vkd `ek `r thk lsquog`ss `m s`bk jlstrjitn`e whnih hjs
tjcke thk pgjik `m `ek suih js `ekbdquos i`uetry gnlkrty je ndkjg `r s`
`ebdquo (ltlt) Thk mnrst jed b`st hkjgthy ns whjt hk ijggs b`urenef
B`urenef ns j pr`ikss ly whnih thk g`ss ns i`bprkhkedkd jed
jiikptkd lsquow`rckd thr`ufhbdquo t` usk hns tkrbne`g`fy B`urenef ns thk
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2527
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
ltlt
e`rbjg wjy `ek bust dkjg wnth trjubj jed g`ss wnth whjt Mrkud
lkjutnmuggy tkrbs thk lsquoki`e`bnis `m pjnebdquo (ltlt) Qrkinskgy h`w thk
sulokit `vkri`bks g`ss ns e`t ce`we ly Mrkudmdashnt ns j dnmmniugt pr`-
ikss3 nt ns lsquow`rcbdquomdashlut kvketujggy thk b`urekr jiikpts thjt thk g`vkd`ek wnth wh`b hk bjy hjvk ndketnmnkd ns e` g`efkr hkrk t` bjcks
igjnbs `e hnb
Bkgjeih`gnj `e thk `thkr hjed ns je jle`rbjg rksp`esk t` g`ss
jed sntujtks thk sulokit ne j i`etneujg p`sntn`e `m ejrinssnstni ndketn-
mnijtn`e wnth thk g`st `lokit Ne `thkr w`rds thk bkgjeih`gy sulokit
ijee`t jiikpt thjt hkr g`vkd `ek ns ne mjit f`ek jed w`rcs pjth`g`fn-
ijggy lsquot` kstjlgnsh je ndketnmnijtn`e `m thk kf` wnth thk jljed`ekd
`lokitbdquo (lt8) Vhjt thns bkjes ns thjt thk pjstmdashg`ss trjubjmdashi`e-tneujggy w`rcs nts wjy net` thk prksket b`bket lkijusk thk sulokit
ijee`t b`vk pjst nt B`rk tr`ulgnef ns thk ndkj thjt thk sulokit d`ks
e`t wnsh t` jgg`w g`ss t` rkikdk net` hnst`ry lut dksnrks i`etneujggy t`
bjnetjne j i`eekitn`e t` thk trjubjtni b`bket Ne s`bk wjys thk
sulokit bjnetjnes thns pjth`g`fnijg stjtkmdashwhnih bjy ne mjit e`t lk
s` pjth`g`fnijg jmtkr jggmdashlkijusk thk trjubjtni b`bket ns nbp`r-
tjet m`r hkr bjy ne mjit hjvk shjpkd wh` shk ns
Vk bjy dnjfe`sk j frkjt eublkr `m Lkickttbdquos ihjrjitkrs js lknef
bkgjeih`gni ne Mrkudbdquos skesk Thky jrk hjuetkd ly thk pjst jed s`bk
gnck Crjpp Hjbb jed Vneenk dkgnlkrjtkgy jttkbpt t` rki`eekit wnth
j pjst thjt neigudks b`bkets `m g`ss jed kxtrkbk pjne Ne `thkr w`rds
thk mueitn`e `m bkb`ry ne Lkicktt ns gjrfkgy bkgjeih`gni prkinskgy
lkijusk thk ihjrjitkrs jice`wgkdfk i`esin`usgy `r uei`esin`usgy
thjt thky jrk thk pr`duits m j pjst whnih hjs bkringkssgy dkmnekd thkb
js summkrnef sulokits Lkickttbdquos ihjrjitkrs ignef s` rkgketgkssgy t` thkpjst lkijusk m`r rkjs`es wk wngg kxpg`rk thk prksket b`bket ns dkv`nd
`m snfenmnijeik3 thk jf`enznef pjst bjy lrutjgnzk lut ne nt jrk thk trjiks
thk hnst`rnijg mrjfbkets `m ndketnty jed bkjenef
THK JIHN]K
Dki`estruitn`enst Ojiquks Dkrrndj drjwnef hkjvngy `e Mrkud `mmkrs
j ski`ed rkgjtkd i`eikpt thjt N wngg usk t` rkjd thksk ihjrjitkrsbdquo rkgj-tn`e t` hnst`ry g`ss jed trjubj Ne Jrihnvk Mkvkr Dkrrndj jejgyzks
thk i`eikpt `m thk jrihnvk js j wjy `m i`bnef t` je uedkrstjednef
`m thk wjy thk sulokit ekf`tnjtks nts rkgjtn`eshnp t` hnst`ry t` thk
pjst jed thk muturk thk jrihnvk ns thus j bkjes ly whnih Dkrrndj
trnks t` uedkrstjed thk hubje js j lknef sntujtkd ne tnbk mkkgnef thk
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2627
NETD[ITNE
lt9
igjnbs `m thk tkbp`rjg Qkrhjps thk lkst wjy t` dkmnek thk jrihnvk ns
js j i`eikptujg `r bjtkrnjg spjik `m bkb`ry Thk bned ije skrvk js
je jrihnvk oust js j gnlrjry `r physnijg b`eubket ije Dkrrndj suf-
fksts thjt thk jrihnvk ns j pgjik m i`bbjedbket jed i`bbkeikbketj pgjik whkrk kvkets `m thk pjst jrk d`iubketkd juth`rntjtnvkgy js
bjrcnef thk lkfneenef `m s`bkthnef j gnmk j iugturk j invngnzjtn`e
Jrihnvks jrk spjiks m prkskrvjtn`e i`eskrvjtn`e lut jgs` m irkjtn`e
j iugturkbdquos uedkrstjednef m ntskgmmdashj sulokitbdquos uedkrstjednef m ntskgmmdash
ns irkjtkd wnthne thk spjik `m thk jrihnvk
Nt ns igkjr thjt thk jrihnvk ns j wjy `m bjtkrnjgnznef bjcnef i`e-
irktk thk pjst Jed nm hnst`ry ns gjrfkgy r ije lk gjrfkgy thk ejrrjtnvks
`m i`equkst dkmkjt jed vn`gkeik thk jrihnvk ns jgs` f`nef t` mueitn`ejs j spjik i`bbkb`rjtnef trjubj jed g`ss Nt strncks bk thkrkm`rk
thjt thk jrihnvkmdashjs j spjik thjt bjnetjnes j i`etneujg rkgjtn`e t` thk
pjstmdashns jgwjys jgrkjdy j bkgjeih`gy spjik Vhjt N wnsh t` suffkst
hkrk ne spkinmni rkgjtn`e t` Lkickttbdquos w`rc ns thjt thk Lkickttnje sul-
okit lki`bks j gntkrjg kbl`dnbket m whjt N hjvk kgskwhkrk ijggkd thk
lsquobkgjeih`gy jrihnvkbdquo Thk Lkickttnje sulokit nbb`lngnzkd jed
mrjfbketkdmdashthnec `m Vneenk lurnkd t` hkr ekic ne kjrth ne Hjppy
Djys3 `m B`uth ne E`t N 3 `m Bjg`ek ne Bjg`ek Dnks3 `m thk mnfurk ne
I`bpjey mdashns jgwjys j hnst`rnijg sulokit j sulokit b`rk prkinskgy
sulokit t` hnst`ry Yhk ns i`etneujggy rkbkblkrnef s`bktnbks jfjnest
hkr wngg whjt hjs `iiurrkd ne thk pjst3 shk ns i`etneujggy jttkbptnef
t` rkijpturk j pjst shk bjy e`t muggy i`bprkhked
Jed nt ns thk Lkickttnje l`dy whnih lki`bks thk prnbjry rkp`sn-
t`ry m`r thksk rkbjnes thksk trjiks `m hnst`ry Thk ihjrjitkr bjy
kxnstmdashjs ne Hjppy Djys r Kedfjbk mdashjt whjt jppkjrs t` lk thk ked`m hubje iugturk lut shkmdashhkr l`dymdashbjnetjnes thk jrihnvjg trjiks
`m thjt g`st iugturk Thk nbjfks Lkicktt fnvks us ne hns drjbj jed
pr`skmdashj dnskbl`dnkd b`uth j l`dy nbb`lngnzkd ne j whkkgihjnr
`r thk kjrth pk`pgk ne uresmdashjrk nbjfks thjt i`eirktnzk thk ndkj `m
bkb`ry js kbl`dnkd `r jrihnvkd N suffkstkd jl`vk thjt m`r Lkicktt
sulokitnvntymdashthk skesk m wh` wk jrkmdashns muggy dkpkedket e thk l`dy
Vhjt Mrkud jed Dkrrndj jgg`w us t` uedkrstjed ns thk wjy sulokitnv-
nty ne Lkicktt ns muggy dkpkedket `e hnst`ry jed jrihnvkd bkb`ryMrkudbdquos e`tn`es `m b`urenef jed bkgjeih`gnj t`fkthkr wnth thk
Dkrrndkje rkjdnef `m thk jrihnvk jrk i`eikpts thjt wngg pr`vk uskmug
ne rkjdnef je juth`r wh`sk w`rc ns jt j pr`m`ued gkvkg jgwjys jl`ut
thk pjst j pjst whnih bjy hjvk rkikdkd net` m`rfktmugekss lut wh`sk
igjnbs jrk stngg lknef mkgt Ne nts strjefkekss Lkickttbdquos w`rc prkskets
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2727
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
eubkr`us dnmmniugtnks lut js wk shjgg dnsi`vkr hk ekvkr jljed`es
hns rkjdkr `r judnkeik i`bpgktkgy Mnrst js N hjvk bketn`ekd hns
ihjrjitkrsmdashwh` jt tnbks lki`bk `ur surr`fjtks `ur ueijeey d`u-
lgksmdashkxprkss buih thk sjbk i`emusn`e jl`ut thknr w`rgds js thkrkjdkr3 js suih thk strjefkekss lkijusk shjrkd lki`bks ne j skesk
e`rbjgnzkd Yki`ed jed pkrhjps b`rk nbp`rtjet Lkickttbdquos w`rc
ckys net` muedjbketjggy rki`fenzjlgk sntujtn`es Vk jgg jrk irkjtn`es
`m hnst`rnks wk bjy e`t rki`fenzk `r wnsh t` rki`fenzk3 wk jgg jt
tnbks dnsjv`w `ur pjsts kvke js wk mkkg thk prkssurks `m hnst`ry3 wk
jgg ne `thkr w`rds jrk hnst`rnijgmdashne Mrkudbdquos tkrbs bkgjeih`gymdash
irkjturks Lkickttbdquos w`rc ns iruinjg lkijusk nt rkgketgkssgy rkb`rskgkssgy
i`bpkgs us t` i`emr`et thk pr`m`ued igjnbs thjt hnst`ry bust bjckup`e us jgg Js wk i`bk t` rki`fenzk thk igjnbs `m thk pjst jed rkjg-
nzk thk kxtket t` whnih hnst`ry i`estruits thk hubje sulokit wk lkfne
t` uedkrstjed thjt Lkickttbdquos w`rc jt tnbks skkbnefgy s` strjefk
skkbnefgy nehubje ns `egy kvkr j i`bpjssn`ejtk jttkbpt t` i`bprk-
hked hubjenty ntskgm
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 527
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
lt
t` trjesm`rb twketnkth-iketury drjbj Vjntnef m`r F`d`t (i`bp`skd
gt48rsquo4gt) Lkicktt sjnd thjt thns pgjy wjs kssketnjggy wrnttke js j
dnvkrsn`e j lsquorkgjxjtn`e t` fkt jwjy mr`b thk jwmug pr`sk N wjs wrnt-
nef jt thk tnbkbdquolt Thk tw`-jit pgjy mkjturnef thk e`w ni`eni trjbpswjntnef m`r thns F`d`t wh` ekvkr wngg jppkjr wjs rkv`gutn`ejry jed
i`etrnlutkd ne e` sbjgg pjrt t` hns lknef jwjrdkd thk E`lkg Qrnzk m`r
gntkrjturk ne gt=gt
Vjntnef m`r F`d`t j pgjy ne whnih lsquoe`thnef hjppkes twnikbdquo9 js
]nvnje Bkrinkr mjb`usgy put nt rjdnijggy qukstn`es thk fr`ueds m nts
`we fkerk Thjt ns t` sjy Lkicktt prkskets j drjbj thjt `vkrtures
judnkeiksbdquo ljsni jssubptn`es Thkrk ns e` ihjrjitkr dkvkg`pbket e`
pg`t `m jey i`eskqukeik e` igkjr pr`frkssn`e `m jey ejrrjtnvk i`e-tket `r jitn`e nt ns j pgjy stjfnef thk jetninpjtn`e `m jitn`e rjthkr
thje jitn`e ntskgm Nentnjggy thk pgjy ljmmgkd judnkeiks3 whke mnrst pkr-
m`rbkd ne thk [entkd Ytjtks (hjvnef lkke lnggkd js thk lsquogjufh hnt `m
tw` i`etneketsbdquo4) pk`pgk mg`ickd `ut ne dr`vks Kvketujggy h`wkvkr
nt lkijbk igkjr thjt Lkickttbdquos w`rc nm e`t trjdntn`ejggy drjbjtni dnd
spkjc t` whjt wjs pkriknvkd t` lk j rki`fenzjlgk i`edntn`e ne thk
gt1s jexnkty Ne s`bk skesks jed thns ns truk m`r jgg `m Lkickttbdquos
w`rc e`t snbpgy F`d`t Lkicktt ns netkrkstkd ne jejgyznef thk hubje
lknef jt b`bkets `m netkesk skgm-jwjrkekss jed jexnkty (jed whjt ns
jexnkty nm e`t j i`edntn`e `m kxtrkbk skgm-i`esin`usekss0) F`d`t
sp`ck t` j fkekrjtn`e thjt rki`fenzkd ntskgm js jexn`us m`r bkjenef
m`r snfenmnijeik
Jed jgth`ufh nt ns pkrhjps t`` kjsy t` hnst`rninzk Lkickttbdquos w`rc m`r
netkrprktnvk i`bm`rt wk sh`ugd e`tnik thjt hns bjo`r w`rc (neigudnef
thk mnrst trng`fy jed thk drjbj `m thk gt1s jed gt=1s) wjs pr`duikdne j i`etkxt `m frkjt sh`ic jed pr`trjitkd jexnkty thk Yki`ed V`rgd
wjr hjd rkiketgy kedkd thk truth `m thk dkjth ijbps hjd lkfue t`
lk muggy ce`we jed thk fr`wnef i`emgnit lktwkke thk Vkst jed thk
Y`vnkt [en`e skrvkd js j i`estjet rkbnedkr `m thk thrkjt `m t`tjg
euigkjr jeenhngjtn`e Nedkkd Lkickttbdquos Kedfjbk (gt6) whnih tjcks
pgjik skkbnefgy jmtkr s`bk frkjt ijtjstr`phk (thk w`rgd hjs lkke
lsquoi`rpskdbdquo t` usk Ig`vbdquos h`rrnmni w`rd) spkjcs dnrkitgy js thk frkjt
irntni Thk`d`r Jd`re` jrfuks t` j p`st-H`g`ijust w`rgd
M`r jgg ntsdnmmniugty Lkickttbdquos w`rc thus d`ks spkjc t` nts tnbk d`ks prksket nm
rkjd ijrkmuggy j dnjfe`sns m thk twketnkth iketury3 rkjd mr`b je`thkr
pkrspkitnvk thk w`rc lki`bks sybpt`bjtni `m thk twketnkth iketury
Thjt ns t` sjy Lkickttbdquos w`rc i`ugd `egy hjvk lkke wrnttke ne j ike-
tury thjt wnteksskd suih bjssnvk sikeks `m dkstruitn`e jed lrutjgnty
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 627
NETD[ITNE
9
Lkicktt pr`duikd Vjntnef m`r F`d`t whngk irkjtnef hns b`st nbp`r-
tjet jed nemguketnjg l`dy `m pr`sk w`rc thk mnrst trng`fy `m e`vkgs
B`gg`y Bjg`ek Dnks jed Thk [eejbjlgk Nm Vjntnef m`r F`d`t rkv`-
gutn`enzkd drjbj thns pr`sk trng`fy dnd thk sjbk t` thk e`vkg Nedkkdwk bjy jrfuk js d`ks J Jgvjrkz thjt ne thksk w`rcs Lkicktt ksske-
tnjggy lsquojssjssnejtksbdquo thk e`vkg m rb= Nm Vjntnef m`r F`d`t rkb`vkd thk
drjbj mr`b drjbj thksk e`vkgs rkb`vkd jgg i`bm`rtjlgk snfep`sts
mr`b ejrrjtnvk i`hkrket pg`t stjlgk ihjrjitkr kvkets `iiurrnef ne
ndketnmnjlgk spjik jed tnbk Nt ns igkjr thjt Lkicktt ns e`t prnbjrngy
netkrkstkd ne tkggnef lsquost`rnksbdquo ne jey i`evketn`ejg skesk hkrk3 nedkkd
`ek ijee`t kvke rkjggy suffkst j e`vkg gnck Thk [eejbjlgk mdashwhnih ns
ejrrjtkd ly shnmtnef pkrhjps l`dngkss pkrs`ejgntnks ne whjt bjy lks`bk cned `m jmtkrgnmkmdashhjs j st`ry jt jgg Ne gjtkr w`rcs gnck H`w Nt
Ns (gt=) Jgg Ytrjefk Jwjy (gt=9rsquo=4) Nbjfnejtn`e Dkjd Nbjfnek
(gt=) jed thk ski`ed trng`fy (whnih neigudks I`bpjey Sgt81R
Ngg Ykke Ngg Yjnd Sgt8R jed V`rstwjrd H` Sgt89R) Lkicktt mmkrs tkxts
whnih skkb t` dnsbjetgk thk fkekrni bjrckrs lktwkke pr`sk jed
p`ktry t` thk p`net whkrk nt lki`bks igkjr thjt hns bjne i`eikre ns
snbpgy (lut whjt j w`rd) gjefujfk ntskgm jed thk wjy hubje kxpkrn-
keik ns l`ued up ne thk gnefunstni By netkrkst ne thns Fundk wngg lk t`
suffkst thjt thns `lskssn`e wnth gjefujfk ne thk wjy wk ce`w jed
jrk ce`we ly thk w`rgd vnj gjefujfks thkbskgvks pkrhjps nekmmkitnvk
jed mjngnef ns thk thr`ufh-gnek i`eekitnef Lkickttbdquos w`rc l`th ne
pr`sk jed drjbj Ne thns skesk jed N wngg rkture t` thns p`net ne dktjng
Lkickttbdquos ijrkkr ns je kgjl`rjtk jed eujeikd i`bbketjry `e j stjtk-
bket ly phng`s`phkr Hjes-Fk`rf Fjdjbkr lsquoGjefujfk ns e`t oust
`ek `m bjebdquos p`sskssn`es ne thk w`rgd3 rjthkr `e nt dkpkeds thk mjitthjt bje hjs j w`rgd jt jggbdquo (Truth jed Bkth`d 449)
Lkickttbdquos w`rc rkv`gutn`enzkd twketnkth-iketury gntkrjturk Ikrtjnegy
t` wrntk j i`evketn`ejg pgjy w`ugd pr`vk rjthkr b`rk dnmmniugt jmtkr
Vjntnef m`r F`d`t Kedfjbk r thk gjtkr b`rk stygnstnijggy jvjet-fjrdk
w`rc Drjbjs gnck Hjppy Djys (gt=) whnih skks j ihjrjitkr lurnkd
t` hkr wjnst (gjtkr t` hkr ekic) ne thk kjrth3 `r Qgjy (gt=9) ne whnih
thrkk ihjrjitkrs netkrekd ne ures jrk m`rikd uejwjrk `m thk `thkrsbdquo
prkskeik t` spkjc jl`ut thk ejturk `m thknr t`rturkd rkgjtn`eshnp3 `rE`t N (gt6lt) ne whnih j dnskbl`dnkd b`uth mrjetnijggy spkws `ut
j ejrrjtnvk `m jssjugt jed bjdekss3 `r Lrkjth (gt=gt) j 9-ski`ed
pgjy mkjturnef j stjfk mnggkd wnth rullnsh jed thk s`ued `m j iry jt
lnrth jed dkjth jgg ihjggkefk e`tn`es `m whjt i`estntutk lsquodrjbjbdquo js
suih Qgjywrnfhts gnck Hjr`gd Qnetkr (wh` jice`wgkdfks Lkicktt
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 727
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
4
js hns bjstkr) Kdwjrd Jglkk jed Yjrjh Cjek jrk jgg bjssnvkgy
nemgukeikd ly thk pgjys thknr kxpkrnbkets wnth m`rb jed stjfnef
jrk jgg rksp`esks t` Lkickttbdquos kgjl`rjtk jed rkgketgkss irntnquk `m drj-
bjtni i`evketn`e Jed kqujggy wk ekkd t` rki`fenzk thk nemgukeik `mLkickttbdquos pr`sk `e twketnkth-iketury mnitn`e Lkickttbdquos mnrst trng`fy js
wkgg js hns gjtkr pr`sk hjs hjd ke`rb`us nemgukeik `e wrntkrs wh` ne
thknr ture hjvk lki`bk nbp`rtjet ne thk pr`frkssn`e `m twketnkth-
jed twkety-mnrst-iketury pr`sk Qjug Justkr (wh`sk Ekw ^`rc Trng`fy
ije lk rkjd js j dnrkit p`stb`dkre rkwrntnef m Lkickttbdquos mnrst trng`fy)
O B I`ktzkk (wh` ne mjit wr`tk hns QhD dnsskrtjtn`e `e Lkickttbdquos
Vjtt) jed O`he Ljevnggk (wh` ne w`rcs gnck Thk L``c `m Kvndkeik
shjrks Lkickttbdquos mjsinejtn`e wnth thk w`rcnefs m thk p`ssnlgy dkrjefkdbned) jgg igjnb je jrtnstni nehkrntjeik mr`b Lkickttbdquos snefugjr vnsn`e
thknr rkprksketjtn`es `m thk neekr skgmmdashpsyih`tni trjubjtnzkdmdashije
lk trjikd t` Lkickttbdquos netkrkst ne thk s`gntjry jed bjrfnejg mnfurk
rkduikd ne p`sskssn`es jed l`dy ekf`tnjtnef j pjth thr`ufh j h`stngk
`r nednmmkrket w`rgd
LKICKTTbdquoY YT^GK
Nt ns prkinskgy thns qujgnty `m snefugjrnty thjt rkjdkrs cky net` whke
kei`uetkrnef Lkickttbdquos w`rc thkrk ns snbpgy e`thnef rkb`tkgy gnck
Lkicktt ne thk w`rgd `m gntkrjturk Vhngk Lkickttbdquos kjrgy w`rc (Burphy
B`rk Qrnics thje Cnics thk p`sthub`usgy pulgnshkd Drkjb `m Mjnr
t` Bnddgnef V`bke6) lkjrs trjiks `m O`yikbdquos nemgukeik (js skke ne
whjt ns m`r Lkicktt ueusujggy kekrfktni kvke pgjymug pr`sk) hns gjtkr
w`rcmdashthk ture t` whnih N g`ijtk ne gt9bdquos Vjtt (wrnttke lktwkkegt4 jed gt4)mdashns uenqukgy Lkickttbdquos Vhngk nt ns pkrhjps uemjnr t`
subbjrnzk jed dnstngg thk qujgntnks `m j wrntkrbdquos w`rc wk ije bjck j
mkw fkekrjg i`bbkets hkrk Lkickttbdquos w`rc jgwjys kvke js nts b`st
kxtrkbk gnbnt `m ueijeenekss jed strjefkekss ns rkgketgkssgy hub`r-
`us nm djrcgy s Jt b`bkets m kxtrkbk dkspjnr e stjfk j ihjrjitkr
wngg `mmkr j gnek thjt wngg bjck us gjufh uekjsngy Ne Vjntnef m`r
F`d`t m`r nestjeik ]gjdnbnr jed Kstrjf`e wntekss Q`zz`bdquos lrutjg
trkjtbket `m Guicy3 thky thke hjvk thns lrnkm kxihjefk
]gjdnbnr Thjt pjsskd thk tnbk
Kstrjf`e Nt w`ugd hjvk pjsskd ne jey ijsk
]gjdnbnr ^ks lut e`t s` rjpndgy (41)
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 827
NETD[ITNE
Jt b`bkets `m kxtrkbk pjne ne thk e`vkgs j ihjrjitkr wngg dkmgjtk hns
dkspjnr wnth nr`ey Bjg`ek jg`ek jed dynef ne hns lkd m`r nestjeik
`mmkrs thns lsquoBy l`dy ns whjt ns ijggkd uejdvnskdgy pkrhjps nbp`-
tket Thkrk ns vnrtujggy e`thnef nt ije d Y`bktnbks N bnss e`t lknefjlgk t` irjwg jr`ued jey b`rk Lut N jb e`t buih fnvke t` e`stjgfnjbdquo
(Bjg`ek Dnks 81)
Thns lrutjggy jbusnef wrntnef jggkvnjtks thk fg``b `m thk Lkicktt
pgjy `r e`vkg lut nt d`ks jdd j ikrtjne ueijeey mrnss`e t` `ur kxpkrn-
keik `m thk w`rc why jrk wk gjufhnef jt thns0 H`w ije thkrk lk
hub`r ne suih j dkpgktkd w`rgd0 Ne je netkrvnkw Lkicktt `eik sjnd
lsquoNm thkrk wkrk `egy djrcekss jgg w`ugd lk igkjr Nt ns lkijusk thkrk
ns e`t `egy djrcekss lut jgs` gnfht thjt `ur sntujtn`e lki`bks nekxpgn-ijlgkbdquo (ltlt1)8 Lkicktt ns thk bjstkr m bnxnef gnfht jed djrc m hub`r
wnth pjne `m thk rki`fenzjlgk wnth thk uemjbngnjr Thk rksugt ns j
cned `m wrntnef thjt ns i`esnstketgy dns`rnketnef lut e`t strjefk
ke`ufh t` lk muggy jgnkejtnef wk d` rki`fenzk jed rksp`ed t` s`bk-
thnef ne thk w`rc j qujgnty pkrhjps `m shjrkd summkrnef `m shjrkd
dkspjnr jed lk nt kvkr s` hublgk shjrkd i`bpjssn`e
kjdkrs `mtke rkbjrc `e thk pjrtniugjr qujgnty `m Lkickttbdquos ske-
tkeiks kspkinjggy ne thk pr`sk [egnck thjt `m hns kjrgy bjstkr O`yik
Lkickttbdquos bjturk pr`sk ns irystjggnek ne nts i`einsn`e Nedkkd Lkicktt
`eik rkbjrckd `e thk dnmmkrkeik lktwkke O`yikbdquos bkth`d `m i`bp`s-
nef jed hns `we
lsquowk jrk dnjbktrnijggy `pp`sntk lkijusk O`yik wjs j syethksnzkr hk
wjetkd t` put kvkrythnef thk wh`gk m hubje iugturk net` ek r
tw` l``cs jed N jb je jejgyzkr N tjck jwjy jgg thk jiindketjgslkijusk N wjet t` i`bk d`we t` thk lkdr`ic `m thk kssketnjgs thk
jrihktypjgbdquo gt
Ne Djbekd t` Mjbk Ce`wgs`e qu`tks Lkickttbdquos vnkws `e O`yik
lsquo N rkjgnzkd thjt O`yik hjd f`ek js mjr js `ek i`ugd ne thk dnrkitn`e
`m ce`wnef b`rk SlknefR ne i`etr`g `m `ekbdquos bjtkrnjg Hk wjs jgwjys
jddnef t` nt N rkjgnskd thjt by `we wjy wjs ne nbp`vkrnshbket
ne gjic `m ce`wgkdfk jed ne tjcnef jwjy ne sultrjitnef rjthkr thjene jddnef‒ bdquo (9gt) Jed thus whngk Lkickttbdquos sketkeiks jrk kjsngy
ke`ufh rkjd (wk bjy hjvk t` g``c up thk dd w`rd e`w jed jfjne)1
thkrk ns j sg`w-lure qujgnty t` thns wrntnef js bkjenefs jed rks`ejeiks
i`bk t` gnfht jed jppgy prkssurk g`ef jmtkr wk hjvk pjsskd `vkr
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
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LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
=
thk nednvndujg w`rds Thk mjb`us gnek mr`b Bjg`ek Dnks lsquoE`thnef ns
b`rk rkjg thje e`thnefbdquo (8=) ns je kxjbpgk m j sketkeik whnih sejfs
`ur jttketn`e wnth nts pkiugnjr usk `m j w`rd `r ndkj E`thnefekss
rjdnijg jlskeik thk sketkeik suffksts ns thk b`st prkssnef rkjgntywnth whnih wk bust dkjg Thk sketkeikbdquos inriugjrnty jed rkpktntn`e
b`rk`vkr ueijeengy trjesmkrs jlskeik net` prkskeik e`thnef thus
lki`bks s`bkthnef js wk mkkg nts rkjg igjnbs `e us Thk sketkeik lrng-
gnjetgy dkb`estrjtks h`w j snefgk w`rd ije shnbbkr wnth bugtnpgk
rks`ejeiks thk mnrst usk `m thk w`rd lsquoe`thnefbdquo ns vkry dnmmkrket mr`b
thk ski`ed Nedkkd thk w`rd skkbs snbugtjek`usgy t` hjvk ijsujg
jed dkkpgy phng`s`phnijg bkjenefs jgg `m whnih m`gd net` kjih `thkr
jed jrk kxihjefkd Bjg`ek jwjrk `m thk kmmkits `m hns `we w`rds`mmkrs thns i`bbketjry `e thns sketkeik lsquoN ce`w th`sk gnttgk phrjsks
thjt skkb s` nee`iu`us jed `eik y`u gkt thkb ne p`ggutk thk wh`gk
`m spkkih Thky rnsk up `ut `m thk pnt jed ce`w e` rkst uetng thky
drjf y`u d`we net` nts djrcbdquo (8=rsquo86)
Je`thkr rkgjtkd ueijeey kmmkit `iiurs whke Lkicktt `mmkrs je ndkj
`egy t` ekfjtk nts igjnbs nbbkdnjtkgy lsquoGnvk jed nevket N hjvk trnkd
N bust hjvk trnkd Nevket Nt ns e`t thk w`rd Eknthkr ns gnvkbdquo (Bjg`ek
Dnks 8gt)3 lsquoN jb dkjd lut N ekvkr gnvkdbdquo (Tkxts m`r E`thnef 999)3
lsquoYjy j l`dy Vhkrk e`ekbdquo (V`rstwjrd H` 46) Thk mnejg gneks `m
B`gg`y jrk pkrhjps thk b`st mjb`us kxjbpgk `m Lkickttbdquos skgm-
i`etrjdnit`ry skgm-ijeikggnef rhkt`rni lsquoThke N wket ljic net` thk
h`usk jed wr`tk Nt ns bndenfht Thk rjne ns lkjtnef `e thk wned`ws
Nt wjs e`t bndenfht Nt wjs e`t rjnenefbdquo (61) Thk kmmkit j dnzzynef
`ek ns t` ckkp thk rkjdkr i`esnstketgy e hkr netkrprktnvk t`ks prkvket-
nef hkr mr`b skttgnef `e jey i`bm rtjlgk `r i`bm`rtnef bkjenefThns kmmkit rkjihks nts tkrbnejg p`net ne Lkickttbdquos gjtk pr`sk ne tkxts
gnck V`rstwjrd H` Lkicktt hkrk m`rf`ks i`evketn`ejg frjbbjr
ihjrjitkr pg`t jed st`ry jed prkskets gjefujfk ntskgm js ihjrjitkr (ne
thns wjy wk jrk oustnmnkd ne jsskrtnef js suffkstkd thjt gjefujfk ns
jgwjys Lkickttbdquos bjne i`eikre) Thk gjefujfk `m thk gjtk tkxts ns i`e-
trjdnit`ry jed pr`duiks mjbngnjr vkrtnfne`us kmmkits
V`rskenef w`rds wh`sk uece`we Vhkeik uece`we Jt jgg i`stsuece`we E`w m`r t` sjy js w`rst thky bjy `egy thky `egy thky
Dnb v`nd shjdks jgg thky E`thnef sjvk whjt thky sjy Y`bkh`w
sjy E`thnef sjvk thky Vhjt thky sjy Vh`sks`kvkr whkeiks`kvkr
sjy Js w`rst thky bjy mjng kvkr w`rsk t` sjy (468)
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1027
NETD[ITNE
6
Yurkgy thns ns s`bk `m Lkickttbdquos b`st ihjggkefnef b`st dnmmniugt
wrntnef Lut nm wk gnstke t` nt ijrkmuggy wk ije jttked t` thkbks hk wngg
kxpg`rk thr`ufh`ut hns ijrkkr Vk ije hkjr Lkickttbdquos lskssnvk rkture
t` thk rhkt`rni `m lsquoe`thnefbdquo3 wk kei`uetkr hns netkrkst ne lsquomjngurkbdquo js jtr`pk `m wrntnef3 wk skk hns netkrkst ne b`vnef pjst thk ljrrnkrs `m
i`evketn`ejg gjefujfk t` kxpg`rk thk gnbnts `m whjt ije lk sjnd jed
e`t sjnd (`r bnssjnd) ne gjefujfk whnih ns ntskgm dkjd `r spkitrjg
lsquov`nd shjdksbdquo Lkicktt m`r jgg hns dnmmniugty ije lk rkjd igkjrgy lkijusk
js N kxpg`rk ne dktjng lkg`w hns wrntnef fnvks us thk netkrprktnvk iguks
wk ekkd Je netkrprktnvk dnzznekss ns j fnvke whke rkjdnef Lkicktt
whjt wk d` wnth thjt dnzznekss h`w wk ih``sk t` netkrprkt `ur
b`bkets `m ueikrtjnety lki`bks `ur tjsc `ur `lgnfjtn`e
THK DNMMNI[GT^ M KJDNEF LKICKTT FKEK
ETHNEFEKYY THK QYTH[BJE LD^
Fkerk
Thk ykjr lt11= wjs thk iketkejry `m Yjbukg Lkickttbdquos lnrth Jt vjrn-
`us mkstnvjgs jed i`emkrkeiks hns w`rcs wkrk pkrm`rbkd dnsiusskd
jed irntninzkd Nedkkd kvke thk bjnestrkjb bkdnj usujggy `lgnvn`us
t` thk w`rc `m thk gntkrjry jvjet-fjrdk t``c e`tnik nm `egy t` rkiyigk
thk prnbjry irntnijg ignihicircs jl`ut Lkickttbdquos w`rc nt ns lgkjc dnmmniugt
jed lsquojl`utbdquo thk jlsurdnty jed bkjenefgkssekss `m kxnstkeik Thns gjst
ignihicirc fnvke jt gkjst tjint supp`rt ly Lkicktt hnbskgm ns `ek thns
Fundk wngg ne pjrt skkc t` dnsbjetgk lut m r e`w wk ekkd t` jice`wg-
kdfk thk truth `m whjt ns fkekrjggy pkriknvkd jl`ut Lkickttbdquos w`rc ntsuei`bpr`bnsnef dnmmniugty Vk jrk prksketkd ne l`th thk drjbj
jed pr`sk wnth uemjbngnjr jed skkbnefgy uerkjdjlgk sntujtn`es tw`
trjbps `e j ekjr-kbpty stjfk wjntnef3 j lgned tyrjet jii`bpjenkd
ly hns irnppgkd pjrkets jed j pkkvnsh skrvjet ykjrenef m`r hns gnmk
(jed thk pgjy hk skkbs t` ce`w hk ns ne) t` ked3 j pgjy ne whnih j
b`uth spkjcnef ne ekjr nei`bprkhkesnlgk gjefujfk ns thk bjne
lsquoihjrjitkrbdquo3 je `gd bje gynef ne lkd tkggnef st`rnks uetng hk dnks
Jed `ek i`ugd f` `e jed wk shjgg hkrk gnstnef thk byrnjd dnmmniug-tnks p`skd ly Lkickttbdquos w`rc Jt j ljsni gkvkg h`wkvkr wk e`tnik `ek
i`bb`e mkjturk `m thksk tkxts `ek gnec whnih bjy lk `ur netkrprk-
tnvk ketry p`net thky jgg dkgnlkrjtkgy dnsbjetgk fkekrni kxpkitjtn`e
Thjt ns t` sjy kvkry Lkicktt tkxt dkmnks `ur e`tn`es `m whjt j pgjy `r
j e`vkg sh`ugd lk d`nef Nm wk rki`fenzk thns fkekrni lsquodki`bp`sntn`ebdquo
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1127
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
8
js Lkickttbdquos prnbjry bkth`d `m pr`lgkbjtnznef netkrprktnvk pr`t`-
i`gs wk i`bk t` je nbp`rtjet nentnjg rkjgnzjtn`e Lkickttbdquos tkxts rksnst
lknef netkrprktkd jed ijtkf`rnzkd jed thns bjy ne mjit lk whjt thky
jrk jl`ut thk pr`lgkb `m netkrprktjtn`e ntskgmThns Fundk thus wngg lkfne wnth je jejgysns `m thk wjy Lkicktt
bjenpugjtks fkerk ne hns w`rc Vjntnef m`r F`d`t m`r nestjeik ns j
drjbj ne ejbk `egy nm thk r``t `m thk w`rd lsquodrjbjbdquo ns thk Frkkc m r
lsquojitn`ebdquo Lkicktt ns dkgnlkrjtkgy wrntnef j drjbj thjt ns e`t ne mjit j
drjbj jt jgg (e`thnef hjppkes ne thk pgjy3 `r b`rk prkinskgy e`thnef
hjppkes thk kxpkrnkeik `m e`thnefekss ns whjt thk pgjy ns jl`ut)
Thk e`vkgs `m Lkickttbdquos mnrst trng`fy (B`gg`y Bjg`ek Dnks Thk
[eejbjlgk) jfjne jrk e`vkgs ne ejbk `egy js thns trng`fy pr`frkssksthkrk ns j dnbnenshnef `m pg`t jed j rkb`vjg `m jgg ndketnmnjlgk ihjr-
jitkrs wnthne ndketnmnjlgk spjik jed tnbk Lkickttbdquos gjtk pr`sk jed
drjbj lgurs thk dnstneitn`e lktwkke fkerks H`w Nt Ns j lsquoe`vkgbdquo rkjds
gnck p`ktry3 J Qnkik `m B`e`g`fuk (gt8lt) j lsquopgjybdquo rkjds gnck j sh`rt
pr`sk st`ry3 Lkickttbdquos gjst bjo`r w`rc ne thk s`-ijggkd ski`ed trng`fy
(I`bpjey Ngg Ykke Ngg Yjnd V`rstwjrd H`) rkduiks thk vkry gje-
fujfk `m pr`sk t` e`efrjbbjtnijg igjusks jed pgjiks lsquoihjrjitkrsbdquo
(wh` mueitn`e bkrkgy js frjbbjtnijg nedniks bjy nedkkd `egy lsquolkbdquo
dnskbl`dnkd frjbbjtnijg nedniks) ne g`ijtn`es thjt jrk lky`ed gnmk
jed dkjth
Nt ns by suffkstn`e thjt thk trjokit`ry `m Lkickttbdquos ijrkkr js
drjbjtnst jed e`vkgnst trjiks j systkbjtni dki`estruitn`e `m thk vkry
prkbnsks `m drjbj jed pr`sk j dki`estruitn`e thjt wntekssks thk
snbugtjek`us jed systkbjtni dnsbjetgnef `m thk skgm `r sulokit wh`
w`ugd rkgy `e ejrrjtnvk js j bkjes `m skgm-uedkrstjednef N pr`p`skhkrk t` suffkst thjt thns dki`estruitn`e thns dnsbjetgnef `m jgg
rkiknvkd struiturks `m sulokitnvnty jed ejrrjtnvk lk nt ne pr`sk `r
drjbj (jed hns ihjrjitkrs e stjfk jrk egy kvkr tkggnef st`rnks) ns thk
bjo`r thkbk m Lkickttbdquos w`rc jed m i`ursk thk ijusk m thk bjo`r
dnmmniugtnks ne thk rkjdnef `m thns w`rc
eik wk uedkrstjed thjt Lkickttbdquos bkth`d ns t` ijgg net` qukstn`e
thk vkry prkbnsks `m drjbj jed pr`sk wk bjy lk lkttkr jlgk t`
uedkrstjed whjt N skk js hns bjo`r purp`sk t` ijgg net` qukstn`e jggth`sk bkth`dsmdashejrrjtnvk lknef thk prnbjry ekmdashwk hjvk m uedkr-
stjednef `urskgvks Fkerks i`bk rkjdy lungt wnth bkjenef jed
kxpkitjtn`e pgjys jed e`vkgs hjvk struiturksmdashlkfneenefs bnddgks
kednefs3 ihjrjitkr jed pg`t lsquodkvkg`pbketbdquo3 skttnefsmdashthjt rkjdkrs ejtu-
rjggy jssubk sh`ugd lk ne pgjik Qgjys jed e`vkgs hjvk rki`fenzjlgk
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1227
NETD[ITNE
gt
ihjrjitkrs jed tkgg st`rnks thjt whngk pkrhjps i`emusnef jed ihjggkef-
nef jssubk whjt wk ije ijgg lsquoce`wjlngntybdquo Thjt ns thksk ejrrjtnvks
jrk jssubkd t` rkmgkit j rki`fenzjlgk rkjgnty `ek t` whnih thk rkjdkr
ije rnket hkrskgm J iketrjg nm uesp`cke jssubptn`e m whjt ns ijggkdigjssni rkjgnst gntkrjturk ns thjt ejrrjtnvk ntskgm ns j ejturjg jed juth`r-
ntjtnvk wjy `m i`bbuenijtnef rkjgntylt Gjefujfk ne `thkr w`rds ns
thk jdkqujtk vkhnigk m`r rkprksketnef rkjgnty jed b`st nbp`rtjetgy
m`r rkprksketnef thk skgm3 ne igjssni rkjgnst mnitn`e iruinjggy thk skgmmdash
thnec m`r nestjeik m Dnickesbdquo Djvnd I`ppkrmnkgdmdashprkikdks gjefujfk
jed usks nt i`etr`gs nt t` trjesirnlk hns rkjgnty
Lkicktt ns w`rcnef t` rkvkjg jgg thksk kxpkitjtn`es js jrtnmninjg jed
i`estruitkd Hk nednijtks thjt wk i`estruit `urskgvks js skgvks ne thkst`rnks wk tkgg thk hnst`rnks wk i`estruit jed thus hns dnsbjetgnef
`m thksk ejrrjtnvks ns hns wjy `m kxjbnenef thk vkry mrjfngnty thk vkry
i`estruitkdekss `m thk hubje jed hubje uedkrstjednef ntskgm
Ejrrjtnvk jed `thkr fkekrni i`evketn`es jrk wjys `m i`etr`ggnef
kxpkrnkeik m shjpnef kxpkrnkeik3 thky jrk e`t uepr`lgkbjtni rkmgki-
tn`es `m kxpkrnkeik Ne thk ked h`wkvkr ly systkbjtnijggy rkduinef
ejrrjtnvk t` nts ksskeik t` whjt hk ijggs nts lsquow`rskenef w`rdsbdquo Lkicktt
dnsi`vkrs thk pkrsnstket ksskeik `m thk hubje wh`sk ejrrjtnvks lsquomjng
jfjnebdquo jed lsquomjng lkttkrbdquo lut wh` ns nesnstketgy prksket ne thjt mjngurk
nm `egy js j trjik spkitkr `r fh`st `m ntskgm By jrfubket ugtnbjtkgy
ns thjt m`r jgg Lkickttbdquos skkbnef dnmmniugty jed ekfjtnvnty hns e`vkgs
jed pgjys w`rc systkbjtnijggy t` ikgklrjtk nm ne je nevkrsk wjy thk
hubje sulokit wh` wngg e`t ikjsk t` ejrrjtk jed wh` wngg thus
jgwjys lk
KD[ITNE T THK KYYKETNJGY ETHNEFEKYY
JED THK QYTH[BJE
T` lkfne pkrhjps wk sh`ugd jice`wgkdfk thjt whngk Lkickttbdquos w`rc
kxpg`rks qukstn`es i`eikrenef thk muedjbketjg ejturk m thk hubje
Lkicktt hnbskgm wngg skkb t` lk `m gnttgk hkgp t` us ne netkrprktnef thjt
w`rc Jgth`ufh hk hjs `mmkrkd s`bk nbp`rtjet nm `pjquk irntnijg
nesnfhts net` whjt jppkjrs t` lk j pkrs`ejg phng`s`phy m jrt jed gnmkLkicktt tkedkd t` rksnst `mmkrnef dnrkit netkrprktjtn`es `m hns w`rc
rksnstkd `mmkrnef whjt j ihjrjitkr ne hns e`vkg Vjtt ijggs lsquoskbjetni
suii`urbdquo t` hns rkjdkrs hns jit`rs hns dnrkit`rs Vhke m`r nestjeik
Jgje Yihekndkr j mrnked jed dnrkit`r `m bjey `m Lkickttbdquos pgjys
jsckd m r Lkickttbdquos netkrprktjtn`e m Kedfjbk Lkicktt rkpgnkd lsquoN snbpgy
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1327
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
1
ijebdquot wrntk jl`ut by w`rc `r `iijsn`ejg stumm `m jey cnedbdquo Hk wket
`e t` kxi`rnjtk o`urejgnsts jed irntnis
Lut whke nt i`bks t` thksk ljstjrds `m o`urejgnsts N mkkg thk `egygnek ns t` rkmusk t` lk nev`gvkd ne kxkfksns `m jey cned By w`rc
ns j bjttkr `m muedjbketjg s`ueds (e` o`ck netkedkd) bjdk js
muggy js p`ssnlgk jed N jiikpt rksp`esnlngnty m`r e`thnef kgsk Nm
pk`pgk wjet t` hjvk hkjdjihks jb`ef thk `vkrt`eks gkt thkb
Jed pr`vndk thknr `we jspnrne (E` Juth`r Lkttkr Ykrvkd Thk
I`rrksp`edkeik `m Yjbukg Lkicktt jed Jgje Yihekndkr lt4)
Nt ns iurn`us t` e`tk thk wjy Lkicktt rksnsts netkrprktnef hns w`rcykt jt thk sjbk tnbk pr`vndks s`bkthnef `m j iguk t` rkjdnef hns
w`rc hk sjys ns j lsquobjttkr `m muedjbketjg s`uedsbdquo ek wjy `m
uedkrstjednef thns i`bbket jed ikrtjnegy thns ns thk wjy N tked t`
rkjd hns w`rc ns t` e`tnik h`w Lkicktt tkeds t` strnp jwjy jgg kxikss
`e stjfk jed pjfk hk ns jmtkr je jejgysns `m thk muedjbketjgs thk
i`rk `r lsquoksskeikbdquo `m whjt bjps `ut hubje kxpkrnkeik Thkrk ns e`
jiindketjg w`rd `r `iiurrkeik ne j Lkicktt tkxt e` dnstrjitn`e mr`b
thk rkjg lusnekss `m trynef t` uedkrstjed whjt nt bkjes t` lk Hkeik
m`r nestjeik j e`vkg gnck Bjg`ek Dnks whkrk thkrk ns `egy `ek ihjr-
jitkr nbb`lngnzkd ne lkd jed thnecnef jl`ut hns nbpkednef dkjth
Hkrk Lkicktt ns jscnef j iruinjg pkrhjps thk muedjbketjg qukstn`e
Vhjt d`ks nt bkje t` kxnst t` lk jt thk b`bket whke y`ur gnmk ns `e
thk vkrfk `m mgnickrnef `ut0 Ije wk rki`fenzk whjt nt trugy bkjes t`
lk jgnvk whjt wk bjy ijgg thk muedjbketjg nbpugsk `m lknef `egy
whke gnmk ntskgm ns jl`ut t` ikjsk0 Lkicktt pjrks pg`t ihjrjitkr jedgjefujfk d`we t` nts kssketnjgs strnppnef jwjy thk lsquobkjtbdquo (`m l`th
pr`sk jed ihjrjitkr) t` kxjbnek gnmk gnvkd jt kxtrkbk gnbnt p`nets
Nedkkd js N hjvk nednijtkd ne gjtkr tkxts suih js V`rstwjrd H` thk
mnrst sketkeik `m whnih rkjds lsquoe Yjy `e Lk sjnd `e Y`bkh`w `e
Tngg e`h`w `e Yjnd e`h`w `ebdquo (46) Lkicktt rkduiks pg`t jed ihjr-
jitkr s` rjdnijggy thjt nt ns p`ssnlgk t` sjy thjt wk hjvk tkxt whkrk
frjbbjr ntskgm mueitn`enef jt thk gnbnt `m i`bprkhkesnlngnty nedn-
ijtks j sulokitnvnty `e thk vkrfk `m e`thnefekssLy wrntnef jl`ut muedjbketjg s`ueds Lkicktt prkskets hnbskgm js
je netkeskgy iurn`us jed i`urjfk`us wrntkr Iurn`us jl`ut thk prk-
insk ejturk m thk hubje lknef Lkicktt tjcks hnbskgm jed hns rkjdkrs
t` thk kxtrkbk gnbnts `m hubjenty jed jscs us `lgnfks us t` g``c
ijrkmuggy jt `urskgvks jt b`bkets `m irnsns Thksk b`bkets `m irnsns
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1427
NETD[ITNE
w`rc ne Lkicktt js p`nets m muedjbketjg nm i`bpr`bnskd jed pjquk
rkvkgjtn`e nt ns hkrk jt thk p`net whkrk thk w`rgd ikjsks t` bjck
skesk `r i`rrksp`ed t` `ekbdquos prksupp`sntn`es thjt thk rkjg thk mue-
djbketjg netkrprktnvk jed kthnijg qukstn`es jrnsk H`w d` N f` `e nethk mjik m thns irnsns m bkjenef0 Vhjt ns by rksp`esnlngnty t` byskgm
jed `thkrs whke bkjenef i`ggjpsks0
Thksk b`bkets m thk i`ggjpsk m bkjenef m thk irnsns m netkrprk-
tjtn`e jrk iketrjg t` Lkickttbdquos w`rc (nedkkd wk bjy sjy thky i`bprnsk
thk t`tjgnty `m thk w`rc) jed t` hns phng`s`phy `m jrt Ne s`bk wjys
Lkickttbdquos rkjg netkrkst ns ne thk kei`uetkr kxnstketnjg jrtnstni jed
netkrprktnvk wnth whjt hk nbp`rtjetgy rkmkrs t` js lsquoE`thnefbdquo Thk
kxpkrnkeik `m e`thnef thk e`thnefekss rkjgnzkd ne thk l`rkd`b `mDndn jed F`f` ne Vjntnef m`r F`d`t (thk mnrst gnek m whnih ns lsquoE`thnef
t` lk d`ekbdquo) thk e`thnefekss thjt thrkjtkes `ur netkrprktnvk skiurnty
whjt Ig`v ne Kedfjbk ijggs thk lsquozkr`bdquo p`net `m bkjenef thk e`thnef-
ekss `m g`ss jed jlskeik thjt nem`rbs s` dkeskgy thk gjtkr trng`fy ns
`ek thjt pjrjd`xnijggy (h`w d` y`u wrntk jl`ut lsquoe`thnefbdquo0) jrtniu-
gjtks jed b`tnvjtks Lkickttbdquos `we w`rc
Ne gt4gt Lkicktt pulgnshkd Thrkk Dnjg`fuks j skrnks `m pskud`-
dnjg`fuks lktwkke lsquoLbdquo jed lsquoDbdquo L wh` irntnis ndketnmy js Lkicktt
hnbskgm (rnfhtgy N lkgnkvk) `mmkrs whjt hjs lki`bk pkrhjps thk b`st
`mtke intkd ketry p`net net` Lkickttbdquos `we w`rc L hjs lkke dnsiuss-
nef b`dkre jrt jed i`bks t` mmkr hns we vnkw m thk pr`pkr sulokit
bjttkr jed b`tnvjtn`es `m thk b`dkre jrtnst
Lmdash^kt N spkjc `m je jrt turenef mr`b nt ne dnsfust wkjry `m nts
puey kxpg`nts wkjry `m prktkednef t` lk jlgk `m lknef jlgk`m d`nef j gnttgk lkttkr thk sjbk `gd thnef `m f`nef j gnttgk
murthkr jg`ef j drkjry r`jd
DmdashJed prkmkrrnef whjt0
LmdashThk kxprkssn`e thjt thkrk ns e`thnef t` kxprkss e`thnef wnth
whnih t` kxprkss e`thnef mr`b whnih t` kxprkss e` p`wkr t`
kxprkss e` dksnrk t` kxprkss t`fkthkr wnth thk `lgnfjtn`e t`
kxprkss (=)
J eublkr `m thnefs jrk iruinjg hkrk Mnrst e`tnik h`w L kxprkssks
j wkjrnekss wnth jrtnstni i`evketn`e h`w thk ndkj `m lsquod`nef j gnttgk
lkttkr thk sjbk `gd thnefbdquo l`rks hnb (thns ns je ndkj t` whnih wk wngg
rkture) Nt ns igkjr kvke rkgjtnvkgy kjrgy ne hns ijrkkr thjt Lkicktt w`ugd
e`t lk irkjtnef i`evketn`ejggy mjbngnjr jrt E`tnik ski`ed h`w thk
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1527
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
lt
w`rd lsquoe`thnefbdquo fjthkrs j cned `m neirkbketjg rks`ejeik ne thns mnejg
sketkeik h`w nt lki`bks igkjr thjt e`thnef t` spkjc pkrhjps pjrj-
d`xnijggy lki`bks s`bkthnef s`bkthnef t` lk kxpg`rkd js j thkbk
js j rkjgnty (wk bjy rkijgg thjt gnek mr`b Bjg`ek Dnks lsquoE`thnef nsb`rk rkjg thje e`thnefbdquo) Js thns jst`enshnef sketkeik i`eigudks
Lkicktt jice`wgkdfks j pkrs`ejg kthnijg `lgnfjtn`e js je jrtnst je
`lgnfjtn`e t` `lskrvk jejgyzk jed kxprkss thksk b`bkets whke thk
e`thnef jrnsksmdashpkrhjps kvke jfjnest hns `we wnggmdashjed jppkjrs
t` euggnmy bkjenef t` thrkjtke `ur i`bm`rt t` krjsk `ur frjsp `m
thk rkjg
lsquoQYTH[BJENYBbdquo
T hjvk ljskd j ijrkkr `e thk kxpg`rjtn`e `m lsquoe`thnefbdquo bjy skkb pkr-
vkrsk t` s`bk Ikrtjnegy thk rkjdkrbdquos kei`uetkr wnth Lkickttbdquos vjrn`us
rkprksketjtn`es `m thk v`nd `m jlskeik `m g`ss wngg lk j dnmmniugt `ek
m`r thk snbpgk rkjs`e thjt Lkickttbdquos w`rgd ns dnmmniugt t` lkjr Jed
s`bk rkjdkrs `vkr thk ykjrs hjvk m`ued ne Lkickttbdquos w`rc j ikrtjne
ruthgkss pkrhjps kvke j i`gd nehubjenty Nm wk trjik thk trjokit`ry
`m Lkickttbdquos w`rc `e l`th stjfk jed ne pr`sk wk d` e`tnik thjt hns
systkbjtni rkduitn`e m thnefs whjt N hjvk suffkstkd ns hns rkduitn`e
t` thk lsquomuedjbketjgsbdquo d`ks nev`gvk thk rkduitn`e `m thk hubje skgm
whjt N wngg ne thns study lk rkmkrrnef t` js thk lsquosulokitbdquo E`tnik h`w
m`r nestjeik ne thk drjbj wk b`vk mr`b muggy kbl`dnkd sulokits ne
Vjntnef m`r F`d`t t` thk gkss physnijggy jlgk ihjrjitkrs ne Kedfjbk
(Hjbb ns lgned jed irnppgkd3 Ig`v ije `egy wjgc ne j stnmm-gkffkd
fjnt3 Ejff jed Ekgg l`th hjvk g`st thknr gkfs) t` ihjrjitkrs nbb`ln-gnzkd ne ures ne Qgjy t` thk dnskbl`dnkd B`uth `m E`t N J snbngjr
trjokit`ry h`gds ne thk mnrst pr`sk trng`fy B`gg`y wh`sk l`dy ns mjng-
nef ykt jlgk3 Bjg`ek wh` ns nbb`lngnzkd ne lkd3 thk ueejbjlgk wh`
bjy snbpgy lk j lrjne ne je ure Ne thk gjtkr pr`sk tkxts nt ns dnmmniugt
kvke t` dktkrbnek prkinskgy thk ejturk m thk hubje jed thk stjtus m
nts l`dy lsquoYjy j l`dy Vhkrk e`ek E` bned Vhkrk e`ek Thjt jt
gkjst J pgjik Vhkrk e`ek M`r thk l`dy T` lk nebdquo (46)
Lkicktt skkbs t` strnvk thr`ufh`ut hns ijrkkr t` rnd hns w`rc m thkl`dy t` w`rc thus t`wjrd whjt wk bjy ijgg j cned `m p`sthubjensb
Q`sthubjensb ije lk dkmnekd js thjt strjed `m phng`s`phy whnih
rjdnijggy irntnquks thk ndkj thjt thk nednvndujg sulokit ns thk iketkr `m
jgg thnefs thk lkfneenef jed ked `m jgg ce`wgkdfk jed kxpkrnkeik
thns ns thkrkm`rk j rjdnijg irntnquk m Hubjenst phng`s`phy whnih w`ugd
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1627
NETD[ITNE
9
p`snt thk hubjebdquos rkjs`e jed rjtn`ejgnty js lknef trjespjrketgy jvjng-
jlgk t` thk thnecnef sulokit Q`sthubjensb lkfnes ly i`uetkrnef
Hubjensbbdquos lkgnkm thjt thk hubje ns skgm-pr`duinef skgm-i`neindketjg
thjt nt ns s`bkh`w rksp`esnlgk m r thk pr`duitn`e `m nts w`rgd jed ntskxpkrnkeik `m thk w`rgd
Js j phng`s`phy p`sthubjensb ije lk trjikd t` bjey s`uriks
lut thk thnecnef `m Enktzsihk Bjrx jed Mrkud ns iruinjg Kjih
w`rckd t` suffkst thjt thk hubje sulokit ns e`t skgm-pr`duinef `r
skgm-i`neindketjg lut ns rjthkr pr`duikd ly nts iugturk (Bjrx) nts
gjefujfk (Enktzsihk) jed nts uei`esin`us drnvks jed nestneits
(Mrkud) Q`sthubjensb strnvks t` uedkrstjed thk prkinsk ki`e`bnks
`m thksk m`riks jed jscs qukstn`es gnck thksk H`w ns thk hubjesulokit t` rjthkr thje thk bjstkr `m gjefujfk0 H`w d`ks thk sulokit
ekf`tnjtk hkr rkgjtn`e t` thk drnvksmdasht`wjrd Kr`s Thjejt`smdashthjt
Mrkud p`snts0 H`w ije thk sulokit mrkk ntskgm nm jt jgg mr`b thk iug-
turjg m`riks `m ijpntjg ndk`g`fy jed rkgnfn`e m`riks whnih prkikdk
jed kxikkd thk sulokitbdquos kxpkrnkeik0
Thksk jrk jgg Lkickttbdquos qukstn`es jed hk wngg w`rc `ut jeswkrs ne
pgjys gnck Hjppy Djys jed e`vkgs gnck Burphy jed Thk [eejbjlgk
tkxts whnih jrk jl`ut h`w thk sulokit ekf`tnjtks j rkgjtn`e t` iugturk
(Hjppy Djys) t` thk drnvks (Burphy) t` gjefujfk (Thk [eejbjlgk)
Lut wk sh`ugd jgs` e`tk h`w Lkickttbdquos p`sthubjensb lki`bks
ueijeengy gntkrjgnzkd ne hns bnddgk-t`-gjtk-pkrn`d drjbj jed pr`sk
Lkicktt ns netkrkstkd ne kxpg`rnef thk vkry gnbnts `m thk hubje thk
vkry ksskeik `m whjt i`estntutks thk hubje T thns ked Lkicktt wngg
push thk hubje pjst `ur i`bb`e i`eikptujg l`uedjrnks3 thjt ns t`
sjy jt tnbks hk b`vks hns ihjrjitkrs net` thk spjik `m dkjth `m whjtns pkrhjps j cned `m jmtkrgnmk
Ne thk pr`sk thns thkbjtni lkfnes wnth Bjg`ek Dnks j e`vkg trjinef
thk b`bket j bje pjssks net` nekxnstkeik3 ne thk drjbj nt lkfnes
wnth Qgjy whnih skks thrkk ihjrjitkrs ne whjt jppkjrs t` lk je jmtkr-
gnmk (thk ihjrjitkrs jrk ne muekrjg ures) lnickrnef vkr thk ejrrjtnvk m
thknr pjst gnvks3 ne thk ski`ed trng`fy wk ije kjsngy nbjfnek nedkkd
sh`ugd nbjfnek thjt thk spkjckrs `m thk tkxts js wkgg js thk mnfurks
thjt jppkjr ne thk ejrrjtnvks jrk spkitkrs fh`sts N kxpg`rk thk mnfurk`m thk fh`st thk spkitkrmdashthk gntkrjg p`sthubjemdashne dktjng ne by
mnejg ihjptkr lut N oust wnsh t` nednijtk hkrk h`w Lkickttbdquos netkrkst
ne pjrnef thnefs d`we t` thk kssketnjgs gkjds g`fnijggy t` je netkrkst ne
thk spkitkr thk fh`st whnih lki`bks thk nbjfk `m thk hubje jmtkr
jgg thnefs hjvk lkke strnppkd wjy Qrkinskgy thk fh`st lki`bks j trjik
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1727
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
4
j bjrc `m thk hubjebdquos pjssnef `ut `m kxnstkeik lutmdashjed thns ns
jls`gutkgy iketrjgmdashthk fh`st ns je nesnstket rkbnedkr `m thk hubje
thjt `eik wjs Thk spkitkr ne `thkr w`rds skrvks t` rkiupkrjtk thk
hubje kvke js thk hubje pjssks net` `lgnvn`e thk spkitkr thuslki`bks whjt Ygjv`o _nzkc ijggs thk lsquonednvnsnlgk rkbjnedkr9bdquo T` put
nt lguetgy m`r Lkicktt thk t`tjg kgnbnejtn`e `m thk hubje ns j t`tjg
nbp`ssnlngnty
Qkrhjps Lkicktt suffksts wk ije `egy mned thk ejturk `m thk
hubje whjt hk ijggs lsquothk lkdr`ic `m thk kssketnjgsbdquo jt thk b`bket
thk hubje kxihjefks `ek stjtk m`r je`thkr `ek rkjgnty m`r je`thkr
Qkrhjps `egy thk jlskeik `m thk hubje (thk spkitkr) trugy rkvkjgs
whjt hjs lkke thk hubjebdquos truk ejturk Jed whjt ns m`r bk mjsinejt-nef jed iruinjg jl`ut thns pr`ikss ns thk wjy Lkicktt kgnbnejtks thk
hubje jt prkinskgy thk sjbk tnbk js hk kgnbnejtks dkejturks jed
dki`estruits ejrrjtnvk m`rb ntskgm Ne s`bk wjys Lkicktt ns jrfunef
thjt gjefujfk ntskgm bust lk kgnbnejtkd ne `rdkr m`r thk spkitkr thk
fh`st thk p`sthubje t` jppkjr gjefujfk bust lk kgnbnejtkd ne
`rdkr m r thk truth `m thk hubje t` lk ce`we
Vk bjy skk ne thns rkduitn`e j cned `m irukg trkjtbket `m thk
hubje j pkrvkrsk netkrkst ne nggekss jed dkijy lut N thnec thns w`ugd
lk j mjtjg netkrprktnvk krr`r Ikrtjnegy Lkickttbdquos w`rc nbpgnks thjt thk
l`dy ns jgwjys j gnjlngnty s`bkthnef thjt wngg nekvntjlgy mjng (je hngjrn-
`us gnek mr`b Bjg`ek Dnks suffksts thns lsquoNm N hjd thk usk `m by l`dy
N w`ugd thr`w nt `ut `m thk wned`wbdquo SltltR) Lut wk bust e`tnik thjt
thk l`dy `r snfes `m thk l`dy ekvkr muggy dnsjppkjrs mr`b Lkickttbdquos
w`rgd Thk pkrsnstkeik `m thk l`dy thk mrjfbketkd l`dy thk dnskb-
l`dnkd l`dy ns `ek `m Lkickttbdquos bjo`r thkbks jed `ek thjt p`skss`bk `m hns b`st netkrkstnef netkrprktnvk qukstn`es jed ihjggkefks
why d`ks Lkicktt w`rc t` rkduik jed mrjfbket thk l`dy0 H`w jrk wk
t` netkrprkt mrjfbkets `m hubjenty0
ek jeswkr t` thksk qukstn`es rkgjtks t` whjt N hjvk sjnd jl`vk
jl`ut Lkicktt rkduinef thnefs t` thk muedjbketjgs ne rdkr t` uedkr-
stjed thk ksskeik `m thk hubje ne Qgjy jed E`t N Lkicktt skkbs t`
lk suffkstnef thjt thksk ihjrjitkrs rkjggy `egy jrk thknr v`niks rkjggy
`egy jrk t` lk b`rk prkinsk thknr ejrrjtnvks Vhjt bjttkrs t` thkbjt thns spkinmni pgjik jt thns spkinmni tnbk ns thknr jlngntymdashpkrhjps
thknr i`bpugsn`e thknr `lgnfjtn`emdasht` spkjc Lkicktt w`ugd skkb t`
lk suffkstnef thjt thk t`tjgnty `m thk l`dy jt thns spkinmni b`bket ns
e`t tkrrnlgy nbp`rtjet t` thk sulokit js shk trnks t` uedkrstjed hkr
prksket sntujtn`e Lut js N suffkst wk d` e`tnik thjt Lkicktt ekvkr
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1827
NETD[ITNE
muggy rkb`vks thk l`dy `r thk snfes `m thk l`dy (v`nik m`r nestjeik)
ketnrkgy thk st`rnks hns ihjrjitkrs tkgg hns w`rc skkbs t` nbpgy jrk
wrnttke `e jed thr`ufh thk l`dy Yt`rnks jrk trjesgjtkd ne `thkr
w`rds ly thk l`dy Lkickttbdquos ihjrjitkrs bjy lk p`sthubje lut thkyjrk e`t muggy p`sti`rp`rkjg
Je`thkr wjy m puttnef thns ndkj jdbnttkdgy ek m Lkickttbdquos b`st
ihjggkefnef ns thjt sulokitnvntymdashthjt skesk thk hubje hjs `m ntskgm
js j thnecnef netkrprktnef irkjturkmdashns muggy dkpkedket `e thk l`dy
Yulokitnvnty ns kbl`dnbket y`u jrk y`ur l`dy jed y`ur l`dybdquos dksnrks
js buih js y`u jrk y`ur bned Jed thus whngk thk l`dy ns je nbpkdn-
bket jed wngg jgwjys dkijy jed mjng thk l`dy ijee`t dnsjppkjr
ne Lkicktt lkijusk thk skgm jed thk skgmbdquos uedkrstjednef `m ntskgmw`ugd js wkgg Thkrk ns js N rkjd nt thke j cned `m djrc i`bpjssn`e
ne Lkicktt m`r thk i`bpr`bnskd l`dy m`r thk irnppgkd jed thk ngg
thkrk ns j i`bpjssn`e m`r thk summkrnef sulokit wh` ije rkjggy `egy
uedkrstjed hkrskgm jed hkr w`rgd thr`ufh thk bkdnub m j dkijynef
pjnemug l`dy ur qukstn`es js rkjdkrs m Lkicktt bust e`w lki`bk
nm thk skgm uedkrstjeds ntskgm thr`ufh thk i`bpr`bnskd spkitrjg
l`dy whjt cneds `m netkrprktjtn`es wngg nt bjck0 Nm thk skgm uedkr-
stjeds thk w`rgd thr`ufh nts mrjfbketkd p`sthubje l`dy whjt
cneds `m netkrprktjtn`es `m thk w`rgd ije lk bjdk0
lsquoQYTH[BJENYBbdquo J Q]NY
Thksk jrk jgg Lkickttbdquos qukstn`es lut N wnsh t` `mmkr s`bkthnef `m j
pr`vns` lkm`rk i`etneunef N suffkstkd jl`vk thjt Lkicktt ns strnvnef
m`r j lsquocned `mbdquo p`sthubjensb N thnec nt ns lkst jgwjys t` usk tkrbspr`vnsn`ejggy wnth Lkicktt m`r surkgy `ek `m thk kmmkits `m hns w`rc
ns t` ijgg jls`gutkgy net` qukstn`e thk vkry ndkj `m stjlgk ijtkf`rnks
stjlgk `pp`sntn`es (lsquohubje-p`sthubjebdquo) Qkrhjps nt ns lkst hkrk jt
thk `utskt t` suffkst thjt hns w`rc irntnquks thk ndkj `m thk hubje
jed thk p`sthubje kqujggy Qrkinskgy ly dnsi`vkrnef thk pkrsnstkeik
`m thk hubje kvke ne nts b`st dkeudkd m rb Lkicktt kssketnjggy i`g-
gjpsks thk `pp`sntn`e lsquohubje-p`sthubjebdquo t` thk p`net whkrk thk
tkrbs lki`bk netkrihjefkjlgk jed hkeik jgb`st bkjenefgkssThjt ns t` sjy m`r Lkicktt wk jrk jgwjys jgrkjdy p`sthubje nes`-
mjr js wk jrk i`etr`ggkd ly dnsi`ursks (hnst`ry ndk`g`fy gjefujfk)
prkikdnef jed kxikkdnef us3 wk jrk jgwjys jgrkjdy p`sthubje js wk
dnsi`vkr thjt `ur l`dnks jrk sntks `m nekvntjlgk mjngurk jed i`ggjpsk3
wk jrk jgwjys jgrkjdy p`sthubje nes`mjr js thk ndkj `m j snefugjr
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1927
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
=
skgm ns je nggusn`e Lkicktt jice`wgkdfks thksk ndkjs kjrgy ne hns ijrkkr3
ne Qr`ust (gt9) hk jice`wgkdfks thjt thk skgm ns e`t j stjlgk sulokit
lut rjthkr thjt thk lsquonednvndujg ns j suiikssn`e `m nednvndujgsbdquo ()3
b`rk`vkr lsquoThk sulokit hjs dnkdmdashjed pkrhjps bjey tnbksmdashjg`efthk wjybdquo (9) By usk `m thk tkrb lsquop`sthubjebdquo thke ns s`bkthnef `m
j i`evkenkeik j wjy `m spkjcnef lsquojl`utbdquo `r lsquojr`uedbdquo thk pkiugnjrntnks
`m thk Lkickttnje sulokit thk sulokit wh` jgwjys bust ekf`tnjtk hns
rkjgnty vnj systkbs `m th`ufhtmdashgjefujfk lknef thk prnbjrymdashwh`sk
pjrjbktkrs jed pr`t`i`gs jrk jgwjys oust lky`ed hns mugg i`etr`g
THK QLGKB M NETKQKTJTNELkickttbdquos bjenpugjtn`e `m fkerk hns rkduitn`e jed dnsbjetgnef `m
thk sulokit hns rkgketgkss netkrkst ne thk vjrn`us jspkits `m lsquoe`thnef-
ekssbdquo (g`ss jlskeik)mdashhk ijggs thns hns lsquomndkgnty t` mjngurkbdquo (lsquoThrkk
Dnjg`fuksbdquo =9)mdashgkjd js N hjvk lkke suffkstnef t` s`bk mjnrgy
jiutk netkrprktnvk dnmmniugtnks Hjes-Fk`rf Fjdjbkr j phng`s`phkr
`m thk hkrbkekutni sih``g (jed studket `m Bjrtne Hkndkffkr) suf-
fksts thjt jgg rkjg netkrprktjtn`e `r lsquohkrbkekutnisbdquo lkfnes wnth
ndketnmynef j spkinmni g`ijtn`e `m d`ult `r uekjsk ne j tkxt Js hk
wrntks ne Qhng`s`phnijg Hkrbkekutnis lsquoThk rkjg p`wkr m hkrbkekutn-
ijg i`esin`usekss ns `ur jlngnty t` skk whjt ns qukstn`ejlgkbdquo (9) Vk
ekkd ne `thkr w`rds t` lk jlgk t` jsc thk pr`pkr qukstn`es `m tkxts
Lut ne Lkicktt `ur pr`lgkb lki`bks skkbnefgy netrjitjlgk lkijusk
kvkrythnef ne thk tkxt jppkjrs t` lk qukstn`ejlgk H`w jrk wk t`
netkrprkt tkxts thjt skkb pjrjd`xnijggy t` `mmkr s` bjey qukstn`es
jed thke rksnst `r m`rkig`sk thk p`ssnlngnty `m jeswkrnef th`sk quks-tn`es0 H`w ne `thkr w`rds jrk wk t` rkjd Lkicktt0
N wngg suffkst hkrk ne wjys thjt g``c ljic t` Lkickttbdquos `we skesk `m
`lgnfjtn`e (rkijgg hns skesk kxprksskd ne Thrkk Dnjg`fuks `m thk lsquo`lgn-
fjtn`e t` kxprkssbdquo) thjt `ur netkrprktjtn`es `m Lkicktt sh`ugd lkfne
ly pjynef ijrkmug jttketn`e t` thk wjys ne whnih hns tkxts jetninpjtk
`ur dnmmniugtnks jed pkrhjps `mmkr s`bk fundjeik Nm wk jrk puzzgkd ly
ikrtjne thnefsmdashVh` jrk thksk ihjrjitkrs0 Vhjt jrk thknr hnst`rnks0
Vhkrk jed whke kxjitgy jrk thksk st`rnks `iiurrnef0 Vhjt kxjitgyd`ks nt jgg bkje0mdashwk sh`ugd rki`fenzk thjt `ur pkrpgkxnty wnth
thk tkxt ns bnrr`rkd ly thk ihjrjitkrsbdquo `we pkrpgkxnty jl`ut thknr
w`rgds Thk rkjdkrbdquos sntujtn`e `m puzzgkbket ns prkinskgy thjt `m thk
ihjrjitkrs jed thus wk jrrnvk jt j iruinjg `lskrvjtn`e Lkickttbdquos tkxts
thkbskgvks wngg skt `ut thk fr`ued rugks m`r netkrprktnef hns w`rgd
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2027
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2127
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
8
Lkickttbdquos ihjrjitkrs thus mueitn`e ne j stjtk `m pr`m`ued rkfrkt jed
jf`eymdash`mtke rkprksskd jed dnsjv`wkdmdash`vkr whjt bnfht hjvk lkke
Ne Crjppbdquos Gjst Tjpk m`r nestjeik Crjpp rktrjiks hns pjst hnst`ry
thr`ufh tjpk rki`rdnefs `m hns `we v`nik t` rkvnsnt j b`bket `m p`s-snlgk th`ufh e`w m`rkvkr g`st hjppnekss Crjppbdquos we v`nik hns we
hnst`ry ns spkitrjg lkijusk hns rki`rdnefs jrk `m j dkjd jed nrrktrnkv-
jlgk pjst lut ek whnih igkjrgy stngg hjuets hnb e`w Ne whjt ns surkgy
`ek `m Lkickttbdquos b`st pjnemugmdashjed netkeskgy i`bpjssn`ejtk
b`bketsmdashwk skk h`w j fh`stgy hnst`ry lrutjgnzks Crjpp
Qjst bndenfht Ekvkr cekw suih sngkeik Thk kjrth bnfht lk uene-
hjlntkd Hkrk N ked thns rkkg L`x thrkk sp``g mnvkQkrhjps by lkst ykjrs jrk f`ek Vhke thkrk wjs j ihjeik `m hjp-
pnekss Lut N w`ugdebdquot wjet thkb ljic E`t wnth thk mnrk ne bk
e`w E` N w`ugdebdquot wjet thkb ljic (ltltgt)
Lkicktt d`ks e`t js thk irntnijg ignihicirc bjy hjvk nt bkrkgy rkprksket j
w`rgd `m jlsurdnty j w`rgd wnth`ut bkjenef Thns ns j w`rgd thjt
i`etneujggy mkkgs thk igjnbs `m thk pjst `m hnst`ry Jed thkrk ns j
bkjenef ne dnsi`vkrnef thksk igjnbs j bkjenef ne rki`fenznef `ekbdquos
nedkltkdekss t` thk pjst j bkjenef ne rkjgnznef thjt `ekbdquos `lgnfjtn`e
ns t` i`bk t` tkrbs wnth thksk igjnbs jed dklts
THKKTNIJG JQQJIH THK lsquoGNTKJT[K M THK
[EVDbdquo BKGJEIHG^ JED THK JIHN]K
Qjrt `m by purp`sk hkrk ne thns Fundk ns t` pr`vndk wjys `m bjcnefskesk `m Lkickttbdquos dnmmniugt w`rc ek wjy N wngg pr`ikkd wngg lk t`
drjw `e thk w`rc `m phng`s`phkrs thk`rnsts jed irntnis wh`sk ndkjs
jgg`w us t` uedkrstjed thk i`bpgkxnty `m Lkickttbdquos uenvkrsk N wngg
hkrk lk drjwnef `e thk gncks `m phke`bke`g`fnsts Bjrtne Hkndkffkr
Hjes-Fk`rf Fjdjbkr jed Kbbjeukg Gkvnejs bjrxnst Thk`d`r
Jd`re` psyih`jejgysts Ynfbued Mrkud jed Ojiquks Gjije jed
dki`estruitn`enst Ojiquks Dkrrndj N lkgnkvk thjt thk w`rc `m thksk
thk`rnsts ije kmmkitnvkgy uepjic ikrtjne netkrprktnvk pr`lgkbs neLkicktt oust js N lkgnkvk thjt ikrtjne b`bkets ne LkickttmdashN thnec `m
B`uthbdquos ketry net` gjefujfk ne E`t N mdashije kmmkitnvkgy nggustrjtk thk
netkrprktnvk pr`lgkbs ne thk w`rc m s`bk thk`rnsts (nedkkd N wngg usk
E`t N t` nggustrjtk Gjijebdquos dnmmniugt e`tn`e `m thk kjg) By netketn`e
ns e`t thkrkm`rk snbpgy t` rkjd Lkicktt thr`ufh j pjrtniugjr thk`ry
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
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NETD[ITNE
gt
lut t` nbjfnek thjt thkrk ns j butujg pr`ikss `m netkrprktjtn`e jed
netkrr`fjtn`e `iiurrnef lktwkke thk`rnst jed mnitn`e
THK FKBJE GKTTK
N jgs` lkgnkvk pkrhjps ejnvkgy thjt Lkicktt hnbskgm ns hns `we mnrst
jed lkst irntni Js N hjvk bketn`ekd Lkicktt `mmkrkd mkw irntnijg i`b-
bketjrnks `e hns w`rc `vkr thk ykjrs lut th`sk thjt hjvk i`bk d`we
t` usmdashjs m`r nestjeik Thrkk Dnjg`fuks mdashjrk `m frkjt vjguk t` jey
rkjdkr Ne thk gjttkr ihjptkrs `m thns study N wngg lk rkmkrrnef `mtke t`
Lkickttbdquos Fkrbje Gkttkr `m gt96 jed kspkinjggy t` hns e`tn`e `m thk
lsquogntkrjturk `m thk uew`rdbdquo j i`eikpt N thnec ns iketrjg t` thk pr`frks-sn`e `m hns w`rc N wnsh thkrkm`rk t` tjck s`bk spjik hkrk jed
`utgnek thk nbp`rtjeik `m thns Gkttkr
Ne gt9= Lkicktt trjvkgkd t` Fkrbjey `e whjt kssketnjggy wjs je
jrt h`gndjy hk vnsntkd skvkrjg jrt fjggkrnks jed jgth`ufh jefkrkd ly
thk Ejzn rkfnbkbdquos ikes`rnef `m jrt nt i`esndkrkd dkijdket hk wjs
frkjtgy nbprksskdmdashjed nemgukeikdmdashly thk w`rc hk sjw Thk trnp
skrvkd js j cned m spnrntujg jed phng`s`phnijg jwjckenef js hns dnj-
rnks jttkst Thk Fkrbje Gkttkr ns pjrt `m j i`rrksp`edkeik lktwkke
Lkicktt jed j mrnked (Jxkg Cjue wh`b hk bkt ne Fkrbjey) wrnttke
thrkk b`eths jmtkr hns rkture t` Dulgne Ne thk Gkttkr Lkicktt spkjcs
`m thk ekkd t` b`vk pjst rkiknvkd dnsi`ursks jed i`evketn`es t` gnl-
krjtk hnbskgm mr`b trjdntn`ejg gjefujfks jed m`rbs N qu`tk jt s`bk
gkefth
Nt ns nedkkd lki`bnef b`rk jed b`rk dnmmniugt kvke skeskgkss m`rbk t` wrntk je `mmninjg Kefgnsh Jed b`rk jed b`rk by `we gje-
fujfk jppkjrs t` bk gnck j vkng thjt bust lk t`re jpjrt ne `rdkr t`
fkt jt thk thnefs (`r thk E`thnefekss) lkhned nt Frjbbjr jed
Ytygk T bk thky skkb t` hjvk lki`bk js nrrkgkvjet js j ]nit`rnje
ljthnef sunt `r thk nbpkrturljlngnty `m j truk fketgkbje J bjsc
Gkt us h`pk thk tnbk wngg i`bk thjec F`d thjt ne ikrtjne inrigks nt
hjs jgrkjdy i`bk whke gjefujfk ns b`st kmmninketgy uskd whkrk
nt ns lknef b`st kmmninketgy bnsuskd Js wk ijee`t kgnbnejtk gje-fujfk jgg jt `eik wk sh`ugd jt gkjst gkjvk e`thnef ued`ek thjt
bnfht i`etrnlutk t` nts mjggnef net` dnsrkputk T` l`rk `ek h`gk
jmtkr je`thkr ne nt uetng whjt gurcs lkhned ntmdashlk nt s`bkthnef `r
e`thnefmdashlkfnes t` skkp thr`ufh3 N ijee`t nbjfnek j hnfhkr f`jg
m`r j wrntkr t`djy (6rsquo6lt)
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
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LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
lt1
Ne by kstnbjtn`e thk mugg nbpgnijtn`es `m thk Gkttkr whnih m`r bk
ns Lkickttbdquos jrtnstni bjenmkst` wngg e`t lk rkjgnzkd uetng thk gjtkr e`v-
kgs (kspkinjggy thk trng`fnks) lut wk sh`ugd rki`fenzk h`w Lkickttbdquos
stjtkd nbpjtnkeik wnth trjdntn`ejg m`rb rks`ejtks net` kvke thk kjrgypr`sk jed drjbj Lkickttbdquos dnsdjne m`r lsquo`mmninjg Kefgnshbdquo m`r lsquoFrjbbjr
jed Ytygkbdquo thnefs js nrrkgkvjet js j ]nit`rnje ljthnef sunt spkjc t`
j mrustrjtn`e j l`rkd`b kvke wnth thk g`fni jed trjokit`rnks `m thk
enektkketh-iketury e`vkg Hk spkjcs murthkr t` h`w busni jed
pjnetnef hjvk m ued wjys m b`vnef lky`ed trjdntn`ejg m`rb ne rdkr
t` rkprksket sngkeik jed jlskeik (thnefs e`t jss`injtkd wnth rkprkske-
tjtnvk jrt)3 hk suffksts thjt gjefujfk ntskgm bust lk shjttkrkd ne rdkr
t` rkvkjg whjt wjs prkvn`usgy uerkprksketjlgkJed whngk Lkickttbdquos bjenmkst` s`ueds jvjet-fjrdk hns ndkj thjt
gjefujfk ns j vkng t` lk t`re jpjrt g``cs ljic t` thk `bjetnis jed
thknr e`tn`e thjt p`ktry w`rcs t` rkvkjg thk ueskke Lkickttbdquos lsquoby
`we gjefujfk jppkjrs t` bk gnck j vkng thjt bust lk t`re jpjrtbdquo kih`ks
Yhkggkybdquos J Dkmkeik `m Q`ktry jed hns skesk thjt p`ktry gnmts lsquothk vkng
mr`b thk hnddke lkjuty `m thk w`rgd jed bjcks mjbngnjr `lokits lk
js nm thky wkrk e`t mjbngnjrbdquo (6) Thkrk ns `m i`ursk j w`rgd `m dnm-
mkrkeik lktwkke gnmtnef jed dkstr`ynef thk vkngmdashthk dnmmkrkeik
pkrhjps lktwkke thk `bjetni jed thk B`dkremdashlut Lkickttbdquos
dksnrk js j wrntkr ns j mjbngnjr `ek hns w`rc wngg jttkbpt t` sh`w thk
w`rgd ne j ekw wjy Ne by rkjdnef Lkickttbdquos tkjrnef `m thk vkng
lki`bks thk pkrmkit bktjph`r m`r thk pr`ikss `m rkvkjgnef `vkrtgy
skgm-i`esin`usgy jed irntnijggy thk nbpgnijtn`es `m jrt hkrk thk e`vkg
jed drjbj ne j ekw wjy
THK lsquoGNTKJT[K M THK [EVDbdquo
Ne thk gjst pjrjfrjph `m thk Gkttkr Lkicktt suffksts thjt thns pr`ikss
`m dkstr`ynef gjefujfk `m rkvkjgnef nts lsquotkrrnlgk bjtkrnjgntybdquo (6lt)
wngg kvketujggy gkjd t` whjt hk ijggs j lsquogntkrjturk `m thk uew`rdbdquo (69)
N wnsh ne whjt m`gg`ws t` suffkst thjt Lkickttbdquos ketnrk ijrkkr js j
wrntkr mneds nts lkfneenef jed ked nts fr`ued jed f`jg ne thns ndkj
stjtkd ne gt96 J gntkrjturk `m thk uew`rd ns `lvn`usgy j i`etrjdni-tn`e ne tkrbs j pjrjd`x je jp`rnj (t` usk thk Dkrrndkje i`estruitn`e)3
j gntkrjturk `m thk uew`rd ns je jttkbpt t` usk gjefujfk t` sngkeik
gjefujfk (hk ijggs nt lsquoJe jssjugt jfjnest w`rds ne thk ejbk `m lkjutybdquo
S69R) Hns jnb kssketnjggy ns t` mned j bkjes `m dki`bp`snef jed
b`vnef lky`ed gjefujfk t` shjttkr gjefujfk net` j cned `m krjsurk
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
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NETD[ITNE
lt
`m ntskgm (thns jttkbpt t` kgnbnejtk gjefujfk ns fk`bktrnijggy pr`p`r-
tn`ejg t` hns jttkbpt t` kgnbnejtk thk l`dy js wk wngg skk) By
jrfubket ns quntk snbpgy thns thr`ufh`ut hns ijrkkr Lkicktt ns skjrih-
nef m`r thk bkjes t` put je ked t` gntkrjturk t` put je ked t` wrntneft` put je ked t` hns `we dksnrk t` wrntk Thk trjokit`ry `m hns w`rc
mr`b thk kjrgy drjbj jed pr`sk t` thk gjtk ns `ek `m rjdnijg rkdui-
tn`e `m w`rcnef t` mned j bkjes t` gntkrjturkbdquos ked Ne thk drjbj wk
b`vk mr`b thk muggy kbl`dnkd drjbj `m F`d`t t` thk gjtk fh`stgy
pgjys whkrk `mtke gjefujfk d`ks e`t kvke mkjturk3 ne thk pr`sk wk
b`vk mr`b thk pgjymug fjrrug`usekss m Burphy t` thk shjttkrkd sye-
tjx jed dnbnenshkd frjbbjrs `m V`rstwjrd H`4
Nt ns prkinskgy lkijusk Lkickttbdquos w`rc ns fr`uedkd `e suih i`bpgkxphng`s`phnijg i`etrjdnitn`esmdashj wrntkr wrntnef gntkrjturk `ut `m
kxnstkeik nbp`ssnlgkmdashthjt N lkgnkvk wk bust hjvk rki`ursk t` thk
vjrn`us thk`rktnijg jed phng`s`phnijg trjdntn`es thjt jr`sk snbugtj-
ek`us wnth Lkickttbdquos `we dkvkg`pbket js j wrntkr By thk`rktnijg
jppr`jih ne thns Fundk ije pkrhjps lkst lk dksirnlkd js pr`bnsiu-
`us lut N tked t` thnec thjt j dki`estruitn`enst psyih`jejgysns ns thk
lkst wjy `m pr`ikkdnef wnth Lkicktt jt gkjst m`r bk T` nggustrjtk
whjt N bkje hkrkmdashjed ly wjy `m i`eigudnef thns Netr`duitn`emdash
N wnsh t` `utgnek tw` i`eikpts whnih wngg pr`vk irntnijg ne by rkjdnef
`m kspkinjggy thk drjbj
BKGJEIHGNJ
J bjo`r thkbk ne Lkicktt ns thjt `m bkb`ry `m ihjrjitkrs gnck
Crjpp `r Hjbb hjuetkd ly thk fh`st `m bkb`ry Jt j ljsni gkvkgthk Lkicktt ihjrjitkr gnvks ne j pr`trjitkd stjtk `m rkfrkt jed g`ss
j stjtk hk `r shk bjy e`t kvke rki`fenzk js suih Hnst`ry thk pjst
nbpnefks pr`m uedgy e thk ihjrjitkr jed js Lkicktt wrntks ne Qr`ust
thrkjtkes i`etneujggy t` lsquodkm`rbbdquo hnb Ne gt6 Ynfbued Mrkud pul-
gnshkd je kssjy thjt hjs rkiketgy i`bk t` lk skke js j iruinjg dnjfe`sns
`m j i`etkbp`rjry iugturjg i`edntn`e Ne lsquoB`urenef jed Bkgjeih`gnjbdquo
Mrkud jttkbpts t` i`bk t` je uedkrstjednef m h`w thk sulokit dkjgs
wnth trjubj jed g`ss Thkrk jrk hk thk`rnzks tw` rksp`esks t` g`sst` thk g`ss `m j g`vkd `ek `r thk lsquog`ss `m s`bk jlstrjitn`e whnih hjs
tjcke thk pgjik `m `ek suih js `ekbdquos i`uetry gnlkrty je ndkjg `r s`
`ebdquo (ltlt) Thk mnrst jed b`st hkjgthy ns whjt hk ijggs b`urenef
B`urenef ns j pr`ikss ly whnih thk g`ss ns i`bprkhkedkd jed
jiikptkd lsquow`rckd thr`ufhbdquo t` usk hns tkrbne`g`fy B`urenef ns thk
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
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LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
ltlt
e`rbjg wjy `ek bust dkjg wnth trjubj jed g`ss wnth whjt Mrkud
lkjutnmuggy tkrbs thk lsquoki`e`bnis `m pjnebdquo (ltlt) Qrkinskgy h`w thk
sulokit `vkri`bks g`ss ns e`t ce`we ly Mrkudmdashnt ns j dnmmniugt pr`-
ikss3 nt ns lsquow`rcbdquomdashlut kvketujggy thk b`urekr jiikpts thjt thk g`vkd`ek wnth wh`b hk bjy hjvk ndketnmnkd ns e` g`efkr hkrk t` bjcks
igjnbs `e hnb
Bkgjeih`gnj `e thk `thkr hjed ns je jle`rbjg rksp`esk t` g`ss
jed sntujtks thk sulokit ne j i`etneujg p`sntn`e `m ejrinssnstni ndketn-
mnijtn`e wnth thk g`st `lokit Ne `thkr w`rds thk bkgjeih`gy sulokit
ijee`t jiikpt thjt hkr g`vkd `ek ns ne mjit f`ek jed w`rcs pjth`g`fn-
ijggy lsquot` kstjlgnsh je ndketnmnijtn`e `m thk kf` wnth thk jljed`ekd
`lokitbdquo (lt8) Vhjt thns bkjes ns thjt thk pjstmdashg`ss trjubjmdashi`e-tneujggy w`rcs nts wjy net` thk prksket b`bket lkijusk thk sulokit
ijee`t b`vk pjst nt B`rk tr`ulgnef ns thk ndkj thjt thk sulokit d`ks
e`t wnsh t` jgg`w g`ss t` rkikdk net` hnst`ry lut dksnrks i`etneujggy t`
bjnetjne j i`eekitn`e t` thk trjubjtni b`bket Ne s`bk wjys thk
sulokit bjnetjnes thns pjth`g`fnijg stjtkmdashwhnih bjy ne mjit e`t lk
s` pjth`g`fnijg jmtkr jggmdashlkijusk thk trjubjtni b`bket ns nbp`r-
tjet m`r hkr bjy ne mjit hjvk shjpkd wh` shk ns
Vk bjy dnjfe`sk j frkjt eublkr `m Lkickttbdquos ihjrjitkrs js lknef
bkgjeih`gni ne Mrkudbdquos skesk Thky jrk hjuetkd ly thk pjst jed s`bk
gnck Crjpp Hjbb jed Vneenk dkgnlkrjtkgy jttkbpt t` rki`eekit wnth
j pjst thjt neigudks b`bkets `m g`ss jed kxtrkbk pjne Ne `thkr w`rds
thk mueitn`e `m bkb`ry ne Lkicktt ns gjrfkgy bkgjeih`gni prkinskgy
lkijusk thk ihjrjitkrs jice`wgkdfk i`esin`usgy `r uei`esin`usgy
thjt thky jrk thk pr`duits m j pjst whnih hjs bkringkssgy dkmnekd thkb
js summkrnef sulokits Lkickttbdquos ihjrjitkrs ignef s` rkgketgkssgy t` thkpjst lkijusk m`r rkjs`es wk wngg kxpg`rk thk prksket b`bket ns dkv`nd
`m snfenmnijeik3 thk jf`enznef pjst bjy lrutjgnzk lut ne nt jrk thk trjiks
thk hnst`rnijg mrjfbkets `m ndketnty jed bkjenef
THK JIHN]K
Dki`estruitn`enst Ojiquks Dkrrndj drjwnef hkjvngy `e Mrkud `mmkrs
j ski`ed rkgjtkd i`eikpt thjt N wngg usk t` rkjd thksk ihjrjitkrsbdquo rkgj-tn`e t` hnst`ry g`ss jed trjubj Ne Jrihnvk Mkvkr Dkrrndj jejgyzks
thk i`eikpt `m thk jrihnvk js j wjy `m i`bnef t` je uedkrstjednef
`m thk wjy thk sulokit ekf`tnjtks nts rkgjtn`eshnp t` hnst`ry t` thk
pjst jed thk muturk thk jrihnvk ns thus j bkjes ly whnih Dkrrndj
trnks t` uedkrstjed thk hubje js j lknef sntujtkd ne tnbk mkkgnef thk
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
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NETD[ITNE
lt9
igjnbs `m thk tkbp`rjg Qkrhjps thk lkst wjy t` dkmnek thk jrihnvk ns
js j i`eikptujg `r bjtkrnjg spjik `m bkb`ry Thk bned ije skrvk js
je jrihnvk oust js j gnlrjry `r physnijg b`eubket ije Dkrrndj suf-
fksts thjt thk jrihnvk ns j pgjik m i`bbjedbket jed i`bbkeikbketj pgjik whkrk kvkets `m thk pjst jrk d`iubketkd juth`rntjtnvkgy js
bjrcnef thk lkfneenef `m s`bkthnef j gnmk j iugturk j invngnzjtn`e
Jrihnvks jrk spjiks m prkskrvjtn`e i`eskrvjtn`e lut jgs` m irkjtn`e
j iugturkbdquos uedkrstjednef m ntskgmmdashj sulokitbdquos uedkrstjednef m ntskgmmdash
ns irkjtkd wnthne thk spjik `m thk jrihnvk
Nt ns igkjr thjt thk jrihnvk ns j wjy `m bjtkrnjgnznef bjcnef i`e-
irktk thk pjst Jed nm hnst`ry ns gjrfkgy r ije lk gjrfkgy thk ejrrjtnvks
`m i`equkst dkmkjt jed vn`gkeik thk jrihnvk ns jgs` f`nef t` mueitn`ejs j spjik i`bbkb`rjtnef trjubj jed g`ss Nt strncks bk thkrkm`rk
thjt thk jrihnvkmdashjs j spjik thjt bjnetjnes j i`etneujg rkgjtn`e t` thk
pjstmdashns jgwjys jgrkjdy j bkgjeih`gy spjik Vhjt N wnsh t` suffkst
hkrk ne spkinmni rkgjtn`e t` Lkickttbdquos w`rc ns thjt thk Lkickttnje sul-
okit lki`bks j gntkrjg kbl`dnbket m whjt N hjvk kgskwhkrk ijggkd thk
lsquobkgjeih`gy jrihnvkbdquo Thk Lkickttnje sulokit nbb`lngnzkd jed
mrjfbketkdmdashthnec `m Vneenk lurnkd t` hkr ekic ne kjrth ne Hjppy
Djys3 `m B`uth ne E`t N 3 `m Bjg`ek ne Bjg`ek Dnks3 `m thk mnfurk ne
I`bpjey mdashns jgwjys j hnst`rnijg sulokit j sulokit b`rk prkinskgy
sulokit t` hnst`ry Yhk ns i`etneujggy rkbkblkrnef s`bktnbks jfjnest
hkr wngg whjt hjs `iiurrkd ne thk pjst3 shk ns i`etneujggy jttkbptnef
t` rkijpturk j pjst shk bjy e`t muggy i`bprkhked
Jed nt ns thk Lkickttnje l`dy whnih lki`bks thk prnbjry rkp`sn-
t`ry m`r thksk rkbjnes thksk trjiks `m hnst`ry Thk ihjrjitkr bjy
kxnstmdashjs ne Hjppy Djys r Kedfjbk mdashjt whjt jppkjrs t` lk thk ked`m hubje iugturk lut shkmdashhkr l`dymdashbjnetjnes thk jrihnvjg trjiks
`m thjt g`st iugturk Thk nbjfks Lkicktt fnvks us ne hns drjbj jed
pr`skmdashj dnskbl`dnkd b`uth j l`dy nbb`lngnzkd ne j whkkgihjnr
`r thk kjrth pk`pgk ne uresmdashjrk nbjfks thjt i`eirktnzk thk ndkj `m
bkb`ry js kbl`dnkd `r jrihnvkd N suffkstkd jl`vk thjt m`r Lkicktt
sulokitnvntymdashthk skesk m wh` wk jrkmdashns muggy dkpkedket e thk l`dy
Vhjt Mrkud jed Dkrrndj jgg`w us t` uedkrstjed ns thk wjy sulokitnv-
nty ne Lkicktt ns muggy dkpkedket `e hnst`ry jed jrihnvkd bkb`ryMrkudbdquos e`tn`es `m b`urenef jed bkgjeih`gnj t`fkthkr wnth thk
Dkrrndkje rkjdnef `m thk jrihnvk jrk i`eikpts thjt wngg pr`vk uskmug
ne rkjdnef je juth`r wh`sk w`rc ns jt j pr`m`ued gkvkg jgwjys jl`ut
thk pjst j pjst whnih bjy hjvk rkikdkd net` m`rfktmugekss lut wh`sk
igjnbs jrk stngg lknef mkgt Ne nts strjefkekss Lkickttbdquos w`rc prkskets
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LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
eubkr`us dnmmniugtnks lut js wk shjgg dnsi`vkr hk ekvkr jljed`es
hns rkjdkr `r judnkeik i`bpgktkgy Mnrst js N hjvk bketn`ekd hns
ihjrjitkrsmdashwh` jt tnbks lki`bk `ur surr`fjtks `ur ueijeey d`u-
lgksmdashkxprkss buih thk sjbk i`emusn`e jl`ut thknr w`rgds js thkrkjdkr3 js suih thk strjefkekss lkijusk shjrkd lki`bks ne j skesk
e`rbjgnzkd Yki`ed jed pkrhjps b`rk nbp`rtjet Lkickttbdquos w`rc
ckys net` muedjbketjggy rki`fenzjlgk sntujtn`es Vk jgg jrk irkjtn`es
`m hnst`rnks wk bjy e`t rki`fenzk `r wnsh t` rki`fenzk3 wk jgg jt
tnbks dnsjv`w `ur pjsts kvke js wk mkkg thk prkssurks `m hnst`ry3 wk
jgg ne `thkr w`rds jrk hnst`rnijgmdashne Mrkudbdquos tkrbs bkgjeih`gymdash
irkjturks Lkickttbdquos w`rc ns iruinjg lkijusk nt rkgketgkssgy rkb`rskgkssgy
i`bpkgs us t` i`emr`et thk pr`m`ued igjnbs thjt hnst`ry bust bjckup`e us jgg Js wk i`bk t` rki`fenzk thk igjnbs `m thk pjst jed rkjg-
nzk thk kxtket t` whnih hnst`ry i`estruits thk hubje sulokit wk lkfne
t` uedkrstjed thjt Lkickttbdquos w`rc jt tnbks skkbnefgy s` strjefk
skkbnefgy nehubje ns `egy kvkr j i`bpjssn`ejtk jttkbpt t` i`bprk-
hked hubjenty ntskgm
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
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NETD[ITNE
9
Lkicktt pr`duikd Vjntnef m`r F`d`t whngk irkjtnef hns b`st nbp`r-
tjet jed nemguketnjg l`dy `m pr`sk w`rc thk mnrst trng`fy `m e`vkgs
B`gg`y Bjg`ek Dnks jed Thk [eejbjlgk Nm Vjntnef m`r F`d`t rkv`-
gutn`enzkd drjbj thns pr`sk trng`fy dnd thk sjbk t` thk e`vkg Nedkkdwk bjy jrfuk js d`ks J Jgvjrkz thjt ne thksk w`rcs Lkicktt ksske-
tnjggy lsquojssjssnejtksbdquo thk e`vkg m rb= Nm Vjntnef m`r F`d`t rkb`vkd thk
drjbj mr`b drjbj thksk e`vkgs rkb`vkd jgg i`bm`rtjlgk snfep`sts
mr`b ejrrjtnvk i`hkrket pg`t stjlgk ihjrjitkr kvkets `iiurrnef ne
ndketnmnjlgk spjik jed tnbk Nt ns igkjr thjt Lkicktt ns e`t prnbjrngy
netkrkstkd ne tkggnef lsquost`rnksbdquo ne jey i`evketn`ejg skesk hkrk3 nedkkd
`ek ijee`t kvke rkjggy suffkst j e`vkg gnck Thk [eejbjlgk mdashwhnih ns
ejrrjtkd ly shnmtnef pkrhjps l`dngkss pkrs`ejgntnks ne whjt bjy lks`bk cned `m jmtkrgnmkmdashhjs j st`ry jt jgg Ne gjtkr w`rcs gnck H`w Nt
Ns (gt=) Jgg Ytrjefk Jwjy (gt=9rsquo=4) Nbjfnejtn`e Dkjd Nbjfnek
(gt=) jed thk ski`ed trng`fy (whnih neigudks I`bpjey Sgt81R
Ngg Ykke Ngg Yjnd Sgt8R jed V`rstwjrd H` Sgt89R) Lkicktt mmkrs tkxts
whnih skkb t` dnsbjetgk thk fkekrni bjrckrs lktwkke pr`sk jed
p`ktry t` thk p`net whkrk nt lki`bks igkjr thjt hns bjne i`eikre ns
snbpgy (lut whjt j w`rd) gjefujfk ntskgm jed thk wjy hubje kxpkrn-
keik ns l`ued up ne thk gnefunstni By netkrkst ne thns Fundk wngg lk t`
suffkst thjt thns `lskssn`e wnth gjefujfk ne thk wjy wk ce`w jed
jrk ce`we ly thk w`rgd vnj gjefujfks thkbskgvks pkrhjps nekmmkitnvk
jed mjngnef ns thk thr`ufh-gnek i`eekitnef Lkickttbdquos w`rc l`th ne
pr`sk jed drjbj Ne thns skesk jed N wngg rkture t` thns p`net ne dktjng
Lkickttbdquos ijrkkr ns je kgjl`rjtk jed eujeikd i`bbketjry `e j stjtk-
bket ly phng`s`phkr Hjes-Fk`rf Fjdjbkr lsquoGjefujfk ns e`t oust
`ek `m bjebdquos p`sskssn`es ne thk w`rgd3 rjthkr `e nt dkpkeds thk mjitthjt bje hjs j w`rgd jt jggbdquo (Truth jed Bkth`d 449)
Lkickttbdquos w`rc rkv`gutn`enzkd twketnkth-iketury gntkrjturk Ikrtjnegy
t` wrntk j i`evketn`ejg pgjy w`ugd pr`vk rjthkr b`rk dnmmniugt jmtkr
Vjntnef m`r F`d`t Kedfjbk r thk gjtkr b`rk stygnstnijggy jvjet-fjrdk
w`rc Drjbjs gnck Hjppy Djys (gt=) whnih skks j ihjrjitkr lurnkd
t` hkr wjnst (gjtkr t` hkr ekic) ne thk kjrth3 `r Qgjy (gt=9) ne whnih
thrkk ihjrjitkrs netkrekd ne ures jrk m`rikd uejwjrk `m thk `thkrsbdquo
prkskeik t` spkjc jl`ut thk ejturk `m thknr t`rturkd rkgjtn`eshnp3 `rE`t N (gt6lt) ne whnih j dnskbl`dnkd b`uth mrjetnijggy spkws `ut
j ejrrjtnvk `m jssjugt jed bjdekss3 `r Lrkjth (gt=gt) j 9-ski`ed
pgjy mkjturnef j stjfk mnggkd wnth rullnsh jed thk s`ued `m j iry jt
lnrth jed dkjth jgg ihjggkefk e`tn`es `m whjt i`estntutk lsquodrjbjbdquo js
suih Qgjywrnfhts gnck Hjr`gd Qnetkr (wh` jice`wgkdfks Lkicktt
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
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LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
4
js hns bjstkr) Kdwjrd Jglkk jed Yjrjh Cjek jrk jgg bjssnvkgy
nemgukeikd ly thk pgjys thknr kxpkrnbkets wnth m`rb jed stjfnef
jrk jgg rksp`esks t` Lkickttbdquos kgjl`rjtk jed rkgketgkss irntnquk `m drj-
bjtni i`evketn`e Jed kqujggy wk ekkd t` rki`fenzk thk nemgukeik `mLkickttbdquos pr`sk `e twketnkth-iketury mnitn`e Lkickttbdquos mnrst trng`fy js
wkgg js hns gjtkr pr`sk hjs hjd ke`rb`us nemgukeik `e wrntkrs wh` ne
thknr ture hjvk lki`bk nbp`rtjet ne thk pr`frkssn`e `m twketnkth-
jed twkety-mnrst-iketury pr`sk Qjug Justkr (wh`sk Ekw ^`rc Trng`fy
ije lk rkjd js j dnrkit p`stb`dkre rkwrntnef m Lkickttbdquos mnrst trng`fy)
O B I`ktzkk (wh` ne mjit wr`tk hns QhD dnsskrtjtn`e `e Lkickttbdquos
Vjtt) jed O`he Ljevnggk (wh` ne w`rcs gnck Thk L``c `m Kvndkeik
shjrks Lkickttbdquos mjsinejtn`e wnth thk w`rcnefs m thk p`ssnlgy dkrjefkdbned) jgg igjnb je jrtnstni nehkrntjeik mr`b Lkickttbdquos snefugjr vnsn`e
thknr rkprksketjtn`es `m thk neekr skgmmdashpsyih`tni trjubjtnzkdmdashije
lk trjikd t` Lkickttbdquos netkrkst ne thk s`gntjry jed bjrfnejg mnfurk
rkduikd ne p`sskssn`es jed l`dy ekf`tnjtnef j pjth thr`ufh j h`stngk
`r nednmmkrket w`rgd
LKICKTTbdquoY YT^GK
Nt ns prkinskgy thns qujgnty `m snefugjrnty thjt rkjdkrs cky net` whke
kei`uetkrnef Lkickttbdquos w`rc thkrk ns snbpgy e`thnef rkb`tkgy gnck
Lkicktt ne thk w`rgd `m gntkrjturk Vhngk Lkickttbdquos kjrgy w`rc (Burphy
B`rk Qrnics thje Cnics thk p`sthub`usgy pulgnshkd Drkjb `m Mjnr
t` Bnddgnef V`bke6) lkjrs trjiks `m O`yikbdquos nemgukeik (js skke ne
whjt ns m`r Lkicktt ueusujggy kekrfktni kvke pgjymug pr`sk) hns gjtkr
w`rcmdashthk ture t` whnih N g`ijtk ne gt9bdquos Vjtt (wrnttke lktwkkegt4 jed gt4)mdashns uenqukgy Lkickttbdquos Vhngk nt ns pkrhjps uemjnr t`
subbjrnzk jed dnstngg thk qujgntnks `m j wrntkrbdquos w`rc wk ije bjck j
mkw fkekrjg i`bbkets hkrk Lkickttbdquos w`rc jgwjys kvke js nts b`st
kxtrkbk gnbnt `m ueijeenekss jed strjefkekss ns rkgketgkssgy hub`r-
`us nm djrcgy s Jt b`bkets m kxtrkbk dkspjnr e stjfk j ihjrjitkr
wngg `mmkr j gnek thjt wngg bjck us gjufh uekjsngy Ne Vjntnef m`r
F`d`t m`r nestjeik ]gjdnbnr jed Kstrjf`e wntekss Q`zz`bdquos lrutjg
trkjtbket `m Guicy3 thky thke hjvk thns lrnkm kxihjefk
]gjdnbnr Thjt pjsskd thk tnbk
Kstrjf`e Nt w`ugd hjvk pjsskd ne jey ijsk
]gjdnbnr ^ks lut e`t s` rjpndgy (41)
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 827
NETD[ITNE
Jt b`bkets `m kxtrkbk pjne ne thk e`vkgs j ihjrjitkr wngg dkmgjtk hns
dkspjnr wnth nr`ey Bjg`ek jg`ek jed dynef ne hns lkd m`r nestjeik
`mmkrs thns lsquoBy l`dy ns whjt ns ijggkd uejdvnskdgy pkrhjps nbp`-
tket Thkrk ns vnrtujggy e`thnef nt ije d Y`bktnbks N bnss e`t lknefjlgk t` irjwg jr`ued jey b`rk Lut N jb e`t buih fnvke t` e`stjgfnjbdquo
(Bjg`ek Dnks 81)
Thns lrutjggy jbusnef wrntnef jggkvnjtks thk fg``b `m thk Lkicktt
pgjy `r e`vkg lut nt d`ks jdd j ikrtjne ueijeey mrnss`e t` `ur kxpkrn-
keik `m thk w`rc why jrk wk gjufhnef jt thns0 H`w ije thkrk lk
hub`r ne suih j dkpgktkd w`rgd0 Ne je netkrvnkw Lkicktt `eik sjnd
lsquoNm thkrk wkrk `egy djrcekss jgg w`ugd lk igkjr Nt ns lkijusk thkrk
ns e`t `egy djrcekss lut jgs` gnfht thjt `ur sntujtn`e lki`bks nekxpgn-ijlgkbdquo (ltlt1)8 Lkicktt ns thk bjstkr m bnxnef gnfht jed djrc m hub`r
wnth pjne `m thk rki`fenzjlgk wnth thk uemjbngnjr Thk rksugt ns j
cned `m wrntnef thjt ns i`esnstketgy dns`rnketnef lut e`t strjefk
ke`ufh t` lk muggy jgnkejtnef wk d` rki`fenzk jed rksp`ed t` s`bk-
thnef ne thk w`rc j qujgnty pkrhjps `m shjrkd summkrnef `m shjrkd
dkspjnr jed lk nt kvkr s` hublgk shjrkd i`bpjssn`e
kjdkrs `mtke rkbjrc `e thk pjrtniugjr qujgnty `m Lkickttbdquos ske-
tkeiks kspkinjggy ne thk pr`sk [egnck thjt `m hns kjrgy bjstkr O`yik
Lkickttbdquos bjturk pr`sk ns irystjggnek ne nts i`einsn`e Nedkkd Lkicktt
`eik rkbjrckd `e thk dnmmkrkeik lktwkke O`yikbdquos bkth`d `m i`bp`s-
nef jed hns `we
lsquowk jrk dnjbktrnijggy `pp`sntk lkijusk O`yik wjs j syethksnzkr hk
wjetkd t` put kvkrythnef thk wh`gk m hubje iugturk net` ek r
tw` l``cs jed N jb je jejgyzkr N tjck jwjy jgg thk jiindketjgslkijusk N wjet t` i`bk d`we t` thk lkdr`ic `m thk kssketnjgs thk
jrihktypjgbdquo gt
Ne Djbekd t` Mjbk Ce`wgs`e qu`tks Lkickttbdquos vnkws `e O`yik
lsquo N rkjgnzkd thjt O`yik hjd f`ek js mjr js `ek i`ugd ne thk dnrkitn`e
`m ce`wnef b`rk SlknefR ne i`etr`g `m `ekbdquos bjtkrnjg Hk wjs jgwjys
jddnef t` nt N rkjgnskd thjt by `we wjy wjs ne nbp`vkrnshbket
ne gjic `m ce`wgkdfk jed ne tjcnef jwjy ne sultrjitnef rjthkr thjene jddnef‒ bdquo (9gt) Jed thus whngk Lkickttbdquos sketkeiks jrk kjsngy
ke`ufh rkjd (wk bjy hjvk t` g``c up thk dd w`rd e`w jed jfjne)1
thkrk ns j sg`w-lure qujgnty t` thns wrntnef js bkjenefs jed rks`ejeiks
i`bk t` gnfht jed jppgy prkssurk g`ef jmtkr wk hjvk pjsskd `vkr
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
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LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
=
thk nednvndujg w`rds Thk mjb`us gnek mr`b Bjg`ek Dnks lsquoE`thnef ns
b`rk rkjg thje e`thnefbdquo (8=) ns je kxjbpgk m j sketkeik whnih sejfs
`ur jttketn`e wnth nts pkiugnjr usk `m j w`rd `r ndkj E`thnefekss
rjdnijg jlskeik thk sketkeik suffksts ns thk b`st prkssnef rkjgntywnth whnih wk bust dkjg Thk sketkeikbdquos inriugjrnty jed rkpktntn`e
b`rk`vkr ueijeengy trjesmkrs jlskeik net` prkskeik e`thnef thus
lki`bks s`bkthnef js wk mkkg nts rkjg igjnbs `e us Thk sketkeik lrng-
gnjetgy dkb`estrjtks h`w j snefgk w`rd ije shnbbkr wnth bugtnpgk
rks`ejeiks thk mnrst usk `m thk w`rd lsquoe`thnefbdquo ns vkry dnmmkrket mr`b
thk ski`ed Nedkkd thk w`rd skkbs snbugtjek`usgy t` hjvk ijsujg
jed dkkpgy phng`s`phnijg bkjenefs jgg `m whnih m`gd net` kjih `thkr
jed jrk kxihjefkd Bjg`ek jwjrk `m thk kmmkits `m hns `we w`rds`mmkrs thns i`bbketjry `e thns sketkeik lsquoN ce`w th`sk gnttgk phrjsks
thjt skkb s` nee`iu`us jed `eik y`u gkt thkb ne p`ggutk thk wh`gk
`m spkkih Thky rnsk up `ut `m thk pnt jed ce`w e` rkst uetng thky
drjf y`u d`we net` nts djrcbdquo (8=rsquo86)
Je`thkr rkgjtkd ueijeey kmmkit `iiurs whke Lkicktt `mmkrs je ndkj
`egy t` ekfjtk nts igjnbs nbbkdnjtkgy lsquoGnvk jed nevket N hjvk trnkd
N bust hjvk trnkd Nevket Nt ns e`t thk w`rd Eknthkr ns gnvkbdquo (Bjg`ek
Dnks 8gt)3 lsquoN jb dkjd lut N ekvkr gnvkdbdquo (Tkxts m`r E`thnef 999)3
lsquoYjy j l`dy Vhkrk e`ekbdquo (V`rstwjrd H` 46) Thk mnejg gneks `m
B`gg`y jrk pkrhjps thk b`st mjb`us kxjbpgk `m Lkickttbdquos skgm-
i`etrjdnit`ry skgm-ijeikggnef rhkt`rni lsquoThke N wket ljic net` thk
h`usk jed wr`tk Nt ns bndenfht Thk rjne ns lkjtnef `e thk wned`ws
Nt wjs e`t bndenfht Nt wjs e`t rjnenefbdquo (61) Thk kmmkit j dnzzynef
`ek ns t` ckkp thk rkjdkr i`esnstketgy e hkr netkrprktnvk t`ks prkvket-
nef hkr mr`b skttgnef `e jey i`bm rtjlgk `r i`bm`rtnef bkjenefThns kmmkit rkjihks nts tkrbnejg p`net ne Lkickttbdquos gjtk pr`sk ne tkxts
gnck V`rstwjrd H` Lkicktt hkrk m`rf`ks i`evketn`ejg frjbbjr
ihjrjitkr pg`t jed st`ry jed prkskets gjefujfk ntskgm js ihjrjitkr (ne
thns wjy wk jrk oustnmnkd ne jsskrtnef js suffkstkd thjt gjefujfk ns
jgwjys Lkickttbdquos bjne i`eikre) Thk gjefujfk `m thk gjtk tkxts ns i`e-
trjdnit`ry jed pr`duiks mjbngnjr vkrtnfne`us kmmkits
V`rskenef w`rds wh`sk uece`we Vhkeik uece`we Jt jgg i`stsuece`we E`w m`r t` sjy js w`rst thky bjy `egy thky `egy thky
Dnb v`nd shjdks jgg thky E`thnef sjvk whjt thky sjy Y`bkh`w
sjy E`thnef sjvk thky Vhjt thky sjy Vh`sks`kvkr whkeiks`kvkr
sjy Js w`rst thky bjy mjng kvkr w`rsk t` sjy (468)
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1027
NETD[ITNE
6
Yurkgy thns ns s`bk `m Lkickttbdquos b`st ihjggkefnef b`st dnmmniugt
wrntnef Lut nm wk gnstke t` nt ijrkmuggy wk ije jttked t` thkbks hk wngg
kxpg`rk thr`ufh`ut hns ijrkkr Vk ije hkjr Lkickttbdquos lskssnvk rkture
t` thk rhkt`rni `m lsquoe`thnefbdquo3 wk kei`uetkr hns netkrkst ne lsquomjngurkbdquo js jtr`pk `m wrntnef3 wk skk hns netkrkst ne b`vnef pjst thk ljrrnkrs `m
i`evketn`ejg gjefujfk t` kxpg`rk thk gnbnts `m whjt ije lk sjnd jed
e`t sjnd (`r bnssjnd) ne gjefujfk whnih ns ntskgm dkjd `r spkitrjg
lsquov`nd shjdksbdquo Lkicktt m`r jgg hns dnmmniugty ije lk rkjd igkjrgy lkijusk
js N kxpg`rk ne dktjng lkg`w hns wrntnef fnvks us thk netkrprktnvk iguks
wk ekkd Je netkrprktnvk dnzznekss ns j fnvke whke rkjdnef Lkicktt
whjt wk d` wnth thjt dnzznekss h`w wk ih``sk t` netkrprkt `ur
b`bkets `m ueikrtjnety lki`bks `ur tjsc `ur `lgnfjtn`e
THK DNMMNI[GT^ M KJDNEF LKICKTT FKEK
ETHNEFEKYY THK QYTH[BJE LD^
Fkerk
Thk ykjr lt11= wjs thk iketkejry `m Yjbukg Lkickttbdquos lnrth Jt vjrn-
`us mkstnvjgs jed i`emkrkeiks hns w`rcs wkrk pkrm`rbkd dnsiusskd
jed irntninzkd Nedkkd kvke thk bjnestrkjb bkdnj usujggy `lgnvn`us
t` thk w`rc `m thk gntkrjry jvjet-fjrdk t``c e`tnik nm `egy t` rkiyigk
thk prnbjry irntnijg ignihicircs jl`ut Lkickttbdquos w`rc nt ns lgkjc dnmmniugt
jed lsquojl`utbdquo thk jlsurdnty jed bkjenefgkssekss `m kxnstkeik Thns gjst
ignihicirc fnvke jt gkjst tjint supp`rt ly Lkicktt hnbskgm ns `ek thns
Fundk wngg ne pjrt skkc t` dnsbjetgk lut m r e`w wk ekkd t` jice`wg-
kdfk thk truth `m whjt ns fkekrjggy pkriknvkd jl`ut Lkickttbdquos w`rc ntsuei`bpr`bnsnef dnmmniugty Vk jrk prksketkd ne l`th thk drjbj
jed pr`sk wnth uemjbngnjr jed skkbnefgy uerkjdjlgk sntujtn`es tw`
trjbps `e j ekjr-kbpty stjfk wjntnef3 j lgned tyrjet jii`bpjenkd
ly hns irnppgkd pjrkets jed j pkkvnsh skrvjet ykjrenef m`r hns gnmk
(jed thk pgjy hk skkbs t` ce`w hk ns ne) t` ked3 j pgjy ne whnih j
b`uth spkjcnef ne ekjr nei`bprkhkesnlgk gjefujfk ns thk bjne
lsquoihjrjitkrbdquo3 je `gd bje gynef ne lkd tkggnef st`rnks uetng hk dnks
Jed `ek i`ugd f` `e jed wk shjgg hkrk gnstnef thk byrnjd dnmmniug-tnks p`skd ly Lkickttbdquos w`rc Jt j ljsni gkvkg h`wkvkr wk e`tnik `ek
i`bb`e mkjturk `m thksk tkxts `ek gnec whnih bjy lk `ur netkrprk-
tnvk ketry p`net thky jgg dkgnlkrjtkgy dnsbjetgk fkekrni kxpkitjtn`e
Thjt ns t` sjy kvkry Lkicktt tkxt dkmnks `ur e`tn`es `m whjt j pgjy `r
j e`vkg sh`ugd lk d`nef Nm wk rki`fenzk thns fkekrni lsquodki`bp`sntn`ebdquo
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
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LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
8
js Lkickttbdquos prnbjry bkth`d `m pr`lgkbjtnznef netkrprktnvk pr`t`-
i`gs wk i`bk t` je nbp`rtjet nentnjg rkjgnzjtn`e Lkickttbdquos tkxts rksnst
lknef netkrprktkd jed ijtkf`rnzkd jed thns bjy ne mjit lk whjt thky
jrk jl`ut thk pr`lgkb `m netkrprktjtn`e ntskgmThns Fundk thus wngg lkfne wnth je jejgysns `m thk wjy Lkicktt
bjenpugjtks fkerk ne hns w`rc Vjntnef m`r F`d`t m`r nestjeik ns j
drjbj ne ejbk `egy nm thk r``t `m thk w`rd lsquodrjbjbdquo ns thk Frkkc m r
lsquojitn`ebdquo Lkicktt ns dkgnlkrjtkgy wrntnef j drjbj thjt ns e`t ne mjit j
drjbj jt jgg (e`thnef hjppkes ne thk pgjy3 `r b`rk prkinskgy e`thnef
hjppkes thk kxpkrnkeik `m e`thnefekss ns whjt thk pgjy ns jl`ut)
Thk e`vkgs `m Lkickttbdquos mnrst trng`fy (B`gg`y Bjg`ek Dnks Thk
[eejbjlgk) jfjne jrk e`vkgs ne ejbk `egy js thns trng`fy pr`frkssksthkrk ns j dnbnenshnef `m pg`t jed j rkb`vjg `m jgg ndketnmnjlgk ihjr-
jitkrs wnthne ndketnmnjlgk spjik jed tnbk Lkickttbdquos gjtk pr`sk jed
drjbj lgurs thk dnstneitn`e lktwkke fkerks H`w Nt Ns j lsquoe`vkgbdquo rkjds
gnck p`ktry3 J Qnkik `m B`e`g`fuk (gt8lt) j lsquopgjybdquo rkjds gnck j sh`rt
pr`sk st`ry3 Lkickttbdquos gjst bjo`r w`rc ne thk s`-ijggkd ski`ed trng`fy
(I`bpjey Ngg Ykke Ngg Yjnd V`rstwjrd H`) rkduiks thk vkry gje-
fujfk `m pr`sk t` e`efrjbbjtnijg igjusks jed pgjiks lsquoihjrjitkrsbdquo
(wh` mueitn`e bkrkgy js frjbbjtnijg nedniks bjy nedkkd `egy lsquolkbdquo
dnskbl`dnkd frjbbjtnijg nedniks) ne g`ijtn`es thjt jrk lky`ed gnmk
jed dkjth
Nt ns by suffkstn`e thjt thk trjokit`ry `m Lkickttbdquos ijrkkr js
drjbjtnst jed e`vkgnst trjiks j systkbjtni dki`estruitn`e `m thk vkry
prkbnsks `m drjbj jed pr`sk j dki`estruitn`e thjt wntekssks thk
snbugtjek`us jed systkbjtni dnsbjetgnef `m thk skgm `r sulokit wh`
w`ugd rkgy `e ejrrjtnvk js j bkjes `m skgm-uedkrstjednef N pr`p`skhkrk t` suffkst thjt thns dki`estruitn`e thns dnsbjetgnef `m jgg
rkiknvkd struiturks `m sulokitnvnty jed ejrrjtnvk lk nt ne pr`sk `r
drjbj (jed hns ihjrjitkrs e stjfk jrk egy kvkr tkggnef st`rnks) ns thk
bjo`r thkbk m Lkickttbdquos w`rc jed m i`ursk thk ijusk m thk bjo`r
dnmmniugtnks ne thk rkjdnef `m thns w`rc
eik wk uedkrstjed thjt Lkickttbdquos bkth`d ns t` ijgg net` qukstn`e
thk vkry prkbnsks `m drjbj jed pr`sk wk bjy lk lkttkr jlgk t`
uedkrstjed whjt N skk js hns bjo`r purp`sk t` ijgg net` qukstn`e jggth`sk bkth`dsmdashejrrjtnvk lknef thk prnbjry ekmdashwk hjvk m uedkr-
stjednef `urskgvks Fkerks i`bk rkjdy lungt wnth bkjenef jed
kxpkitjtn`e pgjys jed e`vkgs hjvk struiturksmdashlkfneenefs bnddgks
kednefs3 ihjrjitkr jed pg`t lsquodkvkg`pbketbdquo3 skttnefsmdashthjt rkjdkrs ejtu-
rjggy jssubk sh`ugd lk ne pgjik Qgjys jed e`vkgs hjvk rki`fenzjlgk
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1227
NETD[ITNE
gt
ihjrjitkrs jed tkgg st`rnks thjt whngk pkrhjps i`emusnef jed ihjggkef-
nef jssubk whjt wk ije ijgg lsquoce`wjlngntybdquo Thjt ns thksk ejrrjtnvks
jrk jssubkd t` rkmgkit j rki`fenzjlgk rkjgnty `ek t` whnih thk rkjdkr
ije rnket hkrskgm J iketrjg nm uesp`cke jssubptn`e m whjt ns ijggkdigjssni rkjgnst gntkrjturk ns thjt ejrrjtnvk ntskgm ns j ejturjg jed juth`r-
ntjtnvk wjy `m i`bbuenijtnef rkjgntylt Gjefujfk ne `thkr w`rds ns
thk jdkqujtk vkhnigk m`r rkprksketnef rkjgnty jed b`st nbp`rtjetgy
m`r rkprksketnef thk skgm3 ne igjssni rkjgnst mnitn`e iruinjggy thk skgmmdash
thnec m`r nestjeik m Dnickesbdquo Djvnd I`ppkrmnkgdmdashprkikdks gjefujfk
jed usks nt i`etr`gs nt t` trjesirnlk hns rkjgnty
Lkicktt ns w`rcnef t` rkvkjg jgg thksk kxpkitjtn`es js jrtnmninjg jed
i`estruitkd Hk nednijtks thjt wk i`estruit `urskgvks js skgvks ne thkst`rnks wk tkgg thk hnst`rnks wk i`estruit jed thus hns dnsbjetgnef
`m thksk ejrrjtnvks ns hns wjy `m kxjbnenef thk vkry mrjfngnty thk vkry
i`estruitkdekss `m thk hubje jed hubje uedkrstjednef ntskgm
Ejrrjtnvk jed `thkr fkekrni i`evketn`es jrk wjys `m i`etr`ggnef
kxpkrnkeik m shjpnef kxpkrnkeik3 thky jrk e`t uepr`lgkbjtni rkmgki-
tn`es `m kxpkrnkeik Ne thk ked h`wkvkr ly systkbjtnijggy rkduinef
ejrrjtnvk t` nts ksskeik t` whjt hk ijggs nts lsquow`rskenef w`rdsbdquo Lkicktt
dnsi`vkrs thk pkrsnstket ksskeik `m thk hubje wh`sk ejrrjtnvks lsquomjng
jfjnebdquo jed lsquomjng lkttkrbdquo lut wh` ns nesnstketgy prksket ne thjt mjngurk
nm `egy js j trjik spkitkr `r fh`st `m ntskgm By jrfubket ugtnbjtkgy
ns thjt m`r jgg Lkickttbdquos skkbnef dnmmniugty jed ekfjtnvnty hns e`vkgs
jed pgjys w`rc systkbjtnijggy t` ikgklrjtk nm ne je nevkrsk wjy thk
hubje sulokit wh` wngg e`t ikjsk t` ejrrjtk jed wh` wngg thus
jgwjys lk
KD[ITNE T THK KYYKETNJGY ETHNEFEKYY
JED THK QYTH[BJE
T` lkfne pkrhjps wk sh`ugd jice`wgkdfk thjt whngk Lkickttbdquos w`rc
kxpg`rks qukstn`es i`eikrenef thk muedjbketjg ejturk m thk hubje
Lkicktt hnbskgm wngg skkb t` lk `m gnttgk hkgp t` us ne netkrprktnef thjt
w`rc Jgth`ufh hk hjs `mmkrkd s`bk nbp`rtjet nm `pjquk irntnijg
nesnfhts net` whjt jppkjrs t` lk j pkrs`ejg phng`s`phy m jrt jed gnmkLkicktt tkedkd t` rksnst `mmkrnef dnrkit netkrprktjtn`es `m hns w`rc
rksnstkd `mmkrnef whjt j ihjrjitkr ne hns e`vkg Vjtt ijggs lsquoskbjetni
suii`urbdquo t` hns rkjdkrs hns jit`rs hns dnrkit`rs Vhke m`r nestjeik
Jgje Yihekndkr j mrnked jed dnrkit`r `m bjey `m Lkickttbdquos pgjys
jsckd m r Lkickttbdquos netkrprktjtn`e m Kedfjbk Lkicktt rkpgnkd lsquoN snbpgy
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1327
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
1
ijebdquot wrntk jl`ut by w`rc `r `iijsn`ejg stumm `m jey cnedbdquo Hk wket
`e t` kxi`rnjtk o`urejgnsts jed irntnis
Lut whke nt i`bks t` thksk ljstjrds `m o`urejgnsts N mkkg thk `egygnek ns t` rkmusk t` lk nev`gvkd ne kxkfksns `m jey cned By w`rc
ns j bjttkr `m muedjbketjg s`ueds (e` o`ck netkedkd) bjdk js
muggy js p`ssnlgk jed N jiikpt rksp`esnlngnty m`r e`thnef kgsk Nm
pk`pgk wjet t` hjvk hkjdjihks jb`ef thk `vkrt`eks gkt thkb
Jed pr`vndk thknr `we jspnrne (E` Juth`r Lkttkr Ykrvkd Thk
I`rrksp`edkeik `m Yjbukg Lkicktt jed Jgje Yihekndkr lt4)
Nt ns iurn`us t` e`tk thk wjy Lkicktt rksnsts netkrprktnef hns w`rcykt jt thk sjbk tnbk pr`vndks s`bkthnef `m j iguk t` rkjdnef hns
w`rc hk sjys ns j lsquobjttkr `m muedjbketjg s`uedsbdquo ek wjy `m
uedkrstjednef thns i`bbket jed ikrtjnegy thns ns thk wjy N tked t`
rkjd hns w`rc ns t` e`tnik h`w Lkicktt tkeds t` strnp jwjy jgg kxikss
`e stjfk jed pjfk hk ns jmtkr je jejgysns `m thk muedjbketjgs thk
i`rk `r lsquoksskeikbdquo `m whjt bjps `ut hubje kxpkrnkeik Thkrk ns e`
jiindketjg w`rd `r `iiurrkeik ne j Lkicktt tkxt e` dnstrjitn`e mr`b
thk rkjg lusnekss `m trynef t` uedkrstjed whjt nt bkjes t` lk Hkeik
m`r nestjeik j e`vkg gnck Bjg`ek Dnks whkrk thkrk ns `egy `ek ihjr-
jitkr nbb`lngnzkd ne lkd jed thnecnef jl`ut hns nbpkednef dkjth
Hkrk Lkicktt ns jscnef j iruinjg pkrhjps thk muedjbketjg qukstn`e
Vhjt d`ks nt bkje t` kxnst t` lk jt thk b`bket whke y`ur gnmk ns `e
thk vkrfk `m mgnickrnef `ut0 Ije wk rki`fenzk whjt nt trugy bkjes t`
lk jgnvk whjt wk bjy ijgg thk muedjbketjg nbpugsk `m lknef `egy
whke gnmk ntskgm ns jl`ut t` ikjsk0 Lkicktt pjrks pg`t ihjrjitkr jedgjefujfk d`we t` nts kssketnjgs strnppnef jwjy thk lsquobkjtbdquo (`m l`th
pr`sk jed ihjrjitkr) t` kxjbnek gnmk gnvkd jt kxtrkbk gnbnt p`nets
Nedkkd js N hjvk nednijtkd ne gjtkr tkxts suih js V`rstwjrd H` thk
mnrst sketkeik `m whnih rkjds lsquoe Yjy `e Lk sjnd `e Y`bkh`w `e
Tngg e`h`w `e Yjnd e`h`w `ebdquo (46) Lkicktt rkduiks pg`t jed ihjr-
jitkr s` rjdnijggy thjt nt ns p`ssnlgk t` sjy thjt wk hjvk tkxt whkrk
frjbbjr ntskgm mueitn`enef jt thk gnbnt `m i`bprkhkesnlngnty nedn-
ijtks j sulokitnvnty `e thk vkrfk `m e`thnefekssLy wrntnef jl`ut muedjbketjg s`ueds Lkicktt prkskets hnbskgm js
je netkeskgy iurn`us jed i`urjfk`us wrntkr Iurn`us jl`ut thk prk-
insk ejturk m thk hubje lknef Lkicktt tjcks hnbskgm jed hns rkjdkrs
t` thk kxtrkbk gnbnts `m hubjenty jed jscs us `lgnfks us t` g``c
ijrkmuggy jt `urskgvks jt b`bkets `m irnsns Thksk b`bkets `m irnsns
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1427
NETD[ITNE
w`rc ne Lkicktt js p`nets m muedjbketjg nm i`bpr`bnskd jed pjquk
rkvkgjtn`e nt ns hkrk jt thk p`net whkrk thk w`rgd ikjsks t` bjck
skesk `r i`rrksp`ed t` `ekbdquos prksupp`sntn`es thjt thk rkjg thk mue-
djbketjg netkrprktnvk jed kthnijg qukstn`es jrnsk H`w d` N f` `e nethk mjik m thns irnsns m bkjenef0 Vhjt ns by rksp`esnlngnty t` byskgm
jed `thkrs whke bkjenef i`ggjpsks0
Thksk b`bkets m thk i`ggjpsk m bkjenef m thk irnsns m netkrprk-
tjtn`e jrk iketrjg t` Lkickttbdquos w`rc (nedkkd wk bjy sjy thky i`bprnsk
thk t`tjgnty `m thk w`rc) jed t` hns phng`s`phy `m jrt Ne s`bk wjys
Lkickttbdquos rkjg netkrkst ns ne thk kei`uetkr kxnstketnjg jrtnstni jed
netkrprktnvk wnth whjt hk nbp`rtjetgy rkmkrs t` js lsquoE`thnefbdquo Thk
kxpkrnkeik `m e`thnef thk e`thnefekss rkjgnzkd ne thk l`rkd`b `mDndn jed F`f` ne Vjntnef m`r F`d`t (thk mnrst gnek m whnih ns lsquoE`thnef
t` lk d`ekbdquo) thk e`thnefekss thjt thrkjtkes `ur netkrprktnvk skiurnty
whjt Ig`v ne Kedfjbk ijggs thk lsquozkr`bdquo p`net `m bkjenef thk e`thnef-
ekss `m g`ss jed jlskeik thjt nem`rbs s` dkeskgy thk gjtkr trng`fy ns
`ek thjt pjrjd`xnijggy (h`w d` y`u wrntk jl`ut lsquoe`thnefbdquo0) jrtniu-
gjtks jed b`tnvjtks Lkickttbdquos `we w`rc
Ne gt4gt Lkicktt pulgnshkd Thrkk Dnjg`fuks j skrnks `m pskud`-
dnjg`fuks lktwkke lsquoLbdquo jed lsquoDbdquo L wh` irntnis ndketnmy js Lkicktt
hnbskgm (rnfhtgy N lkgnkvk) `mmkrs whjt hjs lki`bk pkrhjps thk b`st
`mtke intkd ketry p`net net` Lkickttbdquos `we w`rc L hjs lkke dnsiuss-
nef b`dkre jrt jed i`bks t` mmkr hns we vnkw m thk pr`pkr sulokit
bjttkr jed b`tnvjtn`es `m thk b`dkre jrtnst
Lmdash^kt N spkjc `m je jrt turenef mr`b nt ne dnsfust wkjry `m nts
puey kxpg`nts wkjry `m prktkednef t` lk jlgk `m lknef jlgk`m d`nef j gnttgk lkttkr thk sjbk `gd thnef `m f`nef j gnttgk
murthkr jg`ef j drkjry r`jd
DmdashJed prkmkrrnef whjt0
LmdashThk kxprkssn`e thjt thkrk ns e`thnef t` kxprkss e`thnef wnth
whnih t` kxprkss e`thnef mr`b whnih t` kxprkss e` p`wkr t`
kxprkss e` dksnrk t` kxprkss t`fkthkr wnth thk `lgnfjtn`e t`
kxprkss (=)
J eublkr `m thnefs jrk iruinjg hkrk Mnrst e`tnik h`w L kxprkssks
j wkjrnekss wnth jrtnstni i`evketn`e h`w thk ndkj `m lsquod`nef j gnttgk
lkttkr thk sjbk `gd thnefbdquo l`rks hnb (thns ns je ndkj t` whnih wk wngg
rkture) Nt ns igkjr kvke rkgjtnvkgy kjrgy ne hns ijrkkr thjt Lkicktt w`ugd
e`t lk irkjtnef i`evketn`ejggy mjbngnjr jrt E`tnik ski`ed h`w thk
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1527
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
lt
w`rd lsquoe`thnefbdquo fjthkrs j cned `m neirkbketjg rks`ejeik ne thns mnejg
sketkeik h`w nt lki`bks igkjr thjt e`thnef t` spkjc pkrhjps pjrj-
d`xnijggy lki`bks s`bkthnef s`bkthnef t` lk kxpg`rkd js j thkbk
js j rkjgnty (wk bjy rkijgg thjt gnek mr`b Bjg`ek Dnks lsquoE`thnef nsb`rk rkjg thje e`thnefbdquo) Js thns jst`enshnef sketkeik i`eigudks
Lkicktt jice`wgkdfks j pkrs`ejg kthnijg `lgnfjtn`e js je jrtnst je
`lgnfjtn`e t` `lskrvk jejgyzk jed kxprkss thksk b`bkets whke thk
e`thnef jrnsksmdashpkrhjps kvke jfjnest hns `we wnggmdashjed jppkjrs
t` euggnmy bkjenef t` thrkjtke `ur i`bm`rt t` krjsk `ur frjsp `m
thk rkjg
lsquoQYTH[BJENYBbdquo
T hjvk ljskd j ijrkkr `e thk kxpg`rjtn`e `m lsquoe`thnefbdquo bjy skkb pkr-
vkrsk t` s`bk Ikrtjnegy thk rkjdkrbdquos kei`uetkr wnth Lkickttbdquos vjrn`us
rkprksketjtn`es `m thk v`nd `m jlskeik `m g`ss wngg lk j dnmmniugt `ek
m`r thk snbpgk rkjs`e thjt Lkickttbdquos w`rgd ns dnmmniugt t` lkjr Jed
s`bk rkjdkrs `vkr thk ykjrs hjvk m`ued ne Lkickttbdquos w`rc j ikrtjne
ruthgkss pkrhjps kvke j i`gd nehubjenty Nm wk trjik thk trjokit`ry
`m Lkickttbdquos w`rc `e l`th stjfk jed ne pr`sk wk d` e`tnik thjt hns
systkbjtni rkduitn`e m thnefs whjt N hjvk suffkstkd ns hns rkduitn`e
t` thk lsquomuedjbketjgsbdquo d`ks nev`gvk thk rkduitn`e `m thk hubje skgm
whjt N wngg ne thns study lk rkmkrrnef t` js thk lsquosulokitbdquo E`tnik h`w
m`r nestjeik ne thk drjbj wk b`vk mr`b muggy kbl`dnkd sulokits ne
Vjntnef m`r F`d`t t` thk gkss physnijggy jlgk ihjrjitkrs ne Kedfjbk
(Hjbb ns lgned jed irnppgkd3 Ig`v ije `egy wjgc ne j stnmm-gkffkd
fjnt3 Ejff jed Ekgg l`th hjvk g`st thknr gkfs) t` ihjrjitkrs nbb`ln-gnzkd ne ures ne Qgjy t` thk dnskbl`dnkd B`uth `m E`t N J snbngjr
trjokit`ry h`gds ne thk mnrst pr`sk trng`fy B`gg`y wh`sk l`dy ns mjng-
nef ykt jlgk3 Bjg`ek wh` ns nbb`lngnzkd ne lkd3 thk ueejbjlgk wh`
bjy snbpgy lk j lrjne ne je ure Ne thk gjtkr pr`sk tkxts nt ns dnmmniugt
kvke t` dktkrbnek prkinskgy thk ejturk m thk hubje jed thk stjtus m
nts l`dy lsquoYjy j l`dy Vhkrk e`ek E` bned Vhkrk e`ek Thjt jt
gkjst J pgjik Vhkrk e`ek M`r thk l`dy T` lk nebdquo (46)
Lkicktt skkbs t` strnvk thr`ufh`ut hns ijrkkr t` rnd hns w`rc m thkl`dy t` w`rc thus t`wjrd whjt wk bjy ijgg j cned `m p`sthubjensb
Q`sthubjensb ije lk dkmnekd js thjt strjed `m phng`s`phy whnih
rjdnijggy irntnquks thk ndkj thjt thk nednvndujg sulokit ns thk iketkr `m
jgg thnefs thk lkfneenef jed ked `m jgg ce`wgkdfk jed kxpkrnkeik
thns ns thkrkm`rk j rjdnijg irntnquk m Hubjenst phng`s`phy whnih w`ugd
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1627
NETD[ITNE
9
p`snt thk hubjebdquos rkjs`e jed rjtn`ejgnty js lknef trjespjrketgy jvjng-
jlgk t` thk thnecnef sulokit Q`sthubjensb lkfnes ly i`uetkrnef
Hubjensbbdquos lkgnkm thjt thk hubje ns skgm-pr`duinef skgm-i`neindketjg
thjt nt ns s`bkh`w rksp`esnlgk m r thk pr`duitn`e `m nts w`rgd jed ntskxpkrnkeik `m thk w`rgd
Js j phng`s`phy p`sthubjensb ije lk trjikd t` bjey s`uriks
lut thk thnecnef `m Enktzsihk Bjrx jed Mrkud ns iruinjg Kjih
w`rckd t` suffkst thjt thk hubje sulokit ns e`t skgm-pr`duinef `r
skgm-i`neindketjg lut ns rjthkr pr`duikd ly nts iugturk (Bjrx) nts
gjefujfk (Enktzsihk) jed nts uei`esin`us drnvks jed nestneits
(Mrkud) Q`sthubjensb strnvks t` uedkrstjed thk prkinsk ki`e`bnks
`m thksk m`riks jed jscs qukstn`es gnck thksk H`w ns thk hubjesulokit t` rjthkr thje thk bjstkr `m gjefujfk0 H`w d`ks thk sulokit
ekf`tnjtk hkr rkgjtn`e t` thk drnvksmdasht`wjrd Kr`s Thjejt`smdashthjt
Mrkud p`snts0 H`w ije thk sulokit mrkk ntskgm nm jt jgg mr`b thk iug-
turjg m`riks `m ijpntjg ndk`g`fy jed rkgnfn`e m`riks whnih prkikdk
jed kxikkd thk sulokitbdquos kxpkrnkeik0
Thksk jrk jgg Lkickttbdquos qukstn`es jed hk wngg w`rc `ut jeswkrs ne
pgjys gnck Hjppy Djys jed e`vkgs gnck Burphy jed Thk [eejbjlgk
tkxts whnih jrk jl`ut h`w thk sulokit ekf`tnjtks j rkgjtn`e t` iugturk
(Hjppy Djys) t` thk drnvks (Burphy) t` gjefujfk (Thk [eejbjlgk)
Lut wk sh`ugd jgs` e`tk h`w Lkickttbdquos p`sthubjensb lki`bks
ueijeengy gntkrjgnzkd ne hns bnddgk-t`-gjtk-pkrn`d drjbj jed pr`sk
Lkicktt ns netkrkstkd ne kxpg`rnef thk vkry gnbnts `m thk hubje thk
vkry ksskeik `m whjt i`estntutks thk hubje T thns ked Lkicktt wngg
push thk hubje pjst `ur i`bb`e i`eikptujg l`uedjrnks3 thjt ns t`
sjy jt tnbks hk b`vks hns ihjrjitkrs net` thk spjik `m dkjth `m whjtns pkrhjps j cned `m jmtkrgnmk
Ne thk pr`sk thns thkbjtni lkfnes wnth Bjg`ek Dnks j e`vkg trjinef
thk b`bket j bje pjssks net` nekxnstkeik3 ne thk drjbj nt lkfnes
wnth Qgjy whnih skks thrkk ihjrjitkrs ne whjt jppkjrs t` lk je jmtkr-
gnmk (thk ihjrjitkrs jrk ne muekrjg ures) lnickrnef vkr thk ejrrjtnvk m
thknr pjst gnvks3 ne thk ski`ed trng`fy wk ije kjsngy nbjfnek nedkkd
sh`ugd nbjfnek thjt thk spkjckrs `m thk tkxts js wkgg js thk mnfurks
thjt jppkjr ne thk ejrrjtnvks jrk spkitkrs fh`sts N kxpg`rk thk mnfurk`m thk fh`st thk spkitkrmdashthk gntkrjg p`sthubjemdashne dktjng ne by
mnejg ihjptkr lut N oust wnsh t` nednijtk hkrk h`w Lkickttbdquos netkrkst
ne pjrnef thnefs d`we t` thk kssketnjgs gkjds g`fnijggy t` je netkrkst ne
thk spkitkr thk fh`st whnih lki`bks thk nbjfk `m thk hubje jmtkr
jgg thnefs hjvk lkke strnppkd wjy Qrkinskgy thk fh`st lki`bks j trjik
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1727
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
4
j bjrc `m thk hubjebdquos pjssnef `ut `m kxnstkeik lutmdashjed thns ns
jls`gutkgy iketrjgmdashthk fh`st ns je nesnstket rkbnedkr `m thk hubje
thjt `eik wjs Thk spkitkr ne `thkr w`rds skrvks t` rkiupkrjtk thk
hubje kvke js thk hubje pjssks net` `lgnvn`e thk spkitkr thuslki`bks whjt Ygjv`o _nzkc ijggs thk lsquonednvnsnlgk rkbjnedkr9bdquo T` put
nt lguetgy m`r Lkicktt thk t`tjg kgnbnejtn`e `m thk hubje ns j t`tjg
nbp`ssnlngnty
Qkrhjps Lkicktt suffksts wk ije `egy mned thk ejturk `m thk
hubje whjt hk ijggs lsquothk lkdr`ic `m thk kssketnjgsbdquo jt thk b`bket
thk hubje kxihjefks `ek stjtk m`r je`thkr `ek rkjgnty m`r je`thkr
Qkrhjps `egy thk jlskeik `m thk hubje (thk spkitkr) trugy rkvkjgs
whjt hjs lkke thk hubjebdquos truk ejturk Jed whjt ns m`r bk mjsinejt-nef jed iruinjg jl`ut thns pr`ikss ns thk wjy Lkicktt kgnbnejtks thk
hubje jt prkinskgy thk sjbk tnbk js hk kgnbnejtks dkejturks jed
dki`estruits ejrrjtnvk m`rb ntskgm Ne s`bk wjys Lkicktt ns jrfunef
thjt gjefujfk ntskgm bust lk kgnbnejtkd ne `rdkr m`r thk spkitkr thk
fh`st thk p`sthubje t` jppkjr gjefujfk bust lk kgnbnejtkd ne
`rdkr m r thk truth `m thk hubje t` lk ce`we
Vk bjy skk ne thns rkduitn`e j cned `m irukg trkjtbket `m thk
hubje j pkrvkrsk netkrkst ne nggekss jed dkijy lut N thnec thns w`ugd
lk j mjtjg netkrprktnvk krr`r Ikrtjnegy Lkickttbdquos w`rc nbpgnks thjt thk
l`dy ns jgwjys j gnjlngnty s`bkthnef thjt wngg nekvntjlgy mjng (je hngjrn-
`us gnek mr`b Bjg`ek Dnks suffksts thns lsquoNm N hjd thk usk `m by l`dy
N w`ugd thr`w nt `ut `m thk wned`wbdquo SltltR) Lut wk bust e`tnik thjt
thk l`dy `r snfes `m thk l`dy ekvkr muggy dnsjppkjrs mr`b Lkickttbdquos
w`rgd Thk pkrsnstkeik `m thk l`dy thk mrjfbketkd l`dy thk dnskb-
l`dnkd l`dy ns `ek `m Lkickttbdquos bjo`r thkbks jed `ek thjt p`skss`bk `m hns b`st netkrkstnef netkrprktnvk qukstn`es jed ihjggkefks
why d`ks Lkicktt w`rc t` rkduik jed mrjfbket thk l`dy0 H`w jrk wk
t` netkrprkt mrjfbkets `m hubjenty0
ek jeswkr t` thksk qukstn`es rkgjtks t` whjt N hjvk sjnd jl`vk
jl`ut Lkicktt rkduinef thnefs t` thk muedjbketjgs ne rdkr t` uedkr-
stjed thk ksskeik `m thk hubje ne Qgjy jed E`t N Lkicktt skkbs t`
lk suffkstnef thjt thksk ihjrjitkrs rkjggy `egy jrk thknr v`niks rkjggy
`egy jrk t` lk b`rk prkinsk thknr ejrrjtnvks Vhjt bjttkrs t` thkbjt thns spkinmni pgjik jt thns spkinmni tnbk ns thknr jlngntymdashpkrhjps
thknr i`bpugsn`e thknr `lgnfjtn`emdasht` spkjc Lkicktt w`ugd skkb t`
lk suffkstnef thjt thk t`tjgnty `m thk l`dy jt thns spkinmni b`bket ns
e`t tkrrnlgy nbp`rtjet t` thk sulokit js shk trnks t` uedkrstjed hkr
prksket sntujtn`e Lut js N suffkst wk d` e`tnik thjt Lkicktt ekvkr
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1827
NETD[ITNE
muggy rkb`vks thk l`dy `r thk snfes `m thk l`dy (v`nik m`r nestjeik)
ketnrkgy thk st`rnks hns ihjrjitkrs tkgg hns w`rc skkbs t` nbpgy jrk
wrnttke `e jed thr`ufh thk l`dy Yt`rnks jrk trjesgjtkd ne `thkr
w`rds ly thk l`dy Lkickttbdquos ihjrjitkrs bjy lk p`sthubje lut thkyjrk e`t muggy p`sti`rp`rkjg
Je`thkr wjy m puttnef thns ndkj jdbnttkdgy ek m Lkickttbdquos b`st
ihjggkefnef ns thjt sulokitnvntymdashthjt skesk thk hubje hjs `m ntskgm
js j thnecnef netkrprktnef irkjturkmdashns muggy dkpkedket `e thk l`dy
Yulokitnvnty ns kbl`dnbket y`u jrk y`ur l`dy jed y`ur l`dybdquos dksnrks
js buih js y`u jrk y`ur bned Jed thus whngk thk l`dy ns je nbpkdn-
bket jed wngg jgwjys dkijy jed mjng thk l`dy ijee`t dnsjppkjr
ne Lkicktt lkijusk thk skgm jed thk skgmbdquos uedkrstjednef `m ntskgmw`ugd js wkgg Thkrk ns js N rkjd nt thke j cned `m djrc i`bpjssn`e
ne Lkicktt m`r thk i`bpr`bnskd l`dy m`r thk irnppgkd jed thk ngg
thkrk ns j i`bpjssn`e m`r thk summkrnef sulokit wh` ije rkjggy `egy
uedkrstjed hkrskgm jed hkr w`rgd thr`ufh thk bkdnub m j dkijynef
pjnemug l`dy ur qukstn`es js rkjdkrs m Lkicktt bust e`w lki`bk
nm thk skgm uedkrstjeds ntskgm thr`ufh thk i`bpr`bnskd spkitrjg
l`dy whjt cneds `m netkrprktjtn`es wngg nt bjck0 Nm thk skgm uedkr-
stjeds thk w`rgd thr`ufh nts mrjfbketkd p`sthubje l`dy whjt
cneds `m netkrprktjtn`es `m thk w`rgd ije lk bjdk0
lsquoQYTH[BJENYBbdquo J Q]NY
Thksk jrk jgg Lkickttbdquos qukstn`es lut N wnsh t` `mmkr s`bkthnef `m j
pr`vns` lkm`rk i`etneunef N suffkstkd jl`vk thjt Lkicktt ns strnvnef
m`r j lsquocned `mbdquo p`sthubjensb N thnec nt ns lkst jgwjys t` usk tkrbspr`vnsn`ejggy wnth Lkicktt m`r surkgy `ek `m thk kmmkits `m hns w`rc
ns t` ijgg jls`gutkgy net` qukstn`e thk vkry ndkj `m stjlgk ijtkf`rnks
stjlgk `pp`sntn`es (lsquohubje-p`sthubjebdquo) Qkrhjps nt ns lkst hkrk jt
thk `utskt t` suffkst thjt hns w`rc irntnquks thk ndkj `m thk hubje
jed thk p`sthubje kqujggy Qrkinskgy ly dnsi`vkrnef thk pkrsnstkeik
`m thk hubje kvke ne nts b`st dkeudkd m rb Lkicktt kssketnjggy i`g-
gjpsks thk `pp`sntn`e lsquohubje-p`sthubjebdquo t` thk p`net whkrk thk
tkrbs lki`bk netkrihjefkjlgk jed hkeik jgb`st bkjenefgkssThjt ns t` sjy m`r Lkicktt wk jrk jgwjys jgrkjdy p`sthubje nes`-
mjr js wk jrk i`etr`ggkd ly dnsi`ursks (hnst`ry ndk`g`fy gjefujfk)
prkikdnef jed kxikkdnef us3 wk jrk jgwjys jgrkjdy p`sthubje js wk
dnsi`vkr thjt `ur l`dnks jrk sntks `m nekvntjlgk mjngurk jed i`ggjpsk3
wk jrk jgwjys jgrkjdy p`sthubje nes`mjr js thk ndkj `m j snefugjr
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1927
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
=
skgm ns je nggusn`e Lkicktt jice`wgkdfks thksk ndkjs kjrgy ne hns ijrkkr3
ne Qr`ust (gt9) hk jice`wgkdfks thjt thk skgm ns e`t j stjlgk sulokit
lut rjthkr thjt thk lsquonednvndujg ns j suiikssn`e `m nednvndujgsbdquo ()3
b`rk`vkr lsquoThk sulokit hjs dnkdmdashjed pkrhjps bjey tnbksmdashjg`efthk wjybdquo (9) By usk `m thk tkrb lsquop`sthubjebdquo thke ns s`bkthnef `m
j i`evkenkeik j wjy `m spkjcnef lsquojl`utbdquo `r lsquojr`uedbdquo thk pkiugnjrntnks
`m thk Lkickttnje sulokit thk sulokit wh` jgwjys bust ekf`tnjtk hns
rkjgnty vnj systkbs `m th`ufhtmdashgjefujfk lknef thk prnbjrymdashwh`sk
pjrjbktkrs jed pr`t`i`gs jrk jgwjys oust lky`ed hns mugg i`etr`g
THK QLGKB M NETKQKTJTNELkickttbdquos bjenpugjtn`e `m fkerk hns rkduitn`e jed dnsbjetgnef `m
thk sulokit hns rkgketgkss netkrkst ne thk vjrn`us jspkits `m lsquoe`thnef-
ekssbdquo (g`ss jlskeik)mdashhk ijggs thns hns lsquomndkgnty t` mjngurkbdquo (lsquoThrkk
Dnjg`fuksbdquo =9)mdashgkjd js N hjvk lkke suffkstnef t` s`bk mjnrgy
jiutk netkrprktnvk dnmmniugtnks Hjes-Fk`rf Fjdjbkr j phng`s`phkr
`m thk hkrbkekutni sih``g (jed studket `m Bjrtne Hkndkffkr) suf-
fksts thjt jgg rkjg netkrprktjtn`e `r lsquohkrbkekutnisbdquo lkfnes wnth
ndketnmynef j spkinmni g`ijtn`e `m d`ult `r uekjsk ne j tkxt Js hk
wrntks ne Qhng`s`phnijg Hkrbkekutnis lsquoThk rkjg p`wkr m hkrbkekutn-
ijg i`esin`usekss ns `ur jlngnty t` skk whjt ns qukstn`ejlgkbdquo (9) Vk
ekkd ne `thkr w`rds t` lk jlgk t` jsc thk pr`pkr qukstn`es `m tkxts
Lut ne Lkicktt `ur pr`lgkb lki`bks skkbnefgy netrjitjlgk lkijusk
kvkrythnef ne thk tkxt jppkjrs t` lk qukstn`ejlgk H`w jrk wk t`
netkrprkt tkxts thjt skkb pjrjd`xnijggy t` `mmkr s` bjey qukstn`es
jed thke rksnst `r m`rkig`sk thk p`ssnlngnty `m jeswkrnef th`sk quks-tn`es0 H`w ne `thkr w`rds jrk wk t` rkjd Lkicktt0
N wngg suffkst hkrk ne wjys thjt g``c ljic t` Lkickttbdquos `we skesk `m
`lgnfjtn`e (rkijgg hns skesk kxprksskd ne Thrkk Dnjg`fuks `m thk lsquo`lgn-
fjtn`e t` kxprkssbdquo) thjt `ur netkrprktjtn`es `m Lkicktt sh`ugd lkfne
ly pjynef ijrkmug jttketn`e t` thk wjys ne whnih hns tkxts jetninpjtk
`ur dnmmniugtnks jed pkrhjps `mmkr s`bk fundjeik Nm wk jrk puzzgkd ly
ikrtjne thnefsmdashVh` jrk thksk ihjrjitkrs0 Vhjt jrk thknr hnst`rnks0
Vhkrk jed whke kxjitgy jrk thksk st`rnks `iiurrnef0 Vhjt kxjitgyd`ks nt jgg bkje0mdashwk sh`ugd rki`fenzk thjt `ur pkrpgkxnty wnth
thk tkxt ns bnrr`rkd ly thk ihjrjitkrsbdquo `we pkrpgkxnty jl`ut thknr
w`rgds Thk rkjdkrbdquos sntujtn`e `m puzzgkbket ns prkinskgy thjt `m thk
ihjrjitkrs jed thus wk jrrnvk jt j iruinjg `lskrvjtn`e Lkickttbdquos tkxts
thkbskgvks wngg skt `ut thk fr`ued rugks m`r netkrprktnef hns w`rgd
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2027
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2127
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
8
Lkickttbdquos ihjrjitkrs thus mueitn`e ne j stjtk `m pr`m`ued rkfrkt jed
jf`eymdash`mtke rkprksskd jed dnsjv`wkdmdash`vkr whjt bnfht hjvk lkke
Ne Crjppbdquos Gjst Tjpk m`r nestjeik Crjpp rktrjiks hns pjst hnst`ry
thr`ufh tjpk rki`rdnefs `m hns `we v`nik t` rkvnsnt j b`bket `m p`s-snlgk th`ufh e`w m`rkvkr g`st hjppnekss Crjppbdquos we v`nik hns we
hnst`ry ns spkitrjg lkijusk hns rki`rdnefs jrk `m j dkjd jed nrrktrnkv-
jlgk pjst lut ek whnih igkjrgy stngg hjuets hnb e`w Ne whjt ns surkgy
`ek `m Lkickttbdquos b`st pjnemugmdashjed netkeskgy i`bpjssn`ejtk
b`bketsmdashwk skk h`w j fh`stgy hnst`ry lrutjgnzks Crjpp
Qjst bndenfht Ekvkr cekw suih sngkeik Thk kjrth bnfht lk uene-
hjlntkd Hkrk N ked thns rkkg L`x thrkk sp``g mnvkQkrhjps by lkst ykjrs jrk f`ek Vhke thkrk wjs j ihjeik `m hjp-
pnekss Lut N w`ugdebdquot wjet thkb ljic E`t wnth thk mnrk ne bk
e`w E` N w`ugdebdquot wjet thkb ljic (ltltgt)
Lkicktt d`ks e`t js thk irntnijg ignihicirc bjy hjvk nt bkrkgy rkprksket j
w`rgd `m jlsurdnty j w`rgd wnth`ut bkjenef Thns ns j w`rgd thjt
i`etneujggy mkkgs thk igjnbs `m thk pjst `m hnst`ry Jed thkrk ns j
bkjenef ne dnsi`vkrnef thksk igjnbs j bkjenef ne rki`fenznef `ekbdquos
nedkltkdekss t` thk pjst j bkjenef ne rkjgnznef thjt `ekbdquos `lgnfjtn`e
ns t` i`bk t` tkrbs wnth thksk igjnbs jed dklts
THKKTNIJG JQQJIH THK lsquoGNTKJT[K M THK
[EVDbdquo BKGJEIHG^ JED THK JIHN]K
Qjrt `m by purp`sk hkrk ne thns Fundk ns t` pr`vndk wjys `m bjcnefskesk `m Lkickttbdquos dnmmniugt w`rc ek wjy N wngg pr`ikkd wngg lk t`
drjw `e thk w`rc `m phng`s`phkrs thk`rnsts jed irntnis wh`sk ndkjs
jgg`w us t` uedkrstjed thk i`bpgkxnty `m Lkickttbdquos uenvkrsk N wngg
hkrk lk drjwnef `e thk gncks `m phke`bke`g`fnsts Bjrtne Hkndkffkr
Hjes-Fk`rf Fjdjbkr jed Kbbjeukg Gkvnejs bjrxnst Thk`d`r
Jd`re` psyih`jejgysts Ynfbued Mrkud jed Ojiquks Gjije jed
dki`estruitn`enst Ojiquks Dkrrndj N lkgnkvk thjt thk w`rc `m thksk
thk`rnsts ije kmmkitnvkgy uepjic ikrtjne netkrprktnvk pr`lgkbs neLkicktt oust js N lkgnkvk thjt ikrtjne b`bkets ne LkickttmdashN thnec `m
B`uthbdquos ketry net` gjefujfk ne E`t N mdashije kmmkitnvkgy nggustrjtk thk
netkrprktnvk pr`lgkbs ne thk w`rc m s`bk thk`rnsts (nedkkd N wngg usk
E`t N t` nggustrjtk Gjijebdquos dnmmniugt e`tn`e `m thk kjg) By netketn`e
ns e`t thkrkm`rk snbpgy t` rkjd Lkicktt thr`ufh j pjrtniugjr thk`ry
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2227
NETD[ITNE
gt
lut t` nbjfnek thjt thkrk ns j butujg pr`ikss `m netkrprktjtn`e jed
netkrr`fjtn`e `iiurrnef lktwkke thk`rnst jed mnitn`e
THK FKBJE GKTTK
N jgs` lkgnkvk pkrhjps ejnvkgy thjt Lkicktt hnbskgm ns hns `we mnrst
jed lkst irntni Js N hjvk bketn`ekd Lkicktt `mmkrkd mkw irntnijg i`b-
bketjrnks `e hns w`rc `vkr thk ykjrs lut th`sk thjt hjvk i`bk d`we
t` usmdashjs m`r nestjeik Thrkk Dnjg`fuks mdashjrk `m frkjt vjguk t` jey
rkjdkr Ne thk gjttkr ihjptkrs `m thns study N wngg lk rkmkrrnef `mtke t`
Lkickttbdquos Fkrbje Gkttkr `m gt96 jed kspkinjggy t` hns e`tn`e `m thk
lsquogntkrjturk `m thk uew`rdbdquo j i`eikpt N thnec ns iketrjg t` thk pr`frks-sn`e `m hns w`rc N wnsh thkrkm`rk t` tjck s`bk spjik hkrk jed
`utgnek thk nbp`rtjeik `m thns Gkttkr
Ne gt9= Lkicktt trjvkgkd t` Fkrbjey `e whjt kssketnjggy wjs je
jrt h`gndjy hk vnsntkd skvkrjg jrt fjggkrnks jed jgth`ufh jefkrkd ly
thk Ejzn rkfnbkbdquos ikes`rnef `m jrt nt i`esndkrkd dkijdket hk wjs
frkjtgy nbprksskdmdashjed nemgukeikdmdashly thk w`rc hk sjw Thk trnp
skrvkd js j cned m spnrntujg jed phng`s`phnijg jwjckenef js hns dnj-
rnks jttkst Thk Fkrbje Gkttkr ns pjrt `m j i`rrksp`edkeik lktwkke
Lkicktt jed j mrnked (Jxkg Cjue wh`b hk bkt ne Fkrbjey) wrnttke
thrkk b`eths jmtkr hns rkture t` Dulgne Ne thk Gkttkr Lkicktt spkjcs
`m thk ekkd t` b`vk pjst rkiknvkd dnsi`ursks jed i`evketn`es t` gnl-
krjtk hnbskgm mr`b trjdntn`ejg gjefujfks jed m`rbs N qu`tk jt s`bk
gkefth
Nt ns nedkkd lki`bnef b`rk jed b`rk dnmmniugt kvke skeskgkss m`rbk t` wrntk je `mmninjg Kefgnsh Jed b`rk jed b`rk by `we gje-
fujfk jppkjrs t` bk gnck j vkng thjt bust lk t`re jpjrt ne `rdkr t`
fkt jt thk thnefs (`r thk E`thnefekss) lkhned nt Frjbbjr jed
Ytygk T bk thky skkb t` hjvk lki`bk js nrrkgkvjet js j ]nit`rnje
ljthnef sunt `r thk nbpkrturljlngnty `m j truk fketgkbje J bjsc
Gkt us h`pk thk tnbk wngg i`bk thjec F`d thjt ne ikrtjne inrigks nt
hjs jgrkjdy i`bk whke gjefujfk ns b`st kmmninketgy uskd whkrk
nt ns lknef b`st kmmninketgy bnsuskd Js wk ijee`t kgnbnejtk gje-fujfk jgg jt `eik wk sh`ugd jt gkjst gkjvk e`thnef ued`ek thjt
bnfht i`etrnlutk t` nts mjggnef net` dnsrkputk T` l`rk `ek h`gk
jmtkr je`thkr ne nt uetng whjt gurcs lkhned ntmdashlk nt s`bkthnef `r
e`thnefmdashlkfnes t` skkp thr`ufh3 N ijee`t nbjfnek j hnfhkr f`jg
m`r j wrntkr t`djy (6rsquo6lt)
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2327
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
lt1
Ne by kstnbjtn`e thk mugg nbpgnijtn`es `m thk Gkttkr whnih m`r bk
ns Lkickttbdquos jrtnstni bjenmkst` wngg e`t lk rkjgnzkd uetng thk gjtkr e`v-
kgs (kspkinjggy thk trng`fnks) lut wk sh`ugd rki`fenzk h`w Lkickttbdquos
stjtkd nbpjtnkeik wnth trjdntn`ejg m`rb rks`ejtks net` kvke thk kjrgypr`sk jed drjbj Lkickttbdquos dnsdjne m`r lsquo`mmninjg Kefgnshbdquo m`r lsquoFrjbbjr
jed Ytygkbdquo thnefs js nrrkgkvjet js j ]nit`rnje ljthnef sunt spkjc t`
j mrustrjtn`e j l`rkd`b kvke wnth thk g`fni jed trjokit`rnks `m thk
enektkketh-iketury e`vkg Hk spkjcs murthkr t` h`w busni jed
pjnetnef hjvk m ued wjys m b`vnef lky`ed trjdntn`ejg m`rb ne rdkr
t` rkprksket sngkeik jed jlskeik (thnefs e`t jss`injtkd wnth rkprkske-
tjtnvk jrt)3 hk suffksts thjt gjefujfk ntskgm bust lk shjttkrkd ne rdkr
t` rkvkjg whjt wjs prkvn`usgy uerkprksketjlgkJed whngk Lkickttbdquos bjenmkst` s`ueds jvjet-fjrdk hns ndkj thjt
gjefujfk ns j vkng t` lk t`re jpjrt g``cs ljic t` thk `bjetnis jed
thknr e`tn`e thjt p`ktry w`rcs t` rkvkjg thk ueskke Lkickttbdquos lsquoby
`we gjefujfk jppkjrs t` bk gnck j vkng thjt bust lk t`re jpjrtbdquo kih`ks
Yhkggkybdquos J Dkmkeik `m Q`ktry jed hns skesk thjt p`ktry gnmts lsquothk vkng
mr`b thk hnddke lkjuty `m thk w`rgd jed bjcks mjbngnjr `lokits lk
js nm thky wkrk e`t mjbngnjrbdquo (6) Thkrk ns `m i`ursk j w`rgd `m dnm-
mkrkeik lktwkke gnmtnef jed dkstr`ynef thk vkngmdashthk dnmmkrkeik
pkrhjps lktwkke thk `bjetni jed thk B`dkremdashlut Lkickttbdquos
dksnrk js j wrntkr ns j mjbngnjr `ek hns w`rc wngg jttkbpt t` sh`w thk
w`rgd ne j ekw wjy Ne by rkjdnef Lkickttbdquos tkjrnef `m thk vkng
lki`bks thk pkrmkit bktjph`r m`r thk pr`ikss `m rkvkjgnef `vkrtgy
skgm-i`esin`usgy jed irntnijggy thk nbpgnijtn`es `m jrt hkrk thk e`vkg
jed drjbj ne j ekw wjy
THK lsquoGNTKJT[K M THK [EVDbdquo
Ne thk gjst pjrjfrjph `m thk Gkttkr Lkicktt suffksts thjt thns pr`ikss
`m dkstr`ynef gjefujfk `m rkvkjgnef nts lsquotkrrnlgk bjtkrnjgntybdquo (6lt)
wngg kvketujggy gkjd t` whjt hk ijggs j lsquogntkrjturk `m thk uew`rdbdquo (69)
N wnsh ne whjt m`gg`ws t` suffkst thjt Lkickttbdquos ketnrk ijrkkr js j
wrntkr mneds nts lkfneenef jed ked nts fr`ued jed f`jg ne thns ndkj
stjtkd ne gt96 J gntkrjturk `m thk uew`rd ns `lvn`usgy j i`etrjdni-tn`e ne tkrbs j pjrjd`x je jp`rnj (t` usk thk Dkrrndkje i`estruitn`e)3
j gntkrjturk `m thk uew`rd ns je jttkbpt t` usk gjefujfk t` sngkeik
gjefujfk (hk ijggs nt lsquoJe jssjugt jfjnest w`rds ne thk ejbk `m lkjutybdquo
S69R) Hns jnb kssketnjggy ns t` mned j bkjes `m dki`bp`snef jed
b`vnef lky`ed gjefujfk t` shjttkr gjefujfk net` j cned `m krjsurk
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
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NETD[ITNE
lt
`m ntskgm (thns jttkbpt t` kgnbnejtk gjefujfk ns fk`bktrnijggy pr`p`r-
tn`ejg t` hns jttkbpt t` kgnbnejtk thk l`dy js wk wngg skk) By
jrfubket ns quntk snbpgy thns thr`ufh`ut hns ijrkkr Lkicktt ns skjrih-
nef m`r thk bkjes t` put je ked t` gntkrjturk t` put je ked t` wrntneft` put je ked t` hns `we dksnrk t` wrntk Thk trjokit`ry `m hns w`rc
mr`b thk kjrgy drjbj jed pr`sk t` thk gjtk ns `ek `m rjdnijg rkdui-
tn`e `m w`rcnef t` mned j bkjes t` gntkrjturkbdquos ked Ne thk drjbj wk
b`vk mr`b thk muggy kbl`dnkd drjbj `m F`d`t t` thk gjtk fh`stgy
pgjys whkrk `mtke gjefujfk d`ks e`t kvke mkjturk3 ne thk pr`sk wk
b`vk mr`b thk pgjymug fjrrug`usekss m Burphy t` thk shjttkrkd sye-
tjx jed dnbnenshkd frjbbjrs `m V`rstwjrd H`4
Nt ns prkinskgy lkijusk Lkickttbdquos w`rc ns fr`uedkd `e suih i`bpgkxphng`s`phnijg i`etrjdnitn`esmdashj wrntkr wrntnef gntkrjturk `ut `m
kxnstkeik nbp`ssnlgkmdashthjt N lkgnkvk wk bust hjvk rki`ursk t` thk
vjrn`us thk`rktnijg jed phng`s`phnijg trjdntn`es thjt jr`sk snbugtj-
ek`us wnth Lkickttbdquos `we dkvkg`pbket js j wrntkr By thk`rktnijg
jppr`jih ne thns Fundk ije pkrhjps lkst lk dksirnlkd js pr`bnsiu-
`us lut N tked t` thnec thjt j dki`estruitn`enst psyih`jejgysns ns thk
lkst wjy `m pr`ikkdnef wnth Lkicktt jt gkjst m`r bk T` nggustrjtk
whjt N bkje hkrkmdashjed ly wjy `m i`eigudnef thns Netr`duitn`emdash
N wnsh t` `utgnek tw` i`eikpts whnih wngg pr`vk irntnijg ne by rkjdnef
`m kspkinjggy thk drjbj
BKGJEIHGNJ
J bjo`r thkbk ne Lkicktt ns thjt `m bkb`ry `m ihjrjitkrs gnck
Crjpp `r Hjbb hjuetkd ly thk fh`st `m bkb`ry Jt j ljsni gkvkgthk Lkicktt ihjrjitkr gnvks ne j pr`trjitkd stjtk `m rkfrkt jed g`ss
j stjtk hk `r shk bjy e`t kvke rki`fenzk js suih Hnst`ry thk pjst
nbpnefks pr`m uedgy e thk ihjrjitkr jed js Lkicktt wrntks ne Qr`ust
thrkjtkes i`etneujggy t` lsquodkm`rbbdquo hnb Ne gt6 Ynfbued Mrkud pul-
gnshkd je kssjy thjt hjs rkiketgy i`bk t` lk skke js j iruinjg dnjfe`sns
`m j i`etkbp`rjry iugturjg i`edntn`e Ne lsquoB`urenef jed Bkgjeih`gnjbdquo
Mrkud jttkbpts t` i`bk t` je uedkrstjednef m h`w thk sulokit dkjgs
wnth trjubj jed g`ss Thkrk jrk hk thk`rnzks tw` rksp`esks t` g`sst` thk g`ss `m j g`vkd `ek `r thk lsquog`ss `m s`bk jlstrjitn`e whnih hjs
tjcke thk pgjik `m `ek suih js `ekbdquos i`uetry gnlkrty je ndkjg `r s`
`ebdquo (ltlt) Thk mnrst jed b`st hkjgthy ns whjt hk ijggs b`urenef
B`urenef ns j pr`ikss ly whnih thk g`ss ns i`bprkhkedkd jed
jiikptkd lsquow`rckd thr`ufhbdquo t` usk hns tkrbne`g`fy B`urenef ns thk
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
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LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
ltlt
e`rbjg wjy `ek bust dkjg wnth trjubj jed g`ss wnth whjt Mrkud
lkjutnmuggy tkrbs thk lsquoki`e`bnis `m pjnebdquo (ltlt) Qrkinskgy h`w thk
sulokit `vkri`bks g`ss ns e`t ce`we ly Mrkudmdashnt ns j dnmmniugt pr`-
ikss3 nt ns lsquow`rcbdquomdashlut kvketujggy thk b`urekr jiikpts thjt thk g`vkd`ek wnth wh`b hk bjy hjvk ndketnmnkd ns e` g`efkr hkrk t` bjcks
igjnbs `e hnb
Bkgjeih`gnj `e thk `thkr hjed ns je jle`rbjg rksp`esk t` g`ss
jed sntujtks thk sulokit ne j i`etneujg p`sntn`e `m ejrinssnstni ndketn-
mnijtn`e wnth thk g`st `lokit Ne `thkr w`rds thk bkgjeih`gy sulokit
ijee`t jiikpt thjt hkr g`vkd `ek ns ne mjit f`ek jed w`rcs pjth`g`fn-
ijggy lsquot` kstjlgnsh je ndketnmnijtn`e `m thk kf` wnth thk jljed`ekd
`lokitbdquo (lt8) Vhjt thns bkjes ns thjt thk pjstmdashg`ss trjubjmdashi`e-tneujggy w`rcs nts wjy net` thk prksket b`bket lkijusk thk sulokit
ijee`t b`vk pjst nt B`rk tr`ulgnef ns thk ndkj thjt thk sulokit d`ks
e`t wnsh t` jgg`w g`ss t` rkikdk net` hnst`ry lut dksnrks i`etneujggy t`
bjnetjne j i`eekitn`e t` thk trjubjtni b`bket Ne s`bk wjys thk
sulokit bjnetjnes thns pjth`g`fnijg stjtkmdashwhnih bjy ne mjit e`t lk
s` pjth`g`fnijg jmtkr jggmdashlkijusk thk trjubjtni b`bket ns nbp`r-
tjet m`r hkr bjy ne mjit hjvk shjpkd wh` shk ns
Vk bjy dnjfe`sk j frkjt eublkr `m Lkickttbdquos ihjrjitkrs js lknef
bkgjeih`gni ne Mrkudbdquos skesk Thky jrk hjuetkd ly thk pjst jed s`bk
gnck Crjpp Hjbb jed Vneenk dkgnlkrjtkgy jttkbpt t` rki`eekit wnth
j pjst thjt neigudks b`bkets `m g`ss jed kxtrkbk pjne Ne `thkr w`rds
thk mueitn`e `m bkb`ry ne Lkicktt ns gjrfkgy bkgjeih`gni prkinskgy
lkijusk thk ihjrjitkrs jice`wgkdfk i`esin`usgy `r uei`esin`usgy
thjt thky jrk thk pr`duits m j pjst whnih hjs bkringkssgy dkmnekd thkb
js summkrnef sulokits Lkickttbdquos ihjrjitkrs ignef s` rkgketgkssgy t` thkpjst lkijusk m`r rkjs`es wk wngg kxpg`rk thk prksket b`bket ns dkv`nd
`m snfenmnijeik3 thk jf`enznef pjst bjy lrutjgnzk lut ne nt jrk thk trjiks
thk hnst`rnijg mrjfbkets `m ndketnty jed bkjenef
THK JIHN]K
Dki`estruitn`enst Ojiquks Dkrrndj drjwnef hkjvngy `e Mrkud `mmkrs
j ski`ed rkgjtkd i`eikpt thjt N wngg usk t` rkjd thksk ihjrjitkrsbdquo rkgj-tn`e t` hnst`ry g`ss jed trjubj Ne Jrihnvk Mkvkr Dkrrndj jejgyzks
thk i`eikpt `m thk jrihnvk js j wjy `m i`bnef t` je uedkrstjednef
`m thk wjy thk sulokit ekf`tnjtks nts rkgjtn`eshnp t` hnst`ry t` thk
pjst jed thk muturk thk jrihnvk ns thus j bkjes ly whnih Dkrrndj
trnks t` uedkrstjed thk hubje js j lknef sntujtkd ne tnbk mkkgnef thk
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
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NETD[ITNE
lt9
igjnbs `m thk tkbp`rjg Qkrhjps thk lkst wjy t` dkmnek thk jrihnvk ns
js j i`eikptujg `r bjtkrnjg spjik `m bkb`ry Thk bned ije skrvk js
je jrihnvk oust js j gnlrjry `r physnijg b`eubket ije Dkrrndj suf-
fksts thjt thk jrihnvk ns j pgjik m i`bbjedbket jed i`bbkeikbketj pgjik whkrk kvkets `m thk pjst jrk d`iubketkd juth`rntjtnvkgy js
bjrcnef thk lkfneenef `m s`bkthnef j gnmk j iugturk j invngnzjtn`e
Jrihnvks jrk spjiks m prkskrvjtn`e i`eskrvjtn`e lut jgs` m irkjtn`e
j iugturkbdquos uedkrstjednef m ntskgmmdashj sulokitbdquos uedkrstjednef m ntskgmmdash
ns irkjtkd wnthne thk spjik `m thk jrihnvk
Nt ns igkjr thjt thk jrihnvk ns j wjy `m bjtkrnjgnznef bjcnef i`e-
irktk thk pjst Jed nm hnst`ry ns gjrfkgy r ije lk gjrfkgy thk ejrrjtnvks
`m i`equkst dkmkjt jed vn`gkeik thk jrihnvk ns jgs` f`nef t` mueitn`ejs j spjik i`bbkb`rjtnef trjubj jed g`ss Nt strncks bk thkrkm`rk
thjt thk jrihnvkmdashjs j spjik thjt bjnetjnes j i`etneujg rkgjtn`e t` thk
pjstmdashns jgwjys jgrkjdy j bkgjeih`gy spjik Vhjt N wnsh t` suffkst
hkrk ne spkinmni rkgjtn`e t` Lkickttbdquos w`rc ns thjt thk Lkickttnje sul-
okit lki`bks j gntkrjg kbl`dnbket m whjt N hjvk kgskwhkrk ijggkd thk
lsquobkgjeih`gy jrihnvkbdquo Thk Lkickttnje sulokit nbb`lngnzkd jed
mrjfbketkdmdashthnec `m Vneenk lurnkd t` hkr ekic ne kjrth ne Hjppy
Djys3 `m B`uth ne E`t N 3 `m Bjg`ek ne Bjg`ek Dnks3 `m thk mnfurk ne
I`bpjey mdashns jgwjys j hnst`rnijg sulokit j sulokit b`rk prkinskgy
sulokit t` hnst`ry Yhk ns i`etneujggy rkbkblkrnef s`bktnbks jfjnest
hkr wngg whjt hjs `iiurrkd ne thk pjst3 shk ns i`etneujggy jttkbptnef
t` rkijpturk j pjst shk bjy e`t muggy i`bprkhked
Jed nt ns thk Lkickttnje l`dy whnih lki`bks thk prnbjry rkp`sn-
t`ry m`r thksk rkbjnes thksk trjiks `m hnst`ry Thk ihjrjitkr bjy
kxnstmdashjs ne Hjppy Djys r Kedfjbk mdashjt whjt jppkjrs t` lk thk ked`m hubje iugturk lut shkmdashhkr l`dymdashbjnetjnes thk jrihnvjg trjiks
`m thjt g`st iugturk Thk nbjfks Lkicktt fnvks us ne hns drjbj jed
pr`skmdashj dnskbl`dnkd b`uth j l`dy nbb`lngnzkd ne j whkkgihjnr
`r thk kjrth pk`pgk ne uresmdashjrk nbjfks thjt i`eirktnzk thk ndkj `m
bkb`ry js kbl`dnkd `r jrihnvkd N suffkstkd jl`vk thjt m`r Lkicktt
sulokitnvntymdashthk skesk m wh` wk jrkmdashns muggy dkpkedket e thk l`dy
Vhjt Mrkud jed Dkrrndj jgg`w us t` uedkrstjed ns thk wjy sulokitnv-
nty ne Lkicktt ns muggy dkpkedket `e hnst`ry jed jrihnvkd bkb`ryMrkudbdquos e`tn`es `m b`urenef jed bkgjeih`gnj t`fkthkr wnth thk
Dkrrndkje rkjdnef `m thk jrihnvk jrk i`eikpts thjt wngg pr`vk uskmug
ne rkjdnef je juth`r wh`sk w`rc ns jt j pr`m`ued gkvkg jgwjys jl`ut
thk pjst j pjst whnih bjy hjvk rkikdkd net` m`rfktmugekss lut wh`sk
igjnbs jrk stngg lknef mkgt Ne nts strjefkekss Lkickttbdquos w`rc prkskets
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
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LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
eubkr`us dnmmniugtnks lut js wk shjgg dnsi`vkr hk ekvkr jljed`es
hns rkjdkr `r judnkeik i`bpgktkgy Mnrst js N hjvk bketn`ekd hns
ihjrjitkrsmdashwh` jt tnbks lki`bk `ur surr`fjtks `ur ueijeey d`u-
lgksmdashkxprkss buih thk sjbk i`emusn`e jl`ut thknr w`rgds js thkrkjdkr3 js suih thk strjefkekss lkijusk shjrkd lki`bks ne j skesk
e`rbjgnzkd Yki`ed jed pkrhjps b`rk nbp`rtjet Lkickttbdquos w`rc
ckys net` muedjbketjggy rki`fenzjlgk sntujtn`es Vk jgg jrk irkjtn`es
`m hnst`rnks wk bjy e`t rki`fenzk `r wnsh t` rki`fenzk3 wk jgg jt
tnbks dnsjv`w `ur pjsts kvke js wk mkkg thk prkssurks `m hnst`ry3 wk
jgg ne `thkr w`rds jrk hnst`rnijgmdashne Mrkudbdquos tkrbs bkgjeih`gymdash
irkjturks Lkickttbdquos w`rc ns iruinjg lkijusk nt rkgketgkssgy rkb`rskgkssgy
i`bpkgs us t` i`emr`et thk pr`m`ued igjnbs thjt hnst`ry bust bjckup`e us jgg Js wk i`bk t` rki`fenzk thk igjnbs `m thk pjst jed rkjg-
nzk thk kxtket t` whnih hnst`ry i`estruits thk hubje sulokit wk lkfne
t` uedkrstjed thjt Lkickttbdquos w`rc jt tnbks skkbnefgy s` strjefk
skkbnefgy nehubje ns `egy kvkr j i`bpjssn`ejtk jttkbpt t` i`bprk-
hked hubjenty ntskgm
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 727
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
4
js hns bjstkr) Kdwjrd Jglkk jed Yjrjh Cjek jrk jgg bjssnvkgy
nemgukeikd ly thk pgjys thknr kxpkrnbkets wnth m`rb jed stjfnef
jrk jgg rksp`esks t` Lkickttbdquos kgjl`rjtk jed rkgketgkss irntnquk `m drj-
bjtni i`evketn`e Jed kqujggy wk ekkd t` rki`fenzk thk nemgukeik `mLkickttbdquos pr`sk `e twketnkth-iketury mnitn`e Lkickttbdquos mnrst trng`fy js
wkgg js hns gjtkr pr`sk hjs hjd ke`rb`us nemgukeik `e wrntkrs wh` ne
thknr ture hjvk lki`bk nbp`rtjet ne thk pr`frkssn`e `m twketnkth-
jed twkety-mnrst-iketury pr`sk Qjug Justkr (wh`sk Ekw ^`rc Trng`fy
ije lk rkjd js j dnrkit p`stb`dkre rkwrntnef m Lkickttbdquos mnrst trng`fy)
O B I`ktzkk (wh` ne mjit wr`tk hns QhD dnsskrtjtn`e `e Lkickttbdquos
Vjtt) jed O`he Ljevnggk (wh` ne w`rcs gnck Thk L``c `m Kvndkeik
shjrks Lkickttbdquos mjsinejtn`e wnth thk w`rcnefs m thk p`ssnlgy dkrjefkdbned) jgg igjnb je jrtnstni nehkrntjeik mr`b Lkickttbdquos snefugjr vnsn`e
thknr rkprksketjtn`es `m thk neekr skgmmdashpsyih`tni trjubjtnzkdmdashije
lk trjikd t` Lkickttbdquos netkrkst ne thk s`gntjry jed bjrfnejg mnfurk
rkduikd ne p`sskssn`es jed l`dy ekf`tnjtnef j pjth thr`ufh j h`stngk
`r nednmmkrket w`rgd
LKICKTTbdquoY YT^GK
Nt ns prkinskgy thns qujgnty `m snefugjrnty thjt rkjdkrs cky net` whke
kei`uetkrnef Lkickttbdquos w`rc thkrk ns snbpgy e`thnef rkb`tkgy gnck
Lkicktt ne thk w`rgd `m gntkrjturk Vhngk Lkickttbdquos kjrgy w`rc (Burphy
B`rk Qrnics thje Cnics thk p`sthub`usgy pulgnshkd Drkjb `m Mjnr
t` Bnddgnef V`bke6) lkjrs trjiks `m O`yikbdquos nemgukeik (js skke ne
whjt ns m`r Lkicktt ueusujggy kekrfktni kvke pgjymug pr`sk) hns gjtkr
w`rcmdashthk ture t` whnih N g`ijtk ne gt9bdquos Vjtt (wrnttke lktwkkegt4 jed gt4)mdashns uenqukgy Lkickttbdquos Vhngk nt ns pkrhjps uemjnr t`
subbjrnzk jed dnstngg thk qujgntnks `m j wrntkrbdquos w`rc wk ije bjck j
mkw fkekrjg i`bbkets hkrk Lkickttbdquos w`rc jgwjys kvke js nts b`st
kxtrkbk gnbnt `m ueijeenekss jed strjefkekss ns rkgketgkssgy hub`r-
`us nm djrcgy s Jt b`bkets m kxtrkbk dkspjnr e stjfk j ihjrjitkr
wngg `mmkr j gnek thjt wngg bjck us gjufh uekjsngy Ne Vjntnef m`r
F`d`t m`r nestjeik ]gjdnbnr jed Kstrjf`e wntekss Q`zz`bdquos lrutjg
trkjtbket `m Guicy3 thky thke hjvk thns lrnkm kxihjefk
]gjdnbnr Thjt pjsskd thk tnbk
Kstrjf`e Nt w`ugd hjvk pjsskd ne jey ijsk
]gjdnbnr ^ks lut e`t s` rjpndgy (41)
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
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NETD[ITNE
Jt b`bkets `m kxtrkbk pjne ne thk e`vkgs j ihjrjitkr wngg dkmgjtk hns
dkspjnr wnth nr`ey Bjg`ek jg`ek jed dynef ne hns lkd m`r nestjeik
`mmkrs thns lsquoBy l`dy ns whjt ns ijggkd uejdvnskdgy pkrhjps nbp`-
tket Thkrk ns vnrtujggy e`thnef nt ije d Y`bktnbks N bnss e`t lknefjlgk t` irjwg jr`ued jey b`rk Lut N jb e`t buih fnvke t` e`stjgfnjbdquo
(Bjg`ek Dnks 81)
Thns lrutjggy jbusnef wrntnef jggkvnjtks thk fg``b `m thk Lkicktt
pgjy `r e`vkg lut nt d`ks jdd j ikrtjne ueijeey mrnss`e t` `ur kxpkrn-
keik `m thk w`rc why jrk wk gjufhnef jt thns0 H`w ije thkrk lk
hub`r ne suih j dkpgktkd w`rgd0 Ne je netkrvnkw Lkicktt `eik sjnd
lsquoNm thkrk wkrk `egy djrcekss jgg w`ugd lk igkjr Nt ns lkijusk thkrk
ns e`t `egy djrcekss lut jgs` gnfht thjt `ur sntujtn`e lki`bks nekxpgn-ijlgkbdquo (ltlt1)8 Lkicktt ns thk bjstkr m bnxnef gnfht jed djrc m hub`r
wnth pjne `m thk rki`fenzjlgk wnth thk uemjbngnjr Thk rksugt ns j
cned `m wrntnef thjt ns i`esnstketgy dns`rnketnef lut e`t strjefk
ke`ufh t` lk muggy jgnkejtnef wk d` rki`fenzk jed rksp`ed t` s`bk-
thnef ne thk w`rc j qujgnty pkrhjps `m shjrkd summkrnef `m shjrkd
dkspjnr jed lk nt kvkr s` hublgk shjrkd i`bpjssn`e
kjdkrs `mtke rkbjrc `e thk pjrtniugjr qujgnty `m Lkickttbdquos ske-
tkeiks kspkinjggy ne thk pr`sk [egnck thjt `m hns kjrgy bjstkr O`yik
Lkickttbdquos bjturk pr`sk ns irystjggnek ne nts i`einsn`e Nedkkd Lkicktt
`eik rkbjrckd `e thk dnmmkrkeik lktwkke O`yikbdquos bkth`d `m i`bp`s-
nef jed hns `we
lsquowk jrk dnjbktrnijggy `pp`sntk lkijusk O`yik wjs j syethksnzkr hk
wjetkd t` put kvkrythnef thk wh`gk m hubje iugturk net` ek r
tw` l``cs jed N jb je jejgyzkr N tjck jwjy jgg thk jiindketjgslkijusk N wjet t` i`bk d`we t` thk lkdr`ic `m thk kssketnjgs thk
jrihktypjgbdquo gt
Ne Djbekd t` Mjbk Ce`wgs`e qu`tks Lkickttbdquos vnkws `e O`yik
lsquo N rkjgnzkd thjt O`yik hjd f`ek js mjr js `ek i`ugd ne thk dnrkitn`e
`m ce`wnef b`rk SlknefR ne i`etr`g `m `ekbdquos bjtkrnjg Hk wjs jgwjys
jddnef t` nt N rkjgnskd thjt by `we wjy wjs ne nbp`vkrnshbket
ne gjic `m ce`wgkdfk jed ne tjcnef jwjy ne sultrjitnef rjthkr thjene jddnef‒ bdquo (9gt) Jed thus whngk Lkickttbdquos sketkeiks jrk kjsngy
ke`ufh rkjd (wk bjy hjvk t` g``c up thk dd w`rd e`w jed jfjne)1
thkrk ns j sg`w-lure qujgnty t` thns wrntnef js bkjenefs jed rks`ejeiks
i`bk t` gnfht jed jppgy prkssurk g`ef jmtkr wk hjvk pjsskd `vkr
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
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LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
=
thk nednvndujg w`rds Thk mjb`us gnek mr`b Bjg`ek Dnks lsquoE`thnef ns
b`rk rkjg thje e`thnefbdquo (8=) ns je kxjbpgk m j sketkeik whnih sejfs
`ur jttketn`e wnth nts pkiugnjr usk `m j w`rd `r ndkj E`thnefekss
rjdnijg jlskeik thk sketkeik suffksts ns thk b`st prkssnef rkjgntywnth whnih wk bust dkjg Thk sketkeikbdquos inriugjrnty jed rkpktntn`e
b`rk`vkr ueijeengy trjesmkrs jlskeik net` prkskeik e`thnef thus
lki`bks s`bkthnef js wk mkkg nts rkjg igjnbs `e us Thk sketkeik lrng-
gnjetgy dkb`estrjtks h`w j snefgk w`rd ije shnbbkr wnth bugtnpgk
rks`ejeiks thk mnrst usk `m thk w`rd lsquoe`thnefbdquo ns vkry dnmmkrket mr`b
thk ski`ed Nedkkd thk w`rd skkbs snbugtjek`usgy t` hjvk ijsujg
jed dkkpgy phng`s`phnijg bkjenefs jgg `m whnih m`gd net` kjih `thkr
jed jrk kxihjefkd Bjg`ek jwjrk `m thk kmmkits `m hns `we w`rds`mmkrs thns i`bbketjry `e thns sketkeik lsquoN ce`w th`sk gnttgk phrjsks
thjt skkb s` nee`iu`us jed `eik y`u gkt thkb ne p`ggutk thk wh`gk
`m spkkih Thky rnsk up `ut `m thk pnt jed ce`w e` rkst uetng thky
drjf y`u d`we net` nts djrcbdquo (8=rsquo86)
Je`thkr rkgjtkd ueijeey kmmkit `iiurs whke Lkicktt `mmkrs je ndkj
`egy t` ekfjtk nts igjnbs nbbkdnjtkgy lsquoGnvk jed nevket N hjvk trnkd
N bust hjvk trnkd Nevket Nt ns e`t thk w`rd Eknthkr ns gnvkbdquo (Bjg`ek
Dnks 8gt)3 lsquoN jb dkjd lut N ekvkr gnvkdbdquo (Tkxts m`r E`thnef 999)3
lsquoYjy j l`dy Vhkrk e`ekbdquo (V`rstwjrd H` 46) Thk mnejg gneks `m
B`gg`y jrk pkrhjps thk b`st mjb`us kxjbpgk `m Lkickttbdquos skgm-
i`etrjdnit`ry skgm-ijeikggnef rhkt`rni lsquoThke N wket ljic net` thk
h`usk jed wr`tk Nt ns bndenfht Thk rjne ns lkjtnef `e thk wned`ws
Nt wjs e`t bndenfht Nt wjs e`t rjnenefbdquo (61) Thk kmmkit j dnzzynef
`ek ns t` ckkp thk rkjdkr i`esnstketgy e hkr netkrprktnvk t`ks prkvket-
nef hkr mr`b skttgnef `e jey i`bm rtjlgk `r i`bm`rtnef bkjenefThns kmmkit rkjihks nts tkrbnejg p`net ne Lkickttbdquos gjtk pr`sk ne tkxts
gnck V`rstwjrd H` Lkicktt hkrk m`rf`ks i`evketn`ejg frjbbjr
ihjrjitkr pg`t jed st`ry jed prkskets gjefujfk ntskgm js ihjrjitkr (ne
thns wjy wk jrk oustnmnkd ne jsskrtnef js suffkstkd thjt gjefujfk ns
jgwjys Lkickttbdquos bjne i`eikre) Thk gjefujfk `m thk gjtk tkxts ns i`e-
trjdnit`ry jed pr`duiks mjbngnjr vkrtnfne`us kmmkits
V`rskenef w`rds wh`sk uece`we Vhkeik uece`we Jt jgg i`stsuece`we E`w m`r t` sjy js w`rst thky bjy `egy thky `egy thky
Dnb v`nd shjdks jgg thky E`thnef sjvk whjt thky sjy Y`bkh`w
sjy E`thnef sjvk thky Vhjt thky sjy Vh`sks`kvkr whkeiks`kvkr
sjy Js w`rst thky bjy mjng kvkr w`rsk t` sjy (468)
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
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NETD[ITNE
6
Yurkgy thns ns s`bk `m Lkickttbdquos b`st ihjggkefnef b`st dnmmniugt
wrntnef Lut nm wk gnstke t` nt ijrkmuggy wk ije jttked t` thkbks hk wngg
kxpg`rk thr`ufh`ut hns ijrkkr Vk ije hkjr Lkickttbdquos lskssnvk rkture
t` thk rhkt`rni `m lsquoe`thnefbdquo3 wk kei`uetkr hns netkrkst ne lsquomjngurkbdquo js jtr`pk `m wrntnef3 wk skk hns netkrkst ne b`vnef pjst thk ljrrnkrs `m
i`evketn`ejg gjefujfk t` kxpg`rk thk gnbnts `m whjt ije lk sjnd jed
e`t sjnd (`r bnssjnd) ne gjefujfk whnih ns ntskgm dkjd `r spkitrjg
lsquov`nd shjdksbdquo Lkicktt m`r jgg hns dnmmniugty ije lk rkjd igkjrgy lkijusk
js N kxpg`rk ne dktjng lkg`w hns wrntnef fnvks us thk netkrprktnvk iguks
wk ekkd Je netkrprktnvk dnzznekss ns j fnvke whke rkjdnef Lkicktt
whjt wk d` wnth thjt dnzznekss h`w wk ih``sk t` netkrprkt `ur
b`bkets `m ueikrtjnety lki`bks `ur tjsc `ur `lgnfjtn`e
THK DNMMNI[GT^ M KJDNEF LKICKTT FKEK
ETHNEFEKYY THK QYTH[BJE LD^
Fkerk
Thk ykjr lt11= wjs thk iketkejry `m Yjbukg Lkickttbdquos lnrth Jt vjrn-
`us mkstnvjgs jed i`emkrkeiks hns w`rcs wkrk pkrm`rbkd dnsiusskd
jed irntninzkd Nedkkd kvke thk bjnestrkjb bkdnj usujggy `lgnvn`us
t` thk w`rc `m thk gntkrjry jvjet-fjrdk t``c e`tnik nm `egy t` rkiyigk
thk prnbjry irntnijg ignihicircs jl`ut Lkickttbdquos w`rc nt ns lgkjc dnmmniugt
jed lsquojl`utbdquo thk jlsurdnty jed bkjenefgkssekss `m kxnstkeik Thns gjst
ignihicirc fnvke jt gkjst tjint supp`rt ly Lkicktt hnbskgm ns `ek thns
Fundk wngg ne pjrt skkc t` dnsbjetgk lut m r e`w wk ekkd t` jice`wg-
kdfk thk truth `m whjt ns fkekrjggy pkriknvkd jl`ut Lkickttbdquos w`rc ntsuei`bpr`bnsnef dnmmniugty Vk jrk prksketkd ne l`th thk drjbj
jed pr`sk wnth uemjbngnjr jed skkbnefgy uerkjdjlgk sntujtn`es tw`
trjbps `e j ekjr-kbpty stjfk wjntnef3 j lgned tyrjet jii`bpjenkd
ly hns irnppgkd pjrkets jed j pkkvnsh skrvjet ykjrenef m`r hns gnmk
(jed thk pgjy hk skkbs t` ce`w hk ns ne) t` ked3 j pgjy ne whnih j
b`uth spkjcnef ne ekjr nei`bprkhkesnlgk gjefujfk ns thk bjne
lsquoihjrjitkrbdquo3 je `gd bje gynef ne lkd tkggnef st`rnks uetng hk dnks
Jed `ek i`ugd f` `e jed wk shjgg hkrk gnstnef thk byrnjd dnmmniug-tnks p`skd ly Lkickttbdquos w`rc Jt j ljsni gkvkg h`wkvkr wk e`tnik `ek
i`bb`e mkjturk `m thksk tkxts `ek gnec whnih bjy lk `ur netkrprk-
tnvk ketry p`net thky jgg dkgnlkrjtkgy dnsbjetgk fkekrni kxpkitjtn`e
Thjt ns t` sjy kvkry Lkicktt tkxt dkmnks `ur e`tn`es `m whjt j pgjy `r
j e`vkg sh`ugd lk d`nef Nm wk rki`fenzk thns fkekrni lsquodki`bp`sntn`ebdquo
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
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LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
8
js Lkickttbdquos prnbjry bkth`d `m pr`lgkbjtnznef netkrprktnvk pr`t`-
i`gs wk i`bk t` je nbp`rtjet nentnjg rkjgnzjtn`e Lkickttbdquos tkxts rksnst
lknef netkrprktkd jed ijtkf`rnzkd jed thns bjy ne mjit lk whjt thky
jrk jl`ut thk pr`lgkb `m netkrprktjtn`e ntskgmThns Fundk thus wngg lkfne wnth je jejgysns `m thk wjy Lkicktt
bjenpugjtks fkerk ne hns w`rc Vjntnef m`r F`d`t m`r nestjeik ns j
drjbj ne ejbk `egy nm thk r``t `m thk w`rd lsquodrjbjbdquo ns thk Frkkc m r
lsquojitn`ebdquo Lkicktt ns dkgnlkrjtkgy wrntnef j drjbj thjt ns e`t ne mjit j
drjbj jt jgg (e`thnef hjppkes ne thk pgjy3 `r b`rk prkinskgy e`thnef
hjppkes thk kxpkrnkeik `m e`thnefekss ns whjt thk pgjy ns jl`ut)
Thk e`vkgs `m Lkickttbdquos mnrst trng`fy (B`gg`y Bjg`ek Dnks Thk
[eejbjlgk) jfjne jrk e`vkgs ne ejbk `egy js thns trng`fy pr`frkssksthkrk ns j dnbnenshnef `m pg`t jed j rkb`vjg `m jgg ndketnmnjlgk ihjr-
jitkrs wnthne ndketnmnjlgk spjik jed tnbk Lkickttbdquos gjtk pr`sk jed
drjbj lgurs thk dnstneitn`e lktwkke fkerks H`w Nt Ns j lsquoe`vkgbdquo rkjds
gnck p`ktry3 J Qnkik `m B`e`g`fuk (gt8lt) j lsquopgjybdquo rkjds gnck j sh`rt
pr`sk st`ry3 Lkickttbdquos gjst bjo`r w`rc ne thk s`-ijggkd ski`ed trng`fy
(I`bpjey Ngg Ykke Ngg Yjnd V`rstwjrd H`) rkduiks thk vkry gje-
fujfk `m pr`sk t` e`efrjbbjtnijg igjusks jed pgjiks lsquoihjrjitkrsbdquo
(wh` mueitn`e bkrkgy js frjbbjtnijg nedniks bjy nedkkd `egy lsquolkbdquo
dnskbl`dnkd frjbbjtnijg nedniks) ne g`ijtn`es thjt jrk lky`ed gnmk
jed dkjth
Nt ns by suffkstn`e thjt thk trjokit`ry `m Lkickttbdquos ijrkkr js
drjbjtnst jed e`vkgnst trjiks j systkbjtni dki`estruitn`e `m thk vkry
prkbnsks `m drjbj jed pr`sk j dki`estruitn`e thjt wntekssks thk
snbugtjek`us jed systkbjtni dnsbjetgnef `m thk skgm `r sulokit wh`
w`ugd rkgy `e ejrrjtnvk js j bkjes `m skgm-uedkrstjednef N pr`p`skhkrk t` suffkst thjt thns dki`estruitn`e thns dnsbjetgnef `m jgg
rkiknvkd struiturks `m sulokitnvnty jed ejrrjtnvk lk nt ne pr`sk `r
drjbj (jed hns ihjrjitkrs e stjfk jrk egy kvkr tkggnef st`rnks) ns thk
bjo`r thkbk m Lkickttbdquos w`rc jed m i`ursk thk ijusk m thk bjo`r
dnmmniugtnks ne thk rkjdnef `m thns w`rc
eik wk uedkrstjed thjt Lkickttbdquos bkth`d ns t` ijgg net` qukstn`e
thk vkry prkbnsks `m drjbj jed pr`sk wk bjy lk lkttkr jlgk t`
uedkrstjed whjt N skk js hns bjo`r purp`sk t` ijgg net` qukstn`e jggth`sk bkth`dsmdashejrrjtnvk lknef thk prnbjry ekmdashwk hjvk m uedkr-
stjednef `urskgvks Fkerks i`bk rkjdy lungt wnth bkjenef jed
kxpkitjtn`e pgjys jed e`vkgs hjvk struiturksmdashlkfneenefs bnddgks
kednefs3 ihjrjitkr jed pg`t lsquodkvkg`pbketbdquo3 skttnefsmdashthjt rkjdkrs ejtu-
rjggy jssubk sh`ugd lk ne pgjik Qgjys jed e`vkgs hjvk rki`fenzjlgk
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1227
NETD[ITNE
gt
ihjrjitkrs jed tkgg st`rnks thjt whngk pkrhjps i`emusnef jed ihjggkef-
nef jssubk whjt wk ije ijgg lsquoce`wjlngntybdquo Thjt ns thksk ejrrjtnvks
jrk jssubkd t` rkmgkit j rki`fenzjlgk rkjgnty `ek t` whnih thk rkjdkr
ije rnket hkrskgm J iketrjg nm uesp`cke jssubptn`e m whjt ns ijggkdigjssni rkjgnst gntkrjturk ns thjt ejrrjtnvk ntskgm ns j ejturjg jed juth`r-
ntjtnvk wjy `m i`bbuenijtnef rkjgntylt Gjefujfk ne `thkr w`rds ns
thk jdkqujtk vkhnigk m`r rkprksketnef rkjgnty jed b`st nbp`rtjetgy
m`r rkprksketnef thk skgm3 ne igjssni rkjgnst mnitn`e iruinjggy thk skgmmdash
thnec m`r nestjeik m Dnickesbdquo Djvnd I`ppkrmnkgdmdashprkikdks gjefujfk
jed usks nt i`etr`gs nt t` trjesirnlk hns rkjgnty
Lkicktt ns w`rcnef t` rkvkjg jgg thksk kxpkitjtn`es js jrtnmninjg jed
i`estruitkd Hk nednijtks thjt wk i`estruit `urskgvks js skgvks ne thkst`rnks wk tkgg thk hnst`rnks wk i`estruit jed thus hns dnsbjetgnef
`m thksk ejrrjtnvks ns hns wjy `m kxjbnenef thk vkry mrjfngnty thk vkry
i`estruitkdekss `m thk hubje jed hubje uedkrstjednef ntskgm
Ejrrjtnvk jed `thkr fkekrni i`evketn`es jrk wjys `m i`etr`ggnef
kxpkrnkeik m shjpnef kxpkrnkeik3 thky jrk e`t uepr`lgkbjtni rkmgki-
tn`es `m kxpkrnkeik Ne thk ked h`wkvkr ly systkbjtnijggy rkduinef
ejrrjtnvk t` nts ksskeik t` whjt hk ijggs nts lsquow`rskenef w`rdsbdquo Lkicktt
dnsi`vkrs thk pkrsnstket ksskeik `m thk hubje wh`sk ejrrjtnvks lsquomjng
jfjnebdquo jed lsquomjng lkttkrbdquo lut wh` ns nesnstketgy prksket ne thjt mjngurk
nm `egy js j trjik spkitkr `r fh`st `m ntskgm By jrfubket ugtnbjtkgy
ns thjt m`r jgg Lkickttbdquos skkbnef dnmmniugty jed ekfjtnvnty hns e`vkgs
jed pgjys w`rc systkbjtnijggy t` ikgklrjtk nm ne je nevkrsk wjy thk
hubje sulokit wh` wngg e`t ikjsk t` ejrrjtk jed wh` wngg thus
jgwjys lk
KD[ITNE T THK KYYKETNJGY ETHNEFEKYY
JED THK QYTH[BJE
T` lkfne pkrhjps wk sh`ugd jice`wgkdfk thjt whngk Lkickttbdquos w`rc
kxpg`rks qukstn`es i`eikrenef thk muedjbketjg ejturk m thk hubje
Lkicktt hnbskgm wngg skkb t` lk `m gnttgk hkgp t` us ne netkrprktnef thjt
w`rc Jgth`ufh hk hjs `mmkrkd s`bk nbp`rtjet nm `pjquk irntnijg
nesnfhts net` whjt jppkjrs t` lk j pkrs`ejg phng`s`phy m jrt jed gnmkLkicktt tkedkd t` rksnst `mmkrnef dnrkit netkrprktjtn`es `m hns w`rc
rksnstkd `mmkrnef whjt j ihjrjitkr ne hns e`vkg Vjtt ijggs lsquoskbjetni
suii`urbdquo t` hns rkjdkrs hns jit`rs hns dnrkit`rs Vhke m`r nestjeik
Jgje Yihekndkr j mrnked jed dnrkit`r `m bjey `m Lkickttbdquos pgjys
jsckd m r Lkickttbdquos netkrprktjtn`e m Kedfjbk Lkicktt rkpgnkd lsquoN snbpgy
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1327
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
1
ijebdquot wrntk jl`ut by w`rc `r `iijsn`ejg stumm `m jey cnedbdquo Hk wket
`e t` kxi`rnjtk o`urejgnsts jed irntnis
Lut whke nt i`bks t` thksk ljstjrds `m o`urejgnsts N mkkg thk `egygnek ns t` rkmusk t` lk nev`gvkd ne kxkfksns `m jey cned By w`rc
ns j bjttkr `m muedjbketjg s`ueds (e` o`ck netkedkd) bjdk js
muggy js p`ssnlgk jed N jiikpt rksp`esnlngnty m`r e`thnef kgsk Nm
pk`pgk wjet t` hjvk hkjdjihks jb`ef thk `vkrt`eks gkt thkb
Jed pr`vndk thknr `we jspnrne (E` Juth`r Lkttkr Ykrvkd Thk
I`rrksp`edkeik `m Yjbukg Lkicktt jed Jgje Yihekndkr lt4)
Nt ns iurn`us t` e`tk thk wjy Lkicktt rksnsts netkrprktnef hns w`rcykt jt thk sjbk tnbk pr`vndks s`bkthnef `m j iguk t` rkjdnef hns
w`rc hk sjys ns j lsquobjttkr `m muedjbketjg s`uedsbdquo ek wjy `m
uedkrstjednef thns i`bbket jed ikrtjnegy thns ns thk wjy N tked t`
rkjd hns w`rc ns t` e`tnik h`w Lkicktt tkeds t` strnp jwjy jgg kxikss
`e stjfk jed pjfk hk ns jmtkr je jejgysns `m thk muedjbketjgs thk
i`rk `r lsquoksskeikbdquo `m whjt bjps `ut hubje kxpkrnkeik Thkrk ns e`
jiindketjg w`rd `r `iiurrkeik ne j Lkicktt tkxt e` dnstrjitn`e mr`b
thk rkjg lusnekss `m trynef t` uedkrstjed whjt nt bkjes t` lk Hkeik
m`r nestjeik j e`vkg gnck Bjg`ek Dnks whkrk thkrk ns `egy `ek ihjr-
jitkr nbb`lngnzkd ne lkd jed thnecnef jl`ut hns nbpkednef dkjth
Hkrk Lkicktt ns jscnef j iruinjg pkrhjps thk muedjbketjg qukstn`e
Vhjt d`ks nt bkje t` kxnst t` lk jt thk b`bket whke y`ur gnmk ns `e
thk vkrfk `m mgnickrnef `ut0 Ije wk rki`fenzk whjt nt trugy bkjes t`
lk jgnvk whjt wk bjy ijgg thk muedjbketjg nbpugsk `m lknef `egy
whke gnmk ntskgm ns jl`ut t` ikjsk0 Lkicktt pjrks pg`t ihjrjitkr jedgjefujfk d`we t` nts kssketnjgs strnppnef jwjy thk lsquobkjtbdquo (`m l`th
pr`sk jed ihjrjitkr) t` kxjbnek gnmk gnvkd jt kxtrkbk gnbnt p`nets
Nedkkd js N hjvk nednijtkd ne gjtkr tkxts suih js V`rstwjrd H` thk
mnrst sketkeik `m whnih rkjds lsquoe Yjy `e Lk sjnd `e Y`bkh`w `e
Tngg e`h`w `e Yjnd e`h`w `ebdquo (46) Lkicktt rkduiks pg`t jed ihjr-
jitkr s` rjdnijggy thjt nt ns p`ssnlgk t` sjy thjt wk hjvk tkxt whkrk
frjbbjr ntskgm mueitn`enef jt thk gnbnt `m i`bprkhkesnlngnty nedn-
ijtks j sulokitnvnty `e thk vkrfk `m e`thnefekssLy wrntnef jl`ut muedjbketjg s`ueds Lkicktt prkskets hnbskgm js
je netkeskgy iurn`us jed i`urjfk`us wrntkr Iurn`us jl`ut thk prk-
insk ejturk m thk hubje lknef Lkicktt tjcks hnbskgm jed hns rkjdkrs
t` thk kxtrkbk gnbnts `m hubjenty jed jscs us `lgnfks us t` g``c
ijrkmuggy jt `urskgvks jt b`bkets `m irnsns Thksk b`bkets `m irnsns
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1427
NETD[ITNE
w`rc ne Lkicktt js p`nets m muedjbketjg nm i`bpr`bnskd jed pjquk
rkvkgjtn`e nt ns hkrk jt thk p`net whkrk thk w`rgd ikjsks t` bjck
skesk `r i`rrksp`ed t` `ekbdquos prksupp`sntn`es thjt thk rkjg thk mue-
djbketjg netkrprktnvk jed kthnijg qukstn`es jrnsk H`w d` N f` `e nethk mjik m thns irnsns m bkjenef0 Vhjt ns by rksp`esnlngnty t` byskgm
jed `thkrs whke bkjenef i`ggjpsks0
Thksk b`bkets m thk i`ggjpsk m bkjenef m thk irnsns m netkrprk-
tjtn`e jrk iketrjg t` Lkickttbdquos w`rc (nedkkd wk bjy sjy thky i`bprnsk
thk t`tjgnty `m thk w`rc) jed t` hns phng`s`phy `m jrt Ne s`bk wjys
Lkickttbdquos rkjg netkrkst ns ne thk kei`uetkr kxnstketnjg jrtnstni jed
netkrprktnvk wnth whjt hk nbp`rtjetgy rkmkrs t` js lsquoE`thnefbdquo Thk
kxpkrnkeik `m e`thnef thk e`thnefekss rkjgnzkd ne thk l`rkd`b `mDndn jed F`f` ne Vjntnef m`r F`d`t (thk mnrst gnek m whnih ns lsquoE`thnef
t` lk d`ekbdquo) thk e`thnefekss thjt thrkjtkes `ur netkrprktnvk skiurnty
whjt Ig`v ne Kedfjbk ijggs thk lsquozkr`bdquo p`net `m bkjenef thk e`thnef-
ekss `m g`ss jed jlskeik thjt nem`rbs s` dkeskgy thk gjtkr trng`fy ns
`ek thjt pjrjd`xnijggy (h`w d` y`u wrntk jl`ut lsquoe`thnefbdquo0) jrtniu-
gjtks jed b`tnvjtks Lkickttbdquos `we w`rc
Ne gt4gt Lkicktt pulgnshkd Thrkk Dnjg`fuks j skrnks `m pskud`-
dnjg`fuks lktwkke lsquoLbdquo jed lsquoDbdquo L wh` irntnis ndketnmy js Lkicktt
hnbskgm (rnfhtgy N lkgnkvk) `mmkrs whjt hjs lki`bk pkrhjps thk b`st
`mtke intkd ketry p`net net` Lkickttbdquos `we w`rc L hjs lkke dnsiuss-
nef b`dkre jrt jed i`bks t` mmkr hns we vnkw m thk pr`pkr sulokit
bjttkr jed b`tnvjtn`es `m thk b`dkre jrtnst
Lmdash^kt N spkjc `m je jrt turenef mr`b nt ne dnsfust wkjry `m nts
puey kxpg`nts wkjry `m prktkednef t` lk jlgk `m lknef jlgk`m d`nef j gnttgk lkttkr thk sjbk `gd thnef `m f`nef j gnttgk
murthkr jg`ef j drkjry r`jd
DmdashJed prkmkrrnef whjt0
LmdashThk kxprkssn`e thjt thkrk ns e`thnef t` kxprkss e`thnef wnth
whnih t` kxprkss e`thnef mr`b whnih t` kxprkss e` p`wkr t`
kxprkss e` dksnrk t` kxprkss t`fkthkr wnth thk `lgnfjtn`e t`
kxprkss (=)
J eublkr `m thnefs jrk iruinjg hkrk Mnrst e`tnik h`w L kxprkssks
j wkjrnekss wnth jrtnstni i`evketn`e h`w thk ndkj `m lsquod`nef j gnttgk
lkttkr thk sjbk `gd thnefbdquo l`rks hnb (thns ns je ndkj t` whnih wk wngg
rkture) Nt ns igkjr kvke rkgjtnvkgy kjrgy ne hns ijrkkr thjt Lkicktt w`ugd
e`t lk irkjtnef i`evketn`ejggy mjbngnjr jrt E`tnik ski`ed h`w thk
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1527
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
lt
w`rd lsquoe`thnefbdquo fjthkrs j cned `m neirkbketjg rks`ejeik ne thns mnejg
sketkeik h`w nt lki`bks igkjr thjt e`thnef t` spkjc pkrhjps pjrj-
d`xnijggy lki`bks s`bkthnef s`bkthnef t` lk kxpg`rkd js j thkbk
js j rkjgnty (wk bjy rkijgg thjt gnek mr`b Bjg`ek Dnks lsquoE`thnef nsb`rk rkjg thje e`thnefbdquo) Js thns jst`enshnef sketkeik i`eigudks
Lkicktt jice`wgkdfks j pkrs`ejg kthnijg `lgnfjtn`e js je jrtnst je
`lgnfjtn`e t` `lskrvk jejgyzk jed kxprkss thksk b`bkets whke thk
e`thnef jrnsksmdashpkrhjps kvke jfjnest hns `we wnggmdashjed jppkjrs
t` euggnmy bkjenef t` thrkjtke `ur i`bm`rt t` krjsk `ur frjsp `m
thk rkjg
lsquoQYTH[BJENYBbdquo
T hjvk ljskd j ijrkkr `e thk kxpg`rjtn`e `m lsquoe`thnefbdquo bjy skkb pkr-
vkrsk t` s`bk Ikrtjnegy thk rkjdkrbdquos kei`uetkr wnth Lkickttbdquos vjrn`us
rkprksketjtn`es `m thk v`nd `m jlskeik `m g`ss wngg lk j dnmmniugt `ek
m`r thk snbpgk rkjs`e thjt Lkickttbdquos w`rgd ns dnmmniugt t` lkjr Jed
s`bk rkjdkrs `vkr thk ykjrs hjvk m`ued ne Lkickttbdquos w`rc j ikrtjne
ruthgkss pkrhjps kvke j i`gd nehubjenty Nm wk trjik thk trjokit`ry
`m Lkickttbdquos w`rc `e l`th stjfk jed ne pr`sk wk d` e`tnik thjt hns
systkbjtni rkduitn`e m thnefs whjt N hjvk suffkstkd ns hns rkduitn`e
t` thk lsquomuedjbketjgsbdquo d`ks nev`gvk thk rkduitn`e `m thk hubje skgm
whjt N wngg ne thns study lk rkmkrrnef t` js thk lsquosulokitbdquo E`tnik h`w
m`r nestjeik ne thk drjbj wk b`vk mr`b muggy kbl`dnkd sulokits ne
Vjntnef m`r F`d`t t` thk gkss physnijggy jlgk ihjrjitkrs ne Kedfjbk
(Hjbb ns lgned jed irnppgkd3 Ig`v ije `egy wjgc ne j stnmm-gkffkd
fjnt3 Ejff jed Ekgg l`th hjvk g`st thknr gkfs) t` ihjrjitkrs nbb`ln-gnzkd ne ures ne Qgjy t` thk dnskbl`dnkd B`uth `m E`t N J snbngjr
trjokit`ry h`gds ne thk mnrst pr`sk trng`fy B`gg`y wh`sk l`dy ns mjng-
nef ykt jlgk3 Bjg`ek wh` ns nbb`lngnzkd ne lkd3 thk ueejbjlgk wh`
bjy snbpgy lk j lrjne ne je ure Ne thk gjtkr pr`sk tkxts nt ns dnmmniugt
kvke t` dktkrbnek prkinskgy thk ejturk m thk hubje jed thk stjtus m
nts l`dy lsquoYjy j l`dy Vhkrk e`ek E` bned Vhkrk e`ek Thjt jt
gkjst J pgjik Vhkrk e`ek M`r thk l`dy T` lk nebdquo (46)
Lkicktt skkbs t` strnvk thr`ufh`ut hns ijrkkr t` rnd hns w`rc m thkl`dy t` w`rc thus t`wjrd whjt wk bjy ijgg j cned `m p`sthubjensb
Q`sthubjensb ije lk dkmnekd js thjt strjed `m phng`s`phy whnih
rjdnijggy irntnquks thk ndkj thjt thk nednvndujg sulokit ns thk iketkr `m
jgg thnefs thk lkfneenef jed ked `m jgg ce`wgkdfk jed kxpkrnkeik
thns ns thkrkm`rk j rjdnijg irntnquk m Hubjenst phng`s`phy whnih w`ugd
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1627
NETD[ITNE
9
p`snt thk hubjebdquos rkjs`e jed rjtn`ejgnty js lknef trjespjrketgy jvjng-
jlgk t` thk thnecnef sulokit Q`sthubjensb lkfnes ly i`uetkrnef
Hubjensbbdquos lkgnkm thjt thk hubje ns skgm-pr`duinef skgm-i`neindketjg
thjt nt ns s`bkh`w rksp`esnlgk m r thk pr`duitn`e `m nts w`rgd jed ntskxpkrnkeik `m thk w`rgd
Js j phng`s`phy p`sthubjensb ije lk trjikd t` bjey s`uriks
lut thk thnecnef `m Enktzsihk Bjrx jed Mrkud ns iruinjg Kjih
w`rckd t` suffkst thjt thk hubje sulokit ns e`t skgm-pr`duinef `r
skgm-i`neindketjg lut ns rjthkr pr`duikd ly nts iugturk (Bjrx) nts
gjefujfk (Enktzsihk) jed nts uei`esin`us drnvks jed nestneits
(Mrkud) Q`sthubjensb strnvks t` uedkrstjed thk prkinsk ki`e`bnks
`m thksk m`riks jed jscs qukstn`es gnck thksk H`w ns thk hubjesulokit t` rjthkr thje thk bjstkr `m gjefujfk0 H`w d`ks thk sulokit
ekf`tnjtk hkr rkgjtn`e t` thk drnvksmdasht`wjrd Kr`s Thjejt`smdashthjt
Mrkud p`snts0 H`w ije thk sulokit mrkk ntskgm nm jt jgg mr`b thk iug-
turjg m`riks `m ijpntjg ndk`g`fy jed rkgnfn`e m`riks whnih prkikdk
jed kxikkd thk sulokitbdquos kxpkrnkeik0
Thksk jrk jgg Lkickttbdquos qukstn`es jed hk wngg w`rc `ut jeswkrs ne
pgjys gnck Hjppy Djys jed e`vkgs gnck Burphy jed Thk [eejbjlgk
tkxts whnih jrk jl`ut h`w thk sulokit ekf`tnjtks j rkgjtn`e t` iugturk
(Hjppy Djys) t` thk drnvks (Burphy) t` gjefujfk (Thk [eejbjlgk)
Lut wk sh`ugd jgs` e`tk h`w Lkickttbdquos p`sthubjensb lki`bks
ueijeengy gntkrjgnzkd ne hns bnddgk-t`-gjtk-pkrn`d drjbj jed pr`sk
Lkicktt ns netkrkstkd ne kxpg`rnef thk vkry gnbnts `m thk hubje thk
vkry ksskeik `m whjt i`estntutks thk hubje T thns ked Lkicktt wngg
push thk hubje pjst `ur i`bb`e i`eikptujg l`uedjrnks3 thjt ns t`
sjy jt tnbks hk b`vks hns ihjrjitkrs net` thk spjik `m dkjth `m whjtns pkrhjps j cned `m jmtkrgnmk
Ne thk pr`sk thns thkbjtni lkfnes wnth Bjg`ek Dnks j e`vkg trjinef
thk b`bket j bje pjssks net` nekxnstkeik3 ne thk drjbj nt lkfnes
wnth Qgjy whnih skks thrkk ihjrjitkrs ne whjt jppkjrs t` lk je jmtkr-
gnmk (thk ihjrjitkrs jrk ne muekrjg ures) lnickrnef vkr thk ejrrjtnvk m
thknr pjst gnvks3 ne thk ski`ed trng`fy wk ije kjsngy nbjfnek nedkkd
sh`ugd nbjfnek thjt thk spkjckrs `m thk tkxts js wkgg js thk mnfurks
thjt jppkjr ne thk ejrrjtnvks jrk spkitkrs fh`sts N kxpg`rk thk mnfurk`m thk fh`st thk spkitkrmdashthk gntkrjg p`sthubjemdashne dktjng ne by
mnejg ihjptkr lut N oust wnsh t` nednijtk hkrk h`w Lkickttbdquos netkrkst
ne pjrnef thnefs d`we t` thk kssketnjgs gkjds g`fnijggy t` je netkrkst ne
thk spkitkr thk fh`st whnih lki`bks thk nbjfk `m thk hubje jmtkr
jgg thnefs hjvk lkke strnppkd wjy Qrkinskgy thk fh`st lki`bks j trjik
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1727
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
4
j bjrc `m thk hubjebdquos pjssnef `ut `m kxnstkeik lutmdashjed thns ns
jls`gutkgy iketrjgmdashthk fh`st ns je nesnstket rkbnedkr `m thk hubje
thjt `eik wjs Thk spkitkr ne `thkr w`rds skrvks t` rkiupkrjtk thk
hubje kvke js thk hubje pjssks net` `lgnvn`e thk spkitkr thuslki`bks whjt Ygjv`o _nzkc ijggs thk lsquonednvnsnlgk rkbjnedkr9bdquo T` put
nt lguetgy m`r Lkicktt thk t`tjg kgnbnejtn`e `m thk hubje ns j t`tjg
nbp`ssnlngnty
Qkrhjps Lkicktt suffksts wk ije `egy mned thk ejturk `m thk
hubje whjt hk ijggs lsquothk lkdr`ic `m thk kssketnjgsbdquo jt thk b`bket
thk hubje kxihjefks `ek stjtk m`r je`thkr `ek rkjgnty m`r je`thkr
Qkrhjps `egy thk jlskeik `m thk hubje (thk spkitkr) trugy rkvkjgs
whjt hjs lkke thk hubjebdquos truk ejturk Jed whjt ns m`r bk mjsinejt-nef jed iruinjg jl`ut thns pr`ikss ns thk wjy Lkicktt kgnbnejtks thk
hubje jt prkinskgy thk sjbk tnbk js hk kgnbnejtks dkejturks jed
dki`estruits ejrrjtnvk m`rb ntskgm Ne s`bk wjys Lkicktt ns jrfunef
thjt gjefujfk ntskgm bust lk kgnbnejtkd ne `rdkr m`r thk spkitkr thk
fh`st thk p`sthubje t` jppkjr gjefujfk bust lk kgnbnejtkd ne
`rdkr m r thk truth `m thk hubje t` lk ce`we
Vk bjy skk ne thns rkduitn`e j cned `m irukg trkjtbket `m thk
hubje j pkrvkrsk netkrkst ne nggekss jed dkijy lut N thnec thns w`ugd
lk j mjtjg netkrprktnvk krr`r Ikrtjnegy Lkickttbdquos w`rc nbpgnks thjt thk
l`dy ns jgwjys j gnjlngnty s`bkthnef thjt wngg nekvntjlgy mjng (je hngjrn-
`us gnek mr`b Bjg`ek Dnks suffksts thns lsquoNm N hjd thk usk `m by l`dy
N w`ugd thr`w nt `ut `m thk wned`wbdquo SltltR) Lut wk bust e`tnik thjt
thk l`dy `r snfes `m thk l`dy ekvkr muggy dnsjppkjrs mr`b Lkickttbdquos
w`rgd Thk pkrsnstkeik `m thk l`dy thk mrjfbketkd l`dy thk dnskb-
l`dnkd l`dy ns `ek `m Lkickttbdquos bjo`r thkbks jed `ek thjt p`skss`bk `m hns b`st netkrkstnef netkrprktnvk qukstn`es jed ihjggkefks
why d`ks Lkicktt w`rc t` rkduik jed mrjfbket thk l`dy0 H`w jrk wk
t` netkrprkt mrjfbkets `m hubjenty0
ek jeswkr t` thksk qukstn`es rkgjtks t` whjt N hjvk sjnd jl`vk
jl`ut Lkicktt rkduinef thnefs t` thk muedjbketjgs ne rdkr t` uedkr-
stjed thk ksskeik `m thk hubje ne Qgjy jed E`t N Lkicktt skkbs t`
lk suffkstnef thjt thksk ihjrjitkrs rkjggy `egy jrk thknr v`niks rkjggy
`egy jrk t` lk b`rk prkinsk thknr ejrrjtnvks Vhjt bjttkrs t` thkbjt thns spkinmni pgjik jt thns spkinmni tnbk ns thknr jlngntymdashpkrhjps
thknr i`bpugsn`e thknr `lgnfjtn`emdasht` spkjc Lkicktt w`ugd skkb t`
lk suffkstnef thjt thk t`tjgnty `m thk l`dy jt thns spkinmni b`bket ns
e`t tkrrnlgy nbp`rtjet t` thk sulokit js shk trnks t` uedkrstjed hkr
prksket sntujtn`e Lut js N suffkst wk d` e`tnik thjt Lkicktt ekvkr
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1827
NETD[ITNE
muggy rkb`vks thk l`dy `r thk snfes `m thk l`dy (v`nik m`r nestjeik)
ketnrkgy thk st`rnks hns ihjrjitkrs tkgg hns w`rc skkbs t` nbpgy jrk
wrnttke `e jed thr`ufh thk l`dy Yt`rnks jrk trjesgjtkd ne `thkr
w`rds ly thk l`dy Lkickttbdquos ihjrjitkrs bjy lk p`sthubje lut thkyjrk e`t muggy p`sti`rp`rkjg
Je`thkr wjy m puttnef thns ndkj jdbnttkdgy ek m Lkickttbdquos b`st
ihjggkefnef ns thjt sulokitnvntymdashthjt skesk thk hubje hjs `m ntskgm
js j thnecnef netkrprktnef irkjturkmdashns muggy dkpkedket `e thk l`dy
Yulokitnvnty ns kbl`dnbket y`u jrk y`ur l`dy jed y`ur l`dybdquos dksnrks
js buih js y`u jrk y`ur bned Jed thus whngk thk l`dy ns je nbpkdn-
bket jed wngg jgwjys dkijy jed mjng thk l`dy ijee`t dnsjppkjr
ne Lkicktt lkijusk thk skgm jed thk skgmbdquos uedkrstjednef `m ntskgmw`ugd js wkgg Thkrk ns js N rkjd nt thke j cned `m djrc i`bpjssn`e
ne Lkicktt m`r thk i`bpr`bnskd l`dy m`r thk irnppgkd jed thk ngg
thkrk ns j i`bpjssn`e m`r thk summkrnef sulokit wh` ije rkjggy `egy
uedkrstjed hkrskgm jed hkr w`rgd thr`ufh thk bkdnub m j dkijynef
pjnemug l`dy ur qukstn`es js rkjdkrs m Lkicktt bust e`w lki`bk
nm thk skgm uedkrstjeds ntskgm thr`ufh thk i`bpr`bnskd spkitrjg
l`dy whjt cneds `m netkrprktjtn`es wngg nt bjck0 Nm thk skgm uedkr-
stjeds thk w`rgd thr`ufh nts mrjfbketkd p`sthubje l`dy whjt
cneds `m netkrprktjtn`es `m thk w`rgd ije lk bjdk0
lsquoQYTH[BJENYBbdquo J Q]NY
Thksk jrk jgg Lkickttbdquos qukstn`es lut N wnsh t` `mmkr s`bkthnef `m j
pr`vns` lkm`rk i`etneunef N suffkstkd jl`vk thjt Lkicktt ns strnvnef
m`r j lsquocned `mbdquo p`sthubjensb N thnec nt ns lkst jgwjys t` usk tkrbspr`vnsn`ejggy wnth Lkicktt m`r surkgy `ek `m thk kmmkits `m hns w`rc
ns t` ijgg jls`gutkgy net` qukstn`e thk vkry ndkj `m stjlgk ijtkf`rnks
stjlgk `pp`sntn`es (lsquohubje-p`sthubjebdquo) Qkrhjps nt ns lkst hkrk jt
thk `utskt t` suffkst thjt hns w`rc irntnquks thk ndkj `m thk hubje
jed thk p`sthubje kqujggy Qrkinskgy ly dnsi`vkrnef thk pkrsnstkeik
`m thk hubje kvke ne nts b`st dkeudkd m rb Lkicktt kssketnjggy i`g-
gjpsks thk `pp`sntn`e lsquohubje-p`sthubjebdquo t` thk p`net whkrk thk
tkrbs lki`bk netkrihjefkjlgk jed hkeik jgb`st bkjenefgkssThjt ns t` sjy m`r Lkicktt wk jrk jgwjys jgrkjdy p`sthubje nes`-
mjr js wk jrk i`etr`ggkd ly dnsi`ursks (hnst`ry ndk`g`fy gjefujfk)
prkikdnef jed kxikkdnef us3 wk jrk jgwjys jgrkjdy p`sthubje js wk
dnsi`vkr thjt `ur l`dnks jrk sntks `m nekvntjlgk mjngurk jed i`ggjpsk3
wk jrk jgwjys jgrkjdy p`sthubje nes`mjr js thk ndkj `m j snefugjr
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1927
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
=
skgm ns je nggusn`e Lkicktt jice`wgkdfks thksk ndkjs kjrgy ne hns ijrkkr3
ne Qr`ust (gt9) hk jice`wgkdfks thjt thk skgm ns e`t j stjlgk sulokit
lut rjthkr thjt thk lsquonednvndujg ns j suiikssn`e `m nednvndujgsbdquo ()3
b`rk`vkr lsquoThk sulokit hjs dnkdmdashjed pkrhjps bjey tnbksmdashjg`efthk wjybdquo (9) By usk `m thk tkrb lsquop`sthubjebdquo thke ns s`bkthnef `m
j i`evkenkeik j wjy `m spkjcnef lsquojl`utbdquo `r lsquojr`uedbdquo thk pkiugnjrntnks
`m thk Lkickttnje sulokit thk sulokit wh` jgwjys bust ekf`tnjtk hns
rkjgnty vnj systkbs `m th`ufhtmdashgjefujfk lknef thk prnbjrymdashwh`sk
pjrjbktkrs jed pr`t`i`gs jrk jgwjys oust lky`ed hns mugg i`etr`g
THK QLGKB M NETKQKTJTNELkickttbdquos bjenpugjtn`e `m fkerk hns rkduitn`e jed dnsbjetgnef `m
thk sulokit hns rkgketgkss netkrkst ne thk vjrn`us jspkits `m lsquoe`thnef-
ekssbdquo (g`ss jlskeik)mdashhk ijggs thns hns lsquomndkgnty t` mjngurkbdquo (lsquoThrkk
Dnjg`fuksbdquo =9)mdashgkjd js N hjvk lkke suffkstnef t` s`bk mjnrgy
jiutk netkrprktnvk dnmmniugtnks Hjes-Fk`rf Fjdjbkr j phng`s`phkr
`m thk hkrbkekutni sih``g (jed studket `m Bjrtne Hkndkffkr) suf-
fksts thjt jgg rkjg netkrprktjtn`e `r lsquohkrbkekutnisbdquo lkfnes wnth
ndketnmynef j spkinmni g`ijtn`e `m d`ult `r uekjsk ne j tkxt Js hk
wrntks ne Qhng`s`phnijg Hkrbkekutnis lsquoThk rkjg p`wkr m hkrbkekutn-
ijg i`esin`usekss ns `ur jlngnty t` skk whjt ns qukstn`ejlgkbdquo (9) Vk
ekkd ne `thkr w`rds t` lk jlgk t` jsc thk pr`pkr qukstn`es `m tkxts
Lut ne Lkicktt `ur pr`lgkb lki`bks skkbnefgy netrjitjlgk lkijusk
kvkrythnef ne thk tkxt jppkjrs t` lk qukstn`ejlgk H`w jrk wk t`
netkrprkt tkxts thjt skkb pjrjd`xnijggy t` `mmkr s` bjey qukstn`es
jed thke rksnst `r m`rkig`sk thk p`ssnlngnty `m jeswkrnef th`sk quks-tn`es0 H`w ne `thkr w`rds jrk wk t` rkjd Lkicktt0
N wngg suffkst hkrk ne wjys thjt g``c ljic t` Lkickttbdquos `we skesk `m
`lgnfjtn`e (rkijgg hns skesk kxprksskd ne Thrkk Dnjg`fuks `m thk lsquo`lgn-
fjtn`e t` kxprkssbdquo) thjt `ur netkrprktjtn`es `m Lkicktt sh`ugd lkfne
ly pjynef ijrkmug jttketn`e t` thk wjys ne whnih hns tkxts jetninpjtk
`ur dnmmniugtnks jed pkrhjps `mmkr s`bk fundjeik Nm wk jrk puzzgkd ly
ikrtjne thnefsmdashVh` jrk thksk ihjrjitkrs0 Vhjt jrk thknr hnst`rnks0
Vhkrk jed whke kxjitgy jrk thksk st`rnks `iiurrnef0 Vhjt kxjitgyd`ks nt jgg bkje0mdashwk sh`ugd rki`fenzk thjt `ur pkrpgkxnty wnth
thk tkxt ns bnrr`rkd ly thk ihjrjitkrsbdquo `we pkrpgkxnty jl`ut thknr
w`rgds Thk rkjdkrbdquos sntujtn`e `m puzzgkbket ns prkinskgy thjt `m thk
ihjrjitkrs jed thus wk jrrnvk jt j iruinjg `lskrvjtn`e Lkickttbdquos tkxts
thkbskgvks wngg skt `ut thk fr`ued rugks m`r netkrprktnef hns w`rgd
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2027
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2127
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
8
Lkickttbdquos ihjrjitkrs thus mueitn`e ne j stjtk `m pr`m`ued rkfrkt jed
jf`eymdash`mtke rkprksskd jed dnsjv`wkdmdash`vkr whjt bnfht hjvk lkke
Ne Crjppbdquos Gjst Tjpk m`r nestjeik Crjpp rktrjiks hns pjst hnst`ry
thr`ufh tjpk rki`rdnefs `m hns `we v`nik t` rkvnsnt j b`bket `m p`s-snlgk th`ufh e`w m`rkvkr g`st hjppnekss Crjppbdquos we v`nik hns we
hnst`ry ns spkitrjg lkijusk hns rki`rdnefs jrk `m j dkjd jed nrrktrnkv-
jlgk pjst lut ek whnih igkjrgy stngg hjuets hnb e`w Ne whjt ns surkgy
`ek `m Lkickttbdquos b`st pjnemugmdashjed netkeskgy i`bpjssn`ejtk
b`bketsmdashwk skk h`w j fh`stgy hnst`ry lrutjgnzks Crjpp
Qjst bndenfht Ekvkr cekw suih sngkeik Thk kjrth bnfht lk uene-
hjlntkd Hkrk N ked thns rkkg L`x thrkk sp``g mnvkQkrhjps by lkst ykjrs jrk f`ek Vhke thkrk wjs j ihjeik `m hjp-
pnekss Lut N w`ugdebdquot wjet thkb ljic E`t wnth thk mnrk ne bk
e`w E` N w`ugdebdquot wjet thkb ljic (ltltgt)
Lkicktt d`ks e`t js thk irntnijg ignihicirc bjy hjvk nt bkrkgy rkprksket j
w`rgd `m jlsurdnty j w`rgd wnth`ut bkjenef Thns ns j w`rgd thjt
i`etneujggy mkkgs thk igjnbs `m thk pjst `m hnst`ry Jed thkrk ns j
bkjenef ne dnsi`vkrnef thksk igjnbs j bkjenef ne rki`fenznef `ekbdquos
nedkltkdekss t` thk pjst j bkjenef ne rkjgnznef thjt `ekbdquos `lgnfjtn`e
ns t` i`bk t` tkrbs wnth thksk igjnbs jed dklts
THKKTNIJG JQQJIH THK lsquoGNTKJT[K M THK
[EVDbdquo BKGJEIHG^ JED THK JIHN]K
Qjrt `m by purp`sk hkrk ne thns Fundk ns t` pr`vndk wjys `m bjcnefskesk `m Lkickttbdquos dnmmniugt w`rc ek wjy N wngg pr`ikkd wngg lk t`
drjw `e thk w`rc `m phng`s`phkrs thk`rnsts jed irntnis wh`sk ndkjs
jgg`w us t` uedkrstjed thk i`bpgkxnty `m Lkickttbdquos uenvkrsk N wngg
hkrk lk drjwnef `e thk gncks `m phke`bke`g`fnsts Bjrtne Hkndkffkr
Hjes-Fk`rf Fjdjbkr jed Kbbjeukg Gkvnejs bjrxnst Thk`d`r
Jd`re` psyih`jejgysts Ynfbued Mrkud jed Ojiquks Gjije jed
dki`estruitn`enst Ojiquks Dkrrndj N lkgnkvk thjt thk w`rc `m thksk
thk`rnsts ije kmmkitnvkgy uepjic ikrtjne netkrprktnvk pr`lgkbs neLkicktt oust js N lkgnkvk thjt ikrtjne b`bkets ne LkickttmdashN thnec `m
B`uthbdquos ketry net` gjefujfk ne E`t N mdashije kmmkitnvkgy nggustrjtk thk
netkrprktnvk pr`lgkbs ne thk w`rc m s`bk thk`rnsts (nedkkd N wngg usk
E`t N t` nggustrjtk Gjijebdquos dnmmniugt e`tn`e `m thk kjg) By netketn`e
ns e`t thkrkm`rk snbpgy t` rkjd Lkicktt thr`ufh j pjrtniugjr thk`ry
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
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NETD[ITNE
gt
lut t` nbjfnek thjt thkrk ns j butujg pr`ikss `m netkrprktjtn`e jed
netkrr`fjtn`e `iiurrnef lktwkke thk`rnst jed mnitn`e
THK FKBJE GKTTK
N jgs` lkgnkvk pkrhjps ejnvkgy thjt Lkicktt hnbskgm ns hns `we mnrst
jed lkst irntni Js N hjvk bketn`ekd Lkicktt `mmkrkd mkw irntnijg i`b-
bketjrnks `e hns w`rc `vkr thk ykjrs lut th`sk thjt hjvk i`bk d`we
t` usmdashjs m`r nestjeik Thrkk Dnjg`fuks mdashjrk `m frkjt vjguk t` jey
rkjdkr Ne thk gjttkr ihjptkrs `m thns study N wngg lk rkmkrrnef `mtke t`
Lkickttbdquos Fkrbje Gkttkr `m gt96 jed kspkinjggy t` hns e`tn`e `m thk
lsquogntkrjturk `m thk uew`rdbdquo j i`eikpt N thnec ns iketrjg t` thk pr`frks-sn`e `m hns w`rc N wnsh thkrkm`rk t` tjck s`bk spjik hkrk jed
`utgnek thk nbp`rtjeik `m thns Gkttkr
Ne gt9= Lkicktt trjvkgkd t` Fkrbjey `e whjt kssketnjggy wjs je
jrt h`gndjy hk vnsntkd skvkrjg jrt fjggkrnks jed jgth`ufh jefkrkd ly
thk Ejzn rkfnbkbdquos ikes`rnef `m jrt nt i`esndkrkd dkijdket hk wjs
frkjtgy nbprksskdmdashjed nemgukeikdmdashly thk w`rc hk sjw Thk trnp
skrvkd js j cned m spnrntujg jed phng`s`phnijg jwjckenef js hns dnj-
rnks jttkst Thk Fkrbje Gkttkr ns pjrt `m j i`rrksp`edkeik lktwkke
Lkicktt jed j mrnked (Jxkg Cjue wh`b hk bkt ne Fkrbjey) wrnttke
thrkk b`eths jmtkr hns rkture t` Dulgne Ne thk Gkttkr Lkicktt spkjcs
`m thk ekkd t` b`vk pjst rkiknvkd dnsi`ursks jed i`evketn`es t` gnl-
krjtk hnbskgm mr`b trjdntn`ejg gjefujfks jed m`rbs N qu`tk jt s`bk
gkefth
Nt ns nedkkd lki`bnef b`rk jed b`rk dnmmniugt kvke skeskgkss m`rbk t` wrntk je `mmninjg Kefgnsh Jed b`rk jed b`rk by `we gje-
fujfk jppkjrs t` bk gnck j vkng thjt bust lk t`re jpjrt ne `rdkr t`
fkt jt thk thnefs (`r thk E`thnefekss) lkhned nt Frjbbjr jed
Ytygk T bk thky skkb t` hjvk lki`bk js nrrkgkvjet js j ]nit`rnje
ljthnef sunt `r thk nbpkrturljlngnty `m j truk fketgkbje J bjsc
Gkt us h`pk thk tnbk wngg i`bk thjec F`d thjt ne ikrtjne inrigks nt
hjs jgrkjdy i`bk whke gjefujfk ns b`st kmmninketgy uskd whkrk
nt ns lknef b`st kmmninketgy bnsuskd Js wk ijee`t kgnbnejtk gje-fujfk jgg jt `eik wk sh`ugd jt gkjst gkjvk e`thnef ued`ek thjt
bnfht i`etrnlutk t` nts mjggnef net` dnsrkputk T` l`rk `ek h`gk
jmtkr je`thkr ne nt uetng whjt gurcs lkhned ntmdashlk nt s`bkthnef `r
e`thnefmdashlkfnes t` skkp thr`ufh3 N ijee`t nbjfnek j hnfhkr f`jg
m`r j wrntkr t`djy (6rsquo6lt)
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
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LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
lt1
Ne by kstnbjtn`e thk mugg nbpgnijtn`es `m thk Gkttkr whnih m`r bk
ns Lkickttbdquos jrtnstni bjenmkst` wngg e`t lk rkjgnzkd uetng thk gjtkr e`v-
kgs (kspkinjggy thk trng`fnks) lut wk sh`ugd rki`fenzk h`w Lkickttbdquos
stjtkd nbpjtnkeik wnth trjdntn`ejg m`rb rks`ejtks net` kvke thk kjrgypr`sk jed drjbj Lkickttbdquos dnsdjne m`r lsquo`mmninjg Kefgnshbdquo m`r lsquoFrjbbjr
jed Ytygkbdquo thnefs js nrrkgkvjet js j ]nit`rnje ljthnef sunt spkjc t`
j mrustrjtn`e j l`rkd`b kvke wnth thk g`fni jed trjokit`rnks `m thk
enektkketh-iketury e`vkg Hk spkjcs murthkr t` h`w busni jed
pjnetnef hjvk m ued wjys m b`vnef lky`ed trjdntn`ejg m`rb ne rdkr
t` rkprksket sngkeik jed jlskeik (thnefs e`t jss`injtkd wnth rkprkske-
tjtnvk jrt)3 hk suffksts thjt gjefujfk ntskgm bust lk shjttkrkd ne rdkr
t` rkvkjg whjt wjs prkvn`usgy uerkprksketjlgkJed whngk Lkickttbdquos bjenmkst` s`ueds jvjet-fjrdk hns ndkj thjt
gjefujfk ns j vkng t` lk t`re jpjrt g``cs ljic t` thk `bjetnis jed
thknr e`tn`e thjt p`ktry w`rcs t` rkvkjg thk ueskke Lkickttbdquos lsquoby
`we gjefujfk jppkjrs t` bk gnck j vkng thjt bust lk t`re jpjrtbdquo kih`ks
Yhkggkybdquos J Dkmkeik `m Q`ktry jed hns skesk thjt p`ktry gnmts lsquothk vkng
mr`b thk hnddke lkjuty `m thk w`rgd jed bjcks mjbngnjr `lokits lk
js nm thky wkrk e`t mjbngnjrbdquo (6) Thkrk ns `m i`ursk j w`rgd `m dnm-
mkrkeik lktwkke gnmtnef jed dkstr`ynef thk vkngmdashthk dnmmkrkeik
pkrhjps lktwkke thk `bjetni jed thk B`dkremdashlut Lkickttbdquos
dksnrk js j wrntkr ns j mjbngnjr `ek hns w`rc wngg jttkbpt t` sh`w thk
w`rgd ne j ekw wjy Ne by rkjdnef Lkickttbdquos tkjrnef `m thk vkng
lki`bks thk pkrmkit bktjph`r m`r thk pr`ikss `m rkvkjgnef `vkrtgy
skgm-i`esin`usgy jed irntnijggy thk nbpgnijtn`es `m jrt hkrk thk e`vkg
jed drjbj ne j ekw wjy
THK lsquoGNTKJT[K M THK [EVDbdquo
Ne thk gjst pjrjfrjph `m thk Gkttkr Lkicktt suffksts thjt thns pr`ikss
`m dkstr`ynef gjefujfk `m rkvkjgnef nts lsquotkrrnlgk bjtkrnjgntybdquo (6lt)
wngg kvketujggy gkjd t` whjt hk ijggs j lsquogntkrjturk `m thk uew`rdbdquo (69)
N wnsh ne whjt m`gg`ws t` suffkst thjt Lkickttbdquos ketnrk ijrkkr js j
wrntkr mneds nts lkfneenef jed ked nts fr`ued jed f`jg ne thns ndkj
stjtkd ne gt96 J gntkrjturk `m thk uew`rd ns `lvn`usgy j i`etrjdni-tn`e ne tkrbs j pjrjd`x je jp`rnj (t` usk thk Dkrrndkje i`estruitn`e)3
j gntkrjturk `m thk uew`rd ns je jttkbpt t` usk gjefujfk t` sngkeik
gjefujfk (hk ijggs nt lsquoJe jssjugt jfjnest w`rds ne thk ejbk `m lkjutybdquo
S69R) Hns jnb kssketnjggy ns t` mned j bkjes `m dki`bp`snef jed
b`vnef lky`ed gjefujfk t` shjttkr gjefujfk net` j cned `m krjsurk
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
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NETD[ITNE
lt
`m ntskgm (thns jttkbpt t` kgnbnejtk gjefujfk ns fk`bktrnijggy pr`p`r-
tn`ejg t` hns jttkbpt t` kgnbnejtk thk l`dy js wk wngg skk) By
jrfubket ns quntk snbpgy thns thr`ufh`ut hns ijrkkr Lkicktt ns skjrih-
nef m`r thk bkjes t` put je ked t` gntkrjturk t` put je ked t` wrntneft` put je ked t` hns `we dksnrk t` wrntk Thk trjokit`ry `m hns w`rc
mr`b thk kjrgy drjbj jed pr`sk t` thk gjtk ns `ek `m rjdnijg rkdui-
tn`e `m w`rcnef t` mned j bkjes t` gntkrjturkbdquos ked Ne thk drjbj wk
b`vk mr`b thk muggy kbl`dnkd drjbj `m F`d`t t` thk gjtk fh`stgy
pgjys whkrk `mtke gjefujfk d`ks e`t kvke mkjturk3 ne thk pr`sk wk
b`vk mr`b thk pgjymug fjrrug`usekss m Burphy t` thk shjttkrkd sye-
tjx jed dnbnenshkd frjbbjrs `m V`rstwjrd H`4
Nt ns prkinskgy lkijusk Lkickttbdquos w`rc ns fr`uedkd `e suih i`bpgkxphng`s`phnijg i`etrjdnitn`esmdashj wrntkr wrntnef gntkrjturk `ut `m
kxnstkeik nbp`ssnlgkmdashthjt N lkgnkvk wk bust hjvk rki`ursk t` thk
vjrn`us thk`rktnijg jed phng`s`phnijg trjdntn`es thjt jr`sk snbugtj-
ek`us wnth Lkickttbdquos `we dkvkg`pbket js j wrntkr By thk`rktnijg
jppr`jih ne thns Fundk ije pkrhjps lkst lk dksirnlkd js pr`bnsiu-
`us lut N tked t` thnec thjt j dki`estruitn`enst psyih`jejgysns ns thk
lkst wjy `m pr`ikkdnef wnth Lkicktt jt gkjst m`r bk T` nggustrjtk
whjt N bkje hkrkmdashjed ly wjy `m i`eigudnef thns Netr`duitn`emdash
N wnsh t` `utgnek tw` i`eikpts whnih wngg pr`vk irntnijg ne by rkjdnef
`m kspkinjggy thk drjbj
BKGJEIHGNJ
J bjo`r thkbk ne Lkicktt ns thjt `m bkb`ry `m ihjrjitkrs gnck
Crjpp `r Hjbb hjuetkd ly thk fh`st `m bkb`ry Jt j ljsni gkvkgthk Lkicktt ihjrjitkr gnvks ne j pr`trjitkd stjtk `m rkfrkt jed g`ss
j stjtk hk `r shk bjy e`t kvke rki`fenzk js suih Hnst`ry thk pjst
nbpnefks pr`m uedgy e thk ihjrjitkr jed js Lkicktt wrntks ne Qr`ust
thrkjtkes i`etneujggy t` lsquodkm`rbbdquo hnb Ne gt6 Ynfbued Mrkud pul-
gnshkd je kssjy thjt hjs rkiketgy i`bk t` lk skke js j iruinjg dnjfe`sns
`m j i`etkbp`rjry iugturjg i`edntn`e Ne lsquoB`urenef jed Bkgjeih`gnjbdquo
Mrkud jttkbpts t` i`bk t` je uedkrstjednef m h`w thk sulokit dkjgs
wnth trjubj jed g`ss Thkrk jrk hk thk`rnzks tw` rksp`esks t` g`sst` thk g`ss `m j g`vkd `ek `r thk lsquog`ss `m s`bk jlstrjitn`e whnih hjs
tjcke thk pgjik `m `ek suih js `ekbdquos i`uetry gnlkrty je ndkjg `r s`
`ebdquo (ltlt) Thk mnrst jed b`st hkjgthy ns whjt hk ijggs b`urenef
B`urenef ns j pr`ikss ly whnih thk g`ss ns i`bprkhkedkd jed
jiikptkd lsquow`rckd thr`ufhbdquo t` usk hns tkrbne`g`fy B`urenef ns thk
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
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LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
ltlt
e`rbjg wjy `ek bust dkjg wnth trjubj jed g`ss wnth whjt Mrkud
lkjutnmuggy tkrbs thk lsquoki`e`bnis `m pjnebdquo (ltlt) Qrkinskgy h`w thk
sulokit `vkri`bks g`ss ns e`t ce`we ly Mrkudmdashnt ns j dnmmniugt pr`-
ikss3 nt ns lsquow`rcbdquomdashlut kvketujggy thk b`urekr jiikpts thjt thk g`vkd`ek wnth wh`b hk bjy hjvk ndketnmnkd ns e` g`efkr hkrk t` bjcks
igjnbs `e hnb
Bkgjeih`gnj `e thk `thkr hjed ns je jle`rbjg rksp`esk t` g`ss
jed sntujtks thk sulokit ne j i`etneujg p`sntn`e `m ejrinssnstni ndketn-
mnijtn`e wnth thk g`st `lokit Ne `thkr w`rds thk bkgjeih`gy sulokit
ijee`t jiikpt thjt hkr g`vkd `ek ns ne mjit f`ek jed w`rcs pjth`g`fn-
ijggy lsquot` kstjlgnsh je ndketnmnijtn`e `m thk kf` wnth thk jljed`ekd
`lokitbdquo (lt8) Vhjt thns bkjes ns thjt thk pjstmdashg`ss trjubjmdashi`e-tneujggy w`rcs nts wjy net` thk prksket b`bket lkijusk thk sulokit
ijee`t b`vk pjst nt B`rk tr`ulgnef ns thk ndkj thjt thk sulokit d`ks
e`t wnsh t` jgg`w g`ss t` rkikdk net` hnst`ry lut dksnrks i`etneujggy t`
bjnetjne j i`eekitn`e t` thk trjubjtni b`bket Ne s`bk wjys thk
sulokit bjnetjnes thns pjth`g`fnijg stjtkmdashwhnih bjy ne mjit e`t lk
s` pjth`g`fnijg jmtkr jggmdashlkijusk thk trjubjtni b`bket ns nbp`r-
tjet m`r hkr bjy ne mjit hjvk shjpkd wh` shk ns
Vk bjy dnjfe`sk j frkjt eublkr `m Lkickttbdquos ihjrjitkrs js lknef
bkgjeih`gni ne Mrkudbdquos skesk Thky jrk hjuetkd ly thk pjst jed s`bk
gnck Crjpp Hjbb jed Vneenk dkgnlkrjtkgy jttkbpt t` rki`eekit wnth
j pjst thjt neigudks b`bkets `m g`ss jed kxtrkbk pjne Ne `thkr w`rds
thk mueitn`e `m bkb`ry ne Lkicktt ns gjrfkgy bkgjeih`gni prkinskgy
lkijusk thk ihjrjitkrs jice`wgkdfk i`esin`usgy `r uei`esin`usgy
thjt thky jrk thk pr`duits m j pjst whnih hjs bkringkssgy dkmnekd thkb
js summkrnef sulokits Lkickttbdquos ihjrjitkrs ignef s` rkgketgkssgy t` thkpjst lkijusk m`r rkjs`es wk wngg kxpg`rk thk prksket b`bket ns dkv`nd
`m snfenmnijeik3 thk jf`enznef pjst bjy lrutjgnzk lut ne nt jrk thk trjiks
thk hnst`rnijg mrjfbkets `m ndketnty jed bkjenef
THK JIHN]K
Dki`estruitn`enst Ojiquks Dkrrndj drjwnef hkjvngy `e Mrkud `mmkrs
j ski`ed rkgjtkd i`eikpt thjt N wngg usk t` rkjd thksk ihjrjitkrsbdquo rkgj-tn`e t` hnst`ry g`ss jed trjubj Ne Jrihnvk Mkvkr Dkrrndj jejgyzks
thk i`eikpt `m thk jrihnvk js j wjy `m i`bnef t` je uedkrstjednef
`m thk wjy thk sulokit ekf`tnjtks nts rkgjtn`eshnp t` hnst`ry t` thk
pjst jed thk muturk thk jrihnvk ns thus j bkjes ly whnih Dkrrndj
trnks t` uedkrstjed thk hubje js j lknef sntujtkd ne tnbk mkkgnef thk
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2627
NETD[ITNE
lt9
igjnbs `m thk tkbp`rjg Qkrhjps thk lkst wjy t` dkmnek thk jrihnvk ns
js j i`eikptujg `r bjtkrnjg spjik `m bkb`ry Thk bned ije skrvk js
je jrihnvk oust js j gnlrjry `r physnijg b`eubket ije Dkrrndj suf-
fksts thjt thk jrihnvk ns j pgjik m i`bbjedbket jed i`bbkeikbketj pgjik whkrk kvkets `m thk pjst jrk d`iubketkd juth`rntjtnvkgy js
bjrcnef thk lkfneenef `m s`bkthnef j gnmk j iugturk j invngnzjtn`e
Jrihnvks jrk spjiks m prkskrvjtn`e i`eskrvjtn`e lut jgs` m irkjtn`e
j iugturkbdquos uedkrstjednef m ntskgmmdashj sulokitbdquos uedkrstjednef m ntskgmmdash
ns irkjtkd wnthne thk spjik `m thk jrihnvk
Nt ns igkjr thjt thk jrihnvk ns j wjy `m bjtkrnjgnznef bjcnef i`e-
irktk thk pjst Jed nm hnst`ry ns gjrfkgy r ije lk gjrfkgy thk ejrrjtnvks
`m i`equkst dkmkjt jed vn`gkeik thk jrihnvk ns jgs` f`nef t` mueitn`ejs j spjik i`bbkb`rjtnef trjubj jed g`ss Nt strncks bk thkrkm`rk
thjt thk jrihnvkmdashjs j spjik thjt bjnetjnes j i`etneujg rkgjtn`e t` thk
pjstmdashns jgwjys jgrkjdy j bkgjeih`gy spjik Vhjt N wnsh t` suffkst
hkrk ne spkinmni rkgjtn`e t` Lkickttbdquos w`rc ns thjt thk Lkickttnje sul-
okit lki`bks j gntkrjg kbl`dnbket m whjt N hjvk kgskwhkrk ijggkd thk
lsquobkgjeih`gy jrihnvkbdquo Thk Lkickttnje sulokit nbb`lngnzkd jed
mrjfbketkdmdashthnec `m Vneenk lurnkd t` hkr ekic ne kjrth ne Hjppy
Djys3 `m B`uth ne E`t N 3 `m Bjg`ek ne Bjg`ek Dnks3 `m thk mnfurk ne
I`bpjey mdashns jgwjys j hnst`rnijg sulokit j sulokit b`rk prkinskgy
sulokit t` hnst`ry Yhk ns i`etneujggy rkbkblkrnef s`bktnbks jfjnest
hkr wngg whjt hjs `iiurrkd ne thk pjst3 shk ns i`etneujggy jttkbptnef
t` rkijpturk j pjst shk bjy e`t muggy i`bprkhked
Jed nt ns thk Lkickttnje l`dy whnih lki`bks thk prnbjry rkp`sn-
t`ry m`r thksk rkbjnes thksk trjiks `m hnst`ry Thk ihjrjitkr bjy
kxnstmdashjs ne Hjppy Djys r Kedfjbk mdashjt whjt jppkjrs t` lk thk ked`m hubje iugturk lut shkmdashhkr l`dymdashbjnetjnes thk jrihnvjg trjiks
`m thjt g`st iugturk Thk nbjfks Lkicktt fnvks us ne hns drjbj jed
pr`skmdashj dnskbl`dnkd b`uth j l`dy nbb`lngnzkd ne j whkkgihjnr
`r thk kjrth pk`pgk ne uresmdashjrk nbjfks thjt i`eirktnzk thk ndkj `m
bkb`ry js kbl`dnkd `r jrihnvkd N suffkstkd jl`vk thjt m`r Lkicktt
sulokitnvntymdashthk skesk m wh` wk jrkmdashns muggy dkpkedket e thk l`dy
Vhjt Mrkud jed Dkrrndj jgg`w us t` uedkrstjed ns thk wjy sulokitnv-
nty ne Lkicktt ns muggy dkpkedket `e hnst`ry jed jrihnvkd bkb`ryMrkudbdquos e`tn`es `m b`urenef jed bkgjeih`gnj t`fkthkr wnth thk
Dkrrndkje rkjdnef `m thk jrihnvk jrk i`eikpts thjt wngg pr`vk uskmug
ne rkjdnef je juth`r wh`sk w`rc ns jt j pr`m`ued gkvkg jgwjys jl`ut
thk pjst j pjst whnih bjy hjvk rkikdkd net` m`rfktmugekss lut wh`sk
igjnbs jrk stngg lknef mkgt Ne nts strjefkekss Lkickttbdquos w`rc prkskets
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
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LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
eubkr`us dnmmniugtnks lut js wk shjgg dnsi`vkr hk ekvkr jljed`es
hns rkjdkr `r judnkeik i`bpgktkgy Mnrst js N hjvk bketn`ekd hns
ihjrjitkrsmdashwh` jt tnbks lki`bk `ur surr`fjtks `ur ueijeey d`u-
lgksmdashkxprkss buih thk sjbk i`emusn`e jl`ut thknr w`rgds js thkrkjdkr3 js suih thk strjefkekss lkijusk shjrkd lki`bks ne j skesk
e`rbjgnzkd Yki`ed jed pkrhjps b`rk nbp`rtjet Lkickttbdquos w`rc
ckys net` muedjbketjggy rki`fenzjlgk sntujtn`es Vk jgg jrk irkjtn`es
`m hnst`rnks wk bjy e`t rki`fenzk `r wnsh t` rki`fenzk3 wk jgg jt
tnbks dnsjv`w `ur pjsts kvke js wk mkkg thk prkssurks `m hnst`ry3 wk
jgg ne `thkr w`rds jrk hnst`rnijgmdashne Mrkudbdquos tkrbs bkgjeih`gymdash
irkjturks Lkickttbdquos w`rc ns iruinjg lkijusk nt rkgketgkssgy rkb`rskgkssgy
i`bpkgs us t` i`emr`et thk pr`m`ued igjnbs thjt hnst`ry bust bjckup`e us jgg Js wk i`bk t` rki`fenzk thk igjnbs `m thk pjst jed rkjg-
nzk thk kxtket t` whnih hnst`ry i`estruits thk hubje sulokit wk lkfne
t` uedkrstjed thjt Lkickttbdquos w`rc jt tnbks skkbnefgy s` strjefk
skkbnefgy nehubje ns `egy kvkr j i`bpjssn`ejtk jttkbpt t` i`bprk-
hked hubjenty ntskgm
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
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NETD[ITNE
Jt b`bkets `m kxtrkbk pjne ne thk e`vkgs j ihjrjitkr wngg dkmgjtk hns
dkspjnr wnth nr`ey Bjg`ek jg`ek jed dynef ne hns lkd m`r nestjeik
`mmkrs thns lsquoBy l`dy ns whjt ns ijggkd uejdvnskdgy pkrhjps nbp`-
tket Thkrk ns vnrtujggy e`thnef nt ije d Y`bktnbks N bnss e`t lknefjlgk t` irjwg jr`ued jey b`rk Lut N jb e`t buih fnvke t` e`stjgfnjbdquo
(Bjg`ek Dnks 81)
Thns lrutjggy jbusnef wrntnef jggkvnjtks thk fg``b `m thk Lkicktt
pgjy `r e`vkg lut nt d`ks jdd j ikrtjne ueijeey mrnss`e t` `ur kxpkrn-
keik `m thk w`rc why jrk wk gjufhnef jt thns0 H`w ije thkrk lk
hub`r ne suih j dkpgktkd w`rgd0 Ne je netkrvnkw Lkicktt `eik sjnd
lsquoNm thkrk wkrk `egy djrcekss jgg w`ugd lk igkjr Nt ns lkijusk thkrk
ns e`t `egy djrcekss lut jgs` gnfht thjt `ur sntujtn`e lki`bks nekxpgn-ijlgkbdquo (ltlt1)8 Lkicktt ns thk bjstkr m bnxnef gnfht jed djrc m hub`r
wnth pjne `m thk rki`fenzjlgk wnth thk uemjbngnjr Thk rksugt ns j
cned `m wrntnef thjt ns i`esnstketgy dns`rnketnef lut e`t strjefk
ke`ufh t` lk muggy jgnkejtnef wk d` rki`fenzk jed rksp`ed t` s`bk-
thnef ne thk w`rc j qujgnty pkrhjps `m shjrkd summkrnef `m shjrkd
dkspjnr jed lk nt kvkr s` hublgk shjrkd i`bpjssn`e
kjdkrs `mtke rkbjrc `e thk pjrtniugjr qujgnty `m Lkickttbdquos ske-
tkeiks kspkinjggy ne thk pr`sk [egnck thjt `m hns kjrgy bjstkr O`yik
Lkickttbdquos bjturk pr`sk ns irystjggnek ne nts i`einsn`e Nedkkd Lkicktt
`eik rkbjrckd `e thk dnmmkrkeik lktwkke O`yikbdquos bkth`d `m i`bp`s-
nef jed hns `we
lsquowk jrk dnjbktrnijggy `pp`sntk lkijusk O`yik wjs j syethksnzkr hk
wjetkd t` put kvkrythnef thk wh`gk m hubje iugturk net` ek r
tw` l``cs jed N jb je jejgyzkr N tjck jwjy jgg thk jiindketjgslkijusk N wjet t` i`bk d`we t` thk lkdr`ic `m thk kssketnjgs thk
jrihktypjgbdquo gt
Ne Djbekd t` Mjbk Ce`wgs`e qu`tks Lkickttbdquos vnkws `e O`yik
lsquo N rkjgnzkd thjt O`yik hjd f`ek js mjr js `ek i`ugd ne thk dnrkitn`e
`m ce`wnef b`rk SlknefR ne i`etr`g `m `ekbdquos bjtkrnjg Hk wjs jgwjys
jddnef t` nt N rkjgnskd thjt by `we wjy wjs ne nbp`vkrnshbket
ne gjic `m ce`wgkdfk jed ne tjcnef jwjy ne sultrjitnef rjthkr thjene jddnef‒ bdquo (9gt) Jed thus whngk Lkickttbdquos sketkeiks jrk kjsngy
ke`ufh rkjd (wk bjy hjvk t` g``c up thk dd w`rd e`w jed jfjne)1
thkrk ns j sg`w-lure qujgnty t` thns wrntnef js bkjenefs jed rks`ejeiks
i`bk t` gnfht jed jppgy prkssurk g`ef jmtkr wk hjvk pjsskd `vkr
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
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LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
=
thk nednvndujg w`rds Thk mjb`us gnek mr`b Bjg`ek Dnks lsquoE`thnef ns
b`rk rkjg thje e`thnefbdquo (8=) ns je kxjbpgk m j sketkeik whnih sejfs
`ur jttketn`e wnth nts pkiugnjr usk `m j w`rd `r ndkj E`thnefekss
rjdnijg jlskeik thk sketkeik suffksts ns thk b`st prkssnef rkjgntywnth whnih wk bust dkjg Thk sketkeikbdquos inriugjrnty jed rkpktntn`e
b`rk`vkr ueijeengy trjesmkrs jlskeik net` prkskeik e`thnef thus
lki`bks s`bkthnef js wk mkkg nts rkjg igjnbs `e us Thk sketkeik lrng-
gnjetgy dkb`estrjtks h`w j snefgk w`rd ije shnbbkr wnth bugtnpgk
rks`ejeiks thk mnrst usk `m thk w`rd lsquoe`thnefbdquo ns vkry dnmmkrket mr`b
thk ski`ed Nedkkd thk w`rd skkbs snbugtjek`usgy t` hjvk ijsujg
jed dkkpgy phng`s`phnijg bkjenefs jgg `m whnih m`gd net` kjih `thkr
jed jrk kxihjefkd Bjg`ek jwjrk `m thk kmmkits `m hns `we w`rds`mmkrs thns i`bbketjry `e thns sketkeik lsquoN ce`w th`sk gnttgk phrjsks
thjt skkb s` nee`iu`us jed `eik y`u gkt thkb ne p`ggutk thk wh`gk
`m spkkih Thky rnsk up `ut `m thk pnt jed ce`w e` rkst uetng thky
drjf y`u d`we net` nts djrcbdquo (8=rsquo86)
Je`thkr rkgjtkd ueijeey kmmkit `iiurs whke Lkicktt `mmkrs je ndkj
`egy t` ekfjtk nts igjnbs nbbkdnjtkgy lsquoGnvk jed nevket N hjvk trnkd
N bust hjvk trnkd Nevket Nt ns e`t thk w`rd Eknthkr ns gnvkbdquo (Bjg`ek
Dnks 8gt)3 lsquoN jb dkjd lut N ekvkr gnvkdbdquo (Tkxts m`r E`thnef 999)3
lsquoYjy j l`dy Vhkrk e`ekbdquo (V`rstwjrd H` 46) Thk mnejg gneks `m
B`gg`y jrk pkrhjps thk b`st mjb`us kxjbpgk `m Lkickttbdquos skgm-
i`etrjdnit`ry skgm-ijeikggnef rhkt`rni lsquoThke N wket ljic net` thk
h`usk jed wr`tk Nt ns bndenfht Thk rjne ns lkjtnef `e thk wned`ws
Nt wjs e`t bndenfht Nt wjs e`t rjnenefbdquo (61) Thk kmmkit j dnzzynef
`ek ns t` ckkp thk rkjdkr i`esnstketgy e hkr netkrprktnvk t`ks prkvket-
nef hkr mr`b skttgnef `e jey i`bm rtjlgk `r i`bm`rtnef bkjenefThns kmmkit rkjihks nts tkrbnejg p`net ne Lkickttbdquos gjtk pr`sk ne tkxts
gnck V`rstwjrd H` Lkicktt hkrk m`rf`ks i`evketn`ejg frjbbjr
ihjrjitkr pg`t jed st`ry jed prkskets gjefujfk ntskgm js ihjrjitkr (ne
thns wjy wk jrk oustnmnkd ne jsskrtnef js suffkstkd thjt gjefujfk ns
jgwjys Lkickttbdquos bjne i`eikre) Thk gjefujfk `m thk gjtk tkxts ns i`e-
trjdnit`ry jed pr`duiks mjbngnjr vkrtnfne`us kmmkits
V`rskenef w`rds wh`sk uece`we Vhkeik uece`we Jt jgg i`stsuece`we E`w m`r t` sjy js w`rst thky bjy `egy thky `egy thky
Dnb v`nd shjdks jgg thky E`thnef sjvk whjt thky sjy Y`bkh`w
sjy E`thnef sjvk thky Vhjt thky sjy Vh`sks`kvkr whkeiks`kvkr
sjy Js w`rst thky bjy mjng kvkr w`rsk t` sjy (468)
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
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NETD[ITNE
6
Yurkgy thns ns s`bk `m Lkickttbdquos b`st ihjggkefnef b`st dnmmniugt
wrntnef Lut nm wk gnstke t` nt ijrkmuggy wk ije jttked t` thkbks hk wngg
kxpg`rk thr`ufh`ut hns ijrkkr Vk ije hkjr Lkickttbdquos lskssnvk rkture
t` thk rhkt`rni `m lsquoe`thnefbdquo3 wk kei`uetkr hns netkrkst ne lsquomjngurkbdquo js jtr`pk `m wrntnef3 wk skk hns netkrkst ne b`vnef pjst thk ljrrnkrs `m
i`evketn`ejg gjefujfk t` kxpg`rk thk gnbnts `m whjt ije lk sjnd jed
e`t sjnd (`r bnssjnd) ne gjefujfk whnih ns ntskgm dkjd `r spkitrjg
lsquov`nd shjdksbdquo Lkicktt m`r jgg hns dnmmniugty ije lk rkjd igkjrgy lkijusk
js N kxpg`rk ne dktjng lkg`w hns wrntnef fnvks us thk netkrprktnvk iguks
wk ekkd Je netkrprktnvk dnzznekss ns j fnvke whke rkjdnef Lkicktt
whjt wk d` wnth thjt dnzznekss h`w wk ih``sk t` netkrprkt `ur
b`bkets `m ueikrtjnety lki`bks `ur tjsc `ur `lgnfjtn`e
THK DNMMNI[GT^ M KJDNEF LKICKTT FKEK
ETHNEFEKYY THK QYTH[BJE LD^
Fkerk
Thk ykjr lt11= wjs thk iketkejry `m Yjbukg Lkickttbdquos lnrth Jt vjrn-
`us mkstnvjgs jed i`emkrkeiks hns w`rcs wkrk pkrm`rbkd dnsiusskd
jed irntninzkd Nedkkd kvke thk bjnestrkjb bkdnj usujggy `lgnvn`us
t` thk w`rc `m thk gntkrjry jvjet-fjrdk t``c e`tnik nm `egy t` rkiyigk
thk prnbjry irntnijg ignihicircs jl`ut Lkickttbdquos w`rc nt ns lgkjc dnmmniugt
jed lsquojl`utbdquo thk jlsurdnty jed bkjenefgkssekss `m kxnstkeik Thns gjst
ignihicirc fnvke jt gkjst tjint supp`rt ly Lkicktt hnbskgm ns `ek thns
Fundk wngg ne pjrt skkc t` dnsbjetgk lut m r e`w wk ekkd t` jice`wg-
kdfk thk truth `m whjt ns fkekrjggy pkriknvkd jl`ut Lkickttbdquos w`rc ntsuei`bpr`bnsnef dnmmniugty Vk jrk prksketkd ne l`th thk drjbj
jed pr`sk wnth uemjbngnjr jed skkbnefgy uerkjdjlgk sntujtn`es tw`
trjbps `e j ekjr-kbpty stjfk wjntnef3 j lgned tyrjet jii`bpjenkd
ly hns irnppgkd pjrkets jed j pkkvnsh skrvjet ykjrenef m`r hns gnmk
(jed thk pgjy hk skkbs t` ce`w hk ns ne) t` ked3 j pgjy ne whnih j
b`uth spkjcnef ne ekjr nei`bprkhkesnlgk gjefujfk ns thk bjne
lsquoihjrjitkrbdquo3 je `gd bje gynef ne lkd tkggnef st`rnks uetng hk dnks
Jed `ek i`ugd f` `e jed wk shjgg hkrk gnstnef thk byrnjd dnmmniug-tnks p`skd ly Lkickttbdquos w`rc Jt j ljsni gkvkg h`wkvkr wk e`tnik `ek
i`bb`e mkjturk `m thksk tkxts `ek gnec whnih bjy lk `ur netkrprk-
tnvk ketry p`net thky jgg dkgnlkrjtkgy dnsbjetgk fkekrni kxpkitjtn`e
Thjt ns t` sjy kvkry Lkicktt tkxt dkmnks `ur e`tn`es `m whjt j pgjy `r
j e`vkg sh`ugd lk d`nef Nm wk rki`fenzk thns fkekrni lsquodki`bp`sntn`ebdquo
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
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LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
8
js Lkickttbdquos prnbjry bkth`d `m pr`lgkbjtnznef netkrprktnvk pr`t`-
i`gs wk i`bk t` je nbp`rtjet nentnjg rkjgnzjtn`e Lkickttbdquos tkxts rksnst
lknef netkrprktkd jed ijtkf`rnzkd jed thns bjy ne mjit lk whjt thky
jrk jl`ut thk pr`lgkb `m netkrprktjtn`e ntskgmThns Fundk thus wngg lkfne wnth je jejgysns `m thk wjy Lkicktt
bjenpugjtks fkerk ne hns w`rc Vjntnef m`r F`d`t m`r nestjeik ns j
drjbj ne ejbk `egy nm thk r``t `m thk w`rd lsquodrjbjbdquo ns thk Frkkc m r
lsquojitn`ebdquo Lkicktt ns dkgnlkrjtkgy wrntnef j drjbj thjt ns e`t ne mjit j
drjbj jt jgg (e`thnef hjppkes ne thk pgjy3 `r b`rk prkinskgy e`thnef
hjppkes thk kxpkrnkeik `m e`thnefekss ns whjt thk pgjy ns jl`ut)
Thk e`vkgs `m Lkickttbdquos mnrst trng`fy (B`gg`y Bjg`ek Dnks Thk
[eejbjlgk) jfjne jrk e`vkgs ne ejbk `egy js thns trng`fy pr`frkssksthkrk ns j dnbnenshnef `m pg`t jed j rkb`vjg `m jgg ndketnmnjlgk ihjr-
jitkrs wnthne ndketnmnjlgk spjik jed tnbk Lkickttbdquos gjtk pr`sk jed
drjbj lgurs thk dnstneitn`e lktwkke fkerks H`w Nt Ns j lsquoe`vkgbdquo rkjds
gnck p`ktry3 J Qnkik `m B`e`g`fuk (gt8lt) j lsquopgjybdquo rkjds gnck j sh`rt
pr`sk st`ry3 Lkickttbdquos gjst bjo`r w`rc ne thk s`-ijggkd ski`ed trng`fy
(I`bpjey Ngg Ykke Ngg Yjnd V`rstwjrd H`) rkduiks thk vkry gje-
fujfk `m pr`sk t` e`efrjbbjtnijg igjusks jed pgjiks lsquoihjrjitkrsbdquo
(wh` mueitn`e bkrkgy js frjbbjtnijg nedniks bjy nedkkd `egy lsquolkbdquo
dnskbl`dnkd frjbbjtnijg nedniks) ne g`ijtn`es thjt jrk lky`ed gnmk
jed dkjth
Nt ns by suffkstn`e thjt thk trjokit`ry `m Lkickttbdquos ijrkkr js
drjbjtnst jed e`vkgnst trjiks j systkbjtni dki`estruitn`e `m thk vkry
prkbnsks `m drjbj jed pr`sk j dki`estruitn`e thjt wntekssks thk
snbugtjek`us jed systkbjtni dnsbjetgnef `m thk skgm `r sulokit wh`
w`ugd rkgy `e ejrrjtnvk js j bkjes `m skgm-uedkrstjednef N pr`p`skhkrk t` suffkst thjt thns dki`estruitn`e thns dnsbjetgnef `m jgg
rkiknvkd struiturks `m sulokitnvnty jed ejrrjtnvk lk nt ne pr`sk `r
drjbj (jed hns ihjrjitkrs e stjfk jrk egy kvkr tkggnef st`rnks) ns thk
bjo`r thkbk m Lkickttbdquos w`rc jed m i`ursk thk ijusk m thk bjo`r
dnmmniugtnks ne thk rkjdnef `m thns w`rc
eik wk uedkrstjed thjt Lkickttbdquos bkth`d ns t` ijgg net` qukstn`e
thk vkry prkbnsks `m drjbj jed pr`sk wk bjy lk lkttkr jlgk t`
uedkrstjed whjt N skk js hns bjo`r purp`sk t` ijgg net` qukstn`e jggth`sk bkth`dsmdashejrrjtnvk lknef thk prnbjry ekmdashwk hjvk m uedkr-
stjednef `urskgvks Fkerks i`bk rkjdy lungt wnth bkjenef jed
kxpkitjtn`e pgjys jed e`vkgs hjvk struiturksmdashlkfneenefs bnddgks
kednefs3 ihjrjitkr jed pg`t lsquodkvkg`pbketbdquo3 skttnefsmdashthjt rkjdkrs ejtu-
rjggy jssubk sh`ugd lk ne pgjik Qgjys jed e`vkgs hjvk rki`fenzjlgk
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
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NETD[ITNE
gt
ihjrjitkrs jed tkgg st`rnks thjt whngk pkrhjps i`emusnef jed ihjggkef-
nef jssubk whjt wk ije ijgg lsquoce`wjlngntybdquo Thjt ns thksk ejrrjtnvks
jrk jssubkd t` rkmgkit j rki`fenzjlgk rkjgnty `ek t` whnih thk rkjdkr
ije rnket hkrskgm J iketrjg nm uesp`cke jssubptn`e m whjt ns ijggkdigjssni rkjgnst gntkrjturk ns thjt ejrrjtnvk ntskgm ns j ejturjg jed juth`r-
ntjtnvk wjy `m i`bbuenijtnef rkjgntylt Gjefujfk ne `thkr w`rds ns
thk jdkqujtk vkhnigk m`r rkprksketnef rkjgnty jed b`st nbp`rtjetgy
m`r rkprksketnef thk skgm3 ne igjssni rkjgnst mnitn`e iruinjggy thk skgmmdash
thnec m`r nestjeik m Dnickesbdquo Djvnd I`ppkrmnkgdmdashprkikdks gjefujfk
jed usks nt i`etr`gs nt t` trjesirnlk hns rkjgnty
Lkicktt ns w`rcnef t` rkvkjg jgg thksk kxpkitjtn`es js jrtnmninjg jed
i`estruitkd Hk nednijtks thjt wk i`estruit `urskgvks js skgvks ne thkst`rnks wk tkgg thk hnst`rnks wk i`estruit jed thus hns dnsbjetgnef
`m thksk ejrrjtnvks ns hns wjy `m kxjbnenef thk vkry mrjfngnty thk vkry
i`estruitkdekss `m thk hubje jed hubje uedkrstjednef ntskgm
Ejrrjtnvk jed `thkr fkekrni i`evketn`es jrk wjys `m i`etr`ggnef
kxpkrnkeik m shjpnef kxpkrnkeik3 thky jrk e`t uepr`lgkbjtni rkmgki-
tn`es `m kxpkrnkeik Ne thk ked h`wkvkr ly systkbjtnijggy rkduinef
ejrrjtnvk t` nts ksskeik t` whjt hk ijggs nts lsquow`rskenef w`rdsbdquo Lkicktt
dnsi`vkrs thk pkrsnstket ksskeik `m thk hubje wh`sk ejrrjtnvks lsquomjng
jfjnebdquo jed lsquomjng lkttkrbdquo lut wh` ns nesnstketgy prksket ne thjt mjngurk
nm `egy js j trjik spkitkr `r fh`st `m ntskgm By jrfubket ugtnbjtkgy
ns thjt m`r jgg Lkickttbdquos skkbnef dnmmniugty jed ekfjtnvnty hns e`vkgs
jed pgjys w`rc systkbjtnijggy t` ikgklrjtk nm ne je nevkrsk wjy thk
hubje sulokit wh` wngg e`t ikjsk t` ejrrjtk jed wh` wngg thus
jgwjys lk
KD[ITNE T THK KYYKETNJGY ETHNEFEKYY
JED THK QYTH[BJE
T` lkfne pkrhjps wk sh`ugd jice`wgkdfk thjt whngk Lkickttbdquos w`rc
kxpg`rks qukstn`es i`eikrenef thk muedjbketjg ejturk m thk hubje
Lkicktt hnbskgm wngg skkb t` lk `m gnttgk hkgp t` us ne netkrprktnef thjt
w`rc Jgth`ufh hk hjs `mmkrkd s`bk nbp`rtjet nm `pjquk irntnijg
nesnfhts net` whjt jppkjrs t` lk j pkrs`ejg phng`s`phy m jrt jed gnmkLkicktt tkedkd t` rksnst `mmkrnef dnrkit netkrprktjtn`es `m hns w`rc
rksnstkd `mmkrnef whjt j ihjrjitkr ne hns e`vkg Vjtt ijggs lsquoskbjetni
suii`urbdquo t` hns rkjdkrs hns jit`rs hns dnrkit`rs Vhke m`r nestjeik
Jgje Yihekndkr j mrnked jed dnrkit`r `m bjey `m Lkickttbdquos pgjys
jsckd m r Lkickttbdquos netkrprktjtn`e m Kedfjbk Lkicktt rkpgnkd lsquoN snbpgy
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1327
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
1
ijebdquot wrntk jl`ut by w`rc `r `iijsn`ejg stumm `m jey cnedbdquo Hk wket
`e t` kxi`rnjtk o`urejgnsts jed irntnis
Lut whke nt i`bks t` thksk ljstjrds `m o`urejgnsts N mkkg thk `egygnek ns t` rkmusk t` lk nev`gvkd ne kxkfksns `m jey cned By w`rc
ns j bjttkr `m muedjbketjg s`ueds (e` o`ck netkedkd) bjdk js
muggy js p`ssnlgk jed N jiikpt rksp`esnlngnty m`r e`thnef kgsk Nm
pk`pgk wjet t` hjvk hkjdjihks jb`ef thk `vkrt`eks gkt thkb
Jed pr`vndk thknr `we jspnrne (E` Juth`r Lkttkr Ykrvkd Thk
I`rrksp`edkeik `m Yjbukg Lkicktt jed Jgje Yihekndkr lt4)
Nt ns iurn`us t` e`tk thk wjy Lkicktt rksnsts netkrprktnef hns w`rcykt jt thk sjbk tnbk pr`vndks s`bkthnef `m j iguk t` rkjdnef hns
w`rc hk sjys ns j lsquobjttkr `m muedjbketjg s`uedsbdquo ek wjy `m
uedkrstjednef thns i`bbket jed ikrtjnegy thns ns thk wjy N tked t`
rkjd hns w`rc ns t` e`tnik h`w Lkicktt tkeds t` strnp jwjy jgg kxikss
`e stjfk jed pjfk hk ns jmtkr je jejgysns `m thk muedjbketjgs thk
i`rk `r lsquoksskeikbdquo `m whjt bjps `ut hubje kxpkrnkeik Thkrk ns e`
jiindketjg w`rd `r `iiurrkeik ne j Lkicktt tkxt e` dnstrjitn`e mr`b
thk rkjg lusnekss `m trynef t` uedkrstjed whjt nt bkjes t` lk Hkeik
m`r nestjeik j e`vkg gnck Bjg`ek Dnks whkrk thkrk ns `egy `ek ihjr-
jitkr nbb`lngnzkd ne lkd jed thnecnef jl`ut hns nbpkednef dkjth
Hkrk Lkicktt ns jscnef j iruinjg pkrhjps thk muedjbketjg qukstn`e
Vhjt d`ks nt bkje t` kxnst t` lk jt thk b`bket whke y`ur gnmk ns `e
thk vkrfk `m mgnickrnef `ut0 Ije wk rki`fenzk whjt nt trugy bkjes t`
lk jgnvk whjt wk bjy ijgg thk muedjbketjg nbpugsk `m lknef `egy
whke gnmk ntskgm ns jl`ut t` ikjsk0 Lkicktt pjrks pg`t ihjrjitkr jedgjefujfk d`we t` nts kssketnjgs strnppnef jwjy thk lsquobkjtbdquo (`m l`th
pr`sk jed ihjrjitkr) t` kxjbnek gnmk gnvkd jt kxtrkbk gnbnt p`nets
Nedkkd js N hjvk nednijtkd ne gjtkr tkxts suih js V`rstwjrd H` thk
mnrst sketkeik `m whnih rkjds lsquoe Yjy `e Lk sjnd `e Y`bkh`w `e
Tngg e`h`w `e Yjnd e`h`w `ebdquo (46) Lkicktt rkduiks pg`t jed ihjr-
jitkr s` rjdnijggy thjt nt ns p`ssnlgk t` sjy thjt wk hjvk tkxt whkrk
frjbbjr ntskgm mueitn`enef jt thk gnbnt `m i`bprkhkesnlngnty nedn-
ijtks j sulokitnvnty `e thk vkrfk `m e`thnefekssLy wrntnef jl`ut muedjbketjg s`ueds Lkicktt prkskets hnbskgm js
je netkeskgy iurn`us jed i`urjfk`us wrntkr Iurn`us jl`ut thk prk-
insk ejturk m thk hubje lknef Lkicktt tjcks hnbskgm jed hns rkjdkrs
t` thk kxtrkbk gnbnts `m hubjenty jed jscs us `lgnfks us t` g``c
ijrkmuggy jt `urskgvks jt b`bkets `m irnsns Thksk b`bkets `m irnsns
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1427
NETD[ITNE
w`rc ne Lkicktt js p`nets m muedjbketjg nm i`bpr`bnskd jed pjquk
rkvkgjtn`e nt ns hkrk jt thk p`net whkrk thk w`rgd ikjsks t` bjck
skesk `r i`rrksp`ed t` `ekbdquos prksupp`sntn`es thjt thk rkjg thk mue-
djbketjg netkrprktnvk jed kthnijg qukstn`es jrnsk H`w d` N f` `e nethk mjik m thns irnsns m bkjenef0 Vhjt ns by rksp`esnlngnty t` byskgm
jed `thkrs whke bkjenef i`ggjpsks0
Thksk b`bkets m thk i`ggjpsk m bkjenef m thk irnsns m netkrprk-
tjtn`e jrk iketrjg t` Lkickttbdquos w`rc (nedkkd wk bjy sjy thky i`bprnsk
thk t`tjgnty `m thk w`rc) jed t` hns phng`s`phy `m jrt Ne s`bk wjys
Lkickttbdquos rkjg netkrkst ns ne thk kei`uetkr kxnstketnjg jrtnstni jed
netkrprktnvk wnth whjt hk nbp`rtjetgy rkmkrs t` js lsquoE`thnefbdquo Thk
kxpkrnkeik `m e`thnef thk e`thnefekss rkjgnzkd ne thk l`rkd`b `mDndn jed F`f` ne Vjntnef m`r F`d`t (thk mnrst gnek m whnih ns lsquoE`thnef
t` lk d`ekbdquo) thk e`thnefekss thjt thrkjtkes `ur netkrprktnvk skiurnty
whjt Ig`v ne Kedfjbk ijggs thk lsquozkr`bdquo p`net `m bkjenef thk e`thnef-
ekss `m g`ss jed jlskeik thjt nem`rbs s` dkeskgy thk gjtkr trng`fy ns
`ek thjt pjrjd`xnijggy (h`w d` y`u wrntk jl`ut lsquoe`thnefbdquo0) jrtniu-
gjtks jed b`tnvjtks Lkickttbdquos `we w`rc
Ne gt4gt Lkicktt pulgnshkd Thrkk Dnjg`fuks j skrnks `m pskud`-
dnjg`fuks lktwkke lsquoLbdquo jed lsquoDbdquo L wh` irntnis ndketnmy js Lkicktt
hnbskgm (rnfhtgy N lkgnkvk) `mmkrs whjt hjs lki`bk pkrhjps thk b`st
`mtke intkd ketry p`net net` Lkickttbdquos `we w`rc L hjs lkke dnsiuss-
nef b`dkre jrt jed i`bks t` mmkr hns we vnkw m thk pr`pkr sulokit
bjttkr jed b`tnvjtn`es `m thk b`dkre jrtnst
Lmdash^kt N spkjc `m je jrt turenef mr`b nt ne dnsfust wkjry `m nts
puey kxpg`nts wkjry `m prktkednef t` lk jlgk `m lknef jlgk`m d`nef j gnttgk lkttkr thk sjbk `gd thnef `m f`nef j gnttgk
murthkr jg`ef j drkjry r`jd
DmdashJed prkmkrrnef whjt0
LmdashThk kxprkssn`e thjt thkrk ns e`thnef t` kxprkss e`thnef wnth
whnih t` kxprkss e`thnef mr`b whnih t` kxprkss e` p`wkr t`
kxprkss e` dksnrk t` kxprkss t`fkthkr wnth thk `lgnfjtn`e t`
kxprkss (=)
J eublkr `m thnefs jrk iruinjg hkrk Mnrst e`tnik h`w L kxprkssks
j wkjrnekss wnth jrtnstni i`evketn`e h`w thk ndkj `m lsquod`nef j gnttgk
lkttkr thk sjbk `gd thnefbdquo l`rks hnb (thns ns je ndkj t` whnih wk wngg
rkture) Nt ns igkjr kvke rkgjtnvkgy kjrgy ne hns ijrkkr thjt Lkicktt w`ugd
e`t lk irkjtnef i`evketn`ejggy mjbngnjr jrt E`tnik ski`ed h`w thk
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1527
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
lt
w`rd lsquoe`thnefbdquo fjthkrs j cned `m neirkbketjg rks`ejeik ne thns mnejg
sketkeik h`w nt lki`bks igkjr thjt e`thnef t` spkjc pkrhjps pjrj-
d`xnijggy lki`bks s`bkthnef s`bkthnef t` lk kxpg`rkd js j thkbk
js j rkjgnty (wk bjy rkijgg thjt gnek mr`b Bjg`ek Dnks lsquoE`thnef nsb`rk rkjg thje e`thnefbdquo) Js thns jst`enshnef sketkeik i`eigudks
Lkicktt jice`wgkdfks j pkrs`ejg kthnijg `lgnfjtn`e js je jrtnst je
`lgnfjtn`e t` `lskrvk jejgyzk jed kxprkss thksk b`bkets whke thk
e`thnef jrnsksmdashpkrhjps kvke jfjnest hns `we wnggmdashjed jppkjrs
t` euggnmy bkjenef t` thrkjtke `ur i`bm`rt t` krjsk `ur frjsp `m
thk rkjg
lsquoQYTH[BJENYBbdquo
T hjvk ljskd j ijrkkr `e thk kxpg`rjtn`e `m lsquoe`thnefbdquo bjy skkb pkr-
vkrsk t` s`bk Ikrtjnegy thk rkjdkrbdquos kei`uetkr wnth Lkickttbdquos vjrn`us
rkprksketjtn`es `m thk v`nd `m jlskeik `m g`ss wngg lk j dnmmniugt `ek
m`r thk snbpgk rkjs`e thjt Lkickttbdquos w`rgd ns dnmmniugt t` lkjr Jed
s`bk rkjdkrs `vkr thk ykjrs hjvk m`ued ne Lkickttbdquos w`rc j ikrtjne
ruthgkss pkrhjps kvke j i`gd nehubjenty Nm wk trjik thk trjokit`ry
`m Lkickttbdquos w`rc `e l`th stjfk jed ne pr`sk wk d` e`tnik thjt hns
systkbjtni rkduitn`e m thnefs whjt N hjvk suffkstkd ns hns rkduitn`e
t` thk lsquomuedjbketjgsbdquo d`ks nev`gvk thk rkduitn`e `m thk hubje skgm
whjt N wngg ne thns study lk rkmkrrnef t` js thk lsquosulokitbdquo E`tnik h`w
m`r nestjeik ne thk drjbj wk b`vk mr`b muggy kbl`dnkd sulokits ne
Vjntnef m`r F`d`t t` thk gkss physnijggy jlgk ihjrjitkrs ne Kedfjbk
(Hjbb ns lgned jed irnppgkd3 Ig`v ije `egy wjgc ne j stnmm-gkffkd
fjnt3 Ejff jed Ekgg l`th hjvk g`st thknr gkfs) t` ihjrjitkrs nbb`ln-gnzkd ne ures ne Qgjy t` thk dnskbl`dnkd B`uth `m E`t N J snbngjr
trjokit`ry h`gds ne thk mnrst pr`sk trng`fy B`gg`y wh`sk l`dy ns mjng-
nef ykt jlgk3 Bjg`ek wh` ns nbb`lngnzkd ne lkd3 thk ueejbjlgk wh`
bjy snbpgy lk j lrjne ne je ure Ne thk gjtkr pr`sk tkxts nt ns dnmmniugt
kvke t` dktkrbnek prkinskgy thk ejturk m thk hubje jed thk stjtus m
nts l`dy lsquoYjy j l`dy Vhkrk e`ek E` bned Vhkrk e`ek Thjt jt
gkjst J pgjik Vhkrk e`ek M`r thk l`dy T` lk nebdquo (46)
Lkicktt skkbs t` strnvk thr`ufh`ut hns ijrkkr t` rnd hns w`rc m thkl`dy t` w`rc thus t`wjrd whjt wk bjy ijgg j cned `m p`sthubjensb
Q`sthubjensb ije lk dkmnekd js thjt strjed `m phng`s`phy whnih
rjdnijggy irntnquks thk ndkj thjt thk nednvndujg sulokit ns thk iketkr `m
jgg thnefs thk lkfneenef jed ked `m jgg ce`wgkdfk jed kxpkrnkeik
thns ns thkrkm`rk j rjdnijg irntnquk m Hubjenst phng`s`phy whnih w`ugd
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1627
NETD[ITNE
9
p`snt thk hubjebdquos rkjs`e jed rjtn`ejgnty js lknef trjespjrketgy jvjng-
jlgk t` thk thnecnef sulokit Q`sthubjensb lkfnes ly i`uetkrnef
Hubjensbbdquos lkgnkm thjt thk hubje ns skgm-pr`duinef skgm-i`neindketjg
thjt nt ns s`bkh`w rksp`esnlgk m r thk pr`duitn`e `m nts w`rgd jed ntskxpkrnkeik `m thk w`rgd
Js j phng`s`phy p`sthubjensb ije lk trjikd t` bjey s`uriks
lut thk thnecnef `m Enktzsihk Bjrx jed Mrkud ns iruinjg Kjih
w`rckd t` suffkst thjt thk hubje sulokit ns e`t skgm-pr`duinef `r
skgm-i`neindketjg lut ns rjthkr pr`duikd ly nts iugturk (Bjrx) nts
gjefujfk (Enktzsihk) jed nts uei`esin`us drnvks jed nestneits
(Mrkud) Q`sthubjensb strnvks t` uedkrstjed thk prkinsk ki`e`bnks
`m thksk m`riks jed jscs qukstn`es gnck thksk H`w ns thk hubjesulokit t` rjthkr thje thk bjstkr `m gjefujfk0 H`w d`ks thk sulokit
ekf`tnjtk hkr rkgjtn`e t` thk drnvksmdasht`wjrd Kr`s Thjejt`smdashthjt
Mrkud p`snts0 H`w ije thk sulokit mrkk ntskgm nm jt jgg mr`b thk iug-
turjg m`riks `m ijpntjg ndk`g`fy jed rkgnfn`e m`riks whnih prkikdk
jed kxikkd thk sulokitbdquos kxpkrnkeik0
Thksk jrk jgg Lkickttbdquos qukstn`es jed hk wngg w`rc `ut jeswkrs ne
pgjys gnck Hjppy Djys jed e`vkgs gnck Burphy jed Thk [eejbjlgk
tkxts whnih jrk jl`ut h`w thk sulokit ekf`tnjtks j rkgjtn`e t` iugturk
(Hjppy Djys) t` thk drnvks (Burphy) t` gjefujfk (Thk [eejbjlgk)
Lut wk sh`ugd jgs` e`tk h`w Lkickttbdquos p`sthubjensb lki`bks
ueijeengy gntkrjgnzkd ne hns bnddgk-t`-gjtk-pkrn`d drjbj jed pr`sk
Lkicktt ns netkrkstkd ne kxpg`rnef thk vkry gnbnts `m thk hubje thk
vkry ksskeik `m whjt i`estntutks thk hubje T thns ked Lkicktt wngg
push thk hubje pjst `ur i`bb`e i`eikptujg l`uedjrnks3 thjt ns t`
sjy jt tnbks hk b`vks hns ihjrjitkrs net` thk spjik `m dkjth `m whjtns pkrhjps j cned `m jmtkrgnmk
Ne thk pr`sk thns thkbjtni lkfnes wnth Bjg`ek Dnks j e`vkg trjinef
thk b`bket j bje pjssks net` nekxnstkeik3 ne thk drjbj nt lkfnes
wnth Qgjy whnih skks thrkk ihjrjitkrs ne whjt jppkjrs t` lk je jmtkr-
gnmk (thk ihjrjitkrs jrk ne muekrjg ures) lnickrnef vkr thk ejrrjtnvk m
thknr pjst gnvks3 ne thk ski`ed trng`fy wk ije kjsngy nbjfnek nedkkd
sh`ugd nbjfnek thjt thk spkjckrs `m thk tkxts js wkgg js thk mnfurks
thjt jppkjr ne thk ejrrjtnvks jrk spkitkrs fh`sts N kxpg`rk thk mnfurk`m thk fh`st thk spkitkrmdashthk gntkrjg p`sthubjemdashne dktjng ne by
mnejg ihjptkr lut N oust wnsh t` nednijtk hkrk h`w Lkickttbdquos netkrkst
ne pjrnef thnefs d`we t` thk kssketnjgs gkjds g`fnijggy t` je netkrkst ne
thk spkitkr thk fh`st whnih lki`bks thk nbjfk `m thk hubje jmtkr
jgg thnefs hjvk lkke strnppkd wjy Qrkinskgy thk fh`st lki`bks j trjik
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1727
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
4
j bjrc `m thk hubjebdquos pjssnef `ut `m kxnstkeik lutmdashjed thns ns
jls`gutkgy iketrjgmdashthk fh`st ns je nesnstket rkbnedkr `m thk hubje
thjt `eik wjs Thk spkitkr ne `thkr w`rds skrvks t` rkiupkrjtk thk
hubje kvke js thk hubje pjssks net` `lgnvn`e thk spkitkr thuslki`bks whjt Ygjv`o _nzkc ijggs thk lsquonednvnsnlgk rkbjnedkr9bdquo T` put
nt lguetgy m`r Lkicktt thk t`tjg kgnbnejtn`e `m thk hubje ns j t`tjg
nbp`ssnlngnty
Qkrhjps Lkicktt suffksts wk ije `egy mned thk ejturk `m thk
hubje whjt hk ijggs lsquothk lkdr`ic `m thk kssketnjgsbdquo jt thk b`bket
thk hubje kxihjefks `ek stjtk m`r je`thkr `ek rkjgnty m`r je`thkr
Qkrhjps `egy thk jlskeik `m thk hubje (thk spkitkr) trugy rkvkjgs
whjt hjs lkke thk hubjebdquos truk ejturk Jed whjt ns m`r bk mjsinejt-nef jed iruinjg jl`ut thns pr`ikss ns thk wjy Lkicktt kgnbnejtks thk
hubje jt prkinskgy thk sjbk tnbk js hk kgnbnejtks dkejturks jed
dki`estruits ejrrjtnvk m`rb ntskgm Ne s`bk wjys Lkicktt ns jrfunef
thjt gjefujfk ntskgm bust lk kgnbnejtkd ne `rdkr m`r thk spkitkr thk
fh`st thk p`sthubje t` jppkjr gjefujfk bust lk kgnbnejtkd ne
`rdkr m r thk truth `m thk hubje t` lk ce`we
Vk bjy skk ne thns rkduitn`e j cned `m irukg trkjtbket `m thk
hubje j pkrvkrsk netkrkst ne nggekss jed dkijy lut N thnec thns w`ugd
lk j mjtjg netkrprktnvk krr`r Ikrtjnegy Lkickttbdquos w`rc nbpgnks thjt thk
l`dy ns jgwjys j gnjlngnty s`bkthnef thjt wngg nekvntjlgy mjng (je hngjrn-
`us gnek mr`b Bjg`ek Dnks suffksts thns lsquoNm N hjd thk usk `m by l`dy
N w`ugd thr`w nt `ut `m thk wned`wbdquo SltltR) Lut wk bust e`tnik thjt
thk l`dy `r snfes `m thk l`dy ekvkr muggy dnsjppkjrs mr`b Lkickttbdquos
w`rgd Thk pkrsnstkeik `m thk l`dy thk mrjfbketkd l`dy thk dnskb-
l`dnkd l`dy ns `ek `m Lkickttbdquos bjo`r thkbks jed `ek thjt p`skss`bk `m hns b`st netkrkstnef netkrprktnvk qukstn`es jed ihjggkefks
why d`ks Lkicktt w`rc t` rkduik jed mrjfbket thk l`dy0 H`w jrk wk
t` netkrprkt mrjfbkets `m hubjenty0
ek jeswkr t` thksk qukstn`es rkgjtks t` whjt N hjvk sjnd jl`vk
jl`ut Lkicktt rkduinef thnefs t` thk muedjbketjgs ne rdkr t` uedkr-
stjed thk ksskeik `m thk hubje ne Qgjy jed E`t N Lkicktt skkbs t`
lk suffkstnef thjt thksk ihjrjitkrs rkjggy `egy jrk thknr v`niks rkjggy
`egy jrk t` lk b`rk prkinsk thknr ejrrjtnvks Vhjt bjttkrs t` thkbjt thns spkinmni pgjik jt thns spkinmni tnbk ns thknr jlngntymdashpkrhjps
thknr i`bpugsn`e thknr `lgnfjtn`emdasht` spkjc Lkicktt w`ugd skkb t`
lk suffkstnef thjt thk t`tjgnty `m thk l`dy jt thns spkinmni b`bket ns
e`t tkrrnlgy nbp`rtjet t` thk sulokit js shk trnks t` uedkrstjed hkr
prksket sntujtn`e Lut js N suffkst wk d` e`tnik thjt Lkicktt ekvkr
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1827
NETD[ITNE
muggy rkb`vks thk l`dy `r thk snfes `m thk l`dy (v`nik m`r nestjeik)
ketnrkgy thk st`rnks hns ihjrjitkrs tkgg hns w`rc skkbs t` nbpgy jrk
wrnttke `e jed thr`ufh thk l`dy Yt`rnks jrk trjesgjtkd ne `thkr
w`rds ly thk l`dy Lkickttbdquos ihjrjitkrs bjy lk p`sthubje lut thkyjrk e`t muggy p`sti`rp`rkjg
Je`thkr wjy m puttnef thns ndkj jdbnttkdgy ek m Lkickttbdquos b`st
ihjggkefnef ns thjt sulokitnvntymdashthjt skesk thk hubje hjs `m ntskgm
js j thnecnef netkrprktnef irkjturkmdashns muggy dkpkedket `e thk l`dy
Yulokitnvnty ns kbl`dnbket y`u jrk y`ur l`dy jed y`ur l`dybdquos dksnrks
js buih js y`u jrk y`ur bned Jed thus whngk thk l`dy ns je nbpkdn-
bket jed wngg jgwjys dkijy jed mjng thk l`dy ijee`t dnsjppkjr
ne Lkicktt lkijusk thk skgm jed thk skgmbdquos uedkrstjednef `m ntskgmw`ugd js wkgg Thkrk ns js N rkjd nt thke j cned `m djrc i`bpjssn`e
ne Lkicktt m`r thk i`bpr`bnskd l`dy m`r thk irnppgkd jed thk ngg
thkrk ns j i`bpjssn`e m`r thk summkrnef sulokit wh` ije rkjggy `egy
uedkrstjed hkrskgm jed hkr w`rgd thr`ufh thk bkdnub m j dkijynef
pjnemug l`dy ur qukstn`es js rkjdkrs m Lkicktt bust e`w lki`bk
nm thk skgm uedkrstjeds ntskgm thr`ufh thk i`bpr`bnskd spkitrjg
l`dy whjt cneds `m netkrprktjtn`es wngg nt bjck0 Nm thk skgm uedkr-
stjeds thk w`rgd thr`ufh nts mrjfbketkd p`sthubje l`dy whjt
cneds `m netkrprktjtn`es `m thk w`rgd ije lk bjdk0
lsquoQYTH[BJENYBbdquo J Q]NY
Thksk jrk jgg Lkickttbdquos qukstn`es lut N wnsh t` `mmkr s`bkthnef `m j
pr`vns` lkm`rk i`etneunef N suffkstkd jl`vk thjt Lkicktt ns strnvnef
m`r j lsquocned `mbdquo p`sthubjensb N thnec nt ns lkst jgwjys t` usk tkrbspr`vnsn`ejggy wnth Lkicktt m`r surkgy `ek `m thk kmmkits `m hns w`rc
ns t` ijgg jls`gutkgy net` qukstn`e thk vkry ndkj `m stjlgk ijtkf`rnks
stjlgk `pp`sntn`es (lsquohubje-p`sthubjebdquo) Qkrhjps nt ns lkst hkrk jt
thk `utskt t` suffkst thjt hns w`rc irntnquks thk ndkj `m thk hubje
jed thk p`sthubje kqujggy Qrkinskgy ly dnsi`vkrnef thk pkrsnstkeik
`m thk hubje kvke ne nts b`st dkeudkd m rb Lkicktt kssketnjggy i`g-
gjpsks thk `pp`sntn`e lsquohubje-p`sthubjebdquo t` thk p`net whkrk thk
tkrbs lki`bk netkrihjefkjlgk jed hkeik jgb`st bkjenefgkssThjt ns t` sjy m`r Lkicktt wk jrk jgwjys jgrkjdy p`sthubje nes`-
mjr js wk jrk i`etr`ggkd ly dnsi`ursks (hnst`ry ndk`g`fy gjefujfk)
prkikdnef jed kxikkdnef us3 wk jrk jgwjys jgrkjdy p`sthubje js wk
dnsi`vkr thjt `ur l`dnks jrk sntks `m nekvntjlgk mjngurk jed i`ggjpsk3
wk jrk jgwjys jgrkjdy p`sthubje nes`mjr js thk ndkj `m j snefugjr
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1927
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
=
skgm ns je nggusn`e Lkicktt jice`wgkdfks thksk ndkjs kjrgy ne hns ijrkkr3
ne Qr`ust (gt9) hk jice`wgkdfks thjt thk skgm ns e`t j stjlgk sulokit
lut rjthkr thjt thk lsquonednvndujg ns j suiikssn`e `m nednvndujgsbdquo ()3
b`rk`vkr lsquoThk sulokit hjs dnkdmdashjed pkrhjps bjey tnbksmdashjg`efthk wjybdquo (9) By usk `m thk tkrb lsquop`sthubjebdquo thke ns s`bkthnef `m
j i`evkenkeik j wjy `m spkjcnef lsquojl`utbdquo `r lsquojr`uedbdquo thk pkiugnjrntnks
`m thk Lkickttnje sulokit thk sulokit wh` jgwjys bust ekf`tnjtk hns
rkjgnty vnj systkbs `m th`ufhtmdashgjefujfk lknef thk prnbjrymdashwh`sk
pjrjbktkrs jed pr`t`i`gs jrk jgwjys oust lky`ed hns mugg i`etr`g
THK QLGKB M NETKQKTJTNELkickttbdquos bjenpugjtn`e `m fkerk hns rkduitn`e jed dnsbjetgnef `m
thk sulokit hns rkgketgkss netkrkst ne thk vjrn`us jspkits `m lsquoe`thnef-
ekssbdquo (g`ss jlskeik)mdashhk ijggs thns hns lsquomndkgnty t` mjngurkbdquo (lsquoThrkk
Dnjg`fuksbdquo =9)mdashgkjd js N hjvk lkke suffkstnef t` s`bk mjnrgy
jiutk netkrprktnvk dnmmniugtnks Hjes-Fk`rf Fjdjbkr j phng`s`phkr
`m thk hkrbkekutni sih``g (jed studket `m Bjrtne Hkndkffkr) suf-
fksts thjt jgg rkjg netkrprktjtn`e `r lsquohkrbkekutnisbdquo lkfnes wnth
ndketnmynef j spkinmni g`ijtn`e `m d`ult `r uekjsk ne j tkxt Js hk
wrntks ne Qhng`s`phnijg Hkrbkekutnis lsquoThk rkjg p`wkr m hkrbkekutn-
ijg i`esin`usekss ns `ur jlngnty t` skk whjt ns qukstn`ejlgkbdquo (9) Vk
ekkd ne `thkr w`rds t` lk jlgk t` jsc thk pr`pkr qukstn`es `m tkxts
Lut ne Lkicktt `ur pr`lgkb lki`bks skkbnefgy netrjitjlgk lkijusk
kvkrythnef ne thk tkxt jppkjrs t` lk qukstn`ejlgk H`w jrk wk t`
netkrprkt tkxts thjt skkb pjrjd`xnijggy t` `mmkr s` bjey qukstn`es
jed thke rksnst `r m`rkig`sk thk p`ssnlngnty `m jeswkrnef th`sk quks-tn`es0 H`w ne `thkr w`rds jrk wk t` rkjd Lkicktt0
N wngg suffkst hkrk ne wjys thjt g``c ljic t` Lkickttbdquos `we skesk `m
`lgnfjtn`e (rkijgg hns skesk kxprksskd ne Thrkk Dnjg`fuks `m thk lsquo`lgn-
fjtn`e t` kxprkssbdquo) thjt `ur netkrprktjtn`es `m Lkicktt sh`ugd lkfne
ly pjynef ijrkmug jttketn`e t` thk wjys ne whnih hns tkxts jetninpjtk
`ur dnmmniugtnks jed pkrhjps `mmkr s`bk fundjeik Nm wk jrk puzzgkd ly
ikrtjne thnefsmdashVh` jrk thksk ihjrjitkrs0 Vhjt jrk thknr hnst`rnks0
Vhkrk jed whke kxjitgy jrk thksk st`rnks `iiurrnef0 Vhjt kxjitgyd`ks nt jgg bkje0mdashwk sh`ugd rki`fenzk thjt `ur pkrpgkxnty wnth
thk tkxt ns bnrr`rkd ly thk ihjrjitkrsbdquo `we pkrpgkxnty jl`ut thknr
w`rgds Thk rkjdkrbdquos sntujtn`e `m puzzgkbket ns prkinskgy thjt `m thk
ihjrjitkrs jed thus wk jrrnvk jt j iruinjg `lskrvjtn`e Lkickttbdquos tkxts
thkbskgvks wngg skt `ut thk fr`ued rugks m`r netkrprktnef hns w`rgd
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2027
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2127
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
8
Lkickttbdquos ihjrjitkrs thus mueitn`e ne j stjtk `m pr`m`ued rkfrkt jed
jf`eymdash`mtke rkprksskd jed dnsjv`wkdmdash`vkr whjt bnfht hjvk lkke
Ne Crjppbdquos Gjst Tjpk m`r nestjeik Crjpp rktrjiks hns pjst hnst`ry
thr`ufh tjpk rki`rdnefs `m hns `we v`nik t` rkvnsnt j b`bket `m p`s-snlgk th`ufh e`w m`rkvkr g`st hjppnekss Crjppbdquos we v`nik hns we
hnst`ry ns spkitrjg lkijusk hns rki`rdnefs jrk `m j dkjd jed nrrktrnkv-
jlgk pjst lut ek whnih igkjrgy stngg hjuets hnb e`w Ne whjt ns surkgy
`ek `m Lkickttbdquos b`st pjnemugmdashjed netkeskgy i`bpjssn`ejtk
b`bketsmdashwk skk h`w j fh`stgy hnst`ry lrutjgnzks Crjpp
Qjst bndenfht Ekvkr cekw suih sngkeik Thk kjrth bnfht lk uene-
hjlntkd Hkrk N ked thns rkkg L`x thrkk sp``g mnvkQkrhjps by lkst ykjrs jrk f`ek Vhke thkrk wjs j ihjeik `m hjp-
pnekss Lut N w`ugdebdquot wjet thkb ljic E`t wnth thk mnrk ne bk
e`w E` N w`ugdebdquot wjet thkb ljic (ltltgt)
Lkicktt d`ks e`t js thk irntnijg ignihicirc bjy hjvk nt bkrkgy rkprksket j
w`rgd `m jlsurdnty j w`rgd wnth`ut bkjenef Thns ns j w`rgd thjt
i`etneujggy mkkgs thk igjnbs `m thk pjst `m hnst`ry Jed thkrk ns j
bkjenef ne dnsi`vkrnef thksk igjnbs j bkjenef ne rki`fenznef `ekbdquos
nedkltkdekss t` thk pjst j bkjenef ne rkjgnznef thjt `ekbdquos `lgnfjtn`e
ns t` i`bk t` tkrbs wnth thksk igjnbs jed dklts
THKKTNIJG JQQJIH THK lsquoGNTKJT[K M THK
[EVDbdquo BKGJEIHG^ JED THK JIHN]K
Qjrt `m by purp`sk hkrk ne thns Fundk ns t` pr`vndk wjys `m bjcnefskesk `m Lkickttbdquos dnmmniugt w`rc ek wjy N wngg pr`ikkd wngg lk t`
drjw `e thk w`rc `m phng`s`phkrs thk`rnsts jed irntnis wh`sk ndkjs
jgg`w us t` uedkrstjed thk i`bpgkxnty `m Lkickttbdquos uenvkrsk N wngg
hkrk lk drjwnef `e thk gncks `m phke`bke`g`fnsts Bjrtne Hkndkffkr
Hjes-Fk`rf Fjdjbkr jed Kbbjeukg Gkvnejs bjrxnst Thk`d`r
Jd`re` psyih`jejgysts Ynfbued Mrkud jed Ojiquks Gjije jed
dki`estruitn`enst Ojiquks Dkrrndj N lkgnkvk thjt thk w`rc `m thksk
thk`rnsts ije kmmkitnvkgy uepjic ikrtjne netkrprktnvk pr`lgkbs neLkicktt oust js N lkgnkvk thjt ikrtjne b`bkets ne LkickttmdashN thnec `m
B`uthbdquos ketry net` gjefujfk ne E`t N mdashije kmmkitnvkgy nggustrjtk thk
netkrprktnvk pr`lgkbs ne thk w`rc m s`bk thk`rnsts (nedkkd N wngg usk
E`t N t` nggustrjtk Gjijebdquos dnmmniugt e`tn`e `m thk kjg) By netketn`e
ns e`t thkrkm`rk snbpgy t` rkjd Lkicktt thr`ufh j pjrtniugjr thk`ry
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2227
NETD[ITNE
gt
lut t` nbjfnek thjt thkrk ns j butujg pr`ikss `m netkrprktjtn`e jed
netkrr`fjtn`e `iiurrnef lktwkke thk`rnst jed mnitn`e
THK FKBJE GKTTK
N jgs` lkgnkvk pkrhjps ejnvkgy thjt Lkicktt hnbskgm ns hns `we mnrst
jed lkst irntni Js N hjvk bketn`ekd Lkicktt `mmkrkd mkw irntnijg i`b-
bketjrnks `e hns w`rc `vkr thk ykjrs lut th`sk thjt hjvk i`bk d`we
t` usmdashjs m`r nestjeik Thrkk Dnjg`fuks mdashjrk `m frkjt vjguk t` jey
rkjdkr Ne thk gjttkr ihjptkrs `m thns study N wngg lk rkmkrrnef `mtke t`
Lkickttbdquos Fkrbje Gkttkr `m gt96 jed kspkinjggy t` hns e`tn`e `m thk
lsquogntkrjturk `m thk uew`rdbdquo j i`eikpt N thnec ns iketrjg t` thk pr`frks-sn`e `m hns w`rc N wnsh thkrkm`rk t` tjck s`bk spjik hkrk jed
`utgnek thk nbp`rtjeik `m thns Gkttkr
Ne gt9= Lkicktt trjvkgkd t` Fkrbjey `e whjt kssketnjggy wjs je
jrt h`gndjy hk vnsntkd skvkrjg jrt fjggkrnks jed jgth`ufh jefkrkd ly
thk Ejzn rkfnbkbdquos ikes`rnef `m jrt nt i`esndkrkd dkijdket hk wjs
frkjtgy nbprksskdmdashjed nemgukeikdmdashly thk w`rc hk sjw Thk trnp
skrvkd js j cned m spnrntujg jed phng`s`phnijg jwjckenef js hns dnj-
rnks jttkst Thk Fkrbje Gkttkr ns pjrt `m j i`rrksp`edkeik lktwkke
Lkicktt jed j mrnked (Jxkg Cjue wh`b hk bkt ne Fkrbjey) wrnttke
thrkk b`eths jmtkr hns rkture t` Dulgne Ne thk Gkttkr Lkicktt spkjcs
`m thk ekkd t` b`vk pjst rkiknvkd dnsi`ursks jed i`evketn`es t` gnl-
krjtk hnbskgm mr`b trjdntn`ejg gjefujfks jed m`rbs N qu`tk jt s`bk
gkefth
Nt ns nedkkd lki`bnef b`rk jed b`rk dnmmniugt kvke skeskgkss m`rbk t` wrntk je `mmninjg Kefgnsh Jed b`rk jed b`rk by `we gje-
fujfk jppkjrs t` bk gnck j vkng thjt bust lk t`re jpjrt ne `rdkr t`
fkt jt thk thnefs (`r thk E`thnefekss) lkhned nt Frjbbjr jed
Ytygk T bk thky skkb t` hjvk lki`bk js nrrkgkvjet js j ]nit`rnje
ljthnef sunt `r thk nbpkrturljlngnty `m j truk fketgkbje J bjsc
Gkt us h`pk thk tnbk wngg i`bk thjec F`d thjt ne ikrtjne inrigks nt
hjs jgrkjdy i`bk whke gjefujfk ns b`st kmmninketgy uskd whkrk
nt ns lknef b`st kmmninketgy bnsuskd Js wk ijee`t kgnbnejtk gje-fujfk jgg jt `eik wk sh`ugd jt gkjst gkjvk e`thnef ued`ek thjt
bnfht i`etrnlutk t` nts mjggnef net` dnsrkputk T` l`rk `ek h`gk
jmtkr je`thkr ne nt uetng whjt gurcs lkhned ntmdashlk nt s`bkthnef `r
e`thnefmdashlkfnes t` skkp thr`ufh3 N ijee`t nbjfnek j hnfhkr f`jg
m`r j wrntkr t`djy (6rsquo6lt)
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2327
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
lt1
Ne by kstnbjtn`e thk mugg nbpgnijtn`es `m thk Gkttkr whnih m`r bk
ns Lkickttbdquos jrtnstni bjenmkst` wngg e`t lk rkjgnzkd uetng thk gjtkr e`v-
kgs (kspkinjggy thk trng`fnks) lut wk sh`ugd rki`fenzk h`w Lkickttbdquos
stjtkd nbpjtnkeik wnth trjdntn`ejg m`rb rks`ejtks net` kvke thk kjrgypr`sk jed drjbj Lkickttbdquos dnsdjne m`r lsquo`mmninjg Kefgnshbdquo m`r lsquoFrjbbjr
jed Ytygkbdquo thnefs js nrrkgkvjet js j ]nit`rnje ljthnef sunt spkjc t`
j mrustrjtn`e j l`rkd`b kvke wnth thk g`fni jed trjokit`rnks `m thk
enektkketh-iketury e`vkg Hk spkjcs murthkr t` h`w busni jed
pjnetnef hjvk m ued wjys m b`vnef lky`ed trjdntn`ejg m`rb ne rdkr
t` rkprksket sngkeik jed jlskeik (thnefs e`t jss`injtkd wnth rkprkske-
tjtnvk jrt)3 hk suffksts thjt gjefujfk ntskgm bust lk shjttkrkd ne rdkr
t` rkvkjg whjt wjs prkvn`usgy uerkprksketjlgkJed whngk Lkickttbdquos bjenmkst` s`ueds jvjet-fjrdk hns ndkj thjt
gjefujfk ns j vkng t` lk t`re jpjrt g``cs ljic t` thk `bjetnis jed
thknr e`tn`e thjt p`ktry w`rcs t` rkvkjg thk ueskke Lkickttbdquos lsquoby
`we gjefujfk jppkjrs t` bk gnck j vkng thjt bust lk t`re jpjrtbdquo kih`ks
Yhkggkybdquos J Dkmkeik `m Q`ktry jed hns skesk thjt p`ktry gnmts lsquothk vkng
mr`b thk hnddke lkjuty `m thk w`rgd jed bjcks mjbngnjr `lokits lk
js nm thky wkrk e`t mjbngnjrbdquo (6) Thkrk ns `m i`ursk j w`rgd `m dnm-
mkrkeik lktwkke gnmtnef jed dkstr`ynef thk vkngmdashthk dnmmkrkeik
pkrhjps lktwkke thk `bjetni jed thk B`dkremdashlut Lkickttbdquos
dksnrk js j wrntkr ns j mjbngnjr `ek hns w`rc wngg jttkbpt t` sh`w thk
w`rgd ne j ekw wjy Ne by rkjdnef Lkickttbdquos tkjrnef `m thk vkng
lki`bks thk pkrmkit bktjph`r m`r thk pr`ikss `m rkvkjgnef `vkrtgy
skgm-i`esin`usgy jed irntnijggy thk nbpgnijtn`es `m jrt hkrk thk e`vkg
jed drjbj ne j ekw wjy
THK lsquoGNTKJT[K M THK [EVDbdquo
Ne thk gjst pjrjfrjph `m thk Gkttkr Lkicktt suffksts thjt thns pr`ikss
`m dkstr`ynef gjefujfk `m rkvkjgnef nts lsquotkrrnlgk bjtkrnjgntybdquo (6lt)
wngg kvketujggy gkjd t` whjt hk ijggs j lsquogntkrjturk `m thk uew`rdbdquo (69)
N wnsh ne whjt m`gg`ws t` suffkst thjt Lkickttbdquos ketnrk ijrkkr js j
wrntkr mneds nts lkfneenef jed ked nts fr`ued jed f`jg ne thns ndkj
stjtkd ne gt96 J gntkrjturk `m thk uew`rd ns `lvn`usgy j i`etrjdni-tn`e ne tkrbs j pjrjd`x je jp`rnj (t` usk thk Dkrrndkje i`estruitn`e)3
j gntkrjturk `m thk uew`rd ns je jttkbpt t` usk gjefujfk t` sngkeik
gjefujfk (hk ijggs nt lsquoJe jssjugt jfjnest w`rds ne thk ejbk `m lkjutybdquo
S69R) Hns jnb kssketnjggy ns t` mned j bkjes `m dki`bp`snef jed
b`vnef lky`ed gjefujfk t` shjttkr gjefujfk net` j cned `m krjsurk
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2427
NETD[ITNE
lt
`m ntskgm (thns jttkbpt t` kgnbnejtk gjefujfk ns fk`bktrnijggy pr`p`r-
tn`ejg t` hns jttkbpt t` kgnbnejtk thk l`dy js wk wngg skk) By
jrfubket ns quntk snbpgy thns thr`ufh`ut hns ijrkkr Lkicktt ns skjrih-
nef m`r thk bkjes t` put je ked t` gntkrjturk t` put je ked t` wrntneft` put je ked t` hns `we dksnrk t` wrntk Thk trjokit`ry `m hns w`rc
mr`b thk kjrgy drjbj jed pr`sk t` thk gjtk ns `ek `m rjdnijg rkdui-
tn`e `m w`rcnef t` mned j bkjes t` gntkrjturkbdquos ked Ne thk drjbj wk
b`vk mr`b thk muggy kbl`dnkd drjbj `m F`d`t t` thk gjtk fh`stgy
pgjys whkrk `mtke gjefujfk d`ks e`t kvke mkjturk3 ne thk pr`sk wk
b`vk mr`b thk pgjymug fjrrug`usekss m Burphy t` thk shjttkrkd sye-
tjx jed dnbnenshkd frjbbjrs `m V`rstwjrd H`4
Nt ns prkinskgy lkijusk Lkickttbdquos w`rc ns fr`uedkd `e suih i`bpgkxphng`s`phnijg i`etrjdnitn`esmdashj wrntkr wrntnef gntkrjturk `ut `m
kxnstkeik nbp`ssnlgkmdashthjt N lkgnkvk wk bust hjvk rki`ursk t` thk
vjrn`us thk`rktnijg jed phng`s`phnijg trjdntn`es thjt jr`sk snbugtj-
ek`us wnth Lkickttbdquos `we dkvkg`pbket js j wrntkr By thk`rktnijg
jppr`jih ne thns Fundk ije pkrhjps lkst lk dksirnlkd js pr`bnsiu-
`us lut N tked t` thnec thjt j dki`estruitn`enst psyih`jejgysns ns thk
lkst wjy `m pr`ikkdnef wnth Lkicktt jt gkjst m`r bk T` nggustrjtk
whjt N bkje hkrkmdashjed ly wjy `m i`eigudnef thns Netr`duitn`emdash
N wnsh t` `utgnek tw` i`eikpts whnih wngg pr`vk irntnijg ne by rkjdnef
`m kspkinjggy thk drjbj
BKGJEIHGNJ
J bjo`r thkbk ne Lkicktt ns thjt `m bkb`ry `m ihjrjitkrs gnck
Crjpp `r Hjbb hjuetkd ly thk fh`st `m bkb`ry Jt j ljsni gkvkgthk Lkicktt ihjrjitkr gnvks ne j pr`trjitkd stjtk `m rkfrkt jed g`ss
j stjtk hk `r shk bjy e`t kvke rki`fenzk js suih Hnst`ry thk pjst
nbpnefks pr`m uedgy e thk ihjrjitkr jed js Lkicktt wrntks ne Qr`ust
thrkjtkes i`etneujggy t` lsquodkm`rbbdquo hnb Ne gt6 Ynfbued Mrkud pul-
gnshkd je kssjy thjt hjs rkiketgy i`bk t` lk skke js j iruinjg dnjfe`sns
`m j i`etkbp`rjry iugturjg i`edntn`e Ne lsquoB`urenef jed Bkgjeih`gnjbdquo
Mrkud jttkbpts t` i`bk t` je uedkrstjednef m h`w thk sulokit dkjgs
wnth trjubj jed g`ss Thkrk jrk hk thk`rnzks tw` rksp`esks t` g`sst` thk g`ss `m j g`vkd `ek `r thk lsquog`ss `m s`bk jlstrjitn`e whnih hjs
tjcke thk pgjik `m `ek suih js `ekbdquos i`uetry gnlkrty je ndkjg `r s`
`ebdquo (ltlt) Thk mnrst jed b`st hkjgthy ns whjt hk ijggs b`urenef
B`urenef ns j pr`ikss ly whnih thk g`ss ns i`bprkhkedkd jed
jiikptkd lsquow`rckd thr`ufhbdquo t` usk hns tkrbne`g`fy B`urenef ns thk
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2527
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
ltlt
e`rbjg wjy `ek bust dkjg wnth trjubj jed g`ss wnth whjt Mrkud
lkjutnmuggy tkrbs thk lsquoki`e`bnis `m pjnebdquo (ltlt) Qrkinskgy h`w thk
sulokit `vkri`bks g`ss ns e`t ce`we ly Mrkudmdashnt ns j dnmmniugt pr`-
ikss3 nt ns lsquow`rcbdquomdashlut kvketujggy thk b`urekr jiikpts thjt thk g`vkd`ek wnth wh`b hk bjy hjvk ndketnmnkd ns e` g`efkr hkrk t` bjcks
igjnbs `e hnb
Bkgjeih`gnj `e thk `thkr hjed ns je jle`rbjg rksp`esk t` g`ss
jed sntujtks thk sulokit ne j i`etneujg p`sntn`e `m ejrinssnstni ndketn-
mnijtn`e wnth thk g`st `lokit Ne `thkr w`rds thk bkgjeih`gy sulokit
ijee`t jiikpt thjt hkr g`vkd `ek ns ne mjit f`ek jed w`rcs pjth`g`fn-
ijggy lsquot` kstjlgnsh je ndketnmnijtn`e `m thk kf` wnth thk jljed`ekd
`lokitbdquo (lt8) Vhjt thns bkjes ns thjt thk pjstmdashg`ss trjubjmdashi`e-tneujggy w`rcs nts wjy net` thk prksket b`bket lkijusk thk sulokit
ijee`t b`vk pjst nt B`rk tr`ulgnef ns thk ndkj thjt thk sulokit d`ks
e`t wnsh t` jgg`w g`ss t` rkikdk net` hnst`ry lut dksnrks i`etneujggy t`
bjnetjne j i`eekitn`e t` thk trjubjtni b`bket Ne s`bk wjys thk
sulokit bjnetjnes thns pjth`g`fnijg stjtkmdashwhnih bjy ne mjit e`t lk
s` pjth`g`fnijg jmtkr jggmdashlkijusk thk trjubjtni b`bket ns nbp`r-
tjet m`r hkr bjy ne mjit hjvk shjpkd wh` shk ns
Vk bjy dnjfe`sk j frkjt eublkr `m Lkickttbdquos ihjrjitkrs js lknef
bkgjeih`gni ne Mrkudbdquos skesk Thky jrk hjuetkd ly thk pjst jed s`bk
gnck Crjpp Hjbb jed Vneenk dkgnlkrjtkgy jttkbpt t` rki`eekit wnth
j pjst thjt neigudks b`bkets `m g`ss jed kxtrkbk pjne Ne `thkr w`rds
thk mueitn`e `m bkb`ry ne Lkicktt ns gjrfkgy bkgjeih`gni prkinskgy
lkijusk thk ihjrjitkrs jice`wgkdfk i`esin`usgy `r uei`esin`usgy
thjt thky jrk thk pr`duits m j pjst whnih hjs bkringkssgy dkmnekd thkb
js summkrnef sulokits Lkickttbdquos ihjrjitkrs ignef s` rkgketgkssgy t` thkpjst lkijusk m`r rkjs`es wk wngg kxpg`rk thk prksket b`bket ns dkv`nd
`m snfenmnijeik3 thk jf`enznef pjst bjy lrutjgnzk lut ne nt jrk thk trjiks
thk hnst`rnijg mrjfbkets `m ndketnty jed bkjenef
THK JIHN]K
Dki`estruitn`enst Ojiquks Dkrrndj drjwnef hkjvngy `e Mrkud `mmkrs
j ski`ed rkgjtkd i`eikpt thjt N wngg usk t` rkjd thksk ihjrjitkrsbdquo rkgj-tn`e t` hnst`ry g`ss jed trjubj Ne Jrihnvk Mkvkr Dkrrndj jejgyzks
thk i`eikpt `m thk jrihnvk js j wjy `m i`bnef t` je uedkrstjednef
`m thk wjy thk sulokit ekf`tnjtks nts rkgjtn`eshnp t` hnst`ry t` thk
pjst jed thk muturk thk jrihnvk ns thus j bkjes ly whnih Dkrrndj
trnks t` uedkrstjed thk hubje js j lknef sntujtkd ne tnbk mkkgnef thk
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
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NETD[ITNE
lt9
igjnbs `m thk tkbp`rjg Qkrhjps thk lkst wjy t` dkmnek thk jrihnvk ns
js j i`eikptujg `r bjtkrnjg spjik `m bkb`ry Thk bned ije skrvk js
je jrihnvk oust js j gnlrjry `r physnijg b`eubket ije Dkrrndj suf-
fksts thjt thk jrihnvk ns j pgjik m i`bbjedbket jed i`bbkeikbketj pgjik whkrk kvkets `m thk pjst jrk d`iubketkd juth`rntjtnvkgy js
bjrcnef thk lkfneenef `m s`bkthnef j gnmk j iugturk j invngnzjtn`e
Jrihnvks jrk spjiks m prkskrvjtn`e i`eskrvjtn`e lut jgs` m irkjtn`e
j iugturkbdquos uedkrstjednef m ntskgmmdashj sulokitbdquos uedkrstjednef m ntskgmmdash
ns irkjtkd wnthne thk spjik `m thk jrihnvk
Nt ns igkjr thjt thk jrihnvk ns j wjy `m bjtkrnjgnznef bjcnef i`e-
irktk thk pjst Jed nm hnst`ry ns gjrfkgy r ije lk gjrfkgy thk ejrrjtnvks
`m i`equkst dkmkjt jed vn`gkeik thk jrihnvk ns jgs` f`nef t` mueitn`ejs j spjik i`bbkb`rjtnef trjubj jed g`ss Nt strncks bk thkrkm`rk
thjt thk jrihnvkmdashjs j spjik thjt bjnetjnes j i`etneujg rkgjtn`e t` thk
pjstmdashns jgwjys jgrkjdy j bkgjeih`gy spjik Vhjt N wnsh t` suffkst
hkrk ne spkinmni rkgjtn`e t` Lkickttbdquos w`rc ns thjt thk Lkickttnje sul-
okit lki`bks j gntkrjg kbl`dnbket m whjt N hjvk kgskwhkrk ijggkd thk
lsquobkgjeih`gy jrihnvkbdquo Thk Lkickttnje sulokit nbb`lngnzkd jed
mrjfbketkdmdashthnec `m Vneenk lurnkd t` hkr ekic ne kjrth ne Hjppy
Djys3 `m B`uth ne E`t N 3 `m Bjg`ek ne Bjg`ek Dnks3 `m thk mnfurk ne
I`bpjey mdashns jgwjys j hnst`rnijg sulokit j sulokit b`rk prkinskgy
sulokit t` hnst`ry Yhk ns i`etneujggy rkbkblkrnef s`bktnbks jfjnest
hkr wngg whjt hjs `iiurrkd ne thk pjst3 shk ns i`etneujggy jttkbptnef
t` rkijpturk j pjst shk bjy e`t muggy i`bprkhked
Jed nt ns thk Lkickttnje l`dy whnih lki`bks thk prnbjry rkp`sn-
t`ry m`r thksk rkbjnes thksk trjiks `m hnst`ry Thk ihjrjitkr bjy
kxnstmdashjs ne Hjppy Djys r Kedfjbk mdashjt whjt jppkjrs t` lk thk ked`m hubje iugturk lut shkmdashhkr l`dymdashbjnetjnes thk jrihnvjg trjiks
`m thjt g`st iugturk Thk nbjfks Lkicktt fnvks us ne hns drjbj jed
pr`skmdashj dnskbl`dnkd b`uth j l`dy nbb`lngnzkd ne j whkkgihjnr
`r thk kjrth pk`pgk ne uresmdashjrk nbjfks thjt i`eirktnzk thk ndkj `m
bkb`ry js kbl`dnkd `r jrihnvkd N suffkstkd jl`vk thjt m`r Lkicktt
sulokitnvntymdashthk skesk m wh` wk jrkmdashns muggy dkpkedket e thk l`dy
Vhjt Mrkud jed Dkrrndj jgg`w us t` uedkrstjed ns thk wjy sulokitnv-
nty ne Lkicktt ns muggy dkpkedket `e hnst`ry jed jrihnvkd bkb`ryMrkudbdquos e`tn`es `m b`urenef jed bkgjeih`gnj t`fkthkr wnth thk
Dkrrndkje rkjdnef `m thk jrihnvk jrk i`eikpts thjt wngg pr`vk uskmug
ne rkjdnef je juth`r wh`sk w`rc ns jt j pr`m`ued gkvkg jgwjys jl`ut
thk pjst j pjst whnih bjy hjvk rkikdkd net` m`rfktmugekss lut wh`sk
igjnbs jrk stngg lknef mkgt Ne nts strjefkekss Lkickttbdquos w`rc prkskets
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
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LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
eubkr`us dnmmniugtnks lut js wk shjgg dnsi`vkr hk ekvkr jljed`es
hns rkjdkr `r judnkeik i`bpgktkgy Mnrst js N hjvk bketn`ekd hns
ihjrjitkrsmdashwh` jt tnbks lki`bk `ur surr`fjtks `ur ueijeey d`u-
lgksmdashkxprkss buih thk sjbk i`emusn`e jl`ut thknr w`rgds js thkrkjdkr3 js suih thk strjefkekss lkijusk shjrkd lki`bks ne j skesk
e`rbjgnzkd Yki`ed jed pkrhjps b`rk nbp`rtjet Lkickttbdquos w`rc
ckys net` muedjbketjggy rki`fenzjlgk sntujtn`es Vk jgg jrk irkjtn`es
`m hnst`rnks wk bjy e`t rki`fenzk `r wnsh t` rki`fenzk3 wk jgg jt
tnbks dnsjv`w `ur pjsts kvke js wk mkkg thk prkssurks `m hnst`ry3 wk
jgg ne `thkr w`rds jrk hnst`rnijgmdashne Mrkudbdquos tkrbs bkgjeih`gymdash
irkjturks Lkickttbdquos w`rc ns iruinjg lkijusk nt rkgketgkssgy rkb`rskgkssgy
i`bpkgs us t` i`emr`et thk pr`m`ued igjnbs thjt hnst`ry bust bjckup`e us jgg Js wk i`bk t` rki`fenzk thk igjnbs `m thk pjst jed rkjg-
nzk thk kxtket t` whnih hnst`ry i`estruits thk hubje sulokit wk lkfne
t` uedkrstjed thjt Lkickttbdquos w`rc jt tnbks skkbnefgy s` strjefk
skkbnefgy nehubje ns `egy kvkr j i`bpjssn`ejtk jttkbpt t` i`bprk-
hked hubjenty ntskgm
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
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LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
=
thk nednvndujg w`rds Thk mjb`us gnek mr`b Bjg`ek Dnks lsquoE`thnef ns
b`rk rkjg thje e`thnefbdquo (8=) ns je kxjbpgk m j sketkeik whnih sejfs
`ur jttketn`e wnth nts pkiugnjr usk `m j w`rd `r ndkj E`thnefekss
rjdnijg jlskeik thk sketkeik suffksts ns thk b`st prkssnef rkjgntywnth whnih wk bust dkjg Thk sketkeikbdquos inriugjrnty jed rkpktntn`e
b`rk`vkr ueijeengy trjesmkrs jlskeik net` prkskeik e`thnef thus
lki`bks s`bkthnef js wk mkkg nts rkjg igjnbs `e us Thk sketkeik lrng-
gnjetgy dkb`estrjtks h`w j snefgk w`rd ije shnbbkr wnth bugtnpgk
rks`ejeiks thk mnrst usk `m thk w`rd lsquoe`thnefbdquo ns vkry dnmmkrket mr`b
thk ski`ed Nedkkd thk w`rd skkbs snbugtjek`usgy t` hjvk ijsujg
jed dkkpgy phng`s`phnijg bkjenefs jgg `m whnih m`gd net` kjih `thkr
jed jrk kxihjefkd Bjg`ek jwjrk `m thk kmmkits `m hns `we w`rds`mmkrs thns i`bbketjry `e thns sketkeik lsquoN ce`w th`sk gnttgk phrjsks
thjt skkb s` nee`iu`us jed `eik y`u gkt thkb ne p`ggutk thk wh`gk
`m spkkih Thky rnsk up `ut `m thk pnt jed ce`w e` rkst uetng thky
drjf y`u d`we net` nts djrcbdquo (8=rsquo86)
Je`thkr rkgjtkd ueijeey kmmkit `iiurs whke Lkicktt `mmkrs je ndkj
`egy t` ekfjtk nts igjnbs nbbkdnjtkgy lsquoGnvk jed nevket N hjvk trnkd
N bust hjvk trnkd Nevket Nt ns e`t thk w`rd Eknthkr ns gnvkbdquo (Bjg`ek
Dnks 8gt)3 lsquoN jb dkjd lut N ekvkr gnvkdbdquo (Tkxts m`r E`thnef 999)3
lsquoYjy j l`dy Vhkrk e`ekbdquo (V`rstwjrd H` 46) Thk mnejg gneks `m
B`gg`y jrk pkrhjps thk b`st mjb`us kxjbpgk `m Lkickttbdquos skgm-
i`etrjdnit`ry skgm-ijeikggnef rhkt`rni lsquoThke N wket ljic net` thk
h`usk jed wr`tk Nt ns bndenfht Thk rjne ns lkjtnef `e thk wned`ws
Nt wjs e`t bndenfht Nt wjs e`t rjnenefbdquo (61) Thk kmmkit j dnzzynef
`ek ns t` ckkp thk rkjdkr i`esnstketgy e hkr netkrprktnvk t`ks prkvket-
nef hkr mr`b skttgnef `e jey i`bm rtjlgk `r i`bm`rtnef bkjenefThns kmmkit rkjihks nts tkrbnejg p`net ne Lkickttbdquos gjtk pr`sk ne tkxts
gnck V`rstwjrd H` Lkicktt hkrk m`rf`ks i`evketn`ejg frjbbjr
ihjrjitkr pg`t jed st`ry jed prkskets gjefujfk ntskgm js ihjrjitkr (ne
thns wjy wk jrk oustnmnkd ne jsskrtnef js suffkstkd thjt gjefujfk ns
jgwjys Lkickttbdquos bjne i`eikre) Thk gjefujfk `m thk gjtk tkxts ns i`e-
trjdnit`ry jed pr`duiks mjbngnjr vkrtnfne`us kmmkits
V`rskenef w`rds wh`sk uece`we Vhkeik uece`we Jt jgg i`stsuece`we E`w m`r t` sjy js w`rst thky bjy `egy thky `egy thky
Dnb v`nd shjdks jgg thky E`thnef sjvk whjt thky sjy Y`bkh`w
sjy E`thnef sjvk thky Vhjt thky sjy Vh`sks`kvkr whkeiks`kvkr
sjy Js w`rst thky bjy mjng kvkr w`rsk t` sjy (468)
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
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NETD[ITNE
6
Yurkgy thns ns s`bk `m Lkickttbdquos b`st ihjggkefnef b`st dnmmniugt
wrntnef Lut nm wk gnstke t` nt ijrkmuggy wk ije jttked t` thkbks hk wngg
kxpg`rk thr`ufh`ut hns ijrkkr Vk ije hkjr Lkickttbdquos lskssnvk rkture
t` thk rhkt`rni `m lsquoe`thnefbdquo3 wk kei`uetkr hns netkrkst ne lsquomjngurkbdquo js jtr`pk `m wrntnef3 wk skk hns netkrkst ne b`vnef pjst thk ljrrnkrs `m
i`evketn`ejg gjefujfk t` kxpg`rk thk gnbnts `m whjt ije lk sjnd jed
e`t sjnd (`r bnssjnd) ne gjefujfk whnih ns ntskgm dkjd `r spkitrjg
lsquov`nd shjdksbdquo Lkicktt m`r jgg hns dnmmniugty ije lk rkjd igkjrgy lkijusk
js N kxpg`rk ne dktjng lkg`w hns wrntnef fnvks us thk netkrprktnvk iguks
wk ekkd Je netkrprktnvk dnzznekss ns j fnvke whke rkjdnef Lkicktt
whjt wk d` wnth thjt dnzznekss h`w wk ih``sk t` netkrprkt `ur
b`bkets `m ueikrtjnety lki`bks `ur tjsc `ur `lgnfjtn`e
THK DNMMNI[GT^ M KJDNEF LKICKTT FKEK
ETHNEFEKYY THK QYTH[BJE LD^
Fkerk
Thk ykjr lt11= wjs thk iketkejry `m Yjbukg Lkickttbdquos lnrth Jt vjrn-
`us mkstnvjgs jed i`emkrkeiks hns w`rcs wkrk pkrm`rbkd dnsiusskd
jed irntninzkd Nedkkd kvke thk bjnestrkjb bkdnj usujggy `lgnvn`us
t` thk w`rc `m thk gntkrjry jvjet-fjrdk t``c e`tnik nm `egy t` rkiyigk
thk prnbjry irntnijg ignihicircs jl`ut Lkickttbdquos w`rc nt ns lgkjc dnmmniugt
jed lsquojl`utbdquo thk jlsurdnty jed bkjenefgkssekss `m kxnstkeik Thns gjst
ignihicirc fnvke jt gkjst tjint supp`rt ly Lkicktt hnbskgm ns `ek thns
Fundk wngg ne pjrt skkc t` dnsbjetgk lut m r e`w wk ekkd t` jice`wg-
kdfk thk truth `m whjt ns fkekrjggy pkriknvkd jl`ut Lkickttbdquos w`rc ntsuei`bpr`bnsnef dnmmniugty Vk jrk prksketkd ne l`th thk drjbj
jed pr`sk wnth uemjbngnjr jed skkbnefgy uerkjdjlgk sntujtn`es tw`
trjbps `e j ekjr-kbpty stjfk wjntnef3 j lgned tyrjet jii`bpjenkd
ly hns irnppgkd pjrkets jed j pkkvnsh skrvjet ykjrenef m`r hns gnmk
(jed thk pgjy hk skkbs t` ce`w hk ns ne) t` ked3 j pgjy ne whnih j
b`uth spkjcnef ne ekjr nei`bprkhkesnlgk gjefujfk ns thk bjne
lsquoihjrjitkrbdquo3 je `gd bje gynef ne lkd tkggnef st`rnks uetng hk dnks
Jed `ek i`ugd f` `e jed wk shjgg hkrk gnstnef thk byrnjd dnmmniug-tnks p`skd ly Lkickttbdquos w`rc Jt j ljsni gkvkg h`wkvkr wk e`tnik `ek
i`bb`e mkjturk `m thksk tkxts `ek gnec whnih bjy lk `ur netkrprk-
tnvk ketry p`net thky jgg dkgnlkrjtkgy dnsbjetgk fkekrni kxpkitjtn`e
Thjt ns t` sjy kvkry Lkicktt tkxt dkmnks `ur e`tn`es `m whjt j pgjy `r
j e`vkg sh`ugd lk d`nef Nm wk rki`fenzk thns fkekrni lsquodki`bp`sntn`ebdquo
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
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LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
8
js Lkickttbdquos prnbjry bkth`d `m pr`lgkbjtnznef netkrprktnvk pr`t`-
i`gs wk i`bk t` je nbp`rtjet nentnjg rkjgnzjtn`e Lkickttbdquos tkxts rksnst
lknef netkrprktkd jed ijtkf`rnzkd jed thns bjy ne mjit lk whjt thky
jrk jl`ut thk pr`lgkb `m netkrprktjtn`e ntskgmThns Fundk thus wngg lkfne wnth je jejgysns `m thk wjy Lkicktt
bjenpugjtks fkerk ne hns w`rc Vjntnef m`r F`d`t m`r nestjeik ns j
drjbj ne ejbk `egy nm thk r``t `m thk w`rd lsquodrjbjbdquo ns thk Frkkc m r
lsquojitn`ebdquo Lkicktt ns dkgnlkrjtkgy wrntnef j drjbj thjt ns e`t ne mjit j
drjbj jt jgg (e`thnef hjppkes ne thk pgjy3 `r b`rk prkinskgy e`thnef
hjppkes thk kxpkrnkeik `m e`thnefekss ns whjt thk pgjy ns jl`ut)
Thk e`vkgs `m Lkickttbdquos mnrst trng`fy (B`gg`y Bjg`ek Dnks Thk
[eejbjlgk) jfjne jrk e`vkgs ne ejbk `egy js thns trng`fy pr`frkssksthkrk ns j dnbnenshnef `m pg`t jed j rkb`vjg `m jgg ndketnmnjlgk ihjr-
jitkrs wnthne ndketnmnjlgk spjik jed tnbk Lkickttbdquos gjtk pr`sk jed
drjbj lgurs thk dnstneitn`e lktwkke fkerks H`w Nt Ns j lsquoe`vkgbdquo rkjds
gnck p`ktry3 J Qnkik `m B`e`g`fuk (gt8lt) j lsquopgjybdquo rkjds gnck j sh`rt
pr`sk st`ry3 Lkickttbdquos gjst bjo`r w`rc ne thk s`-ijggkd ski`ed trng`fy
(I`bpjey Ngg Ykke Ngg Yjnd V`rstwjrd H`) rkduiks thk vkry gje-
fujfk `m pr`sk t` e`efrjbbjtnijg igjusks jed pgjiks lsquoihjrjitkrsbdquo
(wh` mueitn`e bkrkgy js frjbbjtnijg nedniks bjy nedkkd `egy lsquolkbdquo
dnskbl`dnkd frjbbjtnijg nedniks) ne g`ijtn`es thjt jrk lky`ed gnmk
jed dkjth
Nt ns by suffkstn`e thjt thk trjokit`ry `m Lkickttbdquos ijrkkr js
drjbjtnst jed e`vkgnst trjiks j systkbjtni dki`estruitn`e `m thk vkry
prkbnsks `m drjbj jed pr`sk j dki`estruitn`e thjt wntekssks thk
snbugtjek`us jed systkbjtni dnsbjetgnef `m thk skgm `r sulokit wh`
w`ugd rkgy `e ejrrjtnvk js j bkjes `m skgm-uedkrstjednef N pr`p`skhkrk t` suffkst thjt thns dki`estruitn`e thns dnsbjetgnef `m jgg
rkiknvkd struiturks `m sulokitnvnty jed ejrrjtnvk lk nt ne pr`sk `r
drjbj (jed hns ihjrjitkrs e stjfk jrk egy kvkr tkggnef st`rnks) ns thk
bjo`r thkbk m Lkickttbdquos w`rc jed m i`ursk thk ijusk m thk bjo`r
dnmmniugtnks ne thk rkjdnef `m thns w`rc
eik wk uedkrstjed thjt Lkickttbdquos bkth`d ns t` ijgg net` qukstn`e
thk vkry prkbnsks `m drjbj jed pr`sk wk bjy lk lkttkr jlgk t`
uedkrstjed whjt N skk js hns bjo`r purp`sk t` ijgg net` qukstn`e jggth`sk bkth`dsmdashejrrjtnvk lknef thk prnbjry ekmdashwk hjvk m uedkr-
stjednef `urskgvks Fkerks i`bk rkjdy lungt wnth bkjenef jed
kxpkitjtn`e pgjys jed e`vkgs hjvk struiturksmdashlkfneenefs bnddgks
kednefs3 ihjrjitkr jed pg`t lsquodkvkg`pbketbdquo3 skttnefsmdashthjt rkjdkrs ejtu-
rjggy jssubk sh`ugd lk ne pgjik Qgjys jed e`vkgs hjvk rki`fenzjlgk
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
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NETD[ITNE
gt
ihjrjitkrs jed tkgg st`rnks thjt whngk pkrhjps i`emusnef jed ihjggkef-
nef jssubk whjt wk ije ijgg lsquoce`wjlngntybdquo Thjt ns thksk ejrrjtnvks
jrk jssubkd t` rkmgkit j rki`fenzjlgk rkjgnty `ek t` whnih thk rkjdkr
ije rnket hkrskgm J iketrjg nm uesp`cke jssubptn`e m whjt ns ijggkdigjssni rkjgnst gntkrjturk ns thjt ejrrjtnvk ntskgm ns j ejturjg jed juth`r-
ntjtnvk wjy `m i`bbuenijtnef rkjgntylt Gjefujfk ne `thkr w`rds ns
thk jdkqujtk vkhnigk m`r rkprksketnef rkjgnty jed b`st nbp`rtjetgy
m`r rkprksketnef thk skgm3 ne igjssni rkjgnst mnitn`e iruinjggy thk skgmmdash
thnec m`r nestjeik m Dnickesbdquo Djvnd I`ppkrmnkgdmdashprkikdks gjefujfk
jed usks nt i`etr`gs nt t` trjesirnlk hns rkjgnty
Lkicktt ns w`rcnef t` rkvkjg jgg thksk kxpkitjtn`es js jrtnmninjg jed
i`estruitkd Hk nednijtks thjt wk i`estruit `urskgvks js skgvks ne thkst`rnks wk tkgg thk hnst`rnks wk i`estruit jed thus hns dnsbjetgnef
`m thksk ejrrjtnvks ns hns wjy `m kxjbnenef thk vkry mrjfngnty thk vkry
i`estruitkdekss `m thk hubje jed hubje uedkrstjednef ntskgm
Ejrrjtnvk jed `thkr fkekrni i`evketn`es jrk wjys `m i`etr`ggnef
kxpkrnkeik m shjpnef kxpkrnkeik3 thky jrk e`t uepr`lgkbjtni rkmgki-
tn`es `m kxpkrnkeik Ne thk ked h`wkvkr ly systkbjtnijggy rkduinef
ejrrjtnvk t` nts ksskeik t` whjt hk ijggs nts lsquow`rskenef w`rdsbdquo Lkicktt
dnsi`vkrs thk pkrsnstket ksskeik `m thk hubje wh`sk ejrrjtnvks lsquomjng
jfjnebdquo jed lsquomjng lkttkrbdquo lut wh` ns nesnstketgy prksket ne thjt mjngurk
nm `egy js j trjik spkitkr `r fh`st `m ntskgm By jrfubket ugtnbjtkgy
ns thjt m`r jgg Lkickttbdquos skkbnef dnmmniugty jed ekfjtnvnty hns e`vkgs
jed pgjys w`rc systkbjtnijggy t` ikgklrjtk nm ne je nevkrsk wjy thk
hubje sulokit wh` wngg e`t ikjsk t` ejrrjtk jed wh` wngg thus
jgwjys lk
KD[ITNE T THK KYYKETNJGY ETHNEFEKYY
JED THK QYTH[BJE
T` lkfne pkrhjps wk sh`ugd jice`wgkdfk thjt whngk Lkickttbdquos w`rc
kxpg`rks qukstn`es i`eikrenef thk muedjbketjg ejturk m thk hubje
Lkicktt hnbskgm wngg skkb t` lk `m gnttgk hkgp t` us ne netkrprktnef thjt
w`rc Jgth`ufh hk hjs `mmkrkd s`bk nbp`rtjet nm `pjquk irntnijg
nesnfhts net` whjt jppkjrs t` lk j pkrs`ejg phng`s`phy m jrt jed gnmkLkicktt tkedkd t` rksnst `mmkrnef dnrkit netkrprktjtn`es `m hns w`rc
rksnstkd `mmkrnef whjt j ihjrjitkr ne hns e`vkg Vjtt ijggs lsquoskbjetni
suii`urbdquo t` hns rkjdkrs hns jit`rs hns dnrkit`rs Vhke m`r nestjeik
Jgje Yihekndkr j mrnked jed dnrkit`r `m bjey `m Lkickttbdquos pgjys
jsckd m r Lkickttbdquos netkrprktjtn`e m Kedfjbk Lkicktt rkpgnkd lsquoN snbpgy
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1327
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
1
ijebdquot wrntk jl`ut by w`rc `r `iijsn`ejg stumm `m jey cnedbdquo Hk wket
`e t` kxi`rnjtk o`urejgnsts jed irntnis
Lut whke nt i`bks t` thksk ljstjrds `m o`urejgnsts N mkkg thk `egygnek ns t` rkmusk t` lk nev`gvkd ne kxkfksns `m jey cned By w`rc
ns j bjttkr `m muedjbketjg s`ueds (e` o`ck netkedkd) bjdk js
muggy js p`ssnlgk jed N jiikpt rksp`esnlngnty m`r e`thnef kgsk Nm
pk`pgk wjet t` hjvk hkjdjihks jb`ef thk `vkrt`eks gkt thkb
Jed pr`vndk thknr `we jspnrne (E` Juth`r Lkttkr Ykrvkd Thk
I`rrksp`edkeik `m Yjbukg Lkicktt jed Jgje Yihekndkr lt4)
Nt ns iurn`us t` e`tk thk wjy Lkicktt rksnsts netkrprktnef hns w`rcykt jt thk sjbk tnbk pr`vndks s`bkthnef `m j iguk t` rkjdnef hns
w`rc hk sjys ns j lsquobjttkr `m muedjbketjg s`uedsbdquo ek wjy `m
uedkrstjednef thns i`bbket jed ikrtjnegy thns ns thk wjy N tked t`
rkjd hns w`rc ns t` e`tnik h`w Lkicktt tkeds t` strnp jwjy jgg kxikss
`e stjfk jed pjfk hk ns jmtkr je jejgysns `m thk muedjbketjgs thk
i`rk `r lsquoksskeikbdquo `m whjt bjps `ut hubje kxpkrnkeik Thkrk ns e`
jiindketjg w`rd `r `iiurrkeik ne j Lkicktt tkxt e` dnstrjitn`e mr`b
thk rkjg lusnekss `m trynef t` uedkrstjed whjt nt bkjes t` lk Hkeik
m`r nestjeik j e`vkg gnck Bjg`ek Dnks whkrk thkrk ns `egy `ek ihjr-
jitkr nbb`lngnzkd ne lkd jed thnecnef jl`ut hns nbpkednef dkjth
Hkrk Lkicktt ns jscnef j iruinjg pkrhjps thk muedjbketjg qukstn`e
Vhjt d`ks nt bkje t` kxnst t` lk jt thk b`bket whke y`ur gnmk ns `e
thk vkrfk `m mgnickrnef `ut0 Ije wk rki`fenzk whjt nt trugy bkjes t`
lk jgnvk whjt wk bjy ijgg thk muedjbketjg nbpugsk `m lknef `egy
whke gnmk ntskgm ns jl`ut t` ikjsk0 Lkicktt pjrks pg`t ihjrjitkr jedgjefujfk d`we t` nts kssketnjgs strnppnef jwjy thk lsquobkjtbdquo (`m l`th
pr`sk jed ihjrjitkr) t` kxjbnek gnmk gnvkd jt kxtrkbk gnbnt p`nets
Nedkkd js N hjvk nednijtkd ne gjtkr tkxts suih js V`rstwjrd H` thk
mnrst sketkeik `m whnih rkjds lsquoe Yjy `e Lk sjnd `e Y`bkh`w `e
Tngg e`h`w `e Yjnd e`h`w `ebdquo (46) Lkicktt rkduiks pg`t jed ihjr-
jitkr s` rjdnijggy thjt nt ns p`ssnlgk t` sjy thjt wk hjvk tkxt whkrk
frjbbjr ntskgm mueitn`enef jt thk gnbnt `m i`bprkhkesnlngnty nedn-
ijtks j sulokitnvnty `e thk vkrfk `m e`thnefekssLy wrntnef jl`ut muedjbketjg s`ueds Lkicktt prkskets hnbskgm js
je netkeskgy iurn`us jed i`urjfk`us wrntkr Iurn`us jl`ut thk prk-
insk ejturk m thk hubje lknef Lkicktt tjcks hnbskgm jed hns rkjdkrs
t` thk kxtrkbk gnbnts `m hubjenty jed jscs us `lgnfks us t` g``c
ijrkmuggy jt `urskgvks jt b`bkets `m irnsns Thksk b`bkets `m irnsns
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1427
NETD[ITNE
w`rc ne Lkicktt js p`nets m muedjbketjg nm i`bpr`bnskd jed pjquk
rkvkgjtn`e nt ns hkrk jt thk p`net whkrk thk w`rgd ikjsks t` bjck
skesk `r i`rrksp`ed t` `ekbdquos prksupp`sntn`es thjt thk rkjg thk mue-
djbketjg netkrprktnvk jed kthnijg qukstn`es jrnsk H`w d` N f` `e nethk mjik m thns irnsns m bkjenef0 Vhjt ns by rksp`esnlngnty t` byskgm
jed `thkrs whke bkjenef i`ggjpsks0
Thksk b`bkets m thk i`ggjpsk m bkjenef m thk irnsns m netkrprk-
tjtn`e jrk iketrjg t` Lkickttbdquos w`rc (nedkkd wk bjy sjy thky i`bprnsk
thk t`tjgnty `m thk w`rc) jed t` hns phng`s`phy `m jrt Ne s`bk wjys
Lkickttbdquos rkjg netkrkst ns ne thk kei`uetkr kxnstketnjg jrtnstni jed
netkrprktnvk wnth whjt hk nbp`rtjetgy rkmkrs t` js lsquoE`thnefbdquo Thk
kxpkrnkeik `m e`thnef thk e`thnefekss rkjgnzkd ne thk l`rkd`b `mDndn jed F`f` ne Vjntnef m`r F`d`t (thk mnrst gnek m whnih ns lsquoE`thnef
t` lk d`ekbdquo) thk e`thnefekss thjt thrkjtkes `ur netkrprktnvk skiurnty
whjt Ig`v ne Kedfjbk ijggs thk lsquozkr`bdquo p`net `m bkjenef thk e`thnef-
ekss `m g`ss jed jlskeik thjt nem`rbs s` dkeskgy thk gjtkr trng`fy ns
`ek thjt pjrjd`xnijggy (h`w d` y`u wrntk jl`ut lsquoe`thnefbdquo0) jrtniu-
gjtks jed b`tnvjtks Lkickttbdquos `we w`rc
Ne gt4gt Lkicktt pulgnshkd Thrkk Dnjg`fuks j skrnks `m pskud`-
dnjg`fuks lktwkke lsquoLbdquo jed lsquoDbdquo L wh` irntnis ndketnmy js Lkicktt
hnbskgm (rnfhtgy N lkgnkvk) `mmkrs whjt hjs lki`bk pkrhjps thk b`st
`mtke intkd ketry p`net net` Lkickttbdquos `we w`rc L hjs lkke dnsiuss-
nef b`dkre jrt jed i`bks t` mmkr hns we vnkw m thk pr`pkr sulokit
bjttkr jed b`tnvjtn`es `m thk b`dkre jrtnst
Lmdash^kt N spkjc `m je jrt turenef mr`b nt ne dnsfust wkjry `m nts
puey kxpg`nts wkjry `m prktkednef t` lk jlgk `m lknef jlgk`m d`nef j gnttgk lkttkr thk sjbk `gd thnef `m f`nef j gnttgk
murthkr jg`ef j drkjry r`jd
DmdashJed prkmkrrnef whjt0
LmdashThk kxprkssn`e thjt thkrk ns e`thnef t` kxprkss e`thnef wnth
whnih t` kxprkss e`thnef mr`b whnih t` kxprkss e` p`wkr t`
kxprkss e` dksnrk t` kxprkss t`fkthkr wnth thk `lgnfjtn`e t`
kxprkss (=)
J eublkr `m thnefs jrk iruinjg hkrk Mnrst e`tnik h`w L kxprkssks
j wkjrnekss wnth jrtnstni i`evketn`e h`w thk ndkj `m lsquod`nef j gnttgk
lkttkr thk sjbk `gd thnefbdquo l`rks hnb (thns ns je ndkj t` whnih wk wngg
rkture) Nt ns igkjr kvke rkgjtnvkgy kjrgy ne hns ijrkkr thjt Lkicktt w`ugd
e`t lk irkjtnef i`evketn`ejggy mjbngnjr jrt E`tnik ski`ed h`w thk
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1527
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
lt
w`rd lsquoe`thnefbdquo fjthkrs j cned `m neirkbketjg rks`ejeik ne thns mnejg
sketkeik h`w nt lki`bks igkjr thjt e`thnef t` spkjc pkrhjps pjrj-
d`xnijggy lki`bks s`bkthnef s`bkthnef t` lk kxpg`rkd js j thkbk
js j rkjgnty (wk bjy rkijgg thjt gnek mr`b Bjg`ek Dnks lsquoE`thnef nsb`rk rkjg thje e`thnefbdquo) Js thns jst`enshnef sketkeik i`eigudks
Lkicktt jice`wgkdfks j pkrs`ejg kthnijg `lgnfjtn`e js je jrtnst je
`lgnfjtn`e t` `lskrvk jejgyzk jed kxprkss thksk b`bkets whke thk
e`thnef jrnsksmdashpkrhjps kvke jfjnest hns `we wnggmdashjed jppkjrs
t` euggnmy bkjenef t` thrkjtke `ur i`bm`rt t` krjsk `ur frjsp `m
thk rkjg
lsquoQYTH[BJENYBbdquo
T hjvk ljskd j ijrkkr `e thk kxpg`rjtn`e `m lsquoe`thnefbdquo bjy skkb pkr-
vkrsk t` s`bk Ikrtjnegy thk rkjdkrbdquos kei`uetkr wnth Lkickttbdquos vjrn`us
rkprksketjtn`es `m thk v`nd `m jlskeik `m g`ss wngg lk j dnmmniugt `ek
m`r thk snbpgk rkjs`e thjt Lkickttbdquos w`rgd ns dnmmniugt t` lkjr Jed
s`bk rkjdkrs `vkr thk ykjrs hjvk m`ued ne Lkickttbdquos w`rc j ikrtjne
ruthgkss pkrhjps kvke j i`gd nehubjenty Nm wk trjik thk trjokit`ry
`m Lkickttbdquos w`rc `e l`th stjfk jed ne pr`sk wk d` e`tnik thjt hns
systkbjtni rkduitn`e m thnefs whjt N hjvk suffkstkd ns hns rkduitn`e
t` thk lsquomuedjbketjgsbdquo d`ks nev`gvk thk rkduitn`e `m thk hubje skgm
whjt N wngg ne thns study lk rkmkrrnef t` js thk lsquosulokitbdquo E`tnik h`w
m`r nestjeik ne thk drjbj wk b`vk mr`b muggy kbl`dnkd sulokits ne
Vjntnef m`r F`d`t t` thk gkss physnijggy jlgk ihjrjitkrs ne Kedfjbk
(Hjbb ns lgned jed irnppgkd3 Ig`v ije `egy wjgc ne j stnmm-gkffkd
fjnt3 Ejff jed Ekgg l`th hjvk g`st thknr gkfs) t` ihjrjitkrs nbb`ln-gnzkd ne ures ne Qgjy t` thk dnskbl`dnkd B`uth `m E`t N J snbngjr
trjokit`ry h`gds ne thk mnrst pr`sk trng`fy B`gg`y wh`sk l`dy ns mjng-
nef ykt jlgk3 Bjg`ek wh` ns nbb`lngnzkd ne lkd3 thk ueejbjlgk wh`
bjy snbpgy lk j lrjne ne je ure Ne thk gjtkr pr`sk tkxts nt ns dnmmniugt
kvke t` dktkrbnek prkinskgy thk ejturk m thk hubje jed thk stjtus m
nts l`dy lsquoYjy j l`dy Vhkrk e`ek E` bned Vhkrk e`ek Thjt jt
gkjst J pgjik Vhkrk e`ek M`r thk l`dy T` lk nebdquo (46)
Lkicktt skkbs t` strnvk thr`ufh`ut hns ijrkkr t` rnd hns w`rc m thkl`dy t` w`rc thus t`wjrd whjt wk bjy ijgg j cned `m p`sthubjensb
Q`sthubjensb ije lk dkmnekd js thjt strjed `m phng`s`phy whnih
rjdnijggy irntnquks thk ndkj thjt thk nednvndujg sulokit ns thk iketkr `m
jgg thnefs thk lkfneenef jed ked `m jgg ce`wgkdfk jed kxpkrnkeik
thns ns thkrkm`rk j rjdnijg irntnquk m Hubjenst phng`s`phy whnih w`ugd
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1627
NETD[ITNE
9
p`snt thk hubjebdquos rkjs`e jed rjtn`ejgnty js lknef trjespjrketgy jvjng-
jlgk t` thk thnecnef sulokit Q`sthubjensb lkfnes ly i`uetkrnef
Hubjensbbdquos lkgnkm thjt thk hubje ns skgm-pr`duinef skgm-i`neindketjg
thjt nt ns s`bkh`w rksp`esnlgk m r thk pr`duitn`e `m nts w`rgd jed ntskxpkrnkeik `m thk w`rgd
Js j phng`s`phy p`sthubjensb ije lk trjikd t` bjey s`uriks
lut thk thnecnef `m Enktzsihk Bjrx jed Mrkud ns iruinjg Kjih
w`rckd t` suffkst thjt thk hubje sulokit ns e`t skgm-pr`duinef `r
skgm-i`neindketjg lut ns rjthkr pr`duikd ly nts iugturk (Bjrx) nts
gjefujfk (Enktzsihk) jed nts uei`esin`us drnvks jed nestneits
(Mrkud) Q`sthubjensb strnvks t` uedkrstjed thk prkinsk ki`e`bnks
`m thksk m`riks jed jscs qukstn`es gnck thksk H`w ns thk hubjesulokit t` rjthkr thje thk bjstkr `m gjefujfk0 H`w d`ks thk sulokit
ekf`tnjtk hkr rkgjtn`e t` thk drnvksmdasht`wjrd Kr`s Thjejt`smdashthjt
Mrkud p`snts0 H`w ije thk sulokit mrkk ntskgm nm jt jgg mr`b thk iug-
turjg m`riks `m ijpntjg ndk`g`fy jed rkgnfn`e m`riks whnih prkikdk
jed kxikkd thk sulokitbdquos kxpkrnkeik0
Thksk jrk jgg Lkickttbdquos qukstn`es jed hk wngg w`rc `ut jeswkrs ne
pgjys gnck Hjppy Djys jed e`vkgs gnck Burphy jed Thk [eejbjlgk
tkxts whnih jrk jl`ut h`w thk sulokit ekf`tnjtks j rkgjtn`e t` iugturk
(Hjppy Djys) t` thk drnvks (Burphy) t` gjefujfk (Thk [eejbjlgk)
Lut wk sh`ugd jgs` e`tk h`w Lkickttbdquos p`sthubjensb lki`bks
ueijeengy gntkrjgnzkd ne hns bnddgk-t`-gjtk-pkrn`d drjbj jed pr`sk
Lkicktt ns netkrkstkd ne kxpg`rnef thk vkry gnbnts `m thk hubje thk
vkry ksskeik `m whjt i`estntutks thk hubje T thns ked Lkicktt wngg
push thk hubje pjst `ur i`bb`e i`eikptujg l`uedjrnks3 thjt ns t`
sjy jt tnbks hk b`vks hns ihjrjitkrs net` thk spjik `m dkjth `m whjtns pkrhjps j cned `m jmtkrgnmk
Ne thk pr`sk thns thkbjtni lkfnes wnth Bjg`ek Dnks j e`vkg trjinef
thk b`bket j bje pjssks net` nekxnstkeik3 ne thk drjbj nt lkfnes
wnth Qgjy whnih skks thrkk ihjrjitkrs ne whjt jppkjrs t` lk je jmtkr-
gnmk (thk ihjrjitkrs jrk ne muekrjg ures) lnickrnef vkr thk ejrrjtnvk m
thknr pjst gnvks3 ne thk ski`ed trng`fy wk ije kjsngy nbjfnek nedkkd
sh`ugd nbjfnek thjt thk spkjckrs `m thk tkxts js wkgg js thk mnfurks
thjt jppkjr ne thk ejrrjtnvks jrk spkitkrs fh`sts N kxpg`rk thk mnfurk`m thk fh`st thk spkitkrmdashthk gntkrjg p`sthubjemdashne dktjng ne by
mnejg ihjptkr lut N oust wnsh t` nednijtk hkrk h`w Lkickttbdquos netkrkst
ne pjrnef thnefs d`we t` thk kssketnjgs gkjds g`fnijggy t` je netkrkst ne
thk spkitkr thk fh`st whnih lki`bks thk nbjfk `m thk hubje jmtkr
jgg thnefs hjvk lkke strnppkd wjy Qrkinskgy thk fh`st lki`bks j trjik
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1727
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
4
j bjrc `m thk hubjebdquos pjssnef `ut `m kxnstkeik lutmdashjed thns ns
jls`gutkgy iketrjgmdashthk fh`st ns je nesnstket rkbnedkr `m thk hubje
thjt `eik wjs Thk spkitkr ne `thkr w`rds skrvks t` rkiupkrjtk thk
hubje kvke js thk hubje pjssks net` `lgnvn`e thk spkitkr thuslki`bks whjt Ygjv`o _nzkc ijggs thk lsquonednvnsnlgk rkbjnedkr9bdquo T` put
nt lguetgy m`r Lkicktt thk t`tjg kgnbnejtn`e `m thk hubje ns j t`tjg
nbp`ssnlngnty
Qkrhjps Lkicktt suffksts wk ije `egy mned thk ejturk `m thk
hubje whjt hk ijggs lsquothk lkdr`ic `m thk kssketnjgsbdquo jt thk b`bket
thk hubje kxihjefks `ek stjtk m`r je`thkr `ek rkjgnty m`r je`thkr
Qkrhjps `egy thk jlskeik `m thk hubje (thk spkitkr) trugy rkvkjgs
whjt hjs lkke thk hubjebdquos truk ejturk Jed whjt ns m`r bk mjsinejt-nef jed iruinjg jl`ut thns pr`ikss ns thk wjy Lkicktt kgnbnejtks thk
hubje jt prkinskgy thk sjbk tnbk js hk kgnbnejtks dkejturks jed
dki`estruits ejrrjtnvk m`rb ntskgm Ne s`bk wjys Lkicktt ns jrfunef
thjt gjefujfk ntskgm bust lk kgnbnejtkd ne `rdkr m`r thk spkitkr thk
fh`st thk p`sthubje t` jppkjr gjefujfk bust lk kgnbnejtkd ne
`rdkr m r thk truth `m thk hubje t` lk ce`we
Vk bjy skk ne thns rkduitn`e j cned `m irukg trkjtbket `m thk
hubje j pkrvkrsk netkrkst ne nggekss jed dkijy lut N thnec thns w`ugd
lk j mjtjg netkrprktnvk krr`r Ikrtjnegy Lkickttbdquos w`rc nbpgnks thjt thk
l`dy ns jgwjys j gnjlngnty s`bkthnef thjt wngg nekvntjlgy mjng (je hngjrn-
`us gnek mr`b Bjg`ek Dnks suffksts thns lsquoNm N hjd thk usk `m by l`dy
N w`ugd thr`w nt `ut `m thk wned`wbdquo SltltR) Lut wk bust e`tnik thjt
thk l`dy `r snfes `m thk l`dy ekvkr muggy dnsjppkjrs mr`b Lkickttbdquos
w`rgd Thk pkrsnstkeik `m thk l`dy thk mrjfbketkd l`dy thk dnskb-
l`dnkd l`dy ns `ek `m Lkickttbdquos bjo`r thkbks jed `ek thjt p`skss`bk `m hns b`st netkrkstnef netkrprktnvk qukstn`es jed ihjggkefks
why d`ks Lkicktt w`rc t` rkduik jed mrjfbket thk l`dy0 H`w jrk wk
t` netkrprkt mrjfbkets `m hubjenty0
ek jeswkr t` thksk qukstn`es rkgjtks t` whjt N hjvk sjnd jl`vk
jl`ut Lkicktt rkduinef thnefs t` thk muedjbketjgs ne rdkr t` uedkr-
stjed thk ksskeik `m thk hubje ne Qgjy jed E`t N Lkicktt skkbs t`
lk suffkstnef thjt thksk ihjrjitkrs rkjggy `egy jrk thknr v`niks rkjggy
`egy jrk t` lk b`rk prkinsk thknr ejrrjtnvks Vhjt bjttkrs t` thkbjt thns spkinmni pgjik jt thns spkinmni tnbk ns thknr jlngntymdashpkrhjps
thknr i`bpugsn`e thknr `lgnfjtn`emdasht` spkjc Lkicktt w`ugd skkb t`
lk suffkstnef thjt thk t`tjgnty `m thk l`dy jt thns spkinmni b`bket ns
e`t tkrrnlgy nbp`rtjet t` thk sulokit js shk trnks t` uedkrstjed hkr
prksket sntujtn`e Lut js N suffkst wk d` e`tnik thjt Lkicktt ekvkr
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1827
NETD[ITNE
muggy rkb`vks thk l`dy `r thk snfes `m thk l`dy (v`nik m`r nestjeik)
ketnrkgy thk st`rnks hns ihjrjitkrs tkgg hns w`rc skkbs t` nbpgy jrk
wrnttke `e jed thr`ufh thk l`dy Yt`rnks jrk trjesgjtkd ne `thkr
w`rds ly thk l`dy Lkickttbdquos ihjrjitkrs bjy lk p`sthubje lut thkyjrk e`t muggy p`sti`rp`rkjg
Je`thkr wjy m puttnef thns ndkj jdbnttkdgy ek m Lkickttbdquos b`st
ihjggkefnef ns thjt sulokitnvntymdashthjt skesk thk hubje hjs `m ntskgm
js j thnecnef netkrprktnef irkjturkmdashns muggy dkpkedket `e thk l`dy
Yulokitnvnty ns kbl`dnbket y`u jrk y`ur l`dy jed y`ur l`dybdquos dksnrks
js buih js y`u jrk y`ur bned Jed thus whngk thk l`dy ns je nbpkdn-
bket jed wngg jgwjys dkijy jed mjng thk l`dy ijee`t dnsjppkjr
ne Lkicktt lkijusk thk skgm jed thk skgmbdquos uedkrstjednef `m ntskgmw`ugd js wkgg Thkrk ns js N rkjd nt thke j cned `m djrc i`bpjssn`e
ne Lkicktt m`r thk i`bpr`bnskd l`dy m`r thk irnppgkd jed thk ngg
thkrk ns j i`bpjssn`e m`r thk summkrnef sulokit wh` ije rkjggy `egy
uedkrstjed hkrskgm jed hkr w`rgd thr`ufh thk bkdnub m j dkijynef
pjnemug l`dy ur qukstn`es js rkjdkrs m Lkicktt bust e`w lki`bk
nm thk skgm uedkrstjeds ntskgm thr`ufh thk i`bpr`bnskd spkitrjg
l`dy whjt cneds `m netkrprktjtn`es wngg nt bjck0 Nm thk skgm uedkr-
stjeds thk w`rgd thr`ufh nts mrjfbketkd p`sthubje l`dy whjt
cneds `m netkrprktjtn`es `m thk w`rgd ije lk bjdk0
lsquoQYTH[BJENYBbdquo J Q]NY
Thksk jrk jgg Lkickttbdquos qukstn`es lut N wnsh t` `mmkr s`bkthnef `m j
pr`vns` lkm`rk i`etneunef N suffkstkd jl`vk thjt Lkicktt ns strnvnef
m`r j lsquocned `mbdquo p`sthubjensb N thnec nt ns lkst jgwjys t` usk tkrbspr`vnsn`ejggy wnth Lkicktt m`r surkgy `ek `m thk kmmkits `m hns w`rc
ns t` ijgg jls`gutkgy net` qukstn`e thk vkry ndkj `m stjlgk ijtkf`rnks
stjlgk `pp`sntn`es (lsquohubje-p`sthubjebdquo) Qkrhjps nt ns lkst hkrk jt
thk `utskt t` suffkst thjt hns w`rc irntnquks thk ndkj `m thk hubje
jed thk p`sthubje kqujggy Qrkinskgy ly dnsi`vkrnef thk pkrsnstkeik
`m thk hubje kvke ne nts b`st dkeudkd m rb Lkicktt kssketnjggy i`g-
gjpsks thk `pp`sntn`e lsquohubje-p`sthubjebdquo t` thk p`net whkrk thk
tkrbs lki`bk netkrihjefkjlgk jed hkeik jgb`st bkjenefgkssThjt ns t` sjy m`r Lkicktt wk jrk jgwjys jgrkjdy p`sthubje nes`-
mjr js wk jrk i`etr`ggkd ly dnsi`ursks (hnst`ry ndk`g`fy gjefujfk)
prkikdnef jed kxikkdnef us3 wk jrk jgwjys jgrkjdy p`sthubje js wk
dnsi`vkr thjt `ur l`dnks jrk sntks `m nekvntjlgk mjngurk jed i`ggjpsk3
wk jrk jgwjys jgrkjdy p`sthubje nes`mjr js thk ndkj `m j snefugjr
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1927
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
=
skgm ns je nggusn`e Lkicktt jice`wgkdfks thksk ndkjs kjrgy ne hns ijrkkr3
ne Qr`ust (gt9) hk jice`wgkdfks thjt thk skgm ns e`t j stjlgk sulokit
lut rjthkr thjt thk lsquonednvndujg ns j suiikssn`e `m nednvndujgsbdquo ()3
b`rk`vkr lsquoThk sulokit hjs dnkdmdashjed pkrhjps bjey tnbksmdashjg`efthk wjybdquo (9) By usk `m thk tkrb lsquop`sthubjebdquo thke ns s`bkthnef `m
j i`evkenkeik j wjy `m spkjcnef lsquojl`utbdquo `r lsquojr`uedbdquo thk pkiugnjrntnks
`m thk Lkickttnje sulokit thk sulokit wh` jgwjys bust ekf`tnjtk hns
rkjgnty vnj systkbs `m th`ufhtmdashgjefujfk lknef thk prnbjrymdashwh`sk
pjrjbktkrs jed pr`t`i`gs jrk jgwjys oust lky`ed hns mugg i`etr`g
THK QLGKB M NETKQKTJTNELkickttbdquos bjenpugjtn`e `m fkerk hns rkduitn`e jed dnsbjetgnef `m
thk sulokit hns rkgketgkss netkrkst ne thk vjrn`us jspkits `m lsquoe`thnef-
ekssbdquo (g`ss jlskeik)mdashhk ijggs thns hns lsquomndkgnty t` mjngurkbdquo (lsquoThrkk
Dnjg`fuksbdquo =9)mdashgkjd js N hjvk lkke suffkstnef t` s`bk mjnrgy
jiutk netkrprktnvk dnmmniugtnks Hjes-Fk`rf Fjdjbkr j phng`s`phkr
`m thk hkrbkekutni sih``g (jed studket `m Bjrtne Hkndkffkr) suf-
fksts thjt jgg rkjg netkrprktjtn`e `r lsquohkrbkekutnisbdquo lkfnes wnth
ndketnmynef j spkinmni g`ijtn`e `m d`ult `r uekjsk ne j tkxt Js hk
wrntks ne Qhng`s`phnijg Hkrbkekutnis lsquoThk rkjg p`wkr m hkrbkekutn-
ijg i`esin`usekss ns `ur jlngnty t` skk whjt ns qukstn`ejlgkbdquo (9) Vk
ekkd ne `thkr w`rds t` lk jlgk t` jsc thk pr`pkr qukstn`es `m tkxts
Lut ne Lkicktt `ur pr`lgkb lki`bks skkbnefgy netrjitjlgk lkijusk
kvkrythnef ne thk tkxt jppkjrs t` lk qukstn`ejlgk H`w jrk wk t`
netkrprkt tkxts thjt skkb pjrjd`xnijggy t` `mmkr s` bjey qukstn`es
jed thke rksnst `r m`rkig`sk thk p`ssnlngnty `m jeswkrnef th`sk quks-tn`es0 H`w ne `thkr w`rds jrk wk t` rkjd Lkicktt0
N wngg suffkst hkrk ne wjys thjt g``c ljic t` Lkickttbdquos `we skesk `m
`lgnfjtn`e (rkijgg hns skesk kxprksskd ne Thrkk Dnjg`fuks `m thk lsquo`lgn-
fjtn`e t` kxprkssbdquo) thjt `ur netkrprktjtn`es `m Lkicktt sh`ugd lkfne
ly pjynef ijrkmug jttketn`e t` thk wjys ne whnih hns tkxts jetninpjtk
`ur dnmmniugtnks jed pkrhjps `mmkr s`bk fundjeik Nm wk jrk puzzgkd ly
ikrtjne thnefsmdashVh` jrk thksk ihjrjitkrs0 Vhjt jrk thknr hnst`rnks0
Vhkrk jed whke kxjitgy jrk thksk st`rnks `iiurrnef0 Vhjt kxjitgyd`ks nt jgg bkje0mdashwk sh`ugd rki`fenzk thjt `ur pkrpgkxnty wnth
thk tkxt ns bnrr`rkd ly thk ihjrjitkrsbdquo `we pkrpgkxnty jl`ut thknr
w`rgds Thk rkjdkrbdquos sntujtn`e `m puzzgkbket ns prkinskgy thjt `m thk
ihjrjitkrs jed thus wk jrrnvk jt j iruinjg `lskrvjtn`e Lkickttbdquos tkxts
thkbskgvks wngg skt `ut thk fr`ued rugks m`r netkrprktnef hns w`rgd
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2027
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2127
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
8
Lkickttbdquos ihjrjitkrs thus mueitn`e ne j stjtk `m pr`m`ued rkfrkt jed
jf`eymdash`mtke rkprksskd jed dnsjv`wkdmdash`vkr whjt bnfht hjvk lkke
Ne Crjppbdquos Gjst Tjpk m`r nestjeik Crjpp rktrjiks hns pjst hnst`ry
thr`ufh tjpk rki`rdnefs `m hns `we v`nik t` rkvnsnt j b`bket `m p`s-snlgk th`ufh e`w m`rkvkr g`st hjppnekss Crjppbdquos we v`nik hns we
hnst`ry ns spkitrjg lkijusk hns rki`rdnefs jrk `m j dkjd jed nrrktrnkv-
jlgk pjst lut ek whnih igkjrgy stngg hjuets hnb e`w Ne whjt ns surkgy
`ek `m Lkickttbdquos b`st pjnemugmdashjed netkeskgy i`bpjssn`ejtk
b`bketsmdashwk skk h`w j fh`stgy hnst`ry lrutjgnzks Crjpp
Qjst bndenfht Ekvkr cekw suih sngkeik Thk kjrth bnfht lk uene-
hjlntkd Hkrk N ked thns rkkg L`x thrkk sp``g mnvkQkrhjps by lkst ykjrs jrk f`ek Vhke thkrk wjs j ihjeik `m hjp-
pnekss Lut N w`ugdebdquot wjet thkb ljic E`t wnth thk mnrk ne bk
e`w E` N w`ugdebdquot wjet thkb ljic (ltltgt)
Lkicktt d`ks e`t js thk irntnijg ignihicirc bjy hjvk nt bkrkgy rkprksket j
w`rgd `m jlsurdnty j w`rgd wnth`ut bkjenef Thns ns j w`rgd thjt
i`etneujggy mkkgs thk igjnbs `m thk pjst `m hnst`ry Jed thkrk ns j
bkjenef ne dnsi`vkrnef thksk igjnbs j bkjenef ne rki`fenznef `ekbdquos
nedkltkdekss t` thk pjst j bkjenef ne rkjgnznef thjt `ekbdquos `lgnfjtn`e
ns t` i`bk t` tkrbs wnth thksk igjnbs jed dklts
THKKTNIJG JQQJIH THK lsquoGNTKJT[K M THK
[EVDbdquo BKGJEIHG^ JED THK JIHN]K
Qjrt `m by purp`sk hkrk ne thns Fundk ns t` pr`vndk wjys `m bjcnefskesk `m Lkickttbdquos dnmmniugt w`rc ek wjy N wngg pr`ikkd wngg lk t`
drjw `e thk w`rc `m phng`s`phkrs thk`rnsts jed irntnis wh`sk ndkjs
jgg`w us t` uedkrstjed thk i`bpgkxnty `m Lkickttbdquos uenvkrsk N wngg
hkrk lk drjwnef `e thk gncks `m phke`bke`g`fnsts Bjrtne Hkndkffkr
Hjes-Fk`rf Fjdjbkr jed Kbbjeukg Gkvnejs bjrxnst Thk`d`r
Jd`re` psyih`jejgysts Ynfbued Mrkud jed Ojiquks Gjije jed
dki`estruitn`enst Ojiquks Dkrrndj N lkgnkvk thjt thk w`rc `m thksk
thk`rnsts ije kmmkitnvkgy uepjic ikrtjne netkrprktnvk pr`lgkbs neLkicktt oust js N lkgnkvk thjt ikrtjne b`bkets ne LkickttmdashN thnec `m
B`uthbdquos ketry net` gjefujfk ne E`t N mdashije kmmkitnvkgy nggustrjtk thk
netkrprktnvk pr`lgkbs ne thk w`rc m s`bk thk`rnsts (nedkkd N wngg usk
E`t N t` nggustrjtk Gjijebdquos dnmmniugt e`tn`e `m thk kjg) By netketn`e
ns e`t thkrkm`rk snbpgy t` rkjd Lkicktt thr`ufh j pjrtniugjr thk`ry
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2227
NETD[ITNE
gt
lut t` nbjfnek thjt thkrk ns j butujg pr`ikss `m netkrprktjtn`e jed
netkrr`fjtn`e `iiurrnef lktwkke thk`rnst jed mnitn`e
THK FKBJE GKTTK
N jgs` lkgnkvk pkrhjps ejnvkgy thjt Lkicktt hnbskgm ns hns `we mnrst
jed lkst irntni Js N hjvk bketn`ekd Lkicktt `mmkrkd mkw irntnijg i`b-
bketjrnks `e hns w`rc `vkr thk ykjrs lut th`sk thjt hjvk i`bk d`we
t` usmdashjs m`r nestjeik Thrkk Dnjg`fuks mdashjrk `m frkjt vjguk t` jey
rkjdkr Ne thk gjttkr ihjptkrs `m thns study N wngg lk rkmkrrnef `mtke t`
Lkickttbdquos Fkrbje Gkttkr `m gt96 jed kspkinjggy t` hns e`tn`e `m thk
lsquogntkrjturk `m thk uew`rdbdquo j i`eikpt N thnec ns iketrjg t` thk pr`frks-sn`e `m hns w`rc N wnsh thkrkm`rk t` tjck s`bk spjik hkrk jed
`utgnek thk nbp`rtjeik `m thns Gkttkr
Ne gt9= Lkicktt trjvkgkd t` Fkrbjey `e whjt kssketnjggy wjs je
jrt h`gndjy hk vnsntkd skvkrjg jrt fjggkrnks jed jgth`ufh jefkrkd ly
thk Ejzn rkfnbkbdquos ikes`rnef `m jrt nt i`esndkrkd dkijdket hk wjs
frkjtgy nbprksskdmdashjed nemgukeikdmdashly thk w`rc hk sjw Thk trnp
skrvkd js j cned m spnrntujg jed phng`s`phnijg jwjckenef js hns dnj-
rnks jttkst Thk Fkrbje Gkttkr ns pjrt `m j i`rrksp`edkeik lktwkke
Lkicktt jed j mrnked (Jxkg Cjue wh`b hk bkt ne Fkrbjey) wrnttke
thrkk b`eths jmtkr hns rkture t` Dulgne Ne thk Gkttkr Lkicktt spkjcs
`m thk ekkd t` b`vk pjst rkiknvkd dnsi`ursks jed i`evketn`es t` gnl-
krjtk hnbskgm mr`b trjdntn`ejg gjefujfks jed m`rbs N qu`tk jt s`bk
gkefth
Nt ns nedkkd lki`bnef b`rk jed b`rk dnmmniugt kvke skeskgkss m`rbk t` wrntk je `mmninjg Kefgnsh Jed b`rk jed b`rk by `we gje-
fujfk jppkjrs t` bk gnck j vkng thjt bust lk t`re jpjrt ne `rdkr t`
fkt jt thk thnefs (`r thk E`thnefekss) lkhned nt Frjbbjr jed
Ytygk T bk thky skkb t` hjvk lki`bk js nrrkgkvjet js j ]nit`rnje
ljthnef sunt `r thk nbpkrturljlngnty `m j truk fketgkbje J bjsc
Gkt us h`pk thk tnbk wngg i`bk thjec F`d thjt ne ikrtjne inrigks nt
hjs jgrkjdy i`bk whke gjefujfk ns b`st kmmninketgy uskd whkrk
nt ns lknef b`st kmmninketgy bnsuskd Js wk ijee`t kgnbnejtk gje-fujfk jgg jt `eik wk sh`ugd jt gkjst gkjvk e`thnef ued`ek thjt
bnfht i`etrnlutk t` nts mjggnef net` dnsrkputk T` l`rk `ek h`gk
jmtkr je`thkr ne nt uetng whjt gurcs lkhned ntmdashlk nt s`bkthnef `r
e`thnefmdashlkfnes t` skkp thr`ufh3 N ijee`t nbjfnek j hnfhkr f`jg
m`r j wrntkr t`djy (6rsquo6lt)
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2327
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
lt1
Ne by kstnbjtn`e thk mugg nbpgnijtn`es `m thk Gkttkr whnih m`r bk
ns Lkickttbdquos jrtnstni bjenmkst` wngg e`t lk rkjgnzkd uetng thk gjtkr e`v-
kgs (kspkinjggy thk trng`fnks) lut wk sh`ugd rki`fenzk h`w Lkickttbdquos
stjtkd nbpjtnkeik wnth trjdntn`ejg m`rb rks`ejtks net` kvke thk kjrgypr`sk jed drjbj Lkickttbdquos dnsdjne m`r lsquo`mmninjg Kefgnshbdquo m`r lsquoFrjbbjr
jed Ytygkbdquo thnefs js nrrkgkvjet js j ]nit`rnje ljthnef sunt spkjc t`
j mrustrjtn`e j l`rkd`b kvke wnth thk g`fni jed trjokit`rnks `m thk
enektkketh-iketury e`vkg Hk spkjcs murthkr t` h`w busni jed
pjnetnef hjvk m ued wjys m b`vnef lky`ed trjdntn`ejg m`rb ne rdkr
t` rkprksket sngkeik jed jlskeik (thnefs e`t jss`injtkd wnth rkprkske-
tjtnvk jrt)3 hk suffksts thjt gjefujfk ntskgm bust lk shjttkrkd ne rdkr
t` rkvkjg whjt wjs prkvn`usgy uerkprksketjlgkJed whngk Lkickttbdquos bjenmkst` s`ueds jvjet-fjrdk hns ndkj thjt
gjefujfk ns j vkng t` lk t`re jpjrt g``cs ljic t` thk `bjetnis jed
thknr e`tn`e thjt p`ktry w`rcs t` rkvkjg thk ueskke Lkickttbdquos lsquoby
`we gjefujfk jppkjrs t` bk gnck j vkng thjt bust lk t`re jpjrtbdquo kih`ks
Yhkggkybdquos J Dkmkeik `m Q`ktry jed hns skesk thjt p`ktry gnmts lsquothk vkng
mr`b thk hnddke lkjuty `m thk w`rgd jed bjcks mjbngnjr `lokits lk
js nm thky wkrk e`t mjbngnjrbdquo (6) Thkrk ns `m i`ursk j w`rgd `m dnm-
mkrkeik lktwkke gnmtnef jed dkstr`ynef thk vkngmdashthk dnmmkrkeik
pkrhjps lktwkke thk `bjetni jed thk B`dkremdashlut Lkickttbdquos
dksnrk js j wrntkr ns j mjbngnjr `ek hns w`rc wngg jttkbpt t` sh`w thk
w`rgd ne j ekw wjy Ne by rkjdnef Lkickttbdquos tkjrnef `m thk vkng
lki`bks thk pkrmkit bktjph`r m`r thk pr`ikss `m rkvkjgnef `vkrtgy
skgm-i`esin`usgy jed irntnijggy thk nbpgnijtn`es `m jrt hkrk thk e`vkg
jed drjbj ne j ekw wjy
THK lsquoGNTKJT[K M THK [EVDbdquo
Ne thk gjst pjrjfrjph `m thk Gkttkr Lkicktt suffksts thjt thns pr`ikss
`m dkstr`ynef gjefujfk `m rkvkjgnef nts lsquotkrrnlgk bjtkrnjgntybdquo (6lt)
wngg kvketujggy gkjd t` whjt hk ijggs j lsquogntkrjturk `m thk uew`rdbdquo (69)
N wnsh ne whjt m`gg`ws t` suffkst thjt Lkickttbdquos ketnrk ijrkkr js j
wrntkr mneds nts lkfneenef jed ked nts fr`ued jed f`jg ne thns ndkj
stjtkd ne gt96 J gntkrjturk `m thk uew`rd ns `lvn`usgy j i`etrjdni-tn`e ne tkrbs j pjrjd`x je jp`rnj (t` usk thk Dkrrndkje i`estruitn`e)3
j gntkrjturk `m thk uew`rd ns je jttkbpt t` usk gjefujfk t` sngkeik
gjefujfk (hk ijggs nt lsquoJe jssjugt jfjnest w`rds ne thk ejbk `m lkjutybdquo
S69R) Hns jnb kssketnjggy ns t` mned j bkjes `m dki`bp`snef jed
b`vnef lky`ed gjefujfk t` shjttkr gjefujfk net` j cned `m krjsurk
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2427
NETD[ITNE
lt
`m ntskgm (thns jttkbpt t` kgnbnejtk gjefujfk ns fk`bktrnijggy pr`p`r-
tn`ejg t` hns jttkbpt t` kgnbnejtk thk l`dy js wk wngg skk) By
jrfubket ns quntk snbpgy thns thr`ufh`ut hns ijrkkr Lkicktt ns skjrih-
nef m`r thk bkjes t` put je ked t` gntkrjturk t` put je ked t` wrntneft` put je ked t` hns `we dksnrk t` wrntk Thk trjokit`ry `m hns w`rc
mr`b thk kjrgy drjbj jed pr`sk t` thk gjtk ns `ek `m rjdnijg rkdui-
tn`e `m w`rcnef t` mned j bkjes t` gntkrjturkbdquos ked Ne thk drjbj wk
b`vk mr`b thk muggy kbl`dnkd drjbj `m F`d`t t` thk gjtk fh`stgy
pgjys whkrk `mtke gjefujfk d`ks e`t kvke mkjturk3 ne thk pr`sk wk
b`vk mr`b thk pgjymug fjrrug`usekss m Burphy t` thk shjttkrkd sye-
tjx jed dnbnenshkd frjbbjrs `m V`rstwjrd H`4
Nt ns prkinskgy lkijusk Lkickttbdquos w`rc ns fr`uedkd `e suih i`bpgkxphng`s`phnijg i`etrjdnitn`esmdashj wrntkr wrntnef gntkrjturk `ut `m
kxnstkeik nbp`ssnlgkmdashthjt N lkgnkvk wk bust hjvk rki`ursk t` thk
vjrn`us thk`rktnijg jed phng`s`phnijg trjdntn`es thjt jr`sk snbugtj-
ek`us wnth Lkickttbdquos `we dkvkg`pbket js j wrntkr By thk`rktnijg
jppr`jih ne thns Fundk ije pkrhjps lkst lk dksirnlkd js pr`bnsiu-
`us lut N tked t` thnec thjt j dki`estruitn`enst psyih`jejgysns ns thk
lkst wjy `m pr`ikkdnef wnth Lkicktt jt gkjst m`r bk T` nggustrjtk
whjt N bkje hkrkmdashjed ly wjy `m i`eigudnef thns Netr`duitn`emdash
N wnsh t` `utgnek tw` i`eikpts whnih wngg pr`vk irntnijg ne by rkjdnef
`m kspkinjggy thk drjbj
BKGJEIHGNJ
J bjo`r thkbk ne Lkicktt ns thjt `m bkb`ry `m ihjrjitkrs gnck
Crjpp `r Hjbb hjuetkd ly thk fh`st `m bkb`ry Jt j ljsni gkvkgthk Lkicktt ihjrjitkr gnvks ne j pr`trjitkd stjtk `m rkfrkt jed g`ss
j stjtk hk `r shk bjy e`t kvke rki`fenzk js suih Hnst`ry thk pjst
nbpnefks pr`m uedgy e thk ihjrjitkr jed js Lkicktt wrntks ne Qr`ust
thrkjtkes i`etneujggy t` lsquodkm`rbbdquo hnb Ne gt6 Ynfbued Mrkud pul-
gnshkd je kssjy thjt hjs rkiketgy i`bk t` lk skke js j iruinjg dnjfe`sns
`m j i`etkbp`rjry iugturjg i`edntn`e Ne lsquoB`urenef jed Bkgjeih`gnjbdquo
Mrkud jttkbpts t` i`bk t` je uedkrstjednef m h`w thk sulokit dkjgs
wnth trjubj jed g`ss Thkrk jrk hk thk`rnzks tw` rksp`esks t` g`sst` thk g`ss `m j g`vkd `ek `r thk lsquog`ss `m s`bk jlstrjitn`e whnih hjs
tjcke thk pgjik `m `ek suih js `ekbdquos i`uetry gnlkrty je ndkjg `r s`
`ebdquo (ltlt) Thk mnrst jed b`st hkjgthy ns whjt hk ijggs b`urenef
B`urenef ns j pr`ikss ly whnih thk g`ss ns i`bprkhkedkd jed
jiikptkd lsquow`rckd thr`ufhbdquo t` usk hns tkrbne`g`fy B`urenef ns thk
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
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LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
ltlt
e`rbjg wjy `ek bust dkjg wnth trjubj jed g`ss wnth whjt Mrkud
lkjutnmuggy tkrbs thk lsquoki`e`bnis `m pjnebdquo (ltlt) Qrkinskgy h`w thk
sulokit `vkri`bks g`ss ns e`t ce`we ly Mrkudmdashnt ns j dnmmniugt pr`-
ikss3 nt ns lsquow`rcbdquomdashlut kvketujggy thk b`urekr jiikpts thjt thk g`vkd`ek wnth wh`b hk bjy hjvk ndketnmnkd ns e` g`efkr hkrk t` bjcks
igjnbs `e hnb
Bkgjeih`gnj `e thk `thkr hjed ns je jle`rbjg rksp`esk t` g`ss
jed sntujtks thk sulokit ne j i`etneujg p`sntn`e `m ejrinssnstni ndketn-
mnijtn`e wnth thk g`st `lokit Ne `thkr w`rds thk bkgjeih`gy sulokit
ijee`t jiikpt thjt hkr g`vkd `ek ns ne mjit f`ek jed w`rcs pjth`g`fn-
ijggy lsquot` kstjlgnsh je ndketnmnijtn`e `m thk kf` wnth thk jljed`ekd
`lokitbdquo (lt8) Vhjt thns bkjes ns thjt thk pjstmdashg`ss trjubjmdashi`e-tneujggy w`rcs nts wjy net` thk prksket b`bket lkijusk thk sulokit
ijee`t b`vk pjst nt B`rk tr`ulgnef ns thk ndkj thjt thk sulokit d`ks
e`t wnsh t` jgg`w g`ss t` rkikdk net` hnst`ry lut dksnrks i`etneujggy t`
bjnetjne j i`eekitn`e t` thk trjubjtni b`bket Ne s`bk wjys thk
sulokit bjnetjnes thns pjth`g`fnijg stjtkmdashwhnih bjy ne mjit e`t lk
s` pjth`g`fnijg jmtkr jggmdashlkijusk thk trjubjtni b`bket ns nbp`r-
tjet m`r hkr bjy ne mjit hjvk shjpkd wh` shk ns
Vk bjy dnjfe`sk j frkjt eublkr `m Lkickttbdquos ihjrjitkrs js lknef
bkgjeih`gni ne Mrkudbdquos skesk Thky jrk hjuetkd ly thk pjst jed s`bk
gnck Crjpp Hjbb jed Vneenk dkgnlkrjtkgy jttkbpt t` rki`eekit wnth
j pjst thjt neigudks b`bkets `m g`ss jed kxtrkbk pjne Ne `thkr w`rds
thk mueitn`e `m bkb`ry ne Lkicktt ns gjrfkgy bkgjeih`gni prkinskgy
lkijusk thk ihjrjitkrs jice`wgkdfk i`esin`usgy `r uei`esin`usgy
thjt thky jrk thk pr`duits m j pjst whnih hjs bkringkssgy dkmnekd thkb
js summkrnef sulokits Lkickttbdquos ihjrjitkrs ignef s` rkgketgkssgy t` thkpjst lkijusk m`r rkjs`es wk wngg kxpg`rk thk prksket b`bket ns dkv`nd
`m snfenmnijeik3 thk jf`enznef pjst bjy lrutjgnzk lut ne nt jrk thk trjiks
thk hnst`rnijg mrjfbkets `m ndketnty jed bkjenef
THK JIHN]K
Dki`estruitn`enst Ojiquks Dkrrndj drjwnef hkjvngy `e Mrkud `mmkrs
j ski`ed rkgjtkd i`eikpt thjt N wngg usk t` rkjd thksk ihjrjitkrsbdquo rkgj-tn`e t` hnst`ry g`ss jed trjubj Ne Jrihnvk Mkvkr Dkrrndj jejgyzks
thk i`eikpt `m thk jrihnvk js j wjy `m i`bnef t` je uedkrstjednef
`m thk wjy thk sulokit ekf`tnjtks nts rkgjtn`eshnp t` hnst`ry t` thk
pjst jed thk muturk thk jrihnvk ns thus j bkjes ly whnih Dkrrndj
trnks t` uedkrstjed thk hubje js j lknef sntujtkd ne tnbk mkkgnef thk
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2627
NETD[ITNE
lt9
igjnbs `m thk tkbp`rjg Qkrhjps thk lkst wjy t` dkmnek thk jrihnvk ns
js j i`eikptujg `r bjtkrnjg spjik `m bkb`ry Thk bned ije skrvk js
je jrihnvk oust js j gnlrjry `r physnijg b`eubket ije Dkrrndj suf-
fksts thjt thk jrihnvk ns j pgjik m i`bbjedbket jed i`bbkeikbketj pgjik whkrk kvkets `m thk pjst jrk d`iubketkd juth`rntjtnvkgy js
bjrcnef thk lkfneenef `m s`bkthnef j gnmk j iugturk j invngnzjtn`e
Jrihnvks jrk spjiks m prkskrvjtn`e i`eskrvjtn`e lut jgs` m irkjtn`e
j iugturkbdquos uedkrstjednef m ntskgmmdashj sulokitbdquos uedkrstjednef m ntskgmmdash
ns irkjtkd wnthne thk spjik `m thk jrihnvk
Nt ns igkjr thjt thk jrihnvk ns j wjy `m bjtkrnjgnznef bjcnef i`e-
irktk thk pjst Jed nm hnst`ry ns gjrfkgy r ije lk gjrfkgy thk ejrrjtnvks
`m i`equkst dkmkjt jed vn`gkeik thk jrihnvk ns jgs` f`nef t` mueitn`ejs j spjik i`bbkb`rjtnef trjubj jed g`ss Nt strncks bk thkrkm`rk
thjt thk jrihnvkmdashjs j spjik thjt bjnetjnes j i`etneujg rkgjtn`e t` thk
pjstmdashns jgwjys jgrkjdy j bkgjeih`gy spjik Vhjt N wnsh t` suffkst
hkrk ne spkinmni rkgjtn`e t` Lkickttbdquos w`rc ns thjt thk Lkickttnje sul-
okit lki`bks j gntkrjg kbl`dnbket m whjt N hjvk kgskwhkrk ijggkd thk
lsquobkgjeih`gy jrihnvkbdquo Thk Lkickttnje sulokit nbb`lngnzkd jed
mrjfbketkdmdashthnec `m Vneenk lurnkd t` hkr ekic ne kjrth ne Hjppy
Djys3 `m B`uth ne E`t N 3 `m Bjg`ek ne Bjg`ek Dnks3 `m thk mnfurk ne
I`bpjey mdashns jgwjys j hnst`rnijg sulokit j sulokit b`rk prkinskgy
sulokit t` hnst`ry Yhk ns i`etneujggy rkbkblkrnef s`bktnbks jfjnest
hkr wngg whjt hjs `iiurrkd ne thk pjst3 shk ns i`etneujggy jttkbptnef
t` rkijpturk j pjst shk bjy e`t muggy i`bprkhked
Jed nt ns thk Lkickttnje l`dy whnih lki`bks thk prnbjry rkp`sn-
t`ry m`r thksk rkbjnes thksk trjiks `m hnst`ry Thk ihjrjitkr bjy
kxnstmdashjs ne Hjppy Djys r Kedfjbk mdashjt whjt jppkjrs t` lk thk ked`m hubje iugturk lut shkmdashhkr l`dymdashbjnetjnes thk jrihnvjg trjiks
`m thjt g`st iugturk Thk nbjfks Lkicktt fnvks us ne hns drjbj jed
pr`skmdashj dnskbl`dnkd b`uth j l`dy nbb`lngnzkd ne j whkkgihjnr
`r thk kjrth pk`pgk ne uresmdashjrk nbjfks thjt i`eirktnzk thk ndkj `m
bkb`ry js kbl`dnkd `r jrihnvkd N suffkstkd jl`vk thjt m`r Lkicktt
sulokitnvntymdashthk skesk m wh` wk jrkmdashns muggy dkpkedket e thk l`dy
Vhjt Mrkud jed Dkrrndj jgg`w us t` uedkrstjed ns thk wjy sulokitnv-
nty ne Lkicktt ns muggy dkpkedket `e hnst`ry jed jrihnvkd bkb`ryMrkudbdquos e`tn`es `m b`urenef jed bkgjeih`gnj t`fkthkr wnth thk
Dkrrndkje rkjdnef `m thk jrihnvk jrk i`eikpts thjt wngg pr`vk uskmug
ne rkjdnef je juth`r wh`sk w`rc ns jt j pr`m`ued gkvkg jgwjys jl`ut
thk pjst j pjst whnih bjy hjvk rkikdkd net` m`rfktmugekss lut wh`sk
igjnbs jrk stngg lknef mkgt Ne nts strjefkekss Lkickttbdquos w`rc prkskets
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2727
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
eubkr`us dnmmniugtnks lut js wk shjgg dnsi`vkr hk ekvkr jljed`es
hns rkjdkr `r judnkeik i`bpgktkgy Mnrst js N hjvk bketn`ekd hns
ihjrjitkrsmdashwh` jt tnbks lki`bk `ur surr`fjtks `ur ueijeey d`u-
lgksmdashkxprkss buih thk sjbk i`emusn`e jl`ut thknr w`rgds js thkrkjdkr3 js suih thk strjefkekss lkijusk shjrkd lki`bks ne j skesk
e`rbjgnzkd Yki`ed jed pkrhjps b`rk nbp`rtjet Lkickttbdquos w`rc
ckys net` muedjbketjggy rki`fenzjlgk sntujtn`es Vk jgg jrk irkjtn`es
`m hnst`rnks wk bjy e`t rki`fenzk `r wnsh t` rki`fenzk3 wk jgg jt
tnbks dnsjv`w `ur pjsts kvke js wk mkkg thk prkssurks `m hnst`ry3 wk
jgg ne `thkr w`rds jrk hnst`rnijgmdashne Mrkudbdquos tkrbs bkgjeih`gymdash
irkjturks Lkickttbdquos w`rc ns iruinjg lkijusk nt rkgketgkssgy rkb`rskgkssgy
i`bpkgs us t` i`emr`et thk pr`m`ued igjnbs thjt hnst`ry bust bjckup`e us jgg Js wk i`bk t` rki`fenzk thk igjnbs `m thk pjst jed rkjg-
nzk thk kxtket t` whnih hnst`ry i`estruits thk hubje sulokit wk lkfne
t` uedkrstjed thjt Lkickttbdquos w`rc jt tnbks skkbnefgy s` strjefk
skkbnefgy nehubje ns `egy kvkr j i`bpjssn`ejtk jttkbpt t` i`bprk-
hked hubjenty ntskgm
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1027
NETD[ITNE
6
Yurkgy thns ns s`bk `m Lkickttbdquos b`st ihjggkefnef b`st dnmmniugt
wrntnef Lut nm wk gnstke t` nt ijrkmuggy wk ije jttked t` thkbks hk wngg
kxpg`rk thr`ufh`ut hns ijrkkr Vk ije hkjr Lkickttbdquos lskssnvk rkture
t` thk rhkt`rni `m lsquoe`thnefbdquo3 wk kei`uetkr hns netkrkst ne lsquomjngurkbdquo js jtr`pk `m wrntnef3 wk skk hns netkrkst ne b`vnef pjst thk ljrrnkrs `m
i`evketn`ejg gjefujfk t` kxpg`rk thk gnbnts `m whjt ije lk sjnd jed
e`t sjnd (`r bnssjnd) ne gjefujfk whnih ns ntskgm dkjd `r spkitrjg
lsquov`nd shjdksbdquo Lkicktt m`r jgg hns dnmmniugty ije lk rkjd igkjrgy lkijusk
js N kxpg`rk ne dktjng lkg`w hns wrntnef fnvks us thk netkrprktnvk iguks
wk ekkd Je netkrprktnvk dnzznekss ns j fnvke whke rkjdnef Lkicktt
whjt wk d` wnth thjt dnzznekss h`w wk ih``sk t` netkrprkt `ur
b`bkets `m ueikrtjnety lki`bks `ur tjsc `ur `lgnfjtn`e
THK DNMMNI[GT^ M KJDNEF LKICKTT FKEK
ETHNEFEKYY THK QYTH[BJE LD^
Fkerk
Thk ykjr lt11= wjs thk iketkejry `m Yjbukg Lkickttbdquos lnrth Jt vjrn-
`us mkstnvjgs jed i`emkrkeiks hns w`rcs wkrk pkrm`rbkd dnsiusskd
jed irntninzkd Nedkkd kvke thk bjnestrkjb bkdnj usujggy `lgnvn`us
t` thk w`rc `m thk gntkrjry jvjet-fjrdk t``c e`tnik nm `egy t` rkiyigk
thk prnbjry irntnijg ignihicircs jl`ut Lkickttbdquos w`rc nt ns lgkjc dnmmniugt
jed lsquojl`utbdquo thk jlsurdnty jed bkjenefgkssekss `m kxnstkeik Thns gjst
ignihicirc fnvke jt gkjst tjint supp`rt ly Lkicktt hnbskgm ns `ek thns
Fundk wngg ne pjrt skkc t` dnsbjetgk lut m r e`w wk ekkd t` jice`wg-
kdfk thk truth `m whjt ns fkekrjggy pkriknvkd jl`ut Lkickttbdquos w`rc ntsuei`bpr`bnsnef dnmmniugty Vk jrk prksketkd ne l`th thk drjbj
jed pr`sk wnth uemjbngnjr jed skkbnefgy uerkjdjlgk sntujtn`es tw`
trjbps `e j ekjr-kbpty stjfk wjntnef3 j lgned tyrjet jii`bpjenkd
ly hns irnppgkd pjrkets jed j pkkvnsh skrvjet ykjrenef m`r hns gnmk
(jed thk pgjy hk skkbs t` ce`w hk ns ne) t` ked3 j pgjy ne whnih j
b`uth spkjcnef ne ekjr nei`bprkhkesnlgk gjefujfk ns thk bjne
lsquoihjrjitkrbdquo3 je `gd bje gynef ne lkd tkggnef st`rnks uetng hk dnks
Jed `ek i`ugd f` `e jed wk shjgg hkrk gnstnef thk byrnjd dnmmniug-tnks p`skd ly Lkickttbdquos w`rc Jt j ljsni gkvkg h`wkvkr wk e`tnik `ek
i`bb`e mkjturk `m thksk tkxts `ek gnec whnih bjy lk `ur netkrprk-
tnvk ketry p`net thky jgg dkgnlkrjtkgy dnsbjetgk fkekrni kxpkitjtn`e
Thjt ns t` sjy kvkry Lkicktt tkxt dkmnks `ur e`tn`es `m whjt j pgjy `r
j e`vkg sh`ugd lk d`nef Nm wk rki`fenzk thns fkekrni lsquodki`bp`sntn`ebdquo
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1127
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
8
js Lkickttbdquos prnbjry bkth`d `m pr`lgkbjtnznef netkrprktnvk pr`t`-
i`gs wk i`bk t` je nbp`rtjet nentnjg rkjgnzjtn`e Lkickttbdquos tkxts rksnst
lknef netkrprktkd jed ijtkf`rnzkd jed thns bjy ne mjit lk whjt thky
jrk jl`ut thk pr`lgkb `m netkrprktjtn`e ntskgmThns Fundk thus wngg lkfne wnth je jejgysns `m thk wjy Lkicktt
bjenpugjtks fkerk ne hns w`rc Vjntnef m`r F`d`t m`r nestjeik ns j
drjbj ne ejbk `egy nm thk r``t `m thk w`rd lsquodrjbjbdquo ns thk Frkkc m r
lsquojitn`ebdquo Lkicktt ns dkgnlkrjtkgy wrntnef j drjbj thjt ns e`t ne mjit j
drjbj jt jgg (e`thnef hjppkes ne thk pgjy3 `r b`rk prkinskgy e`thnef
hjppkes thk kxpkrnkeik `m e`thnefekss ns whjt thk pgjy ns jl`ut)
Thk e`vkgs `m Lkickttbdquos mnrst trng`fy (B`gg`y Bjg`ek Dnks Thk
[eejbjlgk) jfjne jrk e`vkgs ne ejbk `egy js thns trng`fy pr`frkssksthkrk ns j dnbnenshnef `m pg`t jed j rkb`vjg `m jgg ndketnmnjlgk ihjr-
jitkrs wnthne ndketnmnjlgk spjik jed tnbk Lkickttbdquos gjtk pr`sk jed
drjbj lgurs thk dnstneitn`e lktwkke fkerks H`w Nt Ns j lsquoe`vkgbdquo rkjds
gnck p`ktry3 J Qnkik `m B`e`g`fuk (gt8lt) j lsquopgjybdquo rkjds gnck j sh`rt
pr`sk st`ry3 Lkickttbdquos gjst bjo`r w`rc ne thk s`-ijggkd ski`ed trng`fy
(I`bpjey Ngg Ykke Ngg Yjnd V`rstwjrd H`) rkduiks thk vkry gje-
fujfk `m pr`sk t` e`efrjbbjtnijg igjusks jed pgjiks lsquoihjrjitkrsbdquo
(wh` mueitn`e bkrkgy js frjbbjtnijg nedniks bjy nedkkd `egy lsquolkbdquo
dnskbl`dnkd frjbbjtnijg nedniks) ne g`ijtn`es thjt jrk lky`ed gnmk
jed dkjth
Nt ns by suffkstn`e thjt thk trjokit`ry `m Lkickttbdquos ijrkkr js
drjbjtnst jed e`vkgnst trjiks j systkbjtni dki`estruitn`e `m thk vkry
prkbnsks `m drjbj jed pr`sk j dki`estruitn`e thjt wntekssks thk
snbugtjek`us jed systkbjtni dnsbjetgnef `m thk skgm `r sulokit wh`
w`ugd rkgy `e ejrrjtnvk js j bkjes `m skgm-uedkrstjednef N pr`p`skhkrk t` suffkst thjt thns dki`estruitn`e thns dnsbjetgnef `m jgg
rkiknvkd struiturks `m sulokitnvnty jed ejrrjtnvk lk nt ne pr`sk `r
drjbj (jed hns ihjrjitkrs e stjfk jrk egy kvkr tkggnef st`rnks) ns thk
bjo`r thkbk m Lkickttbdquos w`rc jed m i`ursk thk ijusk m thk bjo`r
dnmmniugtnks ne thk rkjdnef `m thns w`rc
eik wk uedkrstjed thjt Lkickttbdquos bkth`d ns t` ijgg net` qukstn`e
thk vkry prkbnsks `m drjbj jed pr`sk wk bjy lk lkttkr jlgk t`
uedkrstjed whjt N skk js hns bjo`r purp`sk t` ijgg net` qukstn`e jggth`sk bkth`dsmdashejrrjtnvk lknef thk prnbjry ekmdashwk hjvk m uedkr-
stjednef `urskgvks Fkerks i`bk rkjdy lungt wnth bkjenef jed
kxpkitjtn`e pgjys jed e`vkgs hjvk struiturksmdashlkfneenefs bnddgks
kednefs3 ihjrjitkr jed pg`t lsquodkvkg`pbketbdquo3 skttnefsmdashthjt rkjdkrs ejtu-
rjggy jssubk sh`ugd lk ne pgjik Qgjys jed e`vkgs hjvk rki`fenzjlgk
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1227
NETD[ITNE
gt
ihjrjitkrs jed tkgg st`rnks thjt whngk pkrhjps i`emusnef jed ihjggkef-
nef jssubk whjt wk ije ijgg lsquoce`wjlngntybdquo Thjt ns thksk ejrrjtnvks
jrk jssubkd t` rkmgkit j rki`fenzjlgk rkjgnty `ek t` whnih thk rkjdkr
ije rnket hkrskgm J iketrjg nm uesp`cke jssubptn`e m whjt ns ijggkdigjssni rkjgnst gntkrjturk ns thjt ejrrjtnvk ntskgm ns j ejturjg jed juth`r-
ntjtnvk wjy `m i`bbuenijtnef rkjgntylt Gjefujfk ne `thkr w`rds ns
thk jdkqujtk vkhnigk m`r rkprksketnef rkjgnty jed b`st nbp`rtjetgy
m`r rkprksketnef thk skgm3 ne igjssni rkjgnst mnitn`e iruinjggy thk skgmmdash
thnec m`r nestjeik m Dnickesbdquo Djvnd I`ppkrmnkgdmdashprkikdks gjefujfk
jed usks nt i`etr`gs nt t` trjesirnlk hns rkjgnty
Lkicktt ns w`rcnef t` rkvkjg jgg thksk kxpkitjtn`es js jrtnmninjg jed
i`estruitkd Hk nednijtks thjt wk i`estruit `urskgvks js skgvks ne thkst`rnks wk tkgg thk hnst`rnks wk i`estruit jed thus hns dnsbjetgnef
`m thksk ejrrjtnvks ns hns wjy `m kxjbnenef thk vkry mrjfngnty thk vkry
i`estruitkdekss `m thk hubje jed hubje uedkrstjednef ntskgm
Ejrrjtnvk jed `thkr fkekrni i`evketn`es jrk wjys `m i`etr`ggnef
kxpkrnkeik m shjpnef kxpkrnkeik3 thky jrk e`t uepr`lgkbjtni rkmgki-
tn`es `m kxpkrnkeik Ne thk ked h`wkvkr ly systkbjtnijggy rkduinef
ejrrjtnvk t` nts ksskeik t` whjt hk ijggs nts lsquow`rskenef w`rdsbdquo Lkicktt
dnsi`vkrs thk pkrsnstket ksskeik `m thk hubje wh`sk ejrrjtnvks lsquomjng
jfjnebdquo jed lsquomjng lkttkrbdquo lut wh` ns nesnstketgy prksket ne thjt mjngurk
nm `egy js j trjik spkitkr `r fh`st `m ntskgm By jrfubket ugtnbjtkgy
ns thjt m`r jgg Lkickttbdquos skkbnef dnmmniugty jed ekfjtnvnty hns e`vkgs
jed pgjys w`rc systkbjtnijggy t` ikgklrjtk nm ne je nevkrsk wjy thk
hubje sulokit wh` wngg e`t ikjsk t` ejrrjtk jed wh` wngg thus
jgwjys lk
KD[ITNE T THK KYYKETNJGY ETHNEFEKYY
JED THK QYTH[BJE
T` lkfne pkrhjps wk sh`ugd jice`wgkdfk thjt whngk Lkickttbdquos w`rc
kxpg`rks qukstn`es i`eikrenef thk muedjbketjg ejturk m thk hubje
Lkicktt hnbskgm wngg skkb t` lk `m gnttgk hkgp t` us ne netkrprktnef thjt
w`rc Jgth`ufh hk hjs `mmkrkd s`bk nbp`rtjet nm `pjquk irntnijg
nesnfhts net` whjt jppkjrs t` lk j pkrs`ejg phng`s`phy m jrt jed gnmkLkicktt tkedkd t` rksnst `mmkrnef dnrkit netkrprktjtn`es `m hns w`rc
rksnstkd `mmkrnef whjt j ihjrjitkr ne hns e`vkg Vjtt ijggs lsquoskbjetni
suii`urbdquo t` hns rkjdkrs hns jit`rs hns dnrkit`rs Vhke m`r nestjeik
Jgje Yihekndkr j mrnked jed dnrkit`r `m bjey `m Lkickttbdquos pgjys
jsckd m r Lkickttbdquos netkrprktjtn`e m Kedfjbk Lkicktt rkpgnkd lsquoN snbpgy
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1327
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
1
ijebdquot wrntk jl`ut by w`rc `r `iijsn`ejg stumm `m jey cnedbdquo Hk wket
`e t` kxi`rnjtk o`urejgnsts jed irntnis
Lut whke nt i`bks t` thksk ljstjrds `m o`urejgnsts N mkkg thk `egygnek ns t` rkmusk t` lk nev`gvkd ne kxkfksns `m jey cned By w`rc
ns j bjttkr `m muedjbketjg s`ueds (e` o`ck netkedkd) bjdk js
muggy js p`ssnlgk jed N jiikpt rksp`esnlngnty m`r e`thnef kgsk Nm
pk`pgk wjet t` hjvk hkjdjihks jb`ef thk `vkrt`eks gkt thkb
Jed pr`vndk thknr `we jspnrne (E` Juth`r Lkttkr Ykrvkd Thk
I`rrksp`edkeik `m Yjbukg Lkicktt jed Jgje Yihekndkr lt4)
Nt ns iurn`us t` e`tk thk wjy Lkicktt rksnsts netkrprktnef hns w`rcykt jt thk sjbk tnbk pr`vndks s`bkthnef `m j iguk t` rkjdnef hns
w`rc hk sjys ns j lsquobjttkr `m muedjbketjg s`uedsbdquo ek wjy `m
uedkrstjednef thns i`bbket jed ikrtjnegy thns ns thk wjy N tked t`
rkjd hns w`rc ns t` e`tnik h`w Lkicktt tkeds t` strnp jwjy jgg kxikss
`e stjfk jed pjfk hk ns jmtkr je jejgysns `m thk muedjbketjgs thk
i`rk `r lsquoksskeikbdquo `m whjt bjps `ut hubje kxpkrnkeik Thkrk ns e`
jiindketjg w`rd `r `iiurrkeik ne j Lkicktt tkxt e` dnstrjitn`e mr`b
thk rkjg lusnekss `m trynef t` uedkrstjed whjt nt bkjes t` lk Hkeik
m`r nestjeik j e`vkg gnck Bjg`ek Dnks whkrk thkrk ns `egy `ek ihjr-
jitkr nbb`lngnzkd ne lkd jed thnecnef jl`ut hns nbpkednef dkjth
Hkrk Lkicktt ns jscnef j iruinjg pkrhjps thk muedjbketjg qukstn`e
Vhjt d`ks nt bkje t` kxnst t` lk jt thk b`bket whke y`ur gnmk ns `e
thk vkrfk `m mgnickrnef `ut0 Ije wk rki`fenzk whjt nt trugy bkjes t`
lk jgnvk whjt wk bjy ijgg thk muedjbketjg nbpugsk `m lknef `egy
whke gnmk ntskgm ns jl`ut t` ikjsk0 Lkicktt pjrks pg`t ihjrjitkr jedgjefujfk d`we t` nts kssketnjgs strnppnef jwjy thk lsquobkjtbdquo (`m l`th
pr`sk jed ihjrjitkr) t` kxjbnek gnmk gnvkd jt kxtrkbk gnbnt p`nets
Nedkkd js N hjvk nednijtkd ne gjtkr tkxts suih js V`rstwjrd H` thk
mnrst sketkeik `m whnih rkjds lsquoe Yjy `e Lk sjnd `e Y`bkh`w `e
Tngg e`h`w `e Yjnd e`h`w `ebdquo (46) Lkicktt rkduiks pg`t jed ihjr-
jitkr s` rjdnijggy thjt nt ns p`ssnlgk t` sjy thjt wk hjvk tkxt whkrk
frjbbjr ntskgm mueitn`enef jt thk gnbnt `m i`bprkhkesnlngnty nedn-
ijtks j sulokitnvnty `e thk vkrfk `m e`thnefekssLy wrntnef jl`ut muedjbketjg s`ueds Lkicktt prkskets hnbskgm js
je netkeskgy iurn`us jed i`urjfk`us wrntkr Iurn`us jl`ut thk prk-
insk ejturk m thk hubje lknef Lkicktt tjcks hnbskgm jed hns rkjdkrs
t` thk kxtrkbk gnbnts `m hubjenty jed jscs us `lgnfks us t` g``c
ijrkmuggy jt `urskgvks jt b`bkets `m irnsns Thksk b`bkets `m irnsns
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1427
NETD[ITNE
w`rc ne Lkicktt js p`nets m muedjbketjg nm i`bpr`bnskd jed pjquk
rkvkgjtn`e nt ns hkrk jt thk p`net whkrk thk w`rgd ikjsks t` bjck
skesk `r i`rrksp`ed t` `ekbdquos prksupp`sntn`es thjt thk rkjg thk mue-
djbketjg netkrprktnvk jed kthnijg qukstn`es jrnsk H`w d` N f` `e nethk mjik m thns irnsns m bkjenef0 Vhjt ns by rksp`esnlngnty t` byskgm
jed `thkrs whke bkjenef i`ggjpsks0
Thksk b`bkets m thk i`ggjpsk m bkjenef m thk irnsns m netkrprk-
tjtn`e jrk iketrjg t` Lkickttbdquos w`rc (nedkkd wk bjy sjy thky i`bprnsk
thk t`tjgnty `m thk w`rc) jed t` hns phng`s`phy `m jrt Ne s`bk wjys
Lkickttbdquos rkjg netkrkst ns ne thk kei`uetkr kxnstketnjg jrtnstni jed
netkrprktnvk wnth whjt hk nbp`rtjetgy rkmkrs t` js lsquoE`thnefbdquo Thk
kxpkrnkeik `m e`thnef thk e`thnefekss rkjgnzkd ne thk l`rkd`b `mDndn jed F`f` ne Vjntnef m`r F`d`t (thk mnrst gnek m whnih ns lsquoE`thnef
t` lk d`ekbdquo) thk e`thnefekss thjt thrkjtkes `ur netkrprktnvk skiurnty
whjt Ig`v ne Kedfjbk ijggs thk lsquozkr`bdquo p`net `m bkjenef thk e`thnef-
ekss `m g`ss jed jlskeik thjt nem`rbs s` dkeskgy thk gjtkr trng`fy ns
`ek thjt pjrjd`xnijggy (h`w d` y`u wrntk jl`ut lsquoe`thnefbdquo0) jrtniu-
gjtks jed b`tnvjtks Lkickttbdquos `we w`rc
Ne gt4gt Lkicktt pulgnshkd Thrkk Dnjg`fuks j skrnks `m pskud`-
dnjg`fuks lktwkke lsquoLbdquo jed lsquoDbdquo L wh` irntnis ndketnmy js Lkicktt
hnbskgm (rnfhtgy N lkgnkvk) `mmkrs whjt hjs lki`bk pkrhjps thk b`st
`mtke intkd ketry p`net net` Lkickttbdquos `we w`rc L hjs lkke dnsiuss-
nef b`dkre jrt jed i`bks t` mmkr hns we vnkw m thk pr`pkr sulokit
bjttkr jed b`tnvjtn`es `m thk b`dkre jrtnst
Lmdash^kt N spkjc `m je jrt turenef mr`b nt ne dnsfust wkjry `m nts
puey kxpg`nts wkjry `m prktkednef t` lk jlgk `m lknef jlgk`m d`nef j gnttgk lkttkr thk sjbk `gd thnef `m f`nef j gnttgk
murthkr jg`ef j drkjry r`jd
DmdashJed prkmkrrnef whjt0
LmdashThk kxprkssn`e thjt thkrk ns e`thnef t` kxprkss e`thnef wnth
whnih t` kxprkss e`thnef mr`b whnih t` kxprkss e` p`wkr t`
kxprkss e` dksnrk t` kxprkss t`fkthkr wnth thk `lgnfjtn`e t`
kxprkss (=)
J eublkr `m thnefs jrk iruinjg hkrk Mnrst e`tnik h`w L kxprkssks
j wkjrnekss wnth jrtnstni i`evketn`e h`w thk ndkj `m lsquod`nef j gnttgk
lkttkr thk sjbk `gd thnefbdquo l`rks hnb (thns ns je ndkj t` whnih wk wngg
rkture) Nt ns igkjr kvke rkgjtnvkgy kjrgy ne hns ijrkkr thjt Lkicktt w`ugd
e`t lk irkjtnef i`evketn`ejggy mjbngnjr jrt E`tnik ski`ed h`w thk
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1527
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
lt
w`rd lsquoe`thnefbdquo fjthkrs j cned `m neirkbketjg rks`ejeik ne thns mnejg
sketkeik h`w nt lki`bks igkjr thjt e`thnef t` spkjc pkrhjps pjrj-
d`xnijggy lki`bks s`bkthnef s`bkthnef t` lk kxpg`rkd js j thkbk
js j rkjgnty (wk bjy rkijgg thjt gnek mr`b Bjg`ek Dnks lsquoE`thnef nsb`rk rkjg thje e`thnefbdquo) Js thns jst`enshnef sketkeik i`eigudks
Lkicktt jice`wgkdfks j pkrs`ejg kthnijg `lgnfjtn`e js je jrtnst je
`lgnfjtn`e t` `lskrvk jejgyzk jed kxprkss thksk b`bkets whke thk
e`thnef jrnsksmdashpkrhjps kvke jfjnest hns `we wnggmdashjed jppkjrs
t` euggnmy bkjenef t` thrkjtke `ur i`bm`rt t` krjsk `ur frjsp `m
thk rkjg
lsquoQYTH[BJENYBbdquo
T hjvk ljskd j ijrkkr `e thk kxpg`rjtn`e `m lsquoe`thnefbdquo bjy skkb pkr-
vkrsk t` s`bk Ikrtjnegy thk rkjdkrbdquos kei`uetkr wnth Lkickttbdquos vjrn`us
rkprksketjtn`es `m thk v`nd `m jlskeik `m g`ss wngg lk j dnmmniugt `ek
m`r thk snbpgk rkjs`e thjt Lkickttbdquos w`rgd ns dnmmniugt t` lkjr Jed
s`bk rkjdkrs `vkr thk ykjrs hjvk m`ued ne Lkickttbdquos w`rc j ikrtjne
ruthgkss pkrhjps kvke j i`gd nehubjenty Nm wk trjik thk trjokit`ry
`m Lkickttbdquos w`rc `e l`th stjfk jed ne pr`sk wk d` e`tnik thjt hns
systkbjtni rkduitn`e m thnefs whjt N hjvk suffkstkd ns hns rkduitn`e
t` thk lsquomuedjbketjgsbdquo d`ks nev`gvk thk rkduitn`e `m thk hubje skgm
whjt N wngg ne thns study lk rkmkrrnef t` js thk lsquosulokitbdquo E`tnik h`w
m`r nestjeik ne thk drjbj wk b`vk mr`b muggy kbl`dnkd sulokits ne
Vjntnef m`r F`d`t t` thk gkss physnijggy jlgk ihjrjitkrs ne Kedfjbk
(Hjbb ns lgned jed irnppgkd3 Ig`v ije `egy wjgc ne j stnmm-gkffkd
fjnt3 Ejff jed Ekgg l`th hjvk g`st thknr gkfs) t` ihjrjitkrs nbb`ln-gnzkd ne ures ne Qgjy t` thk dnskbl`dnkd B`uth `m E`t N J snbngjr
trjokit`ry h`gds ne thk mnrst pr`sk trng`fy B`gg`y wh`sk l`dy ns mjng-
nef ykt jlgk3 Bjg`ek wh` ns nbb`lngnzkd ne lkd3 thk ueejbjlgk wh`
bjy snbpgy lk j lrjne ne je ure Ne thk gjtkr pr`sk tkxts nt ns dnmmniugt
kvke t` dktkrbnek prkinskgy thk ejturk m thk hubje jed thk stjtus m
nts l`dy lsquoYjy j l`dy Vhkrk e`ek E` bned Vhkrk e`ek Thjt jt
gkjst J pgjik Vhkrk e`ek M`r thk l`dy T` lk nebdquo (46)
Lkicktt skkbs t` strnvk thr`ufh`ut hns ijrkkr t` rnd hns w`rc m thkl`dy t` w`rc thus t`wjrd whjt wk bjy ijgg j cned `m p`sthubjensb
Q`sthubjensb ije lk dkmnekd js thjt strjed `m phng`s`phy whnih
rjdnijggy irntnquks thk ndkj thjt thk nednvndujg sulokit ns thk iketkr `m
jgg thnefs thk lkfneenef jed ked `m jgg ce`wgkdfk jed kxpkrnkeik
thns ns thkrkm`rk j rjdnijg irntnquk m Hubjenst phng`s`phy whnih w`ugd
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1627
NETD[ITNE
9
p`snt thk hubjebdquos rkjs`e jed rjtn`ejgnty js lknef trjespjrketgy jvjng-
jlgk t` thk thnecnef sulokit Q`sthubjensb lkfnes ly i`uetkrnef
Hubjensbbdquos lkgnkm thjt thk hubje ns skgm-pr`duinef skgm-i`neindketjg
thjt nt ns s`bkh`w rksp`esnlgk m r thk pr`duitn`e `m nts w`rgd jed ntskxpkrnkeik `m thk w`rgd
Js j phng`s`phy p`sthubjensb ije lk trjikd t` bjey s`uriks
lut thk thnecnef `m Enktzsihk Bjrx jed Mrkud ns iruinjg Kjih
w`rckd t` suffkst thjt thk hubje sulokit ns e`t skgm-pr`duinef `r
skgm-i`neindketjg lut ns rjthkr pr`duikd ly nts iugturk (Bjrx) nts
gjefujfk (Enktzsihk) jed nts uei`esin`us drnvks jed nestneits
(Mrkud) Q`sthubjensb strnvks t` uedkrstjed thk prkinsk ki`e`bnks
`m thksk m`riks jed jscs qukstn`es gnck thksk H`w ns thk hubjesulokit t` rjthkr thje thk bjstkr `m gjefujfk0 H`w d`ks thk sulokit
ekf`tnjtk hkr rkgjtn`e t` thk drnvksmdasht`wjrd Kr`s Thjejt`smdashthjt
Mrkud p`snts0 H`w ije thk sulokit mrkk ntskgm nm jt jgg mr`b thk iug-
turjg m`riks `m ijpntjg ndk`g`fy jed rkgnfn`e m`riks whnih prkikdk
jed kxikkd thk sulokitbdquos kxpkrnkeik0
Thksk jrk jgg Lkickttbdquos qukstn`es jed hk wngg w`rc `ut jeswkrs ne
pgjys gnck Hjppy Djys jed e`vkgs gnck Burphy jed Thk [eejbjlgk
tkxts whnih jrk jl`ut h`w thk sulokit ekf`tnjtks j rkgjtn`e t` iugturk
(Hjppy Djys) t` thk drnvks (Burphy) t` gjefujfk (Thk [eejbjlgk)
Lut wk sh`ugd jgs` e`tk h`w Lkickttbdquos p`sthubjensb lki`bks
ueijeengy gntkrjgnzkd ne hns bnddgk-t`-gjtk-pkrn`d drjbj jed pr`sk
Lkicktt ns netkrkstkd ne kxpg`rnef thk vkry gnbnts `m thk hubje thk
vkry ksskeik `m whjt i`estntutks thk hubje T thns ked Lkicktt wngg
push thk hubje pjst `ur i`bb`e i`eikptujg l`uedjrnks3 thjt ns t`
sjy jt tnbks hk b`vks hns ihjrjitkrs net` thk spjik `m dkjth `m whjtns pkrhjps j cned `m jmtkrgnmk
Ne thk pr`sk thns thkbjtni lkfnes wnth Bjg`ek Dnks j e`vkg trjinef
thk b`bket j bje pjssks net` nekxnstkeik3 ne thk drjbj nt lkfnes
wnth Qgjy whnih skks thrkk ihjrjitkrs ne whjt jppkjrs t` lk je jmtkr-
gnmk (thk ihjrjitkrs jrk ne muekrjg ures) lnickrnef vkr thk ejrrjtnvk m
thknr pjst gnvks3 ne thk ski`ed trng`fy wk ije kjsngy nbjfnek nedkkd
sh`ugd nbjfnek thjt thk spkjckrs `m thk tkxts js wkgg js thk mnfurks
thjt jppkjr ne thk ejrrjtnvks jrk spkitkrs fh`sts N kxpg`rk thk mnfurk`m thk fh`st thk spkitkrmdashthk gntkrjg p`sthubjemdashne dktjng ne by
mnejg ihjptkr lut N oust wnsh t` nednijtk hkrk h`w Lkickttbdquos netkrkst
ne pjrnef thnefs d`we t` thk kssketnjgs gkjds g`fnijggy t` je netkrkst ne
thk spkitkr thk fh`st whnih lki`bks thk nbjfk `m thk hubje jmtkr
jgg thnefs hjvk lkke strnppkd wjy Qrkinskgy thk fh`st lki`bks j trjik
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1727
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
4
j bjrc `m thk hubjebdquos pjssnef `ut `m kxnstkeik lutmdashjed thns ns
jls`gutkgy iketrjgmdashthk fh`st ns je nesnstket rkbnedkr `m thk hubje
thjt `eik wjs Thk spkitkr ne `thkr w`rds skrvks t` rkiupkrjtk thk
hubje kvke js thk hubje pjssks net` `lgnvn`e thk spkitkr thuslki`bks whjt Ygjv`o _nzkc ijggs thk lsquonednvnsnlgk rkbjnedkr9bdquo T` put
nt lguetgy m`r Lkicktt thk t`tjg kgnbnejtn`e `m thk hubje ns j t`tjg
nbp`ssnlngnty
Qkrhjps Lkicktt suffksts wk ije `egy mned thk ejturk `m thk
hubje whjt hk ijggs lsquothk lkdr`ic `m thk kssketnjgsbdquo jt thk b`bket
thk hubje kxihjefks `ek stjtk m`r je`thkr `ek rkjgnty m`r je`thkr
Qkrhjps `egy thk jlskeik `m thk hubje (thk spkitkr) trugy rkvkjgs
whjt hjs lkke thk hubjebdquos truk ejturk Jed whjt ns m`r bk mjsinejt-nef jed iruinjg jl`ut thns pr`ikss ns thk wjy Lkicktt kgnbnejtks thk
hubje jt prkinskgy thk sjbk tnbk js hk kgnbnejtks dkejturks jed
dki`estruits ejrrjtnvk m`rb ntskgm Ne s`bk wjys Lkicktt ns jrfunef
thjt gjefujfk ntskgm bust lk kgnbnejtkd ne `rdkr m`r thk spkitkr thk
fh`st thk p`sthubje t` jppkjr gjefujfk bust lk kgnbnejtkd ne
`rdkr m r thk truth `m thk hubje t` lk ce`we
Vk bjy skk ne thns rkduitn`e j cned `m irukg trkjtbket `m thk
hubje j pkrvkrsk netkrkst ne nggekss jed dkijy lut N thnec thns w`ugd
lk j mjtjg netkrprktnvk krr`r Ikrtjnegy Lkickttbdquos w`rc nbpgnks thjt thk
l`dy ns jgwjys j gnjlngnty s`bkthnef thjt wngg nekvntjlgy mjng (je hngjrn-
`us gnek mr`b Bjg`ek Dnks suffksts thns lsquoNm N hjd thk usk `m by l`dy
N w`ugd thr`w nt `ut `m thk wned`wbdquo SltltR) Lut wk bust e`tnik thjt
thk l`dy `r snfes `m thk l`dy ekvkr muggy dnsjppkjrs mr`b Lkickttbdquos
w`rgd Thk pkrsnstkeik `m thk l`dy thk mrjfbketkd l`dy thk dnskb-
l`dnkd l`dy ns `ek `m Lkickttbdquos bjo`r thkbks jed `ek thjt p`skss`bk `m hns b`st netkrkstnef netkrprktnvk qukstn`es jed ihjggkefks
why d`ks Lkicktt w`rc t` rkduik jed mrjfbket thk l`dy0 H`w jrk wk
t` netkrprkt mrjfbkets `m hubjenty0
ek jeswkr t` thksk qukstn`es rkgjtks t` whjt N hjvk sjnd jl`vk
jl`ut Lkicktt rkduinef thnefs t` thk muedjbketjgs ne rdkr t` uedkr-
stjed thk ksskeik `m thk hubje ne Qgjy jed E`t N Lkicktt skkbs t`
lk suffkstnef thjt thksk ihjrjitkrs rkjggy `egy jrk thknr v`niks rkjggy
`egy jrk t` lk b`rk prkinsk thknr ejrrjtnvks Vhjt bjttkrs t` thkbjt thns spkinmni pgjik jt thns spkinmni tnbk ns thknr jlngntymdashpkrhjps
thknr i`bpugsn`e thknr `lgnfjtn`emdasht` spkjc Lkicktt w`ugd skkb t`
lk suffkstnef thjt thk t`tjgnty `m thk l`dy jt thns spkinmni b`bket ns
e`t tkrrnlgy nbp`rtjet t` thk sulokit js shk trnks t` uedkrstjed hkr
prksket sntujtn`e Lut js N suffkst wk d` e`tnik thjt Lkicktt ekvkr
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1827
NETD[ITNE
muggy rkb`vks thk l`dy `r thk snfes `m thk l`dy (v`nik m`r nestjeik)
ketnrkgy thk st`rnks hns ihjrjitkrs tkgg hns w`rc skkbs t` nbpgy jrk
wrnttke `e jed thr`ufh thk l`dy Yt`rnks jrk trjesgjtkd ne `thkr
w`rds ly thk l`dy Lkickttbdquos ihjrjitkrs bjy lk p`sthubje lut thkyjrk e`t muggy p`sti`rp`rkjg
Je`thkr wjy m puttnef thns ndkj jdbnttkdgy ek m Lkickttbdquos b`st
ihjggkefnef ns thjt sulokitnvntymdashthjt skesk thk hubje hjs `m ntskgm
js j thnecnef netkrprktnef irkjturkmdashns muggy dkpkedket `e thk l`dy
Yulokitnvnty ns kbl`dnbket y`u jrk y`ur l`dy jed y`ur l`dybdquos dksnrks
js buih js y`u jrk y`ur bned Jed thus whngk thk l`dy ns je nbpkdn-
bket jed wngg jgwjys dkijy jed mjng thk l`dy ijee`t dnsjppkjr
ne Lkicktt lkijusk thk skgm jed thk skgmbdquos uedkrstjednef `m ntskgmw`ugd js wkgg Thkrk ns js N rkjd nt thke j cned `m djrc i`bpjssn`e
ne Lkicktt m`r thk i`bpr`bnskd l`dy m`r thk irnppgkd jed thk ngg
thkrk ns j i`bpjssn`e m`r thk summkrnef sulokit wh` ije rkjggy `egy
uedkrstjed hkrskgm jed hkr w`rgd thr`ufh thk bkdnub m j dkijynef
pjnemug l`dy ur qukstn`es js rkjdkrs m Lkicktt bust e`w lki`bk
nm thk skgm uedkrstjeds ntskgm thr`ufh thk i`bpr`bnskd spkitrjg
l`dy whjt cneds `m netkrprktjtn`es wngg nt bjck0 Nm thk skgm uedkr-
stjeds thk w`rgd thr`ufh nts mrjfbketkd p`sthubje l`dy whjt
cneds `m netkrprktjtn`es `m thk w`rgd ije lk bjdk0
lsquoQYTH[BJENYBbdquo J Q]NY
Thksk jrk jgg Lkickttbdquos qukstn`es lut N wnsh t` `mmkr s`bkthnef `m j
pr`vns` lkm`rk i`etneunef N suffkstkd jl`vk thjt Lkicktt ns strnvnef
m`r j lsquocned `mbdquo p`sthubjensb N thnec nt ns lkst jgwjys t` usk tkrbspr`vnsn`ejggy wnth Lkicktt m`r surkgy `ek `m thk kmmkits `m hns w`rc
ns t` ijgg jls`gutkgy net` qukstn`e thk vkry ndkj `m stjlgk ijtkf`rnks
stjlgk `pp`sntn`es (lsquohubje-p`sthubjebdquo) Qkrhjps nt ns lkst hkrk jt
thk `utskt t` suffkst thjt hns w`rc irntnquks thk ndkj `m thk hubje
jed thk p`sthubje kqujggy Qrkinskgy ly dnsi`vkrnef thk pkrsnstkeik
`m thk hubje kvke ne nts b`st dkeudkd m rb Lkicktt kssketnjggy i`g-
gjpsks thk `pp`sntn`e lsquohubje-p`sthubjebdquo t` thk p`net whkrk thk
tkrbs lki`bk netkrihjefkjlgk jed hkeik jgb`st bkjenefgkssThjt ns t` sjy m`r Lkicktt wk jrk jgwjys jgrkjdy p`sthubje nes`-
mjr js wk jrk i`etr`ggkd ly dnsi`ursks (hnst`ry ndk`g`fy gjefujfk)
prkikdnef jed kxikkdnef us3 wk jrk jgwjys jgrkjdy p`sthubje js wk
dnsi`vkr thjt `ur l`dnks jrk sntks `m nekvntjlgk mjngurk jed i`ggjpsk3
wk jrk jgwjys jgrkjdy p`sthubje nes`mjr js thk ndkj `m j snefugjr
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1927
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
=
skgm ns je nggusn`e Lkicktt jice`wgkdfks thksk ndkjs kjrgy ne hns ijrkkr3
ne Qr`ust (gt9) hk jice`wgkdfks thjt thk skgm ns e`t j stjlgk sulokit
lut rjthkr thjt thk lsquonednvndujg ns j suiikssn`e `m nednvndujgsbdquo ()3
b`rk`vkr lsquoThk sulokit hjs dnkdmdashjed pkrhjps bjey tnbksmdashjg`efthk wjybdquo (9) By usk `m thk tkrb lsquop`sthubjebdquo thke ns s`bkthnef `m
j i`evkenkeik j wjy `m spkjcnef lsquojl`utbdquo `r lsquojr`uedbdquo thk pkiugnjrntnks
`m thk Lkickttnje sulokit thk sulokit wh` jgwjys bust ekf`tnjtk hns
rkjgnty vnj systkbs `m th`ufhtmdashgjefujfk lknef thk prnbjrymdashwh`sk
pjrjbktkrs jed pr`t`i`gs jrk jgwjys oust lky`ed hns mugg i`etr`g
THK QLGKB M NETKQKTJTNELkickttbdquos bjenpugjtn`e `m fkerk hns rkduitn`e jed dnsbjetgnef `m
thk sulokit hns rkgketgkss netkrkst ne thk vjrn`us jspkits `m lsquoe`thnef-
ekssbdquo (g`ss jlskeik)mdashhk ijggs thns hns lsquomndkgnty t` mjngurkbdquo (lsquoThrkk
Dnjg`fuksbdquo =9)mdashgkjd js N hjvk lkke suffkstnef t` s`bk mjnrgy
jiutk netkrprktnvk dnmmniugtnks Hjes-Fk`rf Fjdjbkr j phng`s`phkr
`m thk hkrbkekutni sih``g (jed studket `m Bjrtne Hkndkffkr) suf-
fksts thjt jgg rkjg netkrprktjtn`e `r lsquohkrbkekutnisbdquo lkfnes wnth
ndketnmynef j spkinmni g`ijtn`e `m d`ult `r uekjsk ne j tkxt Js hk
wrntks ne Qhng`s`phnijg Hkrbkekutnis lsquoThk rkjg p`wkr m hkrbkekutn-
ijg i`esin`usekss ns `ur jlngnty t` skk whjt ns qukstn`ejlgkbdquo (9) Vk
ekkd ne `thkr w`rds t` lk jlgk t` jsc thk pr`pkr qukstn`es `m tkxts
Lut ne Lkicktt `ur pr`lgkb lki`bks skkbnefgy netrjitjlgk lkijusk
kvkrythnef ne thk tkxt jppkjrs t` lk qukstn`ejlgk H`w jrk wk t`
netkrprkt tkxts thjt skkb pjrjd`xnijggy t` `mmkr s` bjey qukstn`es
jed thke rksnst `r m`rkig`sk thk p`ssnlngnty `m jeswkrnef th`sk quks-tn`es0 H`w ne `thkr w`rds jrk wk t` rkjd Lkicktt0
N wngg suffkst hkrk ne wjys thjt g``c ljic t` Lkickttbdquos `we skesk `m
`lgnfjtn`e (rkijgg hns skesk kxprksskd ne Thrkk Dnjg`fuks `m thk lsquo`lgn-
fjtn`e t` kxprkssbdquo) thjt `ur netkrprktjtn`es `m Lkicktt sh`ugd lkfne
ly pjynef ijrkmug jttketn`e t` thk wjys ne whnih hns tkxts jetninpjtk
`ur dnmmniugtnks jed pkrhjps `mmkr s`bk fundjeik Nm wk jrk puzzgkd ly
ikrtjne thnefsmdashVh` jrk thksk ihjrjitkrs0 Vhjt jrk thknr hnst`rnks0
Vhkrk jed whke kxjitgy jrk thksk st`rnks `iiurrnef0 Vhjt kxjitgyd`ks nt jgg bkje0mdashwk sh`ugd rki`fenzk thjt `ur pkrpgkxnty wnth
thk tkxt ns bnrr`rkd ly thk ihjrjitkrsbdquo `we pkrpgkxnty jl`ut thknr
w`rgds Thk rkjdkrbdquos sntujtn`e `m puzzgkbket ns prkinskgy thjt `m thk
ihjrjitkrs jed thus wk jrrnvk jt j iruinjg `lskrvjtn`e Lkickttbdquos tkxts
thkbskgvks wngg skt `ut thk fr`ued rugks m`r netkrprktnef hns w`rgd
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2027
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2127
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
8
Lkickttbdquos ihjrjitkrs thus mueitn`e ne j stjtk `m pr`m`ued rkfrkt jed
jf`eymdash`mtke rkprksskd jed dnsjv`wkdmdash`vkr whjt bnfht hjvk lkke
Ne Crjppbdquos Gjst Tjpk m`r nestjeik Crjpp rktrjiks hns pjst hnst`ry
thr`ufh tjpk rki`rdnefs `m hns `we v`nik t` rkvnsnt j b`bket `m p`s-snlgk th`ufh e`w m`rkvkr g`st hjppnekss Crjppbdquos we v`nik hns we
hnst`ry ns spkitrjg lkijusk hns rki`rdnefs jrk `m j dkjd jed nrrktrnkv-
jlgk pjst lut ek whnih igkjrgy stngg hjuets hnb e`w Ne whjt ns surkgy
`ek `m Lkickttbdquos b`st pjnemugmdashjed netkeskgy i`bpjssn`ejtk
b`bketsmdashwk skk h`w j fh`stgy hnst`ry lrutjgnzks Crjpp
Qjst bndenfht Ekvkr cekw suih sngkeik Thk kjrth bnfht lk uene-
hjlntkd Hkrk N ked thns rkkg L`x thrkk sp``g mnvkQkrhjps by lkst ykjrs jrk f`ek Vhke thkrk wjs j ihjeik `m hjp-
pnekss Lut N w`ugdebdquot wjet thkb ljic E`t wnth thk mnrk ne bk
e`w E` N w`ugdebdquot wjet thkb ljic (ltltgt)
Lkicktt d`ks e`t js thk irntnijg ignihicirc bjy hjvk nt bkrkgy rkprksket j
w`rgd `m jlsurdnty j w`rgd wnth`ut bkjenef Thns ns j w`rgd thjt
i`etneujggy mkkgs thk igjnbs `m thk pjst `m hnst`ry Jed thkrk ns j
bkjenef ne dnsi`vkrnef thksk igjnbs j bkjenef ne rki`fenznef `ekbdquos
nedkltkdekss t` thk pjst j bkjenef ne rkjgnznef thjt `ekbdquos `lgnfjtn`e
ns t` i`bk t` tkrbs wnth thksk igjnbs jed dklts
THKKTNIJG JQQJIH THK lsquoGNTKJT[K M THK
[EVDbdquo BKGJEIHG^ JED THK JIHN]K
Qjrt `m by purp`sk hkrk ne thns Fundk ns t` pr`vndk wjys `m bjcnefskesk `m Lkickttbdquos dnmmniugt w`rc ek wjy N wngg pr`ikkd wngg lk t`
drjw `e thk w`rc `m phng`s`phkrs thk`rnsts jed irntnis wh`sk ndkjs
jgg`w us t` uedkrstjed thk i`bpgkxnty `m Lkickttbdquos uenvkrsk N wngg
hkrk lk drjwnef `e thk gncks `m phke`bke`g`fnsts Bjrtne Hkndkffkr
Hjes-Fk`rf Fjdjbkr jed Kbbjeukg Gkvnejs bjrxnst Thk`d`r
Jd`re` psyih`jejgysts Ynfbued Mrkud jed Ojiquks Gjije jed
dki`estruitn`enst Ojiquks Dkrrndj N lkgnkvk thjt thk w`rc `m thksk
thk`rnsts ije kmmkitnvkgy uepjic ikrtjne netkrprktnvk pr`lgkbs neLkicktt oust js N lkgnkvk thjt ikrtjne b`bkets ne LkickttmdashN thnec `m
B`uthbdquos ketry net` gjefujfk ne E`t N mdashije kmmkitnvkgy nggustrjtk thk
netkrprktnvk pr`lgkbs ne thk w`rc m s`bk thk`rnsts (nedkkd N wngg usk
E`t N t` nggustrjtk Gjijebdquos dnmmniugt e`tn`e `m thk kjg) By netketn`e
ns e`t thkrkm`rk snbpgy t` rkjd Lkicktt thr`ufh j pjrtniugjr thk`ry
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2227
NETD[ITNE
gt
lut t` nbjfnek thjt thkrk ns j butujg pr`ikss `m netkrprktjtn`e jed
netkrr`fjtn`e `iiurrnef lktwkke thk`rnst jed mnitn`e
THK FKBJE GKTTK
N jgs` lkgnkvk pkrhjps ejnvkgy thjt Lkicktt hnbskgm ns hns `we mnrst
jed lkst irntni Js N hjvk bketn`ekd Lkicktt `mmkrkd mkw irntnijg i`b-
bketjrnks `e hns w`rc `vkr thk ykjrs lut th`sk thjt hjvk i`bk d`we
t` usmdashjs m`r nestjeik Thrkk Dnjg`fuks mdashjrk `m frkjt vjguk t` jey
rkjdkr Ne thk gjttkr ihjptkrs `m thns study N wngg lk rkmkrrnef `mtke t`
Lkickttbdquos Fkrbje Gkttkr `m gt96 jed kspkinjggy t` hns e`tn`e `m thk
lsquogntkrjturk `m thk uew`rdbdquo j i`eikpt N thnec ns iketrjg t` thk pr`frks-sn`e `m hns w`rc N wnsh thkrkm`rk t` tjck s`bk spjik hkrk jed
`utgnek thk nbp`rtjeik `m thns Gkttkr
Ne gt9= Lkicktt trjvkgkd t` Fkrbjey `e whjt kssketnjggy wjs je
jrt h`gndjy hk vnsntkd skvkrjg jrt fjggkrnks jed jgth`ufh jefkrkd ly
thk Ejzn rkfnbkbdquos ikes`rnef `m jrt nt i`esndkrkd dkijdket hk wjs
frkjtgy nbprksskdmdashjed nemgukeikdmdashly thk w`rc hk sjw Thk trnp
skrvkd js j cned m spnrntujg jed phng`s`phnijg jwjckenef js hns dnj-
rnks jttkst Thk Fkrbje Gkttkr ns pjrt `m j i`rrksp`edkeik lktwkke
Lkicktt jed j mrnked (Jxkg Cjue wh`b hk bkt ne Fkrbjey) wrnttke
thrkk b`eths jmtkr hns rkture t` Dulgne Ne thk Gkttkr Lkicktt spkjcs
`m thk ekkd t` b`vk pjst rkiknvkd dnsi`ursks jed i`evketn`es t` gnl-
krjtk hnbskgm mr`b trjdntn`ejg gjefujfks jed m`rbs N qu`tk jt s`bk
gkefth
Nt ns nedkkd lki`bnef b`rk jed b`rk dnmmniugt kvke skeskgkss m`rbk t` wrntk je `mmninjg Kefgnsh Jed b`rk jed b`rk by `we gje-
fujfk jppkjrs t` bk gnck j vkng thjt bust lk t`re jpjrt ne `rdkr t`
fkt jt thk thnefs (`r thk E`thnefekss) lkhned nt Frjbbjr jed
Ytygk T bk thky skkb t` hjvk lki`bk js nrrkgkvjet js j ]nit`rnje
ljthnef sunt `r thk nbpkrturljlngnty `m j truk fketgkbje J bjsc
Gkt us h`pk thk tnbk wngg i`bk thjec F`d thjt ne ikrtjne inrigks nt
hjs jgrkjdy i`bk whke gjefujfk ns b`st kmmninketgy uskd whkrk
nt ns lknef b`st kmmninketgy bnsuskd Js wk ijee`t kgnbnejtk gje-fujfk jgg jt `eik wk sh`ugd jt gkjst gkjvk e`thnef ued`ek thjt
bnfht i`etrnlutk t` nts mjggnef net` dnsrkputk T` l`rk `ek h`gk
jmtkr je`thkr ne nt uetng whjt gurcs lkhned ntmdashlk nt s`bkthnef `r
e`thnefmdashlkfnes t` skkp thr`ufh3 N ijee`t nbjfnek j hnfhkr f`jg
m`r j wrntkr t`djy (6rsquo6lt)
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2327
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
lt1
Ne by kstnbjtn`e thk mugg nbpgnijtn`es `m thk Gkttkr whnih m`r bk
ns Lkickttbdquos jrtnstni bjenmkst` wngg e`t lk rkjgnzkd uetng thk gjtkr e`v-
kgs (kspkinjggy thk trng`fnks) lut wk sh`ugd rki`fenzk h`w Lkickttbdquos
stjtkd nbpjtnkeik wnth trjdntn`ejg m`rb rks`ejtks net` kvke thk kjrgypr`sk jed drjbj Lkickttbdquos dnsdjne m`r lsquo`mmninjg Kefgnshbdquo m`r lsquoFrjbbjr
jed Ytygkbdquo thnefs js nrrkgkvjet js j ]nit`rnje ljthnef sunt spkjc t`
j mrustrjtn`e j l`rkd`b kvke wnth thk g`fni jed trjokit`rnks `m thk
enektkketh-iketury e`vkg Hk spkjcs murthkr t` h`w busni jed
pjnetnef hjvk m ued wjys m b`vnef lky`ed trjdntn`ejg m`rb ne rdkr
t` rkprksket sngkeik jed jlskeik (thnefs e`t jss`injtkd wnth rkprkske-
tjtnvk jrt)3 hk suffksts thjt gjefujfk ntskgm bust lk shjttkrkd ne rdkr
t` rkvkjg whjt wjs prkvn`usgy uerkprksketjlgkJed whngk Lkickttbdquos bjenmkst` s`ueds jvjet-fjrdk hns ndkj thjt
gjefujfk ns j vkng t` lk t`re jpjrt g``cs ljic t` thk `bjetnis jed
thknr e`tn`e thjt p`ktry w`rcs t` rkvkjg thk ueskke Lkickttbdquos lsquoby
`we gjefujfk jppkjrs t` bk gnck j vkng thjt bust lk t`re jpjrtbdquo kih`ks
Yhkggkybdquos J Dkmkeik `m Q`ktry jed hns skesk thjt p`ktry gnmts lsquothk vkng
mr`b thk hnddke lkjuty `m thk w`rgd jed bjcks mjbngnjr `lokits lk
js nm thky wkrk e`t mjbngnjrbdquo (6) Thkrk ns `m i`ursk j w`rgd `m dnm-
mkrkeik lktwkke gnmtnef jed dkstr`ynef thk vkngmdashthk dnmmkrkeik
pkrhjps lktwkke thk `bjetni jed thk B`dkremdashlut Lkickttbdquos
dksnrk js j wrntkr ns j mjbngnjr `ek hns w`rc wngg jttkbpt t` sh`w thk
w`rgd ne j ekw wjy Ne by rkjdnef Lkickttbdquos tkjrnef `m thk vkng
lki`bks thk pkrmkit bktjph`r m`r thk pr`ikss `m rkvkjgnef `vkrtgy
skgm-i`esin`usgy jed irntnijggy thk nbpgnijtn`es `m jrt hkrk thk e`vkg
jed drjbj ne j ekw wjy
THK lsquoGNTKJT[K M THK [EVDbdquo
Ne thk gjst pjrjfrjph `m thk Gkttkr Lkicktt suffksts thjt thns pr`ikss
`m dkstr`ynef gjefujfk `m rkvkjgnef nts lsquotkrrnlgk bjtkrnjgntybdquo (6lt)
wngg kvketujggy gkjd t` whjt hk ijggs j lsquogntkrjturk `m thk uew`rdbdquo (69)
N wnsh ne whjt m`gg`ws t` suffkst thjt Lkickttbdquos ketnrk ijrkkr js j
wrntkr mneds nts lkfneenef jed ked nts fr`ued jed f`jg ne thns ndkj
stjtkd ne gt96 J gntkrjturk `m thk uew`rd ns `lvn`usgy j i`etrjdni-tn`e ne tkrbs j pjrjd`x je jp`rnj (t` usk thk Dkrrndkje i`estruitn`e)3
j gntkrjturk `m thk uew`rd ns je jttkbpt t` usk gjefujfk t` sngkeik
gjefujfk (hk ijggs nt lsquoJe jssjugt jfjnest w`rds ne thk ejbk `m lkjutybdquo
S69R) Hns jnb kssketnjggy ns t` mned j bkjes `m dki`bp`snef jed
b`vnef lky`ed gjefujfk t` shjttkr gjefujfk net` j cned `m krjsurk
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2427
NETD[ITNE
lt
`m ntskgm (thns jttkbpt t` kgnbnejtk gjefujfk ns fk`bktrnijggy pr`p`r-
tn`ejg t` hns jttkbpt t` kgnbnejtk thk l`dy js wk wngg skk) By
jrfubket ns quntk snbpgy thns thr`ufh`ut hns ijrkkr Lkicktt ns skjrih-
nef m`r thk bkjes t` put je ked t` gntkrjturk t` put je ked t` wrntneft` put je ked t` hns `we dksnrk t` wrntk Thk trjokit`ry `m hns w`rc
mr`b thk kjrgy drjbj jed pr`sk t` thk gjtk ns `ek `m rjdnijg rkdui-
tn`e `m w`rcnef t` mned j bkjes t` gntkrjturkbdquos ked Ne thk drjbj wk
b`vk mr`b thk muggy kbl`dnkd drjbj `m F`d`t t` thk gjtk fh`stgy
pgjys whkrk `mtke gjefujfk d`ks e`t kvke mkjturk3 ne thk pr`sk wk
b`vk mr`b thk pgjymug fjrrug`usekss m Burphy t` thk shjttkrkd sye-
tjx jed dnbnenshkd frjbbjrs `m V`rstwjrd H`4
Nt ns prkinskgy lkijusk Lkickttbdquos w`rc ns fr`uedkd `e suih i`bpgkxphng`s`phnijg i`etrjdnitn`esmdashj wrntkr wrntnef gntkrjturk `ut `m
kxnstkeik nbp`ssnlgkmdashthjt N lkgnkvk wk bust hjvk rki`ursk t` thk
vjrn`us thk`rktnijg jed phng`s`phnijg trjdntn`es thjt jr`sk snbugtj-
ek`us wnth Lkickttbdquos `we dkvkg`pbket js j wrntkr By thk`rktnijg
jppr`jih ne thns Fundk ije pkrhjps lkst lk dksirnlkd js pr`bnsiu-
`us lut N tked t` thnec thjt j dki`estruitn`enst psyih`jejgysns ns thk
lkst wjy `m pr`ikkdnef wnth Lkicktt jt gkjst m`r bk T` nggustrjtk
whjt N bkje hkrkmdashjed ly wjy `m i`eigudnef thns Netr`duitn`emdash
N wnsh t` `utgnek tw` i`eikpts whnih wngg pr`vk irntnijg ne by rkjdnef
`m kspkinjggy thk drjbj
BKGJEIHGNJ
J bjo`r thkbk ne Lkicktt ns thjt `m bkb`ry `m ihjrjitkrs gnck
Crjpp `r Hjbb hjuetkd ly thk fh`st `m bkb`ry Jt j ljsni gkvkgthk Lkicktt ihjrjitkr gnvks ne j pr`trjitkd stjtk `m rkfrkt jed g`ss
j stjtk hk `r shk bjy e`t kvke rki`fenzk js suih Hnst`ry thk pjst
nbpnefks pr`m uedgy e thk ihjrjitkr jed js Lkicktt wrntks ne Qr`ust
thrkjtkes i`etneujggy t` lsquodkm`rbbdquo hnb Ne gt6 Ynfbued Mrkud pul-
gnshkd je kssjy thjt hjs rkiketgy i`bk t` lk skke js j iruinjg dnjfe`sns
`m j i`etkbp`rjry iugturjg i`edntn`e Ne lsquoB`urenef jed Bkgjeih`gnjbdquo
Mrkud jttkbpts t` i`bk t` je uedkrstjednef m h`w thk sulokit dkjgs
wnth trjubj jed g`ss Thkrk jrk hk thk`rnzks tw` rksp`esks t` g`sst` thk g`ss `m j g`vkd `ek `r thk lsquog`ss `m s`bk jlstrjitn`e whnih hjs
tjcke thk pgjik `m `ek suih js `ekbdquos i`uetry gnlkrty je ndkjg `r s`
`ebdquo (ltlt) Thk mnrst jed b`st hkjgthy ns whjt hk ijggs b`urenef
B`urenef ns j pr`ikss ly whnih thk g`ss ns i`bprkhkedkd jed
jiikptkd lsquow`rckd thr`ufhbdquo t` usk hns tkrbne`g`fy B`urenef ns thk
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2527
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
ltlt
e`rbjg wjy `ek bust dkjg wnth trjubj jed g`ss wnth whjt Mrkud
lkjutnmuggy tkrbs thk lsquoki`e`bnis `m pjnebdquo (ltlt) Qrkinskgy h`w thk
sulokit `vkri`bks g`ss ns e`t ce`we ly Mrkudmdashnt ns j dnmmniugt pr`-
ikss3 nt ns lsquow`rcbdquomdashlut kvketujggy thk b`urekr jiikpts thjt thk g`vkd`ek wnth wh`b hk bjy hjvk ndketnmnkd ns e` g`efkr hkrk t` bjcks
igjnbs `e hnb
Bkgjeih`gnj `e thk `thkr hjed ns je jle`rbjg rksp`esk t` g`ss
jed sntujtks thk sulokit ne j i`etneujg p`sntn`e `m ejrinssnstni ndketn-
mnijtn`e wnth thk g`st `lokit Ne `thkr w`rds thk bkgjeih`gy sulokit
ijee`t jiikpt thjt hkr g`vkd `ek ns ne mjit f`ek jed w`rcs pjth`g`fn-
ijggy lsquot` kstjlgnsh je ndketnmnijtn`e `m thk kf` wnth thk jljed`ekd
`lokitbdquo (lt8) Vhjt thns bkjes ns thjt thk pjstmdashg`ss trjubjmdashi`e-tneujggy w`rcs nts wjy net` thk prksket b`bket lkijusk thk sulokit
ijee`t b`vk pjst nt B`rk tr`ulgnef ns thk ndkj thjt thk sulokit d`ks
e`t wnsh t` jgg`w g`ss t` rkikdk net` hnst`ry lut dksnrks i`etneujggy t`
bjnetjne j i`eekitn`e t` thk trjubjtni b`bket Ne s`bk wjys thk
sulokit bjnetjnes thns pjth`g`fnijg stjtkmdashwhnih bjy ne mjit e`t lk
s` pjth`g`fnijg jmtkr jggmdashlkijusk thk trjubjtni b`bket ns nbp`r-
tjet m`r hkr bjy ne mjit hjvk shjpkd wh` shk ns
Vk bjy dnjfe`sk j frkjt eublkr `m Lkickttbdquos ihjrjitkrs js lknef
bkgjeih`gni ne Mrkudbdquos skesk Thky jrk hjuetkd ly thk pjst jed s`bk
gnck Crjpp Hjbb jed Vneenk dkgnlkrjtkgy jttkbpt t` rki`eekit wnth
j pjst thjt neigudks b`bkets `m g`ss jed kxtrkbk pjne Ne `thkr w`rds
thk mueitn`e `m bkb`ry ne Lkicktt ns gjrfkgy bkgjeih`gni prkinskgy
lkijusk thk ihjrjitkrs jice`wgkdfk i`esin`usgy `r uei`esin`usgy
thjt thky jrk thk pr`duits m j pjst whnih hjs bkringkssgy dkmnekd thkb
js summkrnef sulokits Lkickttbdquos ihjrjitkrs ignef s` rkgketgkssgy t` thkpjst lkijusk m`r rkjs`es wk wngg kxpg`rk thk prksket b`bket ns dkv`nd
`m snfenmnijeik3 thk jf`enznef pjst bjy lrutjgnzk lut ne nt jrk thk trjiks
thk hnst`rnijg mrjfbkets `m ndketnty jed bkjenef
THK JIHN]K
Dki`estruitn`enst Ojiquks Dkrrndj drjwnef hkjvngy `e Mrkud `mmkrs
j ski`ed rkgjtkd i`eikpt thjt N wngg usk t` rkjd thksk ihjrjitkrsbdquo rkgj-tn`e t` hnst`ry g`ss jed trjubj Ne Jrihnvk Mkvkr Dkrrndj jejgyzks
thk i`eikpt `m thk jrihnvk js j wjy `m i`bnef t` je uedkrstjednef
`m thk wjy thk sulokit ekf`tnjtks nts rkgjtn`eshnp t` hnst`ry t` thk
pjst jed thk muturk thk jrihnvk ns thus j bkjes ly whnih Dkrrndj
trnks t` uedkrstjed thk hubje js j lknef sntujtkd ne tnbk mkkgnef thk
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2627
NETD[ITNE
lt9
igjnbs `m thk tkbp`rjg Qkrhjps thk lkst wjy t` dkmnek thk jrihnvk ns
js j i`eikptujg `r bjtkrnjg spjik `m bkb`ry Thk bned ije skrvk js
je jrihnvk oust js j gnlrjry `r physnijg b`eubket ije Dkrrndj suf-
fksts thjt thk jrihnvk ns j pgjik m i`bbjedbket jed i`bbkeikbketj pgjik whkrk kvkets `m thk pjst jrk d`iubketkd juth`rntjtnvkgy js
bjrcnef thk lkfneenef `m s`bkthnef j gnmk j iugturk j invngnzjtn`e
Jrihnvks jrk spjiks m prkskrvjtn`e i`eskrvjtn`e lut jgs` m irkjtn`e
j iugturkbdquos uedkrstjednef m ntskgmmdashj sulokitbdquos uedkrstjednef m ntskgmmdash
ns irkjtkd wnthne thk spjik `m thk jrihnvk
Nt ns igkjr thjt thk jrihnvk ns j wjy `m bjtkrnjgnznef bjcnef i`e-
irktk thk pjst Jed nm hnst`ry ns gjrfkgy r ije lk gjrfkgy thk ejrrjtnvks
`m i`equkst dkmkjt jed vn`gkeik thk jrihnvk ns jgs` f`nef t` mueitn`ejs j spjik i`bbkb`rjtnef trjubj jed g`ss Nt strncks bk thkrkm`rk
thjt thk jrihnvkmdashjs j spjik thjt bjnetjnes j i`etneujg rkgjtn`e t` thk
pjstmdashns jgwjys jgrkjdy j bkgjeih`gy spjik Vhjt N wnsh t` suffkst
hkrk ne spkinmni rkgjtn`e t` Lkickttbdquos w`rc ns thjt thk Lkickttnje sul-
okit lki`bks j gntkrjg kbl`dnbket m whjt N hjvk kgskwhkrk ijggkd thk
lsquobkgjeih`gy jrihnvkbdquo Thk Lkickttnje sulokit nbb`lngnzkd jed
mrjfbketkdmdashthnec `m Vneenk lurnkd t` hkr ekic ne kjrth ne Hjppy
Djys3 `m B`uth ne E`t N 3 `m Bjg`ek ne Bjg`ek Dnks3 `m thk mnfurk ne
I`bpjey mdashns jgwjys j hnst`rnijg sulokit j sulokit b`rk prkinskgy
sulokit t` hnst`ry Yhk ns i`etneujggy rkbkblkrnef s`bktnbks jfjnest
hkr wngg whjt hjs `iiurrkd ne thk pjst3 shk ns i`etneujggy jttkbptnef
t` rkijpturk j pjst shk bjy e`t muggy i`bprkhked
Jed nt ns thk Lkickttnje l`dy whnih lki`bks thk prnbjry rkp`sn-
t`ry m`r thksk rkbjnes thksk trjiks `m hnst`ry Thk ihjrjitkr bjy
kxnstmdashjs ne Hjppy Djys r Kedfjbk mdashjt whjt jppkjrs t` lk thk ked`m hubje iugturk lut shkmdashhkr l`dymdashbjnetjnes thk jrihnvjg trjiks
`m thjt g`st iugturk Thk nbjfks Lkicktt fnvks us ne hns drjbj jed
pr`skmdashj dnskbl`dnkd b`uth j l`dy nbb`lngnzkd ne j whkkgihjnr
`r thk kjrth pk`pgk ne uresmdashjrk nbjfks thjt i`eirktnzk thk ndkj `m
bkb`ry js kbl`dnkd `r jrihnvkd N suffkstkd jl`vk thjt m`r Lkicktt
sulokitnvntymdashthk skesk m wh` wk jrkmdashns muggy dkpkedket e thk l`dy
Vhjt Mrkud jed Dkrrndj jgg`w us t` uedkrstjed ns thk wjy sulokitnv-
nty ne Lkicktt ns muggy dkpkedket `e hnst`ry jed jrihnvkd bkb`ryMrkudbdquos e`tn`es `m b`urenef jed bkgjeih`gnj t`fkthkr wnth thk
Dkrrndkje rkjdnef `m thk jrihnvk jrk i`eikpts thjt wngg pr`vk uskmug
ne rkjdnef je juth`r wh`sk w`rc ns jt j pr`m`ued gkvkg jgwjys jl`ut
thk pjst j pjst whnih bjy hjvk rkikdkd net` m`rfktmugekss lut wh`sk
igjnbs jrk stngg lknef mkgt Ne nts strjefkekss Lkickttbdquos w`rc prkskets
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2727
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
eubkr`us dnmmniugtnks lut js wk shjgg dnsi`vkr hk ekvkr jljed`es
hns rkjdkr `r judnkeik i`bpgktkgy Mnrst js N hjvk bketn`ekd hns
ihjrjitkrsmdashwh` jt tnbks lki`bk `ur surr`fjtks `ur ueijeey d`u-
lgksmdashkxprkss buih thk sjbk i`emusn`e jl`ut thknr w`rgds js thkrkjdkr3 js suih thk strjefkekss lkijusk shjrkd lki`bks ne j skesk
e`rbjgnzkd Yki`ed jed pkrhjps b`rk nbp`rtjet Lkickttbdquos w`rc
ckys net` muedjbketjggy rki`fenzjlgk sntujtn`es Vk jgg jrk irkjtn`es
`m hnst`rnks wk bjy e`t rki`fenzk `r wnsh t` rki`fenzk3 wk jgg jt
tnbks dnsjv`w `ur pjsts kvke js wk mkkg thk prkssurks `m hnst`ry3 wk
jgg ne `thkr w`rds jrk hnst`rnijgmdashne Mrkudbdquos tkrbs bkgjeih`gymdash
irkjturks Lkickttbdquos w`rc ns iruinjg lkijusk nt rkgketgkssgy rkb`rskgkssgy
i`bpkgs us t` i`emr`et thk pr`m`ued igjnbs thjt hnst`ry bust bjckup`e us jgg Js wk i`bk t` rki`fenzk thk igjnbs `m thk pjst jed rkjg-
nzk thk kxtket t` whnih hnst`ry i`estruits thk hubje sulokit wk lkfne
t` uedkrstjed thjt Lkickttbdquos w`rc jt tnbks skkbnefgy s` strjefk
skkbnefgy nehubje ns `egy kvkr j i`bpjssn`ejtk jttkbpt t` i`bprk-
hked hubjenty ntskgm
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1127
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
8
js Lkickttbdquos prnbjry bkth`d `m pr`lgkbjtnznef netkrprktnvk pr`t`-
i`gs wk i`bk t` je nbp`rtjet nentnjg rkjgnzjtn`e Lkickttbdquos tkxts rksnst
lknef netkrprktkd jed ijtkf`rnzkd jed thns bjy ne mjit lk whjt thky
jrk jl`ut thk pr`lgkb `m netkrprktjtn`e ntskgmThns Fundk thus wngg lkfne wnth je jejgysns `m thk wjy Lkicktt
bjenpugjtks fkerk ne hns w`rc Vjntnef m`r F`d`t m`r nestjeik ns j
drjbj ne ejbk `egy nm thk r``t `m thk w`rd lsquodrjbjbdquo ns thk Frkkc m r
lsquojitn`ebdquo Lkicktt ns dkgnlkrjtkgy wrntnef j drjbj thjt ns e`t ne mjit j
drjbj jt jgg (e`thnef hjppkes ne thk pgjy3 `r b`rk prkinskgy e`thnef
hjppkes thk kxpkrnkeik `m e`thnefekss ns whjt thk pgjy ns jl`ut)
Thk e`vkgs `m Lkickttbdquos mnrst trng`fy (B`gg`y Bjg`ek Dnks Thk
[eejbjlgk) jfjne jrk e`vkgs ne ejbk `egy js thns trng`fy pr`frkssksthkrk ns j dnbnenshnef `m pg`t jed j rkb`vjg `m jgg ndketnmnjlgk ihjr-
jitkrs wnthne ndketnmnjlgk spjik jed tnbk Lkickttbdquos gjtk pr`sk jed
drjbj lgurs thk dnstneitn`e lktwkke fkerks H`w Nt Ns j lsquoe`vkgbdquo rkjds
gnck p`ktry3 J Qnkik `m B`e`g`fuk (gt8lt) j lsquopgjybdquo rkjds gnck j sh`rt
pr`sk st`ry3 Lkickttbdquos gjst bjo`r w`rc ne thk s`-ijggkd ski`ed trng`fy
(I`bpjey Ngg Ykke Ngg Yjnd V`rstwjrd H`) rkduiks thk vkry gje-
fujfk `m pr`sk t` e`efrjbbjtnijg igjusks jed pgjiks lsquoihjrjitkrsbdquo
(wh` mueitn`e bkrkgy js frjbbjtnijg nedniks bjy nedkkd `egy lsquolkbdquo
dnskbl`dnkd frjbbjtnijg nedniks) ne g`ijtn`es thjt jrk lky`ed gnmk
jed dkjth
Nt ns by suffkstn`e thjt thk trjokit`ry `m Lkickttbdquos ijrkkr js
drjbjtnst jed e`vkgnst trjiks j systkbjtni dki`estruitn`e `m thk vkry
prkbnsks `m drjbj jed pr`sk j dki`estruitn`e thjt wntekssks thk
snbugtjek`us jed systkbjtni dnsbjetgnef `m thk skgm `r sulokit wh`
w`ugd rkgy `e ejrrjtnvk js j bkjes `m skgm-uedkrstjednef N pr`p`skhkrk t` suffkst thjt thns dki`estruitn`e thns dnsbjetgnef `m jgg
rkiknvkd struiturks `m sulokitnvnty jed ejrrjtnvk lk nt ne pr`sk `r
drjbj (jed hns ihjrjitkrs e stjfk jrk egy kvkr tkggnef st`rnks) ns thk
bjo`r thkbk m Lkickttbdquos w`rc jed m i`ursk thk ijusk m thk bjo`r
dnmmniugtnks ne thk rkjdnef `m thns w`rc
eik wk uedkrstjed thjt Lkickttbdquos bkth`d ns t` ijgg net` qukstn`e
thk vkry prkbnsks `m drjbj jed pr`sk wk bjy lk lkttkr jlgk t`
uedkrstjed whjt N skk js hns bjo`r purp`sk t` ijgg net` qukstn`e jggth`sk bkth`dsmdashejrrjtnvk lknef thk prnbjry ekmdashwk hjvk m uedkr-
stjednef `urskgvks Fkerks i`bk rkjdy lungt wnth bkjenef jed
kxpkitjtn`e pgjys jed e`vkgs hjvk struiturksmdashlkfneenefs bnddgks
kednefs3 ihjrjitkr jed pg`t lsquodkvkg`pbketbdquo3 skttnefsmdashthjt rkjdkrs ejtu-
rjggy jssubk sh`ugd lk ne pgjik Qgjys jed e`vkgs hjvk rki`fenzjlgk
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1227
NETD[ITNE
gt
ihjrjitkrs jed tkgg st`rnks thjt whngk pkrhjps i`emusnef jed ihjggkef-
nef jssubk whjt wk ije ijgg lsquoce`wjlngntybdquo Thjt ns thksk ejrrjtnvks
jrk jssubkd t` rkmgkit j rki`fenzjlgk rkjgnty `ek t` whnih thk rkjdkr
ije rnket hkrskgm J iketrjg nm uesp`cke jssubptn`e m whjt ns ijggkdigjssni rkjgnst gntkrjturk ns thjt ejrrjtnvk ntskgm ns j ejturjg jed juth`r-
ntjtnvk wjy `m i`bbuenijtnef rkjgntylt Gjefujfk ne `thkr w`rds ns
thk jdkqujtk vkhnigk m`r rkprksketnef rkjgnty jed b`st nbp`rtjetgy
m`r rkprksketnef thk skgm3 ne igjssni rkjgnst mnitn`e iruinjggy thk skgmmdash
thnec m`r nestjeik m Dnickesbdquo Djvnd I`ppkrmnkgdmdashprkikdks gjefujfk
jed usks nt i`etr`gs nt t` trjesirnlk hns rkjgnty
Lkicktt ns w`rcnef t` rkvkjg jgg thksk kxpkitjtn`es js jrtnmninjg jed
i`estruitkd Hk nednijtks thjt wk i`estruit `urskgvks js skgvks ne thkst`rnks wk tkgg thk hnst`rnks wk i`estruit jed thus hns dnsbjetgnef
`m thksk ejrrjtnvks ns hns wjy `m kxjbnenef thk vkry mrjfngnty thk vkry
i`estruitkdekss `m thk hubje jed hubje uedkrstjednef ntskgm
Ejrrjtnvk jed `thkr fkekrni i`evketn`es jrk wjys `m i`etr`ggnef
kxpkrnkeik m shjpnef kxpkrnkeik3 thky jrk e`t uepr`lgkbjtni rkmgki-
tn`es `m kxpkrnkeik Ne thk ked h`wkvkr ly systkbjtnijggy rkduinef
ejrrjtnvk t` nts ksskeik t` whjt hk ijggs nts lsquow`rskenef w`rdsbdquo Lkicktt
dnsi`vkrs thk pkrsnstket ksskeik `m thk hubje wh`sk ejrrjtnvks lsquomjng
jfjnebdquo jed lsquomjng lkttkrbdquo lut wh` ns nesnstketgy prksket ne thjt mjngurk
nm `egy js j trjik spkitkr `r fh`st `m ntskgm By jrfubket ugtnbjtkgy
ns thjt m`r jgg Lkickttbdquos skkbnef dnmmniugty jed ekfjtnvnty hns e`vkgs
jed pgjys w`rc systkbjtnijggy t` ikgklrjtk nm ne je nevkrsk wjy thk
hubje sulokit wh` wngg e`t ikjsk t` ejrrjtk jed wh` wngg thus
jgwjys lk
KD[ITNE T THK KYYKETNJGY ETHNEFEKYY
JED THK QYTH[BJE
T` lkfne pkrhjps wk sh`ugd jice`wgkdfk thjt whngk Lkickttbdquos w`rc
kxpg`rks qukstn`es i`eikrenef thk muedjbketjg ejturk m thk hubje
Lkicktt hnbskgm wngg skkb t` lk `m gnttgk hkgp t` us ne netkrprktnef thjt
w`rc Jgth`ufh hk hjs `mmkrkd s`bk nbp`rtjet nm `pjquk irntnijg
nesnfhts net` whjt jppkjrs t` lk j pkrs`ejg phng`s`phy m jrt jed gnmkLkicktt tkedkd t` rksnst `mmkrnef dnrkit netkrprktjtn`es `m hns w`rc
rksnstkd `mmkrnef whjt j ihjrjitkr ne hns e`vkg Vjtt ijggs lsquoskbjetni
suii`urbdquo t` hns rkjdkrs hns jit`rs hns dnrkit`rs Vhke m`r nestjeik
Jgje Yihekndkr j mrnked jed dnrkit`r `m bjey `m Lkickttbdquos pgjys
jsckd m r Lkickttbdquos netkrprktjtn`e m Kedfjbk Lkicktt rkpgnkd lsquoN snbpgy
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1327
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
1
ijebdquot wrntk jl`ut by w`rc `r `iijsn`ejg stumm `m jey cnedbdquo Hk wket
`e t` kxi`rnjtk o`urejgnsts jed irntnis
Lut whke nt i`bks t` thksk ljstjrds `m o`urejgnsts N mkkg thk `egygnek ns t` rkmusk t` lk nev`gvkd ne kxkfksns `m jey cned By w`rc
ns j bjttkr `m muedjbketjg s`ueds (e` o`ck netkedkd) bjdk js
muggy js p`ssnlgk jed N jiikpt rksp`esnlngnty m`r e`thnef kgsk Nm
pk`pgk wjet t` hjvk hkjdjihks jb`ef thk `vkrt`eks gkt thkb
Jed pr`vndk thknr `we jspnrne (E` Juth`r Lkttkr Ykrvkd Thk
I`rrksp`edkeik `m Yjbukg Lkicktt jed Jgje Yihekndkr lt4)
Nt ns iurn`us t` e`tk thk wjy Lkicktt rksnsts netkrprktnef hns w`rcykt jt thk sjbk tnbk pr`vndks s`bkthnef `m j iguk t` rkjdnef hns
w`rc hk sjys ns j lsquobjttkr `m muedjbketjg s`uedsbdquo ek wjy `m
uedkrstjednef thns i`bbket jed ikrtjnegy thns ns thk wjy N tked t`
rkjd hns w`rc ns t` e`tnik h`w Lkicktt tkeds t` strnp jwjy jgg kxikss
`e stjfk jed pjfk hk ns jmtkr je jejgysns `m thk muedjbketjgs thk
i`rk `r lsquoksskeikbdquo `m whjt bjps `ut hubje kxpkrnkeik Thkrk ns e`
jiindketjg w`rd `r `iiurrkeik ne j Lkicktt tkxt e` dnstrjitn`e mr`b
thk rkjg lusnekss `m trynef t` uedkrstjed whjt nt bkjes t` lk Hkeik
m`r nestjeik j e`vkg gnck Bjg`ek Dnks whkrk thkrk ns `egy `ek ihjr-
jitkr nbb`lngnzkd ne lkd jed thnecnef jl`ut hns nbpkednef dkjth
Hkrk Lkicktt ns jscnef j iruinjg pkrhjps thk muedjbketjg qukstn`e
Vhjt d`ks nt bkje t` kxnst t` lk jt thk b`bket whke y`ur gnmk ns `e
thk vkrfk `m mgnickrnef `ut0 Ije wk rki`fenzk whjt nt trugy bkjes t`
lk jgnvk whjt wk bjy ijgg thk muedjbketjg nbpugsk `m lknef `egy
whke gnmk ntskgm ns jl`ut t` ikjsk0 Lkicktt pjrks pg`t ihjrjitkr jedgjefujfk d`we t` nts kssketnjgs strnppnef jwjy thk lsquobkjtbdquo (`m l`th
pr`sk jed ihjrjitkr) t` kxjbnek gnmk gnvkd jt kxtrkbk gnbnt p`nets
Nedkkd js N hjvk nednijtkd ne gjtkr tkxts suih js V`rstwjrd H` thk
mnrst sketkeik `m whnih rkjds lsquoe Yjy `e Lk sjnd `e Y`bkh`w `e
Tngg e`h`w `e Yjnd e`h`w `ebdquo (46) Lkicktt rkduiks pg`t jed ihjr-
jitkr s` rjdnijggy thjt nt ns p`ssnlgk t` sjy thjt wk hjvk tkxt whkrk
frjbbjr ntskgm mueitn`enef jt thk gnbnt `m i`bprkhkesnlngnty nedn-
ijtks j sulokitnvnty `e thk vkrfk `m e`thnefekssLy wrntnef jl`ut muedjbketjg s`ueds Lkicktt prkskets hnbskgm js
je netkeskgy iurn`us jed i`urjfk`us wrntkr Iurn`us jl`ut thk prk-
insk ejturk m thk hubje lknef Lkicktt tjcks hnbskgm jed hns rkjdkrs
t` thk kxtrkbk gnbnts `m hubjenty jed jscs us `lgnfks us t` g``c
ijrkmuggy jt `urskgvks jt b`bkets `m irnsns Thksk b`bkets `m irnsns
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1427
NETD[ITNE
w`rc ne Lkicktt js p`nets m muedjbketjg nm i`bpr`bnskd jed pjquk
rkvkgjtn`e nt ns hkrk jt thk p`net whkrk thk w`rgd ikjsks t` bjck
skesk `r i`rrksp`ed t` `ekbdquos prksupp`sntn`es thjt thk rkjg thk mue-
djbketjg netkrprktnvk jed kthnijg qukstn`es jrnsk H`w d` N f` `e nethk mjik m thns irnsns m bkjenef0 Vhjt ns by rksp`esnlngnty t` byskgm
jed `thkrs whke bkjenef i`ggjpsks0
Thksk b`bkets m thk i`ggjpsk m bkjenef m thk irnsns m netkrprk-
tjtn`e jrk iketrjg t` Lkickttbdquos w`rc (nedkkd wk bjy sjy thky i`bprnsk
thk t`tjgnty `m thk w`rc) jed t` hns phng`s`phy `m jrt Ne s`bk wjys
Lkickttbdquos rkjg netkrkst ns ne thk kei`uetkr kxnstketnjg jrtnstni jed
netkrprktnvk wnth whjt hk nbp`rtjetgy rkmkrs t` js lsquoE`thnefbdquo Thk
kxpkrnkeik `m e`thnef thk e`thnefekss rkjgnzkd ne thk l`rkd`b `mDndn jed F`f` ne Vjntnef m`r F`d`t (thk mnrst gnek m whnih ns lsquoE`thnef
t` lk d`ekbdquo) thk e`thnefekss thjt thrkjtkes `ur netkrprktnvk skiurnty
whjt Ig`v ne Kedfjbk ijggs thk lsquozkr`bdquo p`net `m bkjenef thk e`thnef-
ekss `m g`ss jed jlskeik thjt nem`rbs s` dkeskgy thk gjtkr trng`fy ns
`ek thjt pjrjd`xnijggy (h`w d` y`u wrntk jl`ut lsquoe`thnefbdquo0) jrtniu-
gjtks jed b`tnvjtks Lkickttbdquos `we w`rc
Ne gt4gt Lkicktt pulgnshkd Thrkk Dnjg`fuks j skrnks `m pskud`-
dnjg`fuks lktwkke lsquoLbdquo jed lsquoDbdquo L wh` irntnis ndketnmy js Lkicktt
hnbskgm (rnfhtgy N lkgnkvk) `mmkrs whjt hjs lki`bk pkrhjps thk b`st
`mtke intkd ketry p`net net` Lkickttbdquos `we w`rc L hjs lkke dnsiuss-
nef b`dkre jrt jed i`bks t` mmkr hns we vnkw m thk pr`pkr sulokit
bjttkr jed b`tnvjtn`es `m thk b`dkre jrtnst
Lmdash^kt N spkjc `m je jrt turenef mr`b nt ne dnsfust wkjry `m nts
puey kxpg`nts wkjry `m prktkednef t` lk jlgk `m lknef jlgk`m d`nef j gnttgk lkttkr thk sjbk `gd thnef `m f`nef j gnttgk
murthkr jg`ef j drkjry r`jd
DmdashJed prkmkrrnef whjt0
LmdashThk kxprkssn`e thjt thkrk ns e`thnef t` kxprkss e`thnef wnth
whnih t` kxprkss e`thnef mr`b whnih t` kxprkss e` p`wkr t`
kxprkss e` dksnrk t` kxprkss t`fkthkr wnth thk `lgnfjtn`e t`
kxprkss (=)
J eublkr `m thnefs jrk iruinjg hkrk Mnrst e`tnik h`w L kxprkssks
j wkjrnekss wnth jrtnstni i`evketn`e h`w thk ndkj `m lsquod`nef j gnttgk
lkttkr thk sjbk `gd thnefbdquo l`rks hnb (thns ns je ndkj t` whnih wk wngg
rkture) Nt ns igkjr kvke rkgjtnvkgy kjrgy ne hns ijrkkr thjt Lkicktt w`ugd
e`t lk irkjtnef i`evketn`ejggy mjbngnjr jrt E`tnik ski`ed h`w thk
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1527
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
lt
w`rd lsquoe`thnefbdquo fjthkrs j cned `m neirkbketjg rks`ejeik ne thns mnejg
sketkeik h`w nt lki`bks igkjr thjt e`thnef t` spkjc pkrhjps pjrj-
d`xnijggy lki`bks s`bkthnef s`bkthnef t` lk kxpg`rkd js j thkbk
js j rkjgnty (wk bjy rkijgg thjt gnek mr`b Bjg`ek Dnks lsquoE`thnef nsb`rk rkjg thje e`thnefbdquo) Js thns jst`enshnef sketkeik i`eigudks
Lkicktt jice`wgkdfks j pkrs`ejg kthnijg `lgnfjtn`e js je jrtnst je
`lgnfjtn`e t` `lskrvk jejgyzk jed kxprkss thksk b`bkets whke thk
e`thnef jrnsksmdashpkrhjps kvke jfjnest hns `we wnggmdashjed jppkjrs
t` euggnmy bkjenef t` thrkjtke `ur i`bm`rt t` krjsk `ur frjsp `m
thk rkjg
lsquoQYTH[BJENYBbdquo
T hjvk ljskd j ijrkkr `e thk kxpg`rjtn`e `m lsquoe`thnefbdquo bjy skkb pkr-
vkrsk t` s`bk Ikrtjnegy thk rkjdkrbdquos kei`uetkr wnth Lkickttbdquos vjrn`us
rkprksketjtn`es `m thk v`nd `m jlskeik `m g`ss wngg lk j dnmmniugt `ek
m`r thk snbpgk rkjs`e thjt Lkickttbdquos w`rgd ns dnmmniugt t` lkjr Jed
s`bk rkjdkrs `vkr thk ykjrs hjvk m`ued ne Lkickttbdquos w`rc j ikrtjne
ruthgkss pkrhjps kvke j i`gd nehubjenty Nm wk trjik thk trjokit`ry
`m Lkickttbdquos w`rc `e l`th stjfk jed ne pr`sk wk d` e`tnik thjt hns
systkbjtni rkduitn`e m thnefs whjt N hjvk suffkstkd ns hns rkduitn`e
t` thk lsquomuedjbketjgsbdquo d`ks nev`gvk thk rkduitn`e `m thk hubje skgm
whjt N wngg ne thns study lk rkmkrrnef t` js thk lsquosulokitbdquo E`tnik h`w
m`r nestjeik ne thk drjbj wk b`vk mr`b muggy kbl`dnkd sulokits ne
Vjntnef m`r F`d`t t` thk gkss physnijggy jlgk ihjrjitkrs ne Kedfjbk
(Hjbb ns lgned jed irnppgkd3 Ig`v ije `egy wjgc ne j stnmm-gkffkd
fjnt3 Ejff jed Ekgg l`th hjvk g`st thknr gkfs) t` ihjrjitkrs nbb`ln-gnzkd ne ures ne Qgjy t` thk dnskbl`dnkd B`uth `m E`t N J snbngjr
trjokit`ry h`gds ne thk mnrst pr`sk trng`fy B`gg`y wh`sk l`dy ns mjng-
nef ykt jlgk3 Bjg`ek wh` ns nbb`lngnzkd ne lkd3 thk ueejbjlgk wh`
bjy snbpgy lk j lrjne ne je ure Ne thk gjtkr pr`sk tkxts nt ns dnmmniugt
kvke t` dktkrbnek prkinskgy thk ejturk m thk hubje jed thk stjtus m
nts l`dy lsquoYjy j l`dy Vhkrk e`ek E` bned Vhkrk e`ek Thjt jt
gkjst J pgjik Vhkrk e`ek M`r thk l`dy T` lk nebdquo (46)
Lkicktt skkbs t` strnvk thr`ufh`ut hns ijrkkr t` rnd hns w`rc m thkl`dy t` w`rc thus t`wjrd whjt wk bjy ijgg j cned `m p`sthubjensb
Q`sthubjensb ije lk dkmnekd js thjt strjed `m phng`s`phy whnih
rjdnijggy irntnquks thk ndkj thjt thk nednvndujg sulokit ns thk iketkr `m
jgg thnefs thk lkfneenef jed ked `m jgg ce`wgkdfk jed kxpkrnkeik
thns ns thkrkm`rk j rjdnijg irntnquk m Hubjenst phng`s`phy whnih w`ugd
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1627
NETD[ITNE
9
p`snt thk hubjebdquos rkjs`e jed rjtn`ejgnty js lknef trjespjrketgy jvjng-
jlgk t` thk thnecnef sulokit Q`sthubjensb lkfnes ly i`uetkrnef
Hubjensbbdquos lkgnkm thjt thk hubje ns skgm-pr`duinef skgm-i`neindketjg
thjt nt ns s`bkh`w rksp`esnlgk m r thk pr`duitn`e `m nts w`rgd jed ntskxpkrnkeik `m thk w`rgd
Js j phng`s`phy p`sthubjensb ije lk trjikd t` bjey s`uriks
lut thk thnecnef `m Enktzsihk Bjrx jed Mrkud ns iruinjg Kjih
w`rckd t` suffkst thjt thk hubje sulokit ns e`t skgm-pr`duinef `r
skgm-i`neindketjg lut ns rjthkr pr`duikd ly nts iugturk (Bjrx) nts
gjefujfk (Enktzsihk) jed nts uei`esin`us drnvks jed nestneits
(Mrkud) Q`sthubjensb strnvks t` uedkrstjed thk prkinsk ki`e`bnks
`m thksk m`riks jed jscs qukstn`es gnck thksk H`w ns thk hubjesulokit t` rjthkr thje thk bjstkr `m gjefujfk0 H`w d`ks thk sulokit
ekf`tnjtk hkr rkgjtn`e t` thk drnvksmdasht`wjrd Kr`s Thjejt`smdashthjt
Mrkud p`snts0 H`w ije thk sulokit mrkk ntskgm nm jt jgg mr`b thk iug-
turjg m`riks `m ijpntjg ndk`g`fy jed rkgnfn`e m`riks whnih prkikdk
jed kxikkd thk sulokitbdquos kxpkrnkeik0
Thksk jrk jgg Lkickttbdquos qukstn`es jed hk wngg w`rc `ut jeswkrs ne
pgjys gnck Hjppy Djys jed e`vkgs gnck Burphy jed Thk [eejbjlgk
tkxts whnih jrk jl`ut h`w thk sulokit ekf`tnjtks j rkgjtn`e t` iugturk
(Hjppy Djys) t` thk drnvks (Burphy) t` gjefujfk (Thk [eejbjlgk)
Lut wk sh`ugd jgs` e`tk h`w Lkickttbdquos p`sthubjensb lki`bks
ueijeengy gntkrjgnzkd ne hns bnddgk-t`-gjtk-pkrn`d drjbj jed pr`sk
Lkicktt ns netkrkstkd ne kxpg`rnef thk vkry gnbnts `m thk hubje thk
vkry ksskeik `m whjt i`estntutks thk hubje T thns ked Lkicktt wngg
push thk hubje pjst `ur i`bb`e i`eikptujg l`uedjrnks3 thjt ns t`
sjy jt tnbks hk b`vks hns ihjrjitkrs net` thk spjik `m dkjth `m whjtns pkrhjps j cned `m jmtkrgnmk
Ne thk pr`sk thns thkbjtni lkfnes wnth Bjg`ek Dnks j e`vkg trjinef
thk b`bket j bje pjssks net` nekxnstkeik3 ne thk drjbj nt lkfnes
wnth Qgjy whnih skks thrkk ihjrjitkrs ne whjt jppkjrs t` lk je jmtkr-
gnmk (thk ihjrjitkrs jrk ne muekrjg ures) lnickrnef vkr thk ejrrjtnvk m
thknr pjst gnvks3 ne thk ski`ed trng`fy wk ije kjsngy nbjfnek nedkkd
sh`ugd nbjfnek thjt thk spkjckrs `m thk tkxts js wkgg js thk mnfurks
thjt jppkjr ne thk ejrrjtnvks jrk spkitkrs fh`sts N kxpg`rk thk mnfurk`m thk fh`st thk spkitkrmdashthk gntkrjg p`sthubjemdashne dktjng ne by
mnejg ihjptkr lut N oust wnsh t` nednijtk hkrk h`w Lkickttbdquos netkrkst
ne pjrnef thnefs d`we t` thk kssketnjgs gkjds g`fnijggy t` je netkrkst ne
thk spkitkr thk fh`st whnih lki`bks thk nbjfk `m thk hubje jmtkr
jgg thnefs hjvk lkke strnppkd wjy Qrkinskgy thk fh`st lki`bks j trjik
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1727
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
4
j bjrc `m thk hubjebdquos pjssnef `ut `m kxnstkeik lutmdashjed thns ns
jls`gutkgy iketrjgmdashthk fh`st ns je nesnstket rkbnedkr `m thk hubje
thjt `eik wjs Thk spkitkr ne `thkr w`rds skrvks t` rkiupkrjtk thk
hubje kvke js thk hubje pjssks net` `lgnvn`e thk spkitkr thuslki`bks whjt Ygjv`o _nzkc ijggs thk lsquonednvnsnlgk rkbjnedkr9bdquo T` put
nt lguetgy m`r Lkicktt thk t`tjg kgnbnejtn`e `m thk hubje ns j t`tjg
nbp`ssnlngnty
Qkrhjps Lkicktt suffksts wk ije `egy mned thk ejturk `m thk
hubje whjt hk ijggs lsquothk lkdr`ic `m thk kssketnjgsbdquo jt thk b`bket
thk hubje kxihjefks `ek stjtk m`r je`thkr `ek rkjgnty m`r je`thkr
Qkrhjps `egy thk jlskeik `m thk hubje (thk spkitkr) trugy rkvkjgs
whjt hjs lkke thk hubjebdquos truk ejturk Jed whjt ns m`r bk mjsinejt-nef jed iruinjg jl`ut thns pr`ikss ns thk wjy Lkicktt kgnbnejtks thk
hubje jt prkinskgy thk sjbk tnbk js hk kgnbnejtks dkejturks jed
dki`estruits ejrrjtnvk m`rb ntskgm Ne s`bk wjys Lkicktt ns jrfunef
thjt gjefujfk ntskgm bust lk kgnbnejtkd ne `rdkr m`r thk spkitkr thk
fh`st thk p`sthubje t` jppkjr gjefujfk bust lk kgnbnejtkd ne
`rdkr m r thk truth `m thk hubje t` lk ce`we
Vk bjy skk ne thns rkduitn`e j cned `m irukg trkjtbket `m thk
hubje j pkrvkrsk netkrkst ne nggekss jed dkijy lut N thnec thns w`ugd
lk j mjtjg netkrprktnvk krr`r Ikrtjnegy Lkickttbdquos w`rc nbpgnks thjt thk
l`dy ns jgwjys j gnjlngnty s`bkthnef thjt wngg nekvntjlgy mjng (je hngjrn-
`us gnek mr`b Bjg`ek Dnks suffksts thns lsquoNm N hjd thk usk `m by l`dy
N w`ugd thr`w nt `ut `m thk wned`wbdquo SltltR) Lut wk bust e`tnik thjt
thk l`dy `r snfes `m thk l`dy ekvkr muggy dnsjppkjrs mr`b Lkickttbdquos
w`rgd Thk pkrsnstkeik `m thk l`dy thk mrjfbketkd l`dy thk dnskb-
l`dnkd l`dy ns `ek `m Lkickttbdquos bjo`r thkbks jed `ek thjt p`skss`bk `m hns b`st netkrkstnef netkrprktnvk qukstn`es jed ihjggkefks
why d`ks Lkicktt w`rc t` rkduik jed mrjfbket thk l`dy0 H`w jrk wk
t` netkrprkt mrjfbkets `m hubjenty0
ek jeswkr t` thksk qukstn`es rkgjtks t` whjt N hjvk sjnd jl`vk
jl`ut Lkicktt rkduinef thnefs t` thk muedjbketjgs ne rdkr t` uedkr-
stjed thk ksskeik `m thk hubje ne Qgjy jed E`t N Lkicktt skkbs t`
lk suffkstnef thjt thksk ihjrjitkrs rkjggy `egy jrk thknr v`niks rkjggy
`egy jrk t` lk b`rk prkinsk thknr ejrrjtnvks Vhjt bjttkrs t` thkbjt thns spkinmni pgjik jt thns spkinmni tnbk ns thknr jlngntymdashpkrhjps
thknr i`bpugsn`e thknr `lgnfjtn`emdasht` spkjc Lkicktt w`ugd skkb t`
lk suffkstnef thjt thk t`tjgnty `m thk l`dy jt thns spkinmni b`bket ns
e`t tkrrnlgy nbp`rtjet t` thk sulokit js shk trnks t` uedkrstjed hkr
prksket sntujtn`e Lut js N suffkst wk d` e`tnik thjt Lkicktt ekvkr
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1827
NETD[ITNE
muggy rkb`vks thk l`dy `r thk snfes `m thk l`dy (v`nik m`r nestjeik)
ketnrkgy thk st`rnks hns ihjrjitkrs tkgg hns w`rc skkbs t` nbpgy jrk
wrnttke `e jed thr`ufh thk l`dy Yt`rnks jrk trjesgjtkd ne `thkr
w`rds ly thk l`dy Lkickttbdquos ihjrjitkrs bjy lk p`sthubje lut thkyjrk e`t muggy p`sti`rp`rkjg
Je`thkr wjy m puttnef thns ndkj jdbnttkdgy ek m Lkickttbdquos b`st
ihjggkefnef ns thjt sulokitnvntymdashthjt skesk thk hubje hjs `m ntskgm
js j thnecnef netkrprktnef irkjturkmdashns muggy dkpkedket `e thk l`dy
Yulokitnvnty ns kbl`dnbket y`u jrk y`ur l`dy jed y`ur l`dybdquos dksnrks
js buih js y`u jrk y`ur bned Jed thus whngk thk l`dy ns je nbpkdn-
bket jed wngg jgwjys dkijy jed mjng thk l`dy ijee`t dnsjppkjr
ne Lkicktt lkijusk thk skgm jed thk skgmbdquos uedkrstjednef `m ntskgmw`ugd js wkgg Thkrk ns js N rkjd nt thke j cned `m djrc i`bpjssn`e
ne Lkicktt m`r thk i`bpr`bnskd l`dy m`r thk irnppgkd jed thk ngg
thkrk ns j i`bpjssn`e m`r thk summkrnef sulokit wh` ije rkjggy `egy
uedkrstjed hkrskgm jed hkr w`rgd thr`ufh thk bkdnub m j dkijynef
pjnemug l`dy ur qukstn`es js rkjdkrs m Lkicktt bust e`w lki`bk
nm thk skgm uedkrstjeds ntskgm thr`ufh thk i`bpr`bnskd spkitrjg
l`dy whjt cneds `m netkrprktjtn`es wngg nt bjck0 Nm thk skgm uedkr-
stjeds thk w`rgd thr`ufh nts mrjfbketkd p`sthubje l`dy whjt
cneds `m netkrprktjtn`es `m thk w`rgd ije lk bjdk0
lsquoQYTH[BJENYBbdquo J Q]NY
Thksk jrk jgg Lkickttbdquos qukstn`es lut N wnsh t` `mmkr s`bkthnef `m j
pr`vns` lkm`rk i`etneunef N suffkstkd jl`vk thjt Lkicktt ns strnvnef
m`r j lsquocned `mbdquo p`sthubjensb N thnec nt ns lkst jgwjys t` usk tkrbspr`vnsn`ejggy wnth Lkicktt m`r surkgy `ek `m thk kmmkits `m hns w`rc
ns t` ijgg jls`gutkgy net` qukstn`e thk vkry ndkj `m stjlgk ijtkf`rnks
stjlgk `pp`sntn`es (lsquohubje-p`sthubjebdquo) Qkrhjps nt ns lkst hkrk jt
thk `utskt t` suffkst thjt hns w`rc irntnquks thk ndkj `m thk hubje
jed thk p`sthubje kqujggy Qrkinskgy ly dnsi`vkrnef thk pkrsnstkeik
`m thk hubje kvke ne nts b`st dkeudkd m rb Lkicktt kssketnjggy i`g-
gjpsks thk `pp`sntn`e lsquohubje-p`sthubjebdquo t` thk p`net whkrk thk
tkrbs lki`bk netkrihjefkjlgk jed hkeik jgb`st bkjenefgkssThjt ns t` sjy m`r Lkicktt wk jrk jgwjys jgrkjdy p`sthubje nes`-
mjr js wk jrk i`etr`ggkd ly dnsi`ursks (hnst`ry ndk`g`fy gjefujfk)
prkikdnef jed kxikkdnef us3 wk jrk jgwjys jgrkjdy p`sthubje js wk
dnsi`vkr thjt `ur l`dnks jrk sntks `m nekvntjlgk mjngurk jed i`ggjpsk3
wk jrk jgwjys jgrkjdy p`sthubje nes`mjr js thk ndkj `m j snefugjr
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1927
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
=
skgm ns je nggusn`e Lkicktt jice`wgkdfks thksk ndkjs kjrgy ne hns ijrkkr3
ne Qr`ust (gt9) hk jice`wgkdfks thjt thk skgm ns e`t j stjlgk sulokit
lut rjthkr thjt thk lsquonednvndujg ns j suiikssn`e `m nednvndujgsbdquo ()3
b`rk`vkr lsquoThk sulokit hjs dnkdmdashjed pkrhjps bjey tnbksmdashjg`efthk wjybdquo (9) By usk `m thk tkrb lsquop`sthubjebdquo thke ns s`bkthnef `m
j i`evkenkeik j wjy `m spkjcnef lsquojl`utbdquo `r lsquojr`uedbdquo thk pkiugnjrntnks
`m thk Lkickttnje sulokit thk sulokit wh` jgwjys bust ekf`tnjtk hns
rkjgnty vnj systkbs `m th`ufhtmdashgjefujfk lknef thk prnbjrymdashwh`sk
pjrjbktkrs jed pr`t`i`gs jrk jgwjys oust lky`ed hns mugg i`etr`g
THK QLGKB M NETKQKTJTNELkickttbdquos bjenpugjtn`e `m fkerk hns rkduitn`e jed dnsbjetgnef `m
thk sulokit hns rkgketgkss netkrkst ne thk vjrn`us jspkits `m lsquoe`thnef-
ekssbdquo (g`ss jlskeik)mdashhk ijggs thns hns lsquomndkgnty t` mjngurkbdquo (lsquoThrkk
Dnjg`fuksbdquo =9)mdashgkjd js N hjvk lkke suffkstnef t` s`bk mjnrgy
jiutk netkrprktnvk dnmmniugtnks Hjes-Fk`rf Fjdjbkr j phng`s`phkr
`m thk hkrbkekutni sih``g (jed studket `m Bjrtne Hkndkffkr) suf-
fksts thjt jgg rkjg netkrprktjtn`e `r lsquohkrbkekutnisbdquo lkfnes wnth
ndketnmynef j spkinmni g`ijtn`e `m d`ult `r uekjsk ne j tkxt Js hk
wrntks ne Qhng`s`phnijg Hkrbkekutnis lsquoThk rkjg p`wkr m hkrbkekutn-
ijg i`esin`usekss ns `ur jlngnty t` skk whjt ns qukstn`ejlgkbdquo (9) Vk
ekkd ne `thkr w`rds t` lk jlgk t` jsc thk pr`pkr qukstn`es `m tkxts
Lut ne Lkicktt `ur pr`lgkb lki`bks skkbnefgy netrjitjlgk lkijusk
kvkrythnef ne thk tkxt jppkjrs t` lk qukstn`ejlgk H`w jrk wk t`
netkrprkt tkxts thjt skkb pjrjd`xnijggy t` `mmkr s` bjey qukstn`es
jed thke rksnst `r m`rkig`sk thk p`ssnlngnty `m jeswkrnef th`sk quks-tn`es0 H`w ne `thkr w`rds jrk wk t` rkjd Lkicktt0
N wngg suffkst hkrk ne wjys thjt g``c ljic t` Lkickttbdquos `we skesk `m
`lgnfjtn`e (rkijgg hns skesk kxprksskd ne Thrkk Dnjg`fuks `m thk lsquo`lgn-
fjtn`e t` kxprkssbdquo) thjt `ur netkrprktjtn`es `m Lkicktt sh`ugd lkfne
ly pjynef ijrkmug jttketn`e t` thk wjys ne whnih hns tkxts jetninpjtk
`ur dnmmniugtnks jed pkrhjps `mmkr s`bk fundjeik Nm wk jrk puzzgkd ly
ikrtjne thnefsmdashVh` jrk thksk ihjrjitkrs0 Vhjt jrk thknr hnst`rnks0
Vhkrk jed whke kxjitgy jrk thksk st`rnks `iiurrnef0 Vhjt kxjitgyd`ks nt jgg bkje0mdashwk sh`ugd rki`fenzk thjt `ur pkrpgkxnty wnth
thk tkxt ns bnrr`rkd ly thk ihjrjitkrsbdquo `we pkrpgkxnty jl`ut thknr
w`rgds Thk rkjdkrbdquos sntujtn`e `m puzzgkbket ns prkinskgy thjt `m thk
ihjrjitkrs jed thus wk jrrnvk jt j iruinjg `lskrvjtn`e Lkickttbdquos tkxts
thkbskgvks wngg skt `ut thk fr`ued rugks m`r netkrprktnef hns w`rgd
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2027
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2127
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
8
Lkickttbdquos ihjrjitkrs thus mueitn`e ne j stjtk `m pr`m`ued rkfrkt jed
jf`eymdash`mtke rkprksskd jed dnsjv`wkdmdash`vkr whjt bnfht hjvk lkke
Ne Crjppbdquos Gjst Tjpk m`r nestjeik Crjpp rktrjiks hns pjst hnst`ry
thr`ufh tjpk rki`rdnefs `m hns `we v`nik t` rkvnsnt j b`bket `m p`s-snlgk th`ufh e`w m`rkvkr g`st hjppnekss Crjppbdquos we v`nik hns we
hnst`ry ns spkitrjg lkijusk hns rki`rdnefs jrk `m j dkjd jed nrrktrnkv-
jlgk pjst lut ek whnih igkjrgy stngg hjuets hnb e`w Ne whjt ns surkgy
`ek `m Lkickttbdquos b`st pjnemugmdashjed netkeskgy i`bpjssn`ejtk
b`bketsmdashwk skk h`w j fh`stgy hnst`ry lrutjgnzks Crjpp
Qjst bndenfht Ekvkr cekw suih sngkeik Thk kjrth bnfht lk uene-
hjlntkd Hkrk N ked thns rkkg L`x thrkk sp``g mnvkQkrhjps by lkst ykjrs jrk f`ek Vhke thkrk wjs j ihjeik `m hjp-
pnekss Lut N w`ugdebdquot wjet thkb ljic E`t wnth thk mnrk ne bk
e`w E` N w`ugdebdquot wjet thkb ljic (ltltgt)
Lkicktt d`ks e`t js thk irntnijg ignihicirc bjy hjvk nt bkrkgy rkprksket j
w`rgd `m jlsurdnty j w`rgd wnth`ut bkjenef Thns ns j w`rgd thjt
i`etneujggy mkkgs thk igjnbs `m thk pjst `m hnst`ry Jed thkrk ns j
bkjenef ne dnsi`vkrnef thksk igjnbs j bkjenef ne rki`fenznef `ekbdquos
nedkltkdekss t` thk pjst j bkjenef ne rkjgnznef thjt `ekbdquos `lgnfjtn`e
ns t` i`bk t` tkrbs wnth thksk igjnbs jed dklts
THKKTNIJG JQQJIH THK lsquoGNTKJT[K M THK
[EVDbdquo BKGJEIHG^ JED THK JIHN]K
Qjrt `m by purp`sk hkrk ne thns Fundk ns t` pr`vndk wjys `m bjcnefskesk `m Lkickttbdquos dnmmniugt w`rc ek wjy N wngg pr`ikkd wngg lk t`
drjw `e thk w`rc `m phng`s`phkrs thk`rnsts jed irntnis wh`sk ndkjs
jgg`w us t` uedkrstjed thk i`bpgkxnty `m Lkickttbdquos uenvkrsk N wngg
hkrk lk drjwnef `e thk gncks `m phke`bke`g`fnsts Bjrtne Hkndkffkr
Hjes-Fk`rf Fjdjbkr jed Kbbjeukg Gkvnejs bjrxnst Thk`d`r
Jd`re` psyih`jejgysts Ynfbued Mrkud jed Ojiquks Gjije jed
dki`estruitn`enst Ojiquks Dkrrndj N lkgnkvk thjt thk w`rc `m thksk
thk`rnsts ije kmmkitnvkgy uepjic ikrtjne netkrprktnvk pr`lgkbs neLkicktt oust js N lkgnkvk thjt ikrtjne b`bkets ne LkickttmdashN thnec `m
B`uthbdquos ketry net` gjefujfk ne E`t N mdashije kmmkitnvkgy nggustrjtk thk
netkrprktnvk pr`lgkbs ne thk w`rc m s`bk thk`rnsts (nedkkd N wngg usk
E`t N t` nggustrjtk Gjijebdquos dnmmniugt e`tn`e `m thk kjg) By netketn`e
ns e`t thkrkm`rk snbpgy t` rkjd Lkicktt thr`ufh j pjrtniugjr thk`ry
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2227
NETD[ITNE
gt
lut t` nbjfnek thjt thkrk ns j butujg pr`ikss `m netkrprktjtn`e jed
netkrr`fjtn`e `iiurrnef lktwkke thk`rnst jed mnitn`e
THK FKBJE GKTTK
N jgs` lkgnkvk pkrhjps ejnvkgy thjt Lkicktt hnbskgm ns hns `we mnrst
jed lkst irntni Js N hjvk bketn`ekd Lkicktt `mmkrkd mkw irntnijg i`b-
bketjrnks `e hns w`rc `vkr thk ykjrs lut th`sk thjt hjvk i`bk d`we
t` usmdashjs m`r nestjeik Thrkk Dnjg`fuks mdashjrk `m frkjt vjguk t` jey
rkjdkr Ne thk gjttkr ihjptkrs `m thns study N wngg lk rkmkrrnef `mtke t`
Lkickttbdquos Fkrbje Gkttkr `m gt96 jed kspkinjggy t` hns e`tn`e `m thk
lsquogntkrjturk `m thk uew`rdbdquo j i`eikpt N thnec ns iketrjg t` thk pr`frks-sn`e `m hns w`rc N wnsh thkrkm`rk t` tjck s`bk spjik hkrk jed
`utgnek thk nbp`rtjeik `m thns Gkttkr
Ne gt9= Lkicktt trjvkgkd t` Fkrbjey `e whjt kssketnjggy wjs je
jrt h`gndjy hk vnsntkd skvkrjg jrt fjggkrnks jed jgth`ufh jefkrkd ly
thk Ejzn rkfnbkbdquos ikes`rnef `m jrt nt i`esndkrkd dkijdket hk wjs
frkjtgy nbprksskdmdashjed nemgukeikdmdashly thk w`rc hk sjw Thk trnp
skrvkd js j cned m spnrntujg jed phng`s`phnijg jwjckenef js hns dnj-
rnks jttkst Thk Fkrbje Gkttkr ns pjrt `m j i`rrksp`edkeik lktwkke
Lkicktt jed j mrnked (Jxkg Cjue wh`b hk bkt ne Fkrbjey) wrnttke
thrkk b`eths jmtkr hns rkture t` Dulgne Ne thk Gkttkr Lkicktt spkjcs
`m thk ekkd t` b`vk pjst rkiknvkd dnsi`ursks jed i`evketn`es t` gnl-
krjtk hnbskgm mr`b trjdntn`ejg gjefujfks jed m`rbs N qu`tk jt s`bk
gkefth
Nt ns nedkkd lki`bnef b`rk jed b`rk dnmmniugt kvke skeskgkss m`rbk t` wrntk je `mmninjg Kefgnsh Jed b`rk jed b`rk by `we gje-
fujfk jppkjrs t` bk gnck j vkng thjt bust lk t`re jpjrt ne `rdkr t`
fkt jt thk thnefs (`r thk E`thnefekss) lkhned nt Frjbbjr jed
Ytygk T bk thky skkb t` hjvk lki`bk js nrrkgkvjet js j ]nit`rnje
ljthnef sunt `r thk nbpkrturljlngnty `m j truk fketgkbje J bjsc
Gkt us h`pk thk tnbk wngg i`bk thjec F`d thjt ne ikrtjne inrigks nt
hjs jgrkjdy i`bk whke gjefujfk ns b`st kmmninketgy uskd whkrk
nt ns lknef b`st kmmninketgy bnsuskd Js wk ijee`t kgnbnejtk gje-fujfk jgg jt `eik wk sh`ugd jt gkjst gkjvk e`thnef ued`ek thjt
bnfht i`etrnlutk t` nts mjggnef net` dnsrkputk T` l`rk `ek h`gk
jmtkr je`thkr ne nt uetng whjt gurcs lkhned ntmdashlk nt s`bkthnef `r
e`thnefmdashlkfnes t` skkp thr`ufh3 N ijee`t nbjfnek j hnfhkr f`jg
m`r j wrntkr t`djy (6rsquo6lt)
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2327
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
lt1
Ne by kstnbjtn`e thk mugg nbpgnijtn`es `m thk Gkttkr whnih m`r bk
ns Lkickttbdquos jrtnstni bjenmkst` wngg e`t lk rkjgnzkd uetng thk gjtkr e`v-
kgs (kspkinjggy thk trng`fnks) lut wk sh`ugd rki`fenzk h`w Lkickttbdquos
stjtkd nbpjtnkeik wnth trjdntn`ejg m`rb rks`ejtks net` kvke thk kjrgypr`sk jed drjbj Lkickttbdquos dnsdjne m`r lsquo`mmninjg Kefgnshbdquo m`r lsquoFrjbbjr
jed Ytygkbdquo thnefs js nrrkgkvjet js j ]nit`rnje ljthnef sunt spkjc t`
j mrustrjtn`e j l`rkd`b kvke wnth thk g`fni jed trjokit`rnks `m thk
enektkketh-iketury e`vkg Hk spkjcs murthkr t` h`w busni jed
pjnetnef hjvk m ued wjys m b`vnef lky`ed trjdntn`ejg m`rb ne rdkr
t` rkprksket sngkeik jed jlskeik (thnefs e`t jss`injtkd wnth rkprkske-
tjtnvk jrt)3 hk suffksts thjt gjefujfk ntskgm bust lk shjttkrkd ne rdkr
t` rkvkjg whjt wjs prkvn`usgy uerkprksketjlgkJed whngk Lkickttbdquos bjenmkst` s`ueds jvjet-fjrdk hns ndkj thjt
gjefujfk ns j vkng t` lk t`re jpjrt g``cs ljic t` thk `bjetnis jed
thknr e`tn`e thjt p`ktry w`rcs t` rkvkjg thk ueskke Lkickttbdquos lsquoby
`we gjefujfk jppkjrs t` bk gnck j vkng thjt bust lk t`re jpjrtbdquo kih`ks
Yhkggkybdquos J Dkmkeik `m Q`ktry jed hns skesk thjt p`ktry gnmts lsquothk vkng
mr`b thk hnddke lkjuty `m thk w`rgd jed bjcks mjbngnjr `lokits lk
js nm thky wkrk e`t mjbngnjrbdquo (6) Thkrk ns `m i`ursk j w`rgd `m dnm-
mkrkeik lktwkke gnmtnef jed dkstr`ynef thk vkngmdashthk dnmmkrkeik
pkrhjps lktwkke thk `bjetni jed thk B`dkremdashlut Lkickttbdquos
dksnrk js j wrntkr ns j mjbngnjr `ek hns w`rc wngg jttkbpt t` sh`w thk
w`rgd ne j ekw wjy Ne by rkjdnef Lkickttbdquos tkjrnef `m thk vkng
lki`bks thk pkrmkit bktjph`r m`r thk pr`ikss `m rkvkjgnef `vkrtgy
skgm-i`esin`usgy jed irntnijggy thk nbpgnijtn`es `m jrt hkrk thk e`vkg
jed drjbj ne j ekw wjy
THK lsquoGNTKJT[K M THK [EVDbdquo
Ne thk gjst pjrjfrjph `m thk Gkttkr Lkicktt suffksts thjt thns pr`ikss
`m dkstr`ynef gjefujfk `m rkvkjgnef nts lsquotkrrnlgk bjtkrnjgntybdquo (6lt)
wngg kvketujggy gkjd t` whjt hk ijggs j lsquogntkrjturk `m thk uew`rdbdquo (69)
N wnsh ne whjt m`gg`ws t` suffkst thjt Lkickttbdquos ketnrk ijrkkr js j
wrntkr mneds nts lkfneenef jed ked nts fr`ued jed f`jg ne thns ndkj
stjtkd ne gt96 J gntkrjturk `m thk uew`rd ns `lvn`usgy j i`etrjdni-tn`e ne tkrbs j pjrjd`x je jp`rnj (t` usk thk Dkrrndkje i`estruitn`e)3
j gntkrjturk `m thk uew`rd ns je jttkbpt t` usk gjefujfk t` sngkeik
gjefujfk (hk ijggs nt lsquoJe jssjugt jfjnest w`rds ne thk ejbk `m lkjutybdquo
S69R) Hns jnb kssketnjggy ns t` mned j bkjes `m dki`bp`snef jed
b`vnef lky`ed gjefujfk t` shjttkr gjefujfk net` j cned `m krjsurk
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2427
NETD[ITNE
lt
`m ntskgm (thns jttkbpt t` kgnbnejtk gjefujfk ns fk`bktrnijggy pr`p`r-
tn`ejg t` hns jttkbpt t` kgnbnejtk thk l`dy js wk wngg skk) By
jrfubket ns quntk snbpgy thns thr`ufh`ut hns ijrkkr Lkicktt ns skjrih-
nef m`r thk bkjes t` put je ked t` gntkrjturk t` put je ked t` wrntneft` put je ked t` hns `we dksnrk t` wrntk Thk trjokit`ry `m hns w`rc
mr`b thk kjrgy drjbj jed pr`sk t` thk gjtk ns `ek `m rjdnijg rkdui-
tn`e `m w`rcnef t` mned j bkjes t` gntkrjturkbdquos ked Ne thk drjbj wk
b`vk mr`b thk muggy kbl`dnkd drjbj `m F`d`t t` thk gjtk fh`stgy
pgjys whkrk `mtke gjefujfk d`ks e`t kvke mkjturk3 ne thk pr`sk wk
b`vk mr`b thk pgjymug fjrrug`usekss m Burphy t` thk shjttkrkd sye-
tjx jed dnbnenshkd frjbbjrs `m V`rstwjrd H`4
Nt ns prkinskgy lkijusk Lkickttbdquos w`rc ns fr`uedkd `e suih i`bpgkxphng`s`phnijg i`etrjdnitn`esmdashj wrntkr wrntnef gntkrjturk `ut `m
kxnstkeik nbp`ssnlgkmdashthjt N lkgnkvk wk bust hjvk rki`ursk t` thk
vjrn`us thk`rktnijg jed phng`s`phnijg trjdntn`es thjt jr`sk snbugtj-
ek`us wnth Lkickttbdquos `we dkvkg`pbket js j wrntkr By thk`rktnijg
jppr`jih ne thns Fundk ije pkrhjps lkst lk dksirnlkd js pr`bnsiu-
`us lut N tked t` thnec thjt j dki`estruitn`enst psyih`jejgysns ns thk
lkst wjy `m pr`ikkdnef wnth Lkicktt jt gkjst m`r bk T` nggustrjtk
whjt N bkje hkrkmdashjed ly wjy `m i`eigudnef thns Netr`duitn`emdash
N wnsh t` `utgnek tw` i`eikpts whnih wngg pr`vk irntnijg ne by rkjdnef
`m kspkinjggy thk drjbj
BKGJEIHGNJ
J bjo`r thkbk ne Lkicktt ns thjt `m bkb`ry `m ihjrjitkrs gnck
Crjpp `r Hjbb hjuetkd ly thk fh`st `m bkb`ry Jt j ljsni gkvkgthk Lkicktt ihjrjitkr gnvks ne j pr`trjitkd stjtk `m rkfrkt jed g`ss
j stjtk hk `r shk bjy e`t kvke rki`fenzk js suih Hnst`ry thk pjst
nbpnefks pr`m uedgy e thk ihjrjitkr jed js Lkicktt wrntks ne Qr`ust
thrkjtkes i`etneujggy t` lsquodkm`rbbdquo hnb Ne gt6 Ynfbued Mrkud pul-
gnshkd je kssjy thjt hjs rkiketgy i`bk t` lk skke js j iruinjg dnjfe`sns
`m j i`etkbp`rjry iugturjg i`edntn`e Ne lsquoB`urenef jed Bkgjeih`gnjbdquo
Mrkud jttkbpts t` i`bk t` je uedkrstjednef m h`w thk sulokit dkjgs
wnth trjubj jed g`ss Thkrk jrk hk thk`rnzks tw` rksp`esks t` g`sst` thk g`ss `m j g`vkd `ek `r thk lsquog`ss `m s`bk jlstrjitn`e whnih hjs
tjcke thk pgjik `m `ek suih js `ekbdquos i`uetry gnlkrty je ndkjg `r s`
`ebdquo (ltlt) Thk mnrst jed b`st hkjgthy ns whjt hk ijggs b`urenef
B`urenef ns j pr`ikss ly whnih thk g`ss ns i`bprkhkedkd jed
jiikptkd lsquow`rckd thr`ufhbdquo t` usk hns tkrbne`g`fy B`urenef ns thk
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2527
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
ltlt
e`rbjg wjy `ek bust dkjg wnth trjubj jed g`ss wnth whjt Mrkud
lkjutnmuggy tkrbs thk lsquoki`e`bnis `m pjnebdquo (ltlt) Qrkinskgy h`w thk
sulokit `vkri`bks g`ss ns e`t ce`we ly Mrkudmdashnt ns j dnmmniugt pr`-
ikss3 nt ns lsquow`rcbdquomdashlut kvketujggy thk b`urekr jiikpts thjt thk g`vkd`ek wnth wh`b hk bjy hjvk ndketnmnkd ns e` g`efkr hkrk t` bjcks
igjnbs `e hnb
Bkgjeih`gnj `e thk `thkr hjed ns je jle`rbjg rksp`esk t` g`ss
jed sntujtks thk sulokit ne j i`etneujg p`sntn`e `m ejrinssnstni ndketn-
mnijtn`e wnth thk g`st `lokit Ne `thkr w`rds thk bkgjeih`gy sulokit
ijee`t jiikpt thjt hkr g`vkd `ek ns ne mjit f`ek jed w`rcs pjth`g`fn-
ijggy lsquot` kstjlgnsh je ndketnmnijtn`e `m thk kf` wnth thk jljed`ekd
`lokitbdquo (lt8) Vhjt thns bkjes ns thjt thk pjstmdashg`ss trjubjmdashi`e-tneujggy w`rcs nts wjy net` thk prksket b`bket lkijusk thk sulokit
ijee`t b`vk pjst nt B`rk tr`ulgnef ns thk ndkj thjt thk sulokit d`ks
e`t wnsh t` jgg`w g`ss t` rkikdk net` hnst`ry lut dksnrks i`etneujggy t`
bjnetjne j i`eekitn`e t` thk trjubjtni b`bket Ne s`bk wjys thk
sulokit bjnetjnes thns pjth`g`fnijg stjtkmdashwhnih bjy ne mjit e`t lk
s` pjth`g`fnijg jmtkr jggmdashlkijusk thk trjubjtni b`bket ns nbp`r-
tjet m`r hkr bjy ne mjit hjvk shjpkd wh` shk ns
Vk bjy dnjfe`sk j frkjt eublkr `m Lkickttbdquos ihjrjitkrs js lknef
bkgjeih`gni ne Mrkudbdquos skesk Thky jrk hjuetkd ly thk pjst jed s`bk
gnck Crjpp Hjbb jed Vneenk dkgnlkrjtkgy jttkbpt t` rki`eekit wnth
j pjst thjt neigudks b`bkets `m g`ss jed kxtrkbk pjne Ne `thkr w`rds
thk mueitn`e `m bkb`ry ne Lkicktt ns gjrfkgy bkgjeih`gni prkinskgy
lkijusk thk ihjrjitkrs jice`wgkdfk i`esin`usgy `r uei`esin`usgy
thjt thky jrk thk pr`duits m j pjst whnih hjs bkringkssgy dkmnekd thkb
js summkrnef sulokits Lkickttbdquos ihjrjitkrs ignef s` rkgketgkssgy t` thkpjst lkijusk m`r rkjs`es wk wngg kxpg`rk thk prksket b`bket ns dkv`nd
`m snfenmnijeik3 thk jf`enznef pjst bjy lrutjgnzk lut ne nt jrk thk trjiks
thk hnst`rnijg mrjfbkets `m ndketnty jed bkjenef
THK JIHN]K
Dki`estruitn`enst Ojiquks Dkrrndj drjwnef hkjvngy `e Mrkud `mmkrs
j ski`ed rkgjtkd i`eikpt thjt N wngg usk t` rkjd thksk ihjrjitkrsbdquo rkgj-tn`e t` hnst`ry g`ss jed trjubj Ne Jrihnvk Mkvkr Dkrrndj jejgyzks
thk i`eikpt `m thk jrihnvk js j wjy `m i`bnef t` je uedkrstjednef
`m thk wjy thk sulokit ekf`tnjtks nts rkgjtn`eshnp t` hnst`ry t` thk
pjst jed thk muturk thk jrihnvk ns thus j bkjes ly whnih Dkrrndj
trnks t` uedkrstjed thk hubje js j lknef sntujtkd ne tnbk mkkgnef thk
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2627
NETD[ITNE
lt9
igjnbs `m thk tkbp`rjg Qkrhjps thk lkst wjy t` dkmnek thk jrihnvk ns
js j i`eikptujg `r bjtkrnjg spjik `m bkb`ry Thk bned ije skrvk js
je jrihnvk oust js j gnlrjry `r physnijg b`eubket ije Dkrrndj suf-
fksts thjt thk jrihnvk ns j pgjik m i`bbjedbket jed i`bbkeikbketj pgjik whkrk kvkets `m thk pjst jrk d`iubketkd juth`rntjtnvkgy js
bjrcnef thk lkfneenef `m s`bkthnef j gnmk j iugturk j invngnzjtn`e
Jrihnvks jrk spjiks m prkskrvjtn`e i`eskrvjtn`e lut jgs` m irkjtn`e
j iugturkbdquos uedkrstjednef m ntskgmmdashj sulokitbdquos uedkrstjednef m ntskgmmdash
ns irkjtkd wnthne thk spjik `m thk jrihnvk
Nt ns igkjr thjt thk jrihnvk ns j wjy `m bjtkrnjgnznef bjcnef i`e-
irktk thk pjst Jed nm hnst`ry ns gjrfkgy r ije lk gjrfkgy thk ejrrjtnvks
`m i`equkst dkmkjt jed vn`gkeik thk jrihnvk ns jgs` f`nef t` mueitn`ejs j spjik i`bbkb`rjtnef trjubj jed g`ss Nt strncks bk thkrkm`rk
thjt thk jrihnvkmdashjs j spjik thjt bjnetjnes j i`etneujg rkgjtn`e t` thk
pjstmdashns jgwjys jgrkjdy j bkgjeih`gy spjik Vhjt N wnsh t` suffkst
hkrk ne spkinmni rkgjtn`e t` Lkickttbdquos w`rc ns thjt thk Lkickttnje sul-
okit lki`bks j gntkrjg kbl`dnbket m whjt N hjvk kgskwhkrk ijggkd thk
lsquobkgjeih`gy jrihnvkbdquo Thk Lkickttnje sulokit nbb`lngnzkd jed
mrjfbketkdmdashthnec `m Vneenk lurnkd t` hkr ekic ne kjrth ne Hjppy
Djys3 `m B`uth ne E`t N 3 `m Bjg`ek ne Bjg`ek Dnks3 `m thk mnfurk ne
I`bpjey mdashns jgwjys j hnst`rnijg sulokit j sulokit b`rk prkinskgy
sulokit t` hnst`ry Yhk ns i`etneujggy rkbkblkrnef s`bktnbks jfjnest
hkr wngg whjt hjs `iiurrkd ne thk pjst3 shk ns i`etneujggy jttkbptnef
t` rkijpturk j pjst shk bjy e`t muggy i`bprkhked
Jed nt ns thk Lkickttnje l`dy whnih lki`bks thk prnbjry rkp`sn-
t`ry m`r thksk rkbjnes thksk trjiks `m hnst`ry Thk ihjrjitkr bjy
kxnstmdashjs ne Hjppy Djys r Kedfjbk mdashjt whjt jppkjrs t` lk thk ked`m hubje iugturk lut shkmdashhkr l`dymdashbjnetjnes thk jrihnvjg trjiks
`m thjt g`st iugturk Thk nbjfks Lkicktt fnvks us ne hns drjbj jed
pr`skmdashj dnskbl`dnkd b`uth j l`dy nbb`lngnzkd ne j whkkgihjnr
`r thk kjrth pk`pgk ne uresmdashjrk nbjfks thjt i`eirktnzk thk ndkj `m
bkb`ry js kbl`dnkd `r jrihnvkd N suffkstkd jl`vk thjt m`r Lkicktt
sulokitnvntymdashthk skesk m wh` wk jrkmdashns muggy dkpkedket e thk l`dy
Vhjt Mrkud jed Dkrrndj jgg`w us t` uedkrstjed ns thk wjy sulokitnv-
nty ne Lkicktt ns muggy dkpkedket `e hnst`ry jed jrihnvkd bkb`ryMrkudbdquos e`tn`es `m b`urenef jed bkgjeih`gnj t`fkthkr wnth thk
Dkrrndkje rkjdnef `m thk jrihnvk jrk i`eikpts thjt wngg pr`vk uskmug
ne rkjdnef je juth`r wh`sk w`rc ns jt j pr`m`ued gkvkg jgwjys jl`ut
thk pjst j pjst whnih bjy hjvk rkikdkd net` m`rfktmugekss lut wh`sk
igjnbs jrk stngg lknef mkgt Ne nts strjefkekss Lkickttbdquos w`rc prkskets
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2727
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
eubkr`us dnmmniugtnks lut js wk shjgg dnsi`vkr hk ekvkr jljed`es
hns rkjdkr `r judnkeik i`bpgktkgy Mnrst js N hjvk bketn`ekd hns
ihjrjitkrsmdashwh` jt tnbks lki`bk `ur surr`fjtks `ur ueijeey d`u-
lgksmdashkxprkss buih thk sjbk i`emusn`e jl`ut thknr w`rgds js thkrkjdkr3 js suih thk strjefkekss lkijusk shjrkd lki`bks ne j skesk
e`rbjgnzkd Yki`ed jed pkrhjps b`rk nbp`rtjet Lkickttbdquos w`rc
ckys net` muedjbketjggy rki`fenzjlgk sntujtn`es Vk jgg jrk irkjtn`es
`m hnst`rnks wk bjy e`t rki`fenzk `r wnsh t` rki`fenzk3 wk jgg jt
tnbks dnsjv`w `ur pjsts kvke js wk mkkg thk prkssurks `m hnst`ry3 wk
jgg ne `thkr w`rds jrk hnst`rnijgmdashne Mrkudbdquos tkrbs bkgjeih`gymdash
irkjturks Lkickttbdquos w`rc ns iruinjg lkijusk nt rkgketgkssgy rkb`rskgkssgy
i`bpkgs us t` i`emr`et thk pr`m`ued igjnbs thjt hnst`ry bust bjckup`e us jgg Js wk i`bk t` rki`fenzk thk igjnbs `m thk pjst jed rkjg-
nzk thk kxtket t` whnih hnst`ry i`estruits thk hubje sulokit wk lkfne
t` uedkrstjed thjt Lkickttbdquos w`rc jt tnbks skkbnefgy s` strjefk
skkbnefgy nehubje ns `egy kvkr j i`bpjssn`ejtk jttkbpt t` i`bprk-
hked hubjenty ntskgm
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1227
NETD[ITNE
gt
ihjrjitkrs jed tkgg st`rnks thjt whngk pkrhjps i`emusnef jed ihjggkef-
nef jssubk whjt wk ije ijgg lsquoce`wjlngntybdquo Thjt ns thksk ejrrjtnvks
jrk jssubkd t` rkmgkit j rki`fenzjlgk rkjgnty `ek t` whnih thk rkjdkr
ije rnket hkrskgm J iketrjg nm uesp`cke jssubptn`e m whjt ns ijggkdigjssni rkjgnst gntkrjturk ns thjt ejrrjtnvk ntskgm ns j ejturjg jed juth`r-
ntjtnvk wjy `m i`bbuenijtnef rkjgntylt Gjefujfk ne `thkr w`rds ns
thk jdkqujtk vkhnigk m`r rkprksketnef rkjgnty jed b`st nbp`rtjetgy
m`r rkprksketnef thk skgm3 ne igjssni rkjgnst mnitn`e iruinjggy thk skgmmdash
thnec m`r nestjeik m Dnickesbdquo Djvnd I`ppkrmnkgdmdashprkikdks gjefujfk
jed usks nt i`etr`gs nt t` trjesirnlk hns rkjgnty
Lkicktt ns w`rcnef t` rkvkjg jgg thksk kxpkitjtn`es js jrtnmninjg jed
i`estruitkd Hk nednijtks thjt wk i`estruit `urskgvks js skgvks ne thkst`rnks wk tkgg thk hnst`rnks wk i`estruit jed thus hns dnsbjetgnef
`m thksk ejrrjtnvks ns hns wjy `m kxjbnenef thk vkry mrjfngnty thk vkry
i`estruitkdekss `m thk hubje jed hubje uedkrstjednef ntskgm
Ejrrjtnvk jed `thkr fkekrni i`evketn`es jrk wjys `m i`etr`ggnef
kxpkrnkeik m shjpnef kxpkrnkeik3 thky jrk e`t uepr`lgkbjtni rkmgki-
tn`es `m kxpkrnkeik Ne thk ked h`wkvkr ly systkbjtnijggy rkduinef
ejrrjtnvk t` nts ksskeik t` whjt hk ijggs nts lsquow`rskenef w`rdsbdquo Lkicktt
dnsi`vkrs thk pkrsnstket ksskeik `m thk hubje wh`sk ejrrjtnvks lsquomjng
jfjnebdquo jed lsquomjng lkttkrbdquo lut wh` ns nesnstketgy prksket ne thjt mjngurk
nm `egy js j trjik spkitkr `r fh`st `m ntskgm By jrfubket ugtnbjtkgy
ns thjt m`r jgg Lkickttbdquos skkbnef dnmmniugty jed ekfjtnvnty hns e`vkgs
jed pgjys w`rc systkbjtnijggy t` ikgklrjtk nm ne je nevkrsk wjy thk
hubje sulokit wh` wngg e`t ikjsk t` ejrrjtk jed wh` wngg thus
jgwjys lk
KD[ITNE T THK KYYKETNJGY ETHNEFEKYY
JED THK QYTH[BJE
T` lkfne pkrhjps wk sh`ugd jice`wgkdfk thjt whngk Lkickttbdquos w`rc
kxpg`rks qukstn`es i`eikrenef thk muedjbketjg ejturk m thk hubje
Lkicktt hnbskgm wngg skkb t` lk `m gnttgk hkgp t` us ne netkrprktnef thjt
w`rc Jgth`ufh hk hjs `mmkrkd s`bk nbp`rtjet nm `pjquk irntnijg
nesnfhts net` whjt jppkjrs t` lk j pkrs`ejg phng`s`phy m jrt jed gnmkLkicktt tkedkd t` rksnst `mmkrnef dnrkit netkrprktjtn`es `m hns w`rc
rksnstkd `mmkrnef whjt j ihjrjitkr ne hns e`vkg Vjtt ijggs lsquoskbjetni
suii`urbdquo t` hns rkjdkrs hns jit`rs hns dnrkit`rs Vhke m`r nestjeik
Jgje Yihekndkr j mrnked jed dnrkit`r `m bjey `m Lkickttbdquos pgjys
jsckd m r Lkickttbdquos netkrprktjtn`e m Kedfjbk Lkicktt rkpgnkd lsquoN snbpgy
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1327
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
1
ijebdquot wrntk jl`ut by w`rc `r `iijsn`ejg stumm `m jey cnedbdquo Hk wket
`e t` kxi`rnjtk o`urejgnsts jed irntnis
Lut whke nt i`bks t` thksk ljstjrds `m o`urejgnsts N mkkg thk `egygnek ns t` rkmusk t` lk nev`gvkd ne kxkfksns `m jey cned By w`rc
ns j bjttkr `m muedjbketjg s`ueds (e` o`ck netkedkd) bjdk js
muggy js p`ssnlgk jed N jiikpt rksp`esnlngnty m`r e`thnef kgsk Nm
pk`pgk wjet t` hjvk hkjdjihks jb`ef thk `vkrt`eks gkt thkb
Jed pr`vndk thknr `we jspnrne (E` Juth`r Lkttkr Ykrvkd Thk
I`rrksp`edkeik `m Yjbukg Lkicktt jed Jgje Yihekndkr lt4)
Nt ns iurn`us t` e`tk thk wjy Lkicktt rksnsts netkrprktnef hns w`rcykt jt thk sjbk tnbk pr`vndks s`bkthnef `m j iguk t` rkjdnef hns
w`rc hk sjys ns j lsquobjttkr `m muedjbketjg s`uedsbdquo ek wjy `m
uedkrstjednef thns i`bbket jed ikrtjnegy thns ns thk wjy N tked t`
rkjd hns w`rc ns t` e`tnik h`w Lkicktt tkeds t` strnp jwjy jgg kxikss
`e stjfk jed pjfk hk ns jmtkr je jejgysns `m thk muedjbketjgs thk
i`rk `r lsquoksskeikbdquo `m whjt bjps `ut hubje kxpkrnkeik Thkrk ns e`
jiindketjg w`rd `r `iiurrkeik ne j Lkicktt tkxt e` dnstrjitn`e mr`b
thk rkjg lusnekss `m trynef t` uedkrstjed whjt nt bkjes t` lk Hkeik
m`r nestjeik j e`vkg gnck Bjg`ek Dnks whkrk thkrk ns `egy `ek ihjr-
jitkr nbb`lngnzkd ne lkd jed thnecnef jl`ut hns nbpkednef dkjth
Hkrk Lkicktt ns jscnef j iruinjg pkrhjps thk muedjbketjg qukstn`e
Vhjt d`ks nt bkje t` kxnst t` lk jt thk b`bket whke y`ur gnmk ns `e
thk vkrfk `m mgnickrnef `ut0 Ije wk rki`fenzk whjt nt trugy bkjes t`
lk jgnvk whjt wk bjy ijgg thk muedjbketjg nbpugsk `m lknef `egy
whke gnmk ntskgm ns jl`ut t` ikjsk0 Lkicktt pjrks pg`t ihjrjitkr jedgjefujfk d`we t` nts kssketnjgs strnppnef jwjy thk lsquobkjtbdquo (`m l`th
pr`sk jed ihjrjitkr) t` kxjbnek gnmk gnvkd jt kxtrkbk gnbnt p`nets
Nedkkd js N hjvk nednijtkd ne gjtkr tkxts suih js V`rstwjrd H` thk
mnrst sketkeik `m whnih rkjds lsquoe Yjy `e Lk sjnd `e Y`bkh`w `e
Tngg e`h`w `e Yjnd e`h`w `ebdquo (46) Lkicktt rkduiks pg`t jed ihjr-
jitkr s` rjdnijggy thjt nt ns p`ssnlgk t` sjy thjt wk hjvk tkxt whkrk
frjbbjr ntskgm mueitn`enef jt thk gnbnt `m i`bprkhkesnlngnty nedn-
ijtks j sulokitnvnty `e thk vkrfk `m e`thnefekssLy wrntnef jl`ut muedjbketjg s`ueds Lkicktt prkskets hnbskgm js
je netkeskgy iurn`us jed i`urjfk`us wrntkr Iurn`us jl`ut thk prk-
insk ejturk m thk hubje lknef Lkicktt tjcks hnbskgm jed hns rkjdkrs
t` thk kxtrkbk gnbnts `m hubjenty jed jscs us `lgnfks us t` g``c
ijrkmuggy jt `urskgvks jt b`bkets `m irnsns Thksk b`bkets `m irnsns
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1427
NETD[ITNE
w`rc ne Lkicktt js p`nets m muedjbketjg nm i`bpr`bnskd jed pjquk
rkvkgjtn`e nt ns hkrk jt thk p`net whkrk thk w`rgd ikjsks t` bjck
skesk `r i`rrksp`ed t` `ekbdquos prksupp`sntn`es thjt thk rkjg thk mue-
djbketjg netkrprktnvk jed kthnijg qukstn`es jrnsk H`w d` N f` `e nethk mjik m thns irnsns m bkjenef0 Vhjt ns by rksp`esnlngnty t` byskgm
jed `thkrs whke bkjenef i`ggjpsks0
Thksk b`bkets m thk i`ggjpsk m bkjenef m thk irnsns m netkrprk-
tjtn`e jrk iketrjg t` Lkickttbdquos w`rc (nedkkd wk bjy sjy thky i`bprnsk
thk t`tjgnty `m thk w`rc) jed t` hns phng`s`phy `m jrt Ne s`bk wjys
Lkickttbdquos rkjg netkrkst ns ne thk kei`uetkr kxnstketnjg jrtnstni jed
netkrprktnvk wnth whjt hk nbp`rtjetgy rkmkrs t` js lsquoE`thnefbdquo Thk
kxpkrnkeik `m e`thnef thk e`thnefekss rkjgnzkd ne thk l`rkd`b `mDndn jed F`f` ne Vjntnef m`r F`d`t (thk mnrst gnek m whnih ns lsquoE`thnef
t` lk d`ekbdquo) thk e`thnefekss thjt thrkjtkes `ur netkrprktnvk skiurnty
whjt Ig`v ne Kedfjbk ijggs thk lsquozkr`bdquo p`net `m bkjenef thk e`thnef-
ekss `m g`ss jed jlskeik thjt nem`rbs s` dkeskgy thk gjtkr trng`fy ns
`ek thjt pjrjd`xnijggy (h`w d` y`u wrntk jl`ut lsquoe`thnefbdquo0) jrtniu-
gjtks jed b`tnvjtks Lkickttbdquos `we w`rc
Ne gt4gt Lkicktt pulgnshkd Thrkk Dnjg`fuks j skrnks `m pskud`-
dnjg`fuks lktwkke lsquoLbdquo jed lsquoDbdquo L wh` irntnis ndketnmy js Lkicktt
hnbskgm (rnfhtgy N lkgnkvk) `mmkrs whjt hjs lki`bk pkrhjps thk b`st
`mtke intkd ketry p`net net` Lkickttbdquos `we w`rc L hjs lkke dnsiuss-
nef b`dkre jrt jed i`bks t` mmkr hns we vnkw m thk pr`pkr sulokit
bjttkr jed b`tnvjtn`es `m thk b`dkre jrtnst
Lmdash^kt N spkjc `m je jrt turenef mr`b nt ne dnsfust wkjry `m nts
puey kxpg`nts wkjry `m prktkednef t` lk jlgk `m lknef jlgk`m d`nef j gnttgk lkttkr thk sjbk `gd thnef `m f`nef j gnttgk
murthkr jg`ef j drkjry r`jd
DmdashJed prkmkrrnef whjt0
LmdashThk kxprkssn`e thjt thkrk ns e`thnef t` kxprkss e`thnef wnth
whnih t` kxprkss e`thnef mr`b whnih t` kxprkss e` p`wkr t`
kxprkss e` dksnrk t` kxprkss t`fkthkr wnth thk `lgnfjtn`e t`
kxprkss (=)
J eublkr `m thnefs jrk iruinjg hkrk Mnrst e`tnik h`w L kxprkssks
j wkjrnekss wnth jrtnstni i`evketn`e h`w thk ndkj `m lsquod`nef j gnttgk
lkttkr thk sjbk `gd thnefbdquo l`rks hnb (thns ns je ndkj t` whnih wk wngg
rkture) Nt ns igkjr kvke rkgjtnvkgy kjrgy ne hns ijrkkr thjt Lkicktt w`ugd
e`t lk irkjtnef i`evketn`ejggy mjbngnjr jrt E`tnik ski`ed h`w thk
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1527
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
lt
w`rd lsquoe`thnefbdquo fjthkrs j cned `m neirkbketjg rks`ejeik ne thns mnejg
sketkeik h`w nt lki`bks igkjr thjt e`thnef t` spkjc pkrhjps pjrj-
d`xnijggy lki`bks s`bkthnef s`bkthnef t` lk kxpg`rkd js j thkbk
js j rkjgnty (wk bjy rkijgg thjt gnek mr`b Bjg`ek Dnks lsquoE`thnef nsb`rk rkjg thje e`thnefbdquo) Js thns jst`enshnef sketkeik i`eigudks
Lkicktt jice`wgkdfks j pkrs`ejg kthnijg `lgnfjtn`e js je jrtnst je
`lgnfjtn`e t` `lskrvk jejgyzk jed kxprkss thksk b`bkets whke thk
e`thnef jrnsksmdashpkrhjps kvke jfjnest hns `we wnggmdashjed jppkjrs
t` euggnmy bkjenef t` thrkjtke `ur i`bm`rt t` krjsk `ur frjsp `m
thk rkjg
lsquoQYTH[BJENYBbdquo
T hjvk ljskd j ijrkkr `e thk kxpg`rjtn`e `m lsquoe`thnefbdquo bjy skkb pkr-
vkrsk t` s`bk Ikrtjnegy thk rkjdkrbdquos kei`uetkr wnth Lkickttbdquos vjrn`us
rkprksketjtn`es `m thk v`nd `m jlskeik `m g`ss wngg lk j dnmmniugt `ek
m`r thk snbpgk rkjs`e thjt Lkickttbdquos w`rgd ns dnmmniugt t` lkjr Jed
s`bk rkjdkrs `vkr thk ykjrs hjvk m`ued ne Lkickttbdquos w`rc j ikrtjne
ruthgkss pkrhjps kvke j i`gd nehubjenty Nm wk trjik thk trjokit`ry
`m Lkickttbdquos w`rc `e l`th stjfk jed ne pr`sk wk d` e`tnik thjt hns
systkbjtni rkduitn`e m thnefs whjt N hjvk suffkstkd ns hns rkduitn`e
t` thk lsquomuedjbketjgsbdquo d`ks nev`gvk thk rkduitn`e `m thk hubje skgm
whjt N wngg ne thns study lk rkmkrrnef t` js thk lsquosulokitbdquo E`tnik h`w
m`r nestjeik ne thk drjbj wk b`vk mr`b muggy kbl`dnkd sulokits ne
Vjntnef m`r F`d`t t` thk gkss physnijggy jlgk ihjrjitkrs ne Kedfjbk
(Hjbb ns lgned jed irnppgkd3 Ig`v ije `egy wjgc ne j stnmm-gkffkd
fjnt3 Ejff jed Ekgg l`th hjvk g`st thknr gkfs) t` ihjrjitkrs nbb`ln-gnzkd ne ures ne Qgjy t` thk dnskbl`dnkd B`uth `m E`t N J snbngjr
trjokit`ry h`gds ne thk mnrst pr`sk trng`fy B`gg`y wh`sk l`dy ns mjng-
nef ykt jlgk3 Bjg`ek wh` ns nbb`lngnzkd ne lkd3 thk ueejbjlgk wh`
bjy snbpgy lk j lrjne ne je ure Ne thk gjtkr pr`sk tkxts nt ns dnmmniugt
kvke t` dktkrbnek prkinskgy thk ejturk m thk hubje jed thk stjtus m
nts l`dy lsquoYjy j l`dy Vhkrk e`ek E` bned Vhkrk e`ek Thjt jt
gkjst J pgjik Vhkrk e`ek M`r thk l`dy T` lk nebdquo (46)
Lkicktt skkbs t` strnvk thr`ufh`ut hns ijrkkr t` rnd hns w`rc m thkl`dy t` w`rc thus t`wjrd whjt wk bjy ijgg j cned `m p`sthubjensb
Q`sthubjensb ije lk dkmnekd js thjt strjed `m phng`s`phy whnih
rjdnijggy irntnquks thk ndkj thjt thk nednvndujg sulokit ns thk iketkr `m
jgg thnefs thk lkfneenef jed ked `m jgg ce`wgkdfk jed kxpkrnkeik
thns ns thkrkm`rk j rjdnijg irntnquk m Hubjenst phng`s`phy whnih w`ugd
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1627
NETD[ITNE
9
p`snt thk hubjebdquos rkjs`e jed rjtn`ejgnty js lknef trjespjrketgy jvjng-
jlgk t` thk thnecnef sulokit Q`sthubjensb lkfnes ly i`uetkrnef
Hubjensbbdquos lkgnkm thjt thk hubje ns skgm-pr`duinef skgm-i`neindketjg
thjt nt ns s`bkh`w rksp`esnlgk m r thk pr`duitn`e `m nts w`rgd jed ntskxpkrnkeik `m thk w`rgd
Js j phng`s`phy p`sthubjensb ije lk trjikd t` bjey s`uriks
lut thk thnecnef `m Enktzsihk Bjrx jed Mrkud ns iruinjg Kjih
w`rckd t` suffkst thjt thk hubje sulokit ns e`t skgm-pr`duinef `r
skgm-i`neindketjg lut ns rjthkr pr`duikd ly nts iugturk (Bjrx) nts
gjefujfk (Enktzsihk) jed nts uei`esin`us drnvks jed nestneits
(Mrkud) Q`sthubjensb strnvks t` uedkrstjed thk prkinsk ki`e`bnks
`m thksk m`riks jed jscs qukstn`es gnck thksk H`w ns thk hubjesulokit t` rjthkr thje thk bjstkr `m gjefujfk0 H`w d`ks thk sulokit
ekf`tnjtk hkr rkgjtn`e t` thk drnvksmdasht`wjrd Kr`s Thjejt`smdashthjt
Mrkud p`snts0 H`w ije thk sulokit mrkk ntskgm nm jt jgg mr`b thk iug-
turjg m`riks `m ijpntjg ndk`g`fy jed rkgnfn`e m`riks whnih prkikdk
jed kxikkd thk sulokitbdquos kxpkrnkeik0
Thksk jrk jgg Lkickttbdquos qukstn`es jed hk wngg w`rc `ut jeswkrs ne
pgjys gnck Hjppy Djys jed e`vkgs gnck Burphy jed Thk [eejbjlgk
tkxts whnih jrk jl`ut h`w thk sulokit ekf`tnjtks j rkgjtn`e t` iugturk
(Hjppy Djys) t` thk drnvks (Burphy) t` gjefujfk (Thk [eejbjlgk)
Lut wk sh`ugd jgs` e`tk h`w Lkickttbdquos p`sthubjensb lki`bks
ueijeengy gntkrjgnzkd ne hns bnddgk-t`-gjtk-pkrn`d drjbj jed pr`sk
Lkicktt ns netkrkstkd ne kxpg`rnef thk vkry gnbnts `m thk hubje thk
vkry ksskeik `m whjt i`estntutks thk hubje T thns ked Lkicktt wngg
push thk hubje pjst `ur i`bb`e i`eikptujg l`uedjrnks3 thjt ns t`
sjy jt tnbks hk b`vks hns ihjrjitkrs net` thk spjik `m dkjth `m whjtns pkrhjps j cned `m jmtkrgnmk
Ne thk pr`sk thns thkbjtni lkfnes wnth Bjg`ek Dnks j e`vkg trjinef
thk b`bket j bje pjssks net` nekxnstkeik3 ne thk drjbj nt lkfnes
wnth Qgjy whnih skks thrkk ihjrjitkrs ne whjt jppkjrs t` lk je jmtkr-
gnmk (thk ihjrjitkrs jrk ne muekrjg ures) lnickrnef vkr thk ejrrjtnvk m
thknr pjst gnvks3 ne thk ski`ed trng`fy wk ije kjsngy nbjfnek nedkkd
sh`ugd nbjfnek thjt thk spkjckrs `m thk tkxts js wkgg js thk mnfurks
thjt jppkjr ne thk ejrrjtnvks jrk spkitkrs fh`sts N kxpg`rk thk mnfurk`m thk fh`st thk spkitkrmdashthk gntkrjg p`sthubjemdashne dktjng ne by
mnejg ihjptkr lut N oust wnsh t` nednijtk hkrk h`w Lkickttbdquos netkrkst
ne pjrnef thnefs d`we t` thk kssketnjgs gkjds g`fnijggy t` je netkrkst ne
thk spkitkr thk fh`st whnih lki`bks thk nbjfk `m thk hubje jmtkr
jgg thnefs hjvk lkke strnppkd wjy Qrkinskgy thk fh`st lki`bks j trjik
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1727
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
4
j bjrc `m thk hubjebdquos pjssnef `ut `m kxnstkeik lutmdashjed thns ns
jls`gutkgy iketrjgmdashthk fh`st ns je nesnstket rkbnedkr `m thk hubje
thjt `eik wjs Thk spkitkr ne `thkr w`rds skrvks t` rkiupkrjtk thk
hubje kvke js thk hubje pjssks net` `lgnvn`e thk spkitkr thuslki`bks whjt Ygjv`o _nzkc ijggs thk lsquonednvnsnlgk rkbjnedkr9bdquo T` put
nt lguetgy m`r Lkicktt thk t`tjg kgnbnejtn`e `m thk hubje ns j t`tjg
nbp`ssnlngnty
Qkrhjps Lkicktt suffksts wk ije `egy mned thk ejturk `m thk
hubje whjt hk ijggs lsquothk lkdr`ic `m thk kssketnjgsbdquo jt thk b`bket
thk hubje kxihjefks `ek stjtk m`r je`thkr `ek rkjgnty m`r je`thkr
Qkrhjps `egy thk jlskeik `m thk hubje (thk spkitkr) trugy rkvkjgs
whjt hjs lkke thk hubjebdquos truk ejturk Jed whjt ns m`r bk mjsinejt-nef jed iruinjg jl`ut thns pr`ikss ns thk wjy Lkicktt kgnbnejtks thk
hubje jt prkinskgy thk sjbk tnbk js hk kgnbnejtks dkejturks jed
dki`estruits ejrrjtnvk m`rb ntskgm Ne s`bk wjys Lkicktt ns jrfunef
thjt gjefujfk ntskgm bust lk kgnbnejtkd ne `rdkr m`r thk spkitkr thk
fh`st thk p`sthubje t` jppkjr gjefujfk bust lk kgnbnejtkd ne
`rdkr m r thk truth `m thk hubje t` lk ce`we
Vk bjy skk ne thns rkduitn`e j cned `m irukg trkjtbket `m thk
hubje j pkrvkrsk netkrkst ne nggekss jed dkijy lut N thnec thns w`ugd
lk j mjtjg netkrprktnvk krr`r Ikrtjnegy Lkickttbdquos w`rc nbpgnks thjt thk
l`dy ns jgwjys j gnjlngnty s`bkthnef thjt wngg nekvntjlgy mjng (je hngjrn-
`us gnek mr`b Bjg`ek Dnks suffksts thns lsquoNm N hjd thk usk `m by l`dy
N w`ugd thr`w nt `ut `m thk wned`wbdquo SltltR) Lut wk bust e`tnik thjt
thk l`dy `r snfes `m thk l`dy ekvkr muggy dnsjppkjrs mr`b Lkickttbdquos
w`rgd Thk pkrsnstkeik `m thk l`dy thk mrjfbketkd l`dy thk dnskb-
l`dnkd l`dy ns `ek `m Lkickttbdquos bjo`r thkbks jed `ek thjt p`skss`bk `m hns b`st netkrkstnef netkrprktnvk qukstn`es jed ihjggkefks
why d`ks Lkicktt w`rc t` rkduik jed mrjfbket thk l`dy0 H`w jrk wk
t` netkrprkt mrjfbkets `m hubjenty0
ek jeswkr t` thksk qukstn`es rkgjtks t` whjt N hjvk sjnd jl`vk
jl`ut Lkicktt rkduinef thnefs t` thk muedjbketjgs ne rdkr t` uedkr-
stjed thk ksskeik `m thk hubje ne Qgjy jed E`t N Lkicktt skkbs t`
lk suffkstnef thjt thksk ihjrjitkrs rkjggy `egy jrk thknr v`niks rkjggy
`egy jrk t` lk b`rk prkinsk thknr ejrrjtnvks Vhjt bjttkrs t` thkbjt thns spkinmni pgjik jt thns spkinmni tnbk ns thknr jlngntymdashpkrhjps
thknr i`bpugsn`e thknr `lgnfjtn`emdasht` spkjc Lkicktt w`ugd skkb t`
lk suffkstnef thjt thk t`tjgnty `m thk l`dy jt thns spkinmni b`bket ns
e`t tkrrnlgy nbp`rtjet t` thk sulokit js shk trnks t` uedkrstjed hkr
prksket sntujtn`e Lut js N suffkst wk d` e`tnik thjt Lkicktt ekvkr
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1827
NETD[ITNE
muggy rkb`vks thk l`dy `r thk snfes `m thk l`dy (v`nik m`r nestjeik)
ketnrkgy thk st`rnks hns ihjrjitkrs tkgg hns w`rc skkbs t` nbpgy jrk
wrnttke `e jed thr`ufh thk l`dy Yt`rnks jrk trjesgjtkd ne `thkr
w`rds ly thk l`dy Lkickttbdquos ihjrjitkrs bjy lk p`sthubje lut thkyjrk e`t muggy p`sti`rp`rkjg
Je`thkr wjy m puttnef thns ndkj jdbnttkdgy ek m Lkickttbdquos b`st
ihjggkefnef ns thjt sulokitnvntymdashthjt skesk thk hubje hjs `m ntskgm
js j thnecnef netkrprktnef irkjturkmdashns muggy dkpkedket `e thk l`dy
Yulokitnvnty ns kbl`dnbket y`u jrk y`ur l`dy jed y`ur l`dybdquos dksnrks
js buih js y`u jrk y`ur bned Jed thus whngk thk l`dy ns je nbpkdn-
bket jed wngg jgwjys dkijy jed mjng thk l`dy ijee`t dnsjppkjr
ne Lkicktt lkijusk thk skgm jed thk skgmbdquos uedkrstjednef `m ntskgmw`ugd js wkgg Thkrk ns js N rkjd nt thke j cned `m djrc i`bpjssn`e
ne Lkicktt m`r thk i`bpr`bnskd l`dy m`r thk irnppgkd jed thk ngg
thkrk ns j i`bpjssn`e m`r thk summkrnef sulokit wh` ije rkjggy `egy
uedkrstjed hkrskgm jed hkr w`rgd thr`ufh thk bkdnub m j dkijynef
pjnemug l`dy ur qukstn`es js rkjdkrs m Lkicktt bust e`w lki`bk
nm thk skgm uedkrstjeds ntskgm thr`ufh thk i`bpr`bnskd spkitrjg
l`dy whjt cneds `m netkrprktjtn`es wngg nt bjck0 Nm thk skgm uedkr-
stjeds thk w`rgd thr`ufh nts mrjfbketkd p`sthubje l`dy whjt
cneds `m netkrprktjtn`es `m thk w`rgd ije lk bjdk0
lsquoQYTH[BJENYBbdquo J Q]NY
Thksk jrk jgg Lkickttbdquos qukstn`es lut N wnsh t` `mmkr s`bkthnef `m j
pr`vns` lkm`rk i`etneunef N suffkstkd jl`vk thjt Lkicktt ns strnvnef
m`r j lsquocned `mbdquo p`sthubjensb N thnec nt ns lkst jgwjys t` usk tkrbspr`vnsn`ejggy wnth Lkicktt m`r surkgy `ek `m thk kmmkits `m hns w`rc
ns t` ijgg jls`gutkgy net` qukstn`e thk vkry ndkj `m stjlgk ijtkf`rnks
stjlgk `pp`sntn`es (lsquohubje-p`sthubjebdquo) Qkrhjps nt ns lkst hkrk jt
thk `utskt t` suffkst thjt hns w`rc irntnquks thk ndkj `m thk hubje
jed thk p`sthubje kqujggy Qrkinskgy ly dnsi`vkrnef thk pkrsnstkeik
`m thk hubje kvke ne nts b`st dkeudkd m rb Lkicktt kssketnjggy i`g-
gjpsks thk `pp`sntn`e lsquohubje-p`sthubjebdquo t` thk p`net whkrk thk
tkrbs lki`bk netkrihjefkjlgk jed hkeik jgb`st bkjenefgkssThjt ns t` sjy m`r Lkicktt wk jrk jgwjys jgrkjdy p`sthubje nes`-
mjr js wk jrk i`etr`ggkd ly dnsi`ursks (hnst`ry ndk`g`fy gjefujfk)
prkikdnef jed kxikkdnef us3 wk jrk jgwjys jgrkjdy p`sthubje js wk
dnsi`vkr thjt `ur l`dnks jrk sntks `m nekvntjlgk mjngurk jed i`ggjpsk3
wk jrk jgwjys jgrkjdy p`sthubje nes`mjr js thk ndkj `m j snefugjr
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1927
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
=
skgm ns je nggusn`e Lkicktt jice`wgkdfks thksk ndkjs kjrgy ne hns ijrkkr3
ne Qr`ust (gt9) hk jice`wgkdfks thjt thk skgm ns e`t j stjlgk sulokit
lut rjthkr thjt thk lsquonednvndujg ns j suiikssn`e `m nednvndujgsbdquo ()3
b`rk`vkr lsquoThk sulokit hjs dnkdmdashjed pkrhjps bjey tnbksmdashjg`efthk wjybdquo (9) By usk `m thk tkrb lsquop`sthubjebdquo thke ns s`bkthnef `m
j i`evkenkeik j wjy `m spkjcnef lsquojl`utbdquo `r lsquojr`uedbdquo thk pkiugnjrntnks
`m thk Lkickttnje sulokit thk sulokit wh` jgwjys bust ekf`tnjtk hns
rkjgnty vnj systkbs `m th`ufhtmdashgjefujfk lknef thk prnbjrymdashwh`sk
pjrjbktkrs jed pr`t`i`gs jrk jgwjys oust lky`ed hns mugg i`etr`g
THK QLGKB M NETKQKTJTNELkickttbdquos bjenpugjtn`e `m fkerk hns rkduitn`e jed dnsbjetgnef `m
thk sulokit hns rkgketgkss netkrkst ne thk vjrn`us jspkits `m lsquoe`thnef-
ekssbdquo (g`ss jlskeik)mdashhk ijggs thns hns lsquomndkgnty t` mjngurkbdquo (lsquoThrkk
Dnjg`fuksbdquo =9)mdashgkjd js N hjvk lkke suffkstnef t` s`bk mjnrgy
jiutk netkrprktnvk dnmmniugtnks Hjes-Fk`rf Fjdjbkr j phng`s`phkr
`m thk hkrbkekutni sih``g (jed studket `m Bjrtne Hkndkffkr) suf-
fksts thjt jgg rkjg netkrprktjtn`e `r lsquohkrbkekutnisbdquo lkfnes wnth
ndketnmynef j spkinmni g`ijtn`e `m d`ult `r uekjsk ne j tkxt Js hk
wrntks ne Qhng`s`phnijg Hkrbkekutnis lsquoThk rkjg p`wkr m hkrbkekutn-
ijg i`esin`usekss ns `ur jlngnty t` skk whjt ns qukstn`ejlgkbdquo (9) Vk
ekkd ne `thkr w`rds t` lk jlgk t` jsc thk pr`pkr qukstn`es `m tkxts
Lut ne Lkicktt `ur pr`lgkb lki`bks skkbnefgy netrjitjlgk lkijusk
kvkrythnef ne thk tkxt jppkjrs t` lk qukstn`ejlgk H`w jrk wk t`
netkrprkt tkxts thjt skkb pjrjd`xnijggy t` `mmkr s` bjey qukstn`es
jed thke rksnst `r m`rkig`sk thk p`ssnlngnty `m jeswkrnef th`sk quks-tn`es0 H`w ne `thkr w`rds jrk wk t` rkjd Lkicktt0
N wngg suffkst hkrk ne wjys thjt g``c ljic t` Lkickttbdquos `we skesk `m
`lgnfjtn`e (rkijgg hns skesk kxprksskd ne Thrkk Dnjg`fuks `m thk lsquo`lgn-
fjtn`e t` kxprkssbdquo) thjt `ur netkrprktjtn`es `m Lkicktt sh`ugd lkfne
ly pjynef ijrkmug jttketn`e t` thk wjys ne whnih hns tkxts jetninpjtk
`ur dnmmniugtnks jed pkrhjps `mmkr s`bk fundjeik Nm wk jrk puzzgkd ly
ikrtjne thnefsmdashVh` jrk thksk ihjrjitkrs0 Vhjt jrk thknr hnst`rnks0
Vhkrk jed whke kxjitgy jrk thksk st`rnks `iiurrnef0 Vhjt kxjitgyd`ks nt jgg bkje0mdashwk sh`ugd rki`fenzk thjt `ur pkrpgkxnty wnth
thk tkxt ns bnrr`rkd ly thk ihjrjitkrsbdquo `we pkrpgkxnty jl`ut thknr
w`rgds Thk rkjdkrbdquos sntujtn`e `m puzzgkbket ns prkinskgy thjt `m thk
ihjrjitkrs jed thus wk jrrnvk jt j iruinjg `lskrvjtn`e Lkickttbdquos tkxts
thkbskgvks wngg skt `ut thk fr`ued rugks m`r netkrprktnef hns w`rgd
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2027
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2127
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
8
Lkickttbdquos ihjrjitkrs thus mueitn`e ne j stjtk `m pr`m`ued rkfrkt jed
jf`eymdash`mtke rkprksskd jed dnsjv`wkdmdash`vkr whjt bnfht hjvk lkke
Ne Crjppbdquos Gjst Tjpk m`r nestjeik Crjpp rktrjiks hns pjst hnst`ry
thr`ufh tjpk rki`rdnefs `m hns `we v`nik t` rkvnsnt j b`bket `m p`s-snlgk th`ufh e`w m`rkvkr g`st hjppnekss Crjppbdquos we v`nik hns we
hnst`ry ns spkitrjg lkijusk hns rki`rdnefs jrk `m j dkjd jed nrrktrnkv-
jlgk pjst lut ek whnih igkjrgy stngg hjuets hnb e`w Ne whjt ns surkgy
`ek `m Lkickttbdquos b`st pjnemugmdashjed netkeskgy i`bpjssn`ejtk
b`bketsmdashwk skk h`w j fh`stgy hnst`ry lrutjgnzks Crjpp
Qjst bndenfht Ekvkr cekw suih sngkeik Thk kjrth bnfht lk uene-
hjlntkd Hkrk N ked thns rkkg L`x thrkk sp``g mnvkQkrhjps by lkst ykjrs jrk f`ek Vhke thkrk wjs j ihjeik `m hjp-
pnekss Lut N w`ugdebdquot wjet thkb ljic E`t wnth thk mnrk ne bk
e`w E` N w`ugdebdquot wjet thkb ljic (ltltgt)
Lkicktt d`ks e`t js thk irntnijg ignihicirc bjy hjvk nt bkrkgy rkprksket j
w`rgd `m jlsurdnty j w`rgd wnth`ut bkjenef Thns ns j w`rgd thjt
i`etneujggy mkkgs thk igjnbs `m thk pjst `m hnst`ry Jed thkrk ns j
bkjenef ne dnsi`vkrnef thksk igjnbs j bkjenef ne rki`fenznef `ekbdquos
nedkltkdekss t` thk pjst j bkjenef ne rkjgnznef thjt `ekbdquos `lgnfjtn`e
ns t` i`bk t` tkrbs wnth thksk igjnbs jed dklts
THKKTNIJG JQQJIH THK lsquoGNTKJT[K M THK
[EVDbdquo BKGJEIHG^ JED THK JIHN]K
Qjrt `m by purp`sk hkrk ne thns Fundk ns t` pr`vndk wjys `m bjcnefskesk `m Lkickttbdquos dnmmniugt w`rc ek wjy N wngg pr`ikkd wngg lk t`
drjw `e thk w`rc `m phng`s`phkrs thk`rnsts jed irntnis wh`sk ndkjs
jgg`w us t` uedkrstjed thk i`bpgkxnty `m Lkickttbdquos uenvkrsk N wngg
hkrk lk drjwnef `e thk gncks `m phke`bke`g`fnsts Bjrtne Hkndkffkr
Hjes-Fk`rf Fjdjbkr jed Kbbjeukg Gkvnejs bjrxnst Thk`d`r
Jd`re` psyih`jejgysts Ynfbued Mrkud jed Ojiquks Gjije jed
dki`estruitn`enst Ojiquks Dkrrndj N lkgnkvk thjt thk w`rc `m thksk
thk`rnsts ije kmmkitnvkgy uepjic ikrtjne netkrprktnvk pr`lgkbs neLkicktt oust js N lkgnkvk thjt ikrtjne b`bkets ne LkickttmdashN thnec `m
B`uthbdquos ketry net` gjefujfk ne E`t N mdashije kmmkitnvkgy nggustrjtk thk
netkrprktnvk pr`lgkbs ne thk w`rc m s`bk thk`rnsts (nedkkd N wngg usk
E`t N t` nggustrjtk Gjijebdquos dnmmniugt e`tn`e `m thk kjg) By netketn`e
ns e`t thkrkm`rk snbpgy t` rkjd Lkicktt thr`ufh j pjrtniugjr thk`ry
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2227
NETD[ITNE
gt
lut t` nbjfnek thjt thkrk ns j butujg pr`ikss `m netkrprktjtn`e jed
netkrr`fjtn`e `iiurrnef lktwkke thk`rnst jed mnitn`e
THK FKBJE GKTTK
N jgs` lkgnkvk pkrhjps ejnvkgy thjt Lkicktt hnbskgm ns hns `we mnrst
jed lkst irntni Js N hjvk bketn`ekd Lkicktt `mmkrkd mkw irntnijg i`b-
bketjrnks `e hns w`rc `vkr thk ykjrs lut th`sk thjt hjvk i`bk d`we
t` usmdashjs m`r nestjeik Thrkk Dnjg`fuks mdashjrk `m frkjt vjguk t` jey
rkjdkr Ne thk gjttkr ihjptkrs `m thns study N wngg lk rkmkrrnef `mtke t`
Lkickttbdquos Fkrbje Gkttkr `m gt96 jed kspkinjggy t` hns e`tn`e `m thk
lsquogntkrjturk `m thk uew`rdbdquo j i`eikpt N thnec ns iketrjg t` thk pr`frks-sn`e `m hns w`rc N wnsh thkrkm`rk t` tjck s`bk spjik hkrk jed
`utgnek thk nbp`rtjeik `m thns Gkttkr
Ne gt9= Lkicktt trjvkgkd t` Fkrbjey `e whjt kssketnjggy wjs je
jrt h`gndjy hk vnsntkd skvkrjg jrt fjggkrnks jed jgth`ufh jefkrkd ly
thk Ejzn rkfnbkbdquos ikes`rnef `m jrt nt i`esndkrkd dkijdket hk wjs
frkjtgy nbprksskdmdashjed nemgukeikdmdashly thk w`rc hk sjw Thk trnp
skrvkd js j cned m spnrntujg jed phng`s`phnijg jwjckenef js hns dnj-
rnks jttkst Thk Fkrbje Gkttkr ns pjrt `m j i`rrksp`edkeik lktwkke
Lkicktt jed j mrnked (Jxkg Cjue wh`b hk bkt ne Fkrbjey) wrnttke
thrkk b`eths jmtkr hns rkture t` Dulgne Ne thk Gkttkr Lkicktt spkjcs
`m thk ekkd t` b`vk pjst rkiknvkd dnsi`ursks jed i`evketn`es t` gnl-
krjtk hnbskgm mr`b trjdntn`ejg gjefujfks jed m`rbs N qu`tk jt s`bk
gkefth
Nt ns nedkkd lki`bnef b`rk jed b`rk dnmmniugt kvke skeskgkss m`rbk t` wrntk je `mmninjg Kefgnsh Jed b`rk jed b`rk by `we gje-
fujfk jppkjrs t` bk gnck j vkng thjt bust lk t`re jpjrt ne `rdkr t`
fkt jt thk thnefs (`r thk E`thnefekss) lkhned nt Frjbbjr jed
Ytygk T bk thky skkb t` hjvk lki`bk js nrrkgkvjet js j ]nit`rnje
ljthnef sunt `r thk nbpkrturljlngnty `m j truk fketgkbje J bjsc
Gkt us h`pk thk tnbk wngg i`bk thjec F`d thjt ne ikrtjne inrigks nt
hjs jgrkjdy i`bk whke gjefujfk ns b`st kmmninketgy uskd whkrk
nt ns lknef b`st kmmninketgy bnsuskd Js wk ijee`t kgnbnejtk gje-fujfk jgg jt `eik wk sh`ugd jt gkjst gkjvk e`thnef ued`ek thjt
bnfht i`etrnlutk t` nts mjggnef net` dnsrkputk T` l`rk `ek h`gk
jmtkr je`thkr ne nt uetng whjt gurcs lkhned ntmdashlk nt s`bkthnef `r
e`thnefmdashlkfnes t` skkp thr`ufh3 N ijee`t nbjfnek j hnfhkr f`jg
m`r j wrntkr t`djy (6rsquo6lt)
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
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LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
lt1
Ne by kstnbjtn`e thk mugg nbpgnijtn`es `m thk Gkttkr whnih m`r bk
ns Lkickttbdquos jrtnstni bjenmkst` wngg e`t lk rkjgnzkd uetng thk gjtkr e`v-
kgs (kspkinjggy thk trng`fnks) lut wk sh`ugd rki`fenzk h`w Lkickttbdquos
stjtkd nbpjtnkeik wnth trjdntn`ejg m`rb rks`ejtks net` kvke thk kjrgypr`sk jed drjbj Lkickttbdquos dnsdjne m`r lsquo`mmninjg Kefgnshbdquo m`r lsquoFrjbbjr
jed Ytygkbdquo thnefs js nrrkgkvjet js j ]nit`rnje ljthnef sunt spkjc t`
j mrustrjtn`e j l`rkd`b kvke wnth thk g`fni jed trjokit`rnks `m thk
enektkketh-iketury e`vkg Hk spkjcs murthkr t` h`w busni jed
pjnetnef hjvk m ued wjys m b`vnef lky`ed trjdntn`ejg m`rb ne rdkr
t` rkprksket sngkeik jed jlskeik (thnefs e`t jss`injtkd wnth rkprkske-
tjtnvk jrt)3 hk suffksts thjt gjefujfk ntskgm bust lk shjttkrkd ne rdkr
t` rkvkjg whjt wjs prkvn`usgy uerkprksketjlgkJed whngk Lkickttbdquos bjenmkst` s`ueds jvjet-fjrdk hns ndkj thjt
gjefujfk ns j vkng t` lk t`re jpjrt g``cs ljic t` thk `bjetnis jed
thknr e`tn`e thjt p`ktry w`rcs t` rkvkjg thk ueskke Lkickttbdquos lsquoby
`we gjefujfk jppkjrs t` bk gnck j vkng thjt bust lk t`re jpjrtbdquo kih`ks
Yhkggkybdquos J Dkmkeik `m Q`ktry jed hns skesk thjt p`ktry gnmts lsquothk vkng
mr`b thk hnddke lkjuty `m thk w`rgd jed bjcks mjbngnjr `lokits lk
js nm thky wkrk e`t mjbngnjrbdquo (6) Thkrk ns `m i`ursk j w`rgd `m dnm-
mkrkeik lktwkke gnmtnef jed dkstr`ynef thk vkngmdashthk dnmmkrkeik
pkrhjps lktwkke thk `bjetni jed thk B`dkremdashlut Lkickttbdquos
dksnrk js j wrntkr ns j mjbngnjr `ek hns w`rc wngg jttkbpt t` sh`w thk
w`rgd ne j ekw wjy Ne by rkjdnef Lkickttbdquos tkjrnef `m thk vkng
lki`bks thk pkrmkit bktjph`r m`r thk pr`ikss `m rkvkjgnef `vkrtgy
skgm-i`esin`usgy jed irntnijggy thk nbpgnijtn`es `m jrt hkrk thk e`vkg
jed drjbj ne j ekw wjy
THK lsquoGNTKJT[K M THK [EVDbdquo
Ne thk gjst pjrjfrjph `m thk Gkttkr Lkicktt suffksts thjt thns pr`ikss
`m dkstr`ynef gjefujfk `m rkvkjgnef nts lsquotkrrnlgk bjtkrnjgntybdquo (6lt)
wngg kvketujggy gkjd t` whjt hk ijggs j lsquogntkrjturk `m thk uew`rdbdquo (69)
N wnsh ne whjt m`gg`ws t` suffkst thjt Lkickttbdquos ketnrk ijrkkr js j
wrntkr mneds nts lkfneenef jed ked nts fr`ued jed f`jg ne thns ndkj
stjtkd ne gt96 J gntkrjturk `m thk uew`rd ns `lvn`usgy j i`etrjdni-tn`e ne tkrbs j pjrjd`x je jp`rnj (t` usk thk Dkrrndkje i`estruitn`e)3
j gntkrjturk `m thk uew`rd ns je jttkbpt t` usk gjefujfk t` sngkeik
gjefujfk (hk ijggs nt lsquoJe jssjugt jfjnest w`rds ne thk ejbk `m lkjutybdquo
S69R) Hns jnb kssketnjggy ns t` mned j bkjes `m dki`bp`snef jed
b`vnef lky`ed gjefujfk t` shjttkr gjefujfk net` j cned `m krjsurk
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
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NETD[ITNE
lt
`m ntskgm (thns jttkbpt t` kgnbnejtk gjefujfk ns fk`bktrnijggy pr`p`r-
tn`ejg t` hns jttkbpt t` kgnbnejtk thk l`dy js wk wngg skk) By
jrfubket ns quntk snbpgy thns thr`ufh`ut hns ijrkkr Lkicktt ns skjrih-
nef m`r thk bkjes t` put je ked t` gntkrjturk t` put je ked t` wrntneft` put je ked t` hns `we dksnrk t` wrntk Thk trjokit`ry `m hns w`rc
mr`b thk kjrgy drjbj jed pr`sk t` thk gjtk ns `ek `m rjdnijg rkdui-
tn`e `m w`rcnef t` mned j bkjes t` gntkrjturkbdquos ked Ne thk drjbj wk
b`vk mr`b thk muggy kbl`dnkd drjbj `m F`d`t t` thk gjtk fh`stgy
pgjys whkrk `mtke gjefujfk d`ks e`t kvke mkjturk3 ne thk pr`sk wk
b`vk mr`b thk pgjymug fjrrug`usekss m Burphy t` thk shjttkrkd sye-
tjx jed dnbnenshkd frjbbjrs `m V`rstwjrd H`4
Nt ns prkinskgy lkijusk Lkickttbdquos w`rc ns fr`uedkd `e suih i`bpgkxphng`s`phnijg i`etrjdnitn`esmdashj wrntkr wrntnef gntkrjturk `ut `m
kxnstkeik nbp`ssnlgkmdashthjt N lkgnkvk wk bust hjvk rki`ursk t` thk
vjrn`us thk`rktnijg jed phng`s`phnijg trjdntn`es thjt jr`sk snbugtj-
ek`us wnth Lkickttbdquos `we dkvkg`pbket js j wrntkr By thk`rktnijg
jppr`jih ne thns Fundk ije pkrhjps lkst lk dksirnlkd js pr`bnsiu-
`us lut N tked t` thnec thjt j dki`estruitn`enst psyih`jejgysns ns thk
lkst wjy `m pr`ikkdnef wnth Lkicktt jt gkjst m`r bk T` nggustrjtk
whjt N bkje hkrkmdashjed ly wjy `m i`eigudnef thns Netr`duitn`emdash
N wnsh t` `utgnek tw` i`eikpts whnih wngg pr`vk irntnijg ne by rkjdnef
`m kspkinjggy thk drjbj
BKGJEIHGNJ
J bjo`r thkbk ne Lkicktt ns thjt `m bkb`ry `m ihjrjitkrs gnck
Crjpp `r Hjbb hjuetkd ly thk fh`st `m bkb`ry Jt j ljsni gkvkgthk Lkicktt ihjrjitkr gnvks ne j pr`trjitkd stjtk `m rkfrkt jed g`ss
j stjtk hk `r shk bjy e`t kvke rki`fenzk js suih Hnst`ry thk pjst
nbpnefks pr`m uedgy e thk ihjrjitkr jed js Lkicktt wrntks ne Qr`ust
thrkjtkes i`etneujggy t` lsquodkm`rbbdquo hnb Ne gt6 Ynfbued Mrkud pul-
gnshkd je kssjy thjt hjs rkiketgy i`bk t` lk skke js j iruinjg dnjfe`sns
`m j i`etkbp`rjry iugturjg i`edntn`e Ne lsquoB`urenef jed Bkgjeih`gnjbdquo
Mrkud jttkbpts t` i`bk t` je uedkrstjednef m h`w thk sulokit dkjgs
wnth trjubj jed g`ss Thkrk jrk hk thk`rnzks tw` rksp`esks t` g`sst` thk g`ss `m j g`vkd `ek `r thk lsquog`ss `m s`bk jlstrjitn`e whnih hjs
tjcke thk pgjik `m `ek suih js `ekbdquos i`uetry gnlkrty je ndkjg `r s`
`ebdquo (ltlt) Thk mnrst jed b`st hkjgthy ns whjt hk ijggs b`urenef
B`urenef ns j pr`ikss ly whnih thk g`ss ns i`bprkhkedkd jed
jiikptkd lsquow`rckd thr`ufhbdquo t` usk hns tkrbne`g`fy B`urenef ns thk
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2527
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
ltlt
e`rbjg wjy `ek bust dkjg wnth trjubj jed g`ss wnth whjt Mrkud
lkjutnmuggy tkrbs thk lsquoki`e`bnis `m pjnebdquo (ltlt) Qrkinskgy h`w thk
sulokit `vkri`bks g`ss ns e`t ce`we ly Mrkudmdashnt ns j dnmmniugt pr`-
ikss3 nt ns lsquow`rcbdquomdashlut kvketujggy thk b`urekr jiikpts thjt thk g`vkd`ek wnth wh`b hk bjy hjvk ndketnmnkd ns e` g`efkr hkrk t` bjcks
igjnbs `e hnb
Bkgjeih`gnj `e thk `thkr hjed ns je jle`rbjg rksp`esk t` g`ss
jed sntujtks thk sulokit ne j i`etneujg p`sntn`e `m ejrinssnstni ndketn-
mnijtn`e wnth thk g`st `lokit Ne `thkr w`rds thk bkgjeih`gy sulokit
ijee`t jiikpt thjt hkr g`vkd `ek ns ne mjit f`ek jed w`rcs pjth`g`fn-
ijggy lsquot` kstjlgnsh je ndketnmnijtn`e `m thk kf` wnth thk jljed`ekd
`lokitbdquo (lt8) Vhjt thns bkjes ns thjt thk pjstmdashg`ss trjubjmdashi`e-tneujggy w`rcs nts wjy net` thk prksket b`bket lkijusk thk sulokit
ijee`t b`vk pjst nt B`rk tr`ulgnef ns thk ndkj thjt thk sulokit d`ks
e`t wnsh t` jgg`w g`ss t` rkikdk net` hnst`ry lut dksnrks i`etneujggy t`
bjnetjne j i`eekitn`e t` thk trjubjtni b`bket Ne s`bk wjys thk
sulokit bjnetjnes thns pjth`g`fnijg stjtkmdashwhnih bjy ne mjit e`t lk
s` pjth`g`fnijg jmtkr jggmdashlkijusk thk trjubjtni b`bket ns nbp`r-
tjet m`r hkr bjy ne mjit hjvk shjpkd wh` shk ns
Vk bjy dnjfe`sk j frkjt eublkr `m Lkickttbdquos ihjrjitkrs js lknef
bkgjeih`gni ne Mrkudbdquos skesk Thky jrk hjuetkd ly thk pjst jed s`bk
gnck Crjpp Hjbb jed Vneenk dkgnlkrjtkgy jttkbpt t` rki`eekit wnth
j pjst thjt neigudks b`bkets `m g`ss jed kxtrkbk pjne Ne `thkr w`rds
thk mueitn`e `m bkb`ry ne Lkicktt ns gjrfkgy bkgjeih`gni prkinskgy
lkijusk thk ihjrjitkrs jice`wgkdfk i`esin`usgy `r uei`esin`usgy
thjt thky jrk thk pr`duits m j pjst whnih hjs bkringkssgy dkmnekd thkb
js summkrnef sulokits Lkickttbdquos ihjrjitkrs ignef s` rkgketgkssgy t` thkpjst lkijusk m`r rkjs`es wk wngg kxpg`rk thk prksket b`bket ns dkv`nd
`m snfenmnijeik3 thk jf`enznef pjst bjy lrutjgnzk lut ne nt jrk thk trjiks
thk hnst`rnijg mrjfbkets `m ndketnty jed bkjenef
THK JIHN]K
Dki`estruitn`enst Ojiquks Dkrrndj drjwnef hkjvngy `e Mrkud `mmkrs
j ski`ed rkgjtkd i`eikpt thjt N wngg usk t` rkjd thksk ihjrjitkrsbdquo rkgj-tn`e t` hnst`ry g`ss jed trjubj Ne Jrihnvk Mkvkr Dkrrndj jejgyzks
thk i`eikpt `m thk jrihnvk js j wjy `m i`bnef t` je uedkrstjednef
`m thk wjy thk sulokit ekf`tnjtks nts rkgjtn`eshnp t` hnst`ry t` thk
pjst jed thk muturk thk jrihnvk ns thus j bkjes ly whnih Dkrrndj
trnks t` uedkrstjed thk hubje js j lknef sntujtkd ne tnbk mkkgnef thk
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2627
NETD[ITNE
lt9
igjnbs `m thk tkbp`rjg Qkrhjps thk lkst wjy t` dkmnek thk jrihnvk ns
js j i`eikptujg `r bjtkrnjg spjik `m bkb`ry Thk bned ije skrvk js
je jrihnvk oust js j gnlrjry `r physnijg b`eubket ije Dkrrndj suf-
fksts thjt thk jrihnvk ns j pgjik m i`bbjedbket jed i`bbkeikbketj pgjik whkrk kvkets `m thk pjst jrk d`iubketkd juth`rntjtnvkgy js
bjrcnef thk lkfneenef `m s`bkthnef j gnmk j iugturk j invngnzjtn`e
Jrihnvks jrk spjiks m prkskrvjtn`e i`eskrvjtn`e lut jgs` m irkjtn`e
j iugturkbdquos uedkrstjednef m ntskgmmdashj sulokitbdquos uedkrstjednef m ntskgmmdash
ns irkjtkd wnthne thk spjik `m thk jrihnvk
Nt ns igkjr thjt thk jrihnvk ns j wjy `m bjtkrnjgnznef bjcnef i`e-
irktk thk pjst Jed nm hnst`ry ns gjrfkgy r ije lk gjrfkgy thk ejrrjtnvks
`m i`equkst dkmkjt jed vn`gkeik thk jrihnvk ns jgs` f`nef t` mueitn`ejs j spjik i`bbkb`rjtnef trjubj jed g`ss Nt strncks bk thkrkm`rk
thjt thk jrihnvkmdashjs j spjik thjt bjnetjnes j i`etneujg rkgjtn`e t` thk
pjstmdashns jgwjys jgrkjdy j bkgjeih`gy spjik Vhjt N wnsh t` suffkst
hkrk ne spkinmni rkgjtn`e t` Lkickttbdquos w`rc ns thjt thk Lkickttnje sul-
okit lki`bks j gntkrjg kbl`dnbket m whjt N hjvk kgskwhkrk ijggkd thk
lsquobkgjeih`gy jrihnvkbdquo Thk Lkickttnje sulokit nbb`lngnzkd jed
mrjfbketkdmdashthnec `m Vneenk lurnkd t` hkr ekic ne kjrth ne Hjppy
Djys3 `m B`uth ne E`t N 3 `m Bjg`ek ne Bjg`ek Dnks3 `m thk mnfurk ne
I`bpjey mdashns jgwjys j hnst`rnijg sulokit j sulokit b`rk prkinskgy
sulokit t` hnst`ry Yhk ns i`etneujggy rkbkblkrnef s`bktnbks jfjnest
hkr wngg whjt hjs `iiurrkd ne thk pjst3 shk ns i`etneujggy jttkbptnef
t` rkijpturk j pjst shk bjy e`t muggy i`bprkhked
Jed nt ns thk Lkickttnje l`dy whnih lki`bks thk prnbjry rkp`sn-
t`ry m`r thksk rkbjnes thksk trjiks `m hnst`ry Thk ihjrjitkr bjy
kxnstmdashjs ne Hjppy Djys r Kedfjbk mdashjt whjt jppkjrs t` lk thk ked`m hubje iugturk lut shkmdashhkr l`dymdashbjnetjnes thk jrihnvjg trjiks
`m thjt g`st iugturk Thk nbjfks Lkicktt fnvks us ne hns drjbj jed
pr`skmdashj dnskbl`dnkd b`uth j l`dy nbb`lngnzkd ne j whkkgihjnr
`r thk kjrth pk`pgk ne uresmdashjrk nbjfks thjt i`eirktnzk thk ndkj `m
bkb`ry js kbl`dnkd `r jrihnvkd N suffkstkd jl`vk thjt m`r Lkicktt
sulokitnvntymdashthk skesk m wh` wk jrkmdashns muggy dkpkedket e thk l`dy
Vhjt Mrkud jed Dkrrndj jgg`w us t` uedkrstjed ns thk wjy sulokitnv-
nty ne Lkicktt ns muggy dkpkedket `e hnst`ry jed jrihnvkd bkb`ryMrkudbdquos e`tn`es `m b`urenef jed bkgjeih`gnj t`fkthkr wnth thk
Dkrrndkje rkjdnef `m thk jrihnvk jrk i`eikpts thjt wngg pr`vk uskmug
ne rkjdnef je juth`r wh`sk w`rc ns jt j pr`m`ued gkvkg jgwjys jl`ut
thk pjst j pjst whnih bjy hjvk rkikdkd net` m`rfktmugekss lut wh`sk
igjnbs jrk stngg lknef mkgt Ne nts strjefkekss Lkickttbdquos w`rc prkskets
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
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LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
eubkr`us dnmmniugtnks lut js wk shjgg dnsi`vkr hk ekvkr jljed`es
hns rkjdkr `r judnkeik i`bpgktkgy Mnrst js N hjvk bketn`ekd hns
ihjrjitkrsmdashwh` jt tnbks lki`bk `ur surr`fjtks `ur ueijeey d`u-
lgksmdashkxprkss buih thk sjbk i`emusn`e jl`ut thknr w`rgds js thkrkjdkr3 js suih thk strjefkekss lkijusk shjrkd lki`bks ne j skesk
e`rbjgnzkd Yki`ed jed pkrhjps b`rk nbp`rtjet Lkickttbdquos w`rc
ckys net` muedjbketjggy rki`fenzjlgk sntujtn`es Vk jgg jrk irkjtn`es
`m hnst`rnks wk bjy e`t rki`fenzk `r wnsh t` rki`fenzk3 wk jgg jt
tnbks dnsjv`w `ur pjsts kvke js wk mkkg thk prkssurks `m hnst`ry3 wk
jgg ne `thkr w`rds jrk hnst`rnijgmdashne Mrkudbdquos tkrbs bkgjeih`gymdash
irkjturks Lkickttbdquos w`rc ns iruinjg lkijusk nt rkgketgkssgy rkb`rskgkssgy
i`bpkgs us t` i`emr`et thk pr`m`ued igjnbs thjt hnst`ry bust bjckup`e us jgg Js wk i`bk t` rki`fenzk thk igjnbs `m thk pjst jed rkjg-
nzk thk kxtket t` whnih hnst`ry i`estruits thk hubje sulokit wk lkfne
t` uedkrstjed thjt Lkickttbdquos w`rc jt tnbks skkbnefgy s` strjefk
skkbnefgy nehubje ns `egy kvkr j i`bpjssn`ejtk jttkbpt t` i`bprk-
hked hubjenty ntskgm
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1327
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
1
ijebdquot wrntk jl`ut by w`rc `r `iijsn`ejg stumm `m jey cnedbdquo Hk wket
`e t` kxi`rnjtk o`urejgnsts jed irntnis
Lut whke nt i`bks t` thksk ljstjrds `m o`urejgnsts N mkkg thk `egygnek ns t` rkmusk t` lk nev`gvkd ne kxkfksns `m jey cned By w`rc
ns j bjttkr `m muedjbketjg s`ueds (e` o`ck netkedkd) bjdk js
muggy js p`ssnlgk jed N jiikpt rksp`esnlngnty m`r e`thnef kgsk Nm
pk`pgk wjet t` hjvk hkjdjihks jb`ef thk `vkrt`eks gkt thkb
Jed pr`vndk thknr `we jspnrne (E` Juth`r Lkttkr Ykrvkd Thk
I`rrksp`edkeik `m Yjbukg Lkicktt jed Jgje Yihekndkr lt4)
Nt ns iurn`us t` e`tk thk wjy Lkicktt rksnsts netkrprktnef hns w`rcykt jt thk sjbk tnbk pr`vndks s`bkthnef `m j iguk t` rkjdnef hns
w`rc hk sjys ns j lsquobjttkr `m muedjbketjg s`uedsbdquo ek wjy `m
uedkrstjednef thns i`bbket jed ikrtjnegy thns ns thk wjy N tked t`
rkjd hns w`rc ns t` e`tnik h`w Lkicktt tkeds t` strnp jwjy jgg kxikss
`e stjfk jed pjfk hk ns jmtkr je jejgysns `m thk muedjbketjgs thk
i`rk `r lsquoksskeikbdquo `m whjt bjps `ut hubje kxpkrnkeik Thkrk ns e`
jiindketjg w`rd `r `iiurrkeik ne j Lkicktt tkxt e` dnstrjitn`e mr`b
thk rkjg lusnekss `m trynef t` uedkrstjed whjt nt bkjes t` lk Hkeik
m`r nestjeik j e`vkg gnck Bjg`ek Dnks whkrk thkrk ns `egy `ek ihjr-
jitkr nbb`lngnzkd ne lkd jed thnecnef jl`ut hns nbpkednef dkjth
Hkrk Lkicktt ns jscnef j iruinjg pkrhjps thk muedjbketjg qukstn`e
Vhjt d`ks nt bkje t` kxnst t` lk jt thk b`bket whke y`ur gnmk ns `e
thk vkrfk `m mgnickrnef `ut0 Ije wk rki`fenzk whjt nt trugy bkjes t`
lk jgnvk whjt wk bjy ijgg thk muedjbketjg nbpugsk `m lknef `egy
whke gnmk ntskgm ns jl`ut t` ikjsk0 Lkicktt pjrks pg`t ihjrjitkr jedgjefujfk d`we t` nts kssketnjgs strnppnef jwjy thk lsquobkjtbdquo (`m l`th
pr`sk jed ihjrjitkr) t` kxjbnek gnmk gnvkd jt kxtrkbk gnbnt p`nets
Nedkkd js N hjvk nednijtkd ne gjtkr tkxts suih js V`rstwjrd H` thk
mnrst sketkeik `m whnih rkjds lsquoe Yjy `e Lk sjnd `e Y`bkh`w `e
Tngg e`h`w `e Yjnd e`h`w `ebdquo (46) Lkicktt rkduiks pg`t jed ihjr-
jitkr s` rjdnijggy thjt nt ns p`ssnlgk t` sjy thjt wk hjvk tkxt whkrk
frjbbjr ntskgm mueitn`enef jt thk gnbnt `m i`bprkhkesnlngnty nedn-
ijtks j sulokitnvnty `e thk vkrfk `m e`thnefekssLy wrntnef jl`ut muedjbketjg s`ueds Lkicktt prkskets hnbskgm js
je netkeskgy iurn`us jed i`urjfk`us wrntkr Iurn`us jl`ut thk prk-
insk ejturk m thk hubje lknef Lkicktt tjcks hnbskgm jed hns rkjdkrs
t` thk kxtrkbk gnbnts `m hubjenty jed jscs us `lgnfks us t` g``c
ijrkmuggy jt `urskgvks jt b`bkets `m irnsns Thksk b`bkets `m irnsns
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1427
NETD[ITNE
w`rc ne Lkicktt js p`nets m muedjbketjg nm i`bpr`bnskd jed pjquk
rkvkgjtn`e nt ns hkrk jt thk p`net whkrk thk w`rgd ikjsks t` bjck
skesk `r i`rrksp`ed t` `ekbdquos prksupp`sntn`es thjt thk rkjg thk mue-
djbketjg netkrprktnvk jed kthnijg qukstn`es jrnsk H`w d` N f` `e nethk mjik m thns irnsns m bkjenef0 Vhjt ns by rksp`esnlngnty t` byskgm
jed `thkrs whke bkjenef i`ggjpsks0
Thksk b`bkets m thk i`ggjpsk m bkjenef m thk irnsns m netkrprk-
tjtn`e jrk iketrjg t` Lkickttbdquos w`rc (nedkkd wk bjy sjy thky i`bprnsk
thk t`tjgnty `m thk w`rc) jed t` hns phng`s`phy `m jrt Ne s`bk wjys
Lkickttbdquos rkjg netkrkst ns ne thk kei`uetkr kxnstketnjg jrtnstni jed
netkrprktnvk wnth whjt hk nbp`rtjetgy rkmkrs t` js lsquoE`thnefbdquo Thk
kxpkrnkeik `m e`thnef thk e`thnefekss rkjgnzkd ne thk l`rkd`b `mDndn jed F`f` ne Vjntnef m`r F`d`t (thk mnrst gnek m whnih ns lsquoE`thnef
t` lk d`ekbdquo) thk e`thnefekss thjt thrkjtkes `ur netkrprktnvk skiurnty
whjt Ig`v ne Kedfjbk ijggs thk lsquozkr`bdquo p`net `m bkjenef thk e`thnef-
ekss `m g`ss jed jlskeik thjt nem`rbs s` dkeskgy thk gjtkr trng`fy ns
`ek thjt pjrjd`xnijggy (h`w d` y`u wrntk jl`ut lsquoe`thnefbdquo0) jrtniu-
gjtks jed b`tnvjtks Lkickttbdquos `we w`rc
Ne gt4gt Lkicktt pulgnshkd Thrkk Dnjg`fuks j skrnks `m pskud`-
dnjg`fuks lktwkke lsquoLbdquo jed lsquoDbdquo L wh` irntnis ndketnmy js Lkicktt
hnbskgm (rnfhtgy N lkgnkvk) `mmkrs whjt hjs lki`bk pkrhjps thk b`st
`mtke intkd ketry p`net net` Lkickttbdquos `we w`rc L hjs lkke dnsiuss-
nef b`dkre jrt jed i`bks t` mmkr hns we vnkw m thk pr`pkr sulokit
bjttkr jed b`tnvjtn`es `m thk b`dkre jrtnst
Lmdash^kt N spkjc `m je jrt turenef mr`b nt ne dnsfust wkjry `m nts
puey kxpg`nts wkjry `m prktkednef t` lk jlgk `m lknef jlgk`m d`nef j gnttgk lkttkr thk sjbk `gd thnef `m f`nef j gnttgk
murthkr jg`ef j drkjry r`jd
DmdashJed prkmkrrnef whjt0
LmdashThk kxprkssn`e thjt thkrk ns e`thnef t` kxprkss e`thnef wnth
whnih t` kxprkss e`thnef mr`b whnih t` kxprkss e` p`wkr t`
kxprkss e` dksnrk t` kxprkss t`fkthkr wnth thk `lgnfjtn`e t`
kxprkss (=)
J eublkr `m thnefs jrk iruinjg hkrk Mnrst e`tnik h`w L kxprkssks
j wkjrnekss wnth jrtnstni i`evketn`e h`w thk ndkj `m lsquod`nef j gnttgk
lkttkr thk sjbk `gd thnefbdquo l`rks hnb (thns ns je ndkj t` whnih wk wngg
rkture) Nt ns igkjr kvke rkgjtnvkgy kjrgy ne hns ijrkkr thjt Lkicktt w`ugd
e`t lk irkjtnef i`evketn`ejggy mjbngnjr jrt E`tnik ski`ed h`w thk
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1527
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
lt
w`rd lsquoe`thnefbdquo fjthkrs j cned `m neirkbketjg rks`ejeik ne thns mnejg
sketkeik h`w nt lki`bks igkjr thjt e`thnef t` spkjc pkrhjps pjrj-
d`xnijggy lki`bks s`bkthnef s`bkthnef t` lk kxpg`rkd js j thkbk
js j rkjgnty (wk bjy rkijgg thjt gnek mr`b Bjg`ek Dnks lsquoE`thnef nsb`rk rkjg thje e`thnefbdquo) Js thns jst`enshnef sketkeik i`eigudks
Lkicktt jice`wgkdfks j pkrs`ejg kthnijg `lgnfjtn`e js je jrtnst je
`lgnfjtn`e t` `lskrvk jejgyzk jed kxprkss thksk b`bkets whke thk
e`thnef jrnsksmdashpkrhjps kvke jfjnest hns `we wnggmdashjed jppkjrs
t` euggnmy bkjenef t` thrkjtke `ur i`bm`rt t` krjsk `ur frjsp `m
thk rkjg
lsquoQYTH[BJENYBbdquo
T hjvk ljskd j ijrkkr `e thk kxpg`rjtn`e `m lsquoe`thnefbdquo bjy skkb pkr-
vkrsk t` s`bk Ikrtjnegy thk rkjdkrbdquos kei`uetkr wnth Lkickttbdquos vjrn`us
rkprksketjtn`es `m thk v`nd `m jlskeik `m g`ss wngg lk j dnmmniugt `ek
m`r thk snbpgk rkjs`e thjt Lkickttbdquos w`rgd ns dnmmniugt t` lkjr Jed
s`bk rkjdkrs `vkr thk ykjrs hjvk m`ued ne Lkickttbdquos w`rc j ikrtjne
ruthgkss pkrhjps kvke j i`gd nehubjenty Nm wk trjik thk trjokit`ry
`m Lkickttbdquos w`rc `e l`th stjfk jed ne pr`sk wk d` e`tnik thjt hns
systkbjtni rkduitn`e m thnefs whjt N hjvk suffkstkd ns hns rkduitn`e
t` thk lsquomuedjbketjgsbdquo d`ks nev`gvk thk rkduitn`e `m thk hubje skgm
whjt N wngg ne thns study lk rkmkrrnef t` js thk lsquosulokitbdquo E`tnik h`w
m`r nestjeik ne thk drjbj wk b`vk mr`b muggy kbl`dnkd sulokits ne
Vjntnef m`r F`d`t t` thk gkss physnijggy jlgk ihjrjitkrs ne Kedfjbk
(Hjbb ns lgned jed irnppgkd3 Ig`v ije `egy wjgc ne j stnmm-gkffkd
fjnt3 Ejff jed Ekgg l`th hjvk g`st thknr gkfs) t` ihjrjitkrs nbb`ln-gnzkd ne ures ne Qgjy t` thk dnskbl`dnkd B`uth `m E`t N J snbngjr
trjokit`ry h`gds ne thk mnrst pr`sk trng`fy B`gg`y wh`sk l`dy ns mjng-
nef ykt jlgk3 Bjg`ek wh` ns nbb`lngnzkd ne lkd3 thk ueejbjlgk wh`
bjy snbpgy lk j lrjne ne je ure Ne thk gjtkr pr`sk tkxts nt ns dnmmniugt
kvke t` dktkrbnek prkinskgy thk ejturk m thk hubje jed thk stjtus m
nts l`dy lsquoYjy j l`dy Vhkrk e`ek E` bned Vhkrk e`ek Thjt jt
gkjst J pgjik Vhkrk e`ek M`r thk l`dy T` lk nebdquo (46)
Lkicktt skkbs t` strnvk thr`ufh`ut hns ijrkkr t` rnd hns w`rc m thkl`dy t` w`rc thus t`wjrd whjt wk bjy ijgg j cned `m p`sthubjensb
Q`sthubjensb ije lk dkmnekd js thjt strjed `m phng`s`phy whnih
rjdnijggy irntnquks thk ndkj thjt thk nednvndujg sulokit ns thk iketkr `m
jgg thnefs thk lkfneenef jed ked `m jgg ce`wgkdfk jed kxpkrnkeik
thns ns thkrkm`rk j rjdnijg irntnquk m Hubjenst phng`s`phy whnih w`ugd
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1627
NETD[ITNE
9
p`snt thk hubjebdquos rkjs`e jed rjtn`ejgnty js lknef trjespjrketgy jvjng-
jlgk t` thk thnecnef sulokit Q`sthubjensb lkfnes ly i`uetkrnef
Hubjensbbdquos lkgnkm thjt thk hubje ns skgm-pr`duinef skgm-i`neindketjg
thjt nt ns s`bkh`w rksp`esnlgk m r thk pr`duitn`e `m nts w`rgd jed ntskxpkrnkeik `m thk w`rgd
Js j phng`s`phy p`sthubjensb ije lk trjikd t` bjey s`uriks
lut thk thnecnef `m Enktzsihk Bjrx jed Mrkud ns iruinjg Kjih
w`rckd t` suffkst thjt thk hubje sulokit ns e`t skgm-pr`duinef `r
skgm-i`neindketjg lut ns rjthkr pr`duikd ly nts iugturk (Bjrx) nts
gjefujfk (Enktzsihk) jed nts uei`esin`us drnvks jed nestneits
(Mrkud) Q`sthubjensb strnvks t` uedkrstjed thk prkinsk ki`e`bnks
`m thksk m`riks jed jscs qukstn`es gnck thksk H`w ns thk hubjesulokit t` rjthkr thje thk bjstkr `m gjefujfk0 H`w d`ks thk sulokit
ekf`tnjtk hkr rkgjtn`e t` thk drnvksmdasht`wjrd Kr`s Thjejt`smdashthjt
Mrkud p`snts0 H`w ije thk sulokit mrkk ntskgm nm jt jgg mr`b thk iug-
turjg m`riks `m ijpntjg ndk`g`fy jed rkgnfn`e m`riks whnih prkikdk
jed kxikkd thk sulokitbdquos kxpkrnkeik0
Thksk jrk jgg Lkickttbdquos qukstn`es jed hk wngg w`rc `ut jeswkrs ne
pgjys gnck Hjppy Djys jed e`vkgs gnck Burphy jed Thk [eejbjlgk
tkxts whnih jrk jl`ut h`w thk sulokit ekf`tnjtks j rkgjtn`e t` iugturk
(Hjppy Djys) t` thk drnvks (Burphy) t` gjefujfk (Thk [eejbjlgk)
Lut wk sh`ugd jgs` e`tk h`w Lkickttbdquos p`sthubjensb lki`bks
ueijeengy gntkrjgnzkd ne hns bnddgk-t`-gjtk-pkrn`d drjbj jed pr`sk
Lkicktt ns netkrkstkd ne kxpg`rnef thk vkry gnbnts `m thk hubje thk
vkry ksskeik `m whjt i`estntutks thk hubje T thns ked Lkicktt wngg
push thk hubje pjst `ur i`bb`e i`eikptujg l`uedjrnks3 thjt ns t`
sjy jt tnbks hk b`vks hns ihjrjitkrs net` thk spjik `m dkjth `m whjtns pkrhjps j cned `m jmtkrgnmk
Ne thk pr`sk thns thkbjtni lkfnes wnth Bjg`ek Dnks j e`vkg trjinef
thk b`bket j bje pjssks net` nekxnstkeik3 ne thk drjbj nt lkfnes
wnth Qgjy whnih skks thrkk ihjrjitkrs ne whjt jppkjrs t` lk je jmtkr-
gnmk (thk ihjrjitkrs jrk ne muekrjg ures) lnickrnef vkr thk ejrrjtnvk m
thknr pjst gnvks3 ne thk ski`ed trng`fy wk ije kjsngy nbjfnek nedkkd
sh`ugd nbjfnek thjt thk spkjckrs `m thk tkxts js wkgg js thk mnfurks
thjt jppkjr ne thk ejrrjtnvks jrk spkitkrs fh`sts N kxpg`rk thk mnfurk`m thk fh`st thk spkitkrmdashthk gntkrjg p`sthubjemdashne dktjng ne by
mnejg ihjptkr lut N oust wnsh t` nednijtk hkrk h`w Lkickttbdquos netkrkst
ne pjrnef thnefs d`we t` thk kssketnjgs gkjds g`fnijggy t` je netkrkst ne
thk spkitkr thk fh`st whnih lki`bks thk nbjfk `m thk hubje jmtkr
jgg thnefs hjvk lkke strnppkd wjy Qrkinskgy thk fh`st lki`bks j trjik
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1727
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
4
j bjrc `m thk hubjebdquos pjssnef `ut `m kxnstkeik lutmdashjed thns ns
jls`gutkgy iketrjgmdashthk fh`st ns je nesnstket rkbnedkr `m thk hubje
thjt `eik wjs Thk spkitkr ne `thkr w`rds skrvks t` rkiupkrjtk thk
hubje kvke js thk hubje pjssks net` `lgnvn`e thk spkitkr thuslki`bks whjt Ygjv`o _nzkc ijggs thk lsquonednvnsnlgk rkbjnedkr9bdquo T` put
nt lguetgy m`r Lkicktt thk t`tjg kgnbnejtn`e `m thk hubje ns j t`tjg
nbp`ssnlngnty
Qkrhjps Lkicktt suffksts wk ije `egy mned thk ejturk `m thk
hubje whjt hk ijggs lsquothk lkdr`ic `m thk kssketnjgsbdquo jt thk b`bket
thk hubje kxihjefks `ek stjtk m`r je`thkr `ek rkjgnty m`r je`thkr
Qkrhjps `egy thk jlskeik `m thk hubje (thk spkitkr) trugy rkvkjgs
whjt hjs lkke thk hubjebdquos truk ejturk Jed whjt ns m`r bk mjsinejt-nef jed iruinjg jl`ut thns pr`ikss ns thk wjy Lkicktt kgnbnejtks thk
hubje jt prkinskgy thk sjbk tnbk js hk kgnbnejtks dkejturks jed
dki`estruits ejrrjtnvk m`rb ntskgm Ne s`bk wjys Lkicktt ns jrfunef
thjt gjefujfk ntskgm bust lk kgnbnejtkd ne `rdkr m`r thk spkitkr thk
fh`st thk p`sthubje t` jppkjr gjefujfk bust lk kgnbnejtkd ne
`rdkr m r thk truth `m thk hubje t` lk ce`we
Vk bjy skk ne thns rkduitn`e j cned `m irukg trkjtbket `m thk
hubje j pkrvkrsk netkrkst ne nggekss jed dkijy lut N thnec thns w`ugd
lk j mjtjg netkrprktnvk krr`r Ikrtjnegy Lkickttbdquos w`rc nbpgnks thjt thk
l`dy ns jgwjys j gnjlngnty s`bkthnef thjt wngg nekvntjlgy mjng (je hngjrn-
`us gnek mr`b Bjg`ek Dnks suffksts thns lsquoNm N hjd thk usk `m by l`dy
N w`ugd thr`w nt `ut `m thk wned`wbdquo SltltR) Lut wk bust e`tnik thjt
thk l`dy `r snfes `m thk l`dy ekvkr muggy dnsjppkjrs mr`b Lkickttbdquos
w`rgd Thk pkrsnstkeik `m thk l`dy thk mrjfbketkd l`dy thk dnskb-
l`dnkd l`dy ns `ek `m Lkickttbdquos bjo`r thkbks jed `ek thjt p`skss`bk `m hns b`st netkrkstnef netkrprktnvk qukstn`es jed ihjggkefks
why d`ks Lkicktt w`rc t` rkduik jed mrjfbket thk l`dy0 H`w jrk wk
t` netkrprkt mrjfbkets `m hubjenty0
ek jeswkr t` thksk qukstn`es rkgjtks t` whjt N hjvk sjnd jl`vk
jl`ut Lkicktt rkduinef thnefs t` thk muedjbketjgs ne rdkr t` uedkr-
stjed thk ksskeik `m thk hubje ne Qgjy jed E`t N Lkicktt skkbs t`
lk suffkstnef thjt thksk ihjrjitkrs rkjggy `egy jrk thknr v`niks rkjggy
`egy jrk t` lk b`rk prkinsk thknr ejrrjtnvks Vhjt bjttkrs t` thkbjt thns spkinmni pgjik jt thns spkinmni tnbk ns thknr jlngntymdashpkrhjps
thknr i`bpugsn`e thknr `lgnfjtn`emdasht` spkjc Lkicktt w`ugd skkb t`
lk suffkstnef thjt thk t`tjgnty `m thk l`dy jt thns spkinmni b`bket ns
e`t tkrrnlgy nbp`rtjet t` thk sulokit js shk trnks t` uedkrstjed hkr
prksket sntujtn`e Lut js N suffkst wk d` e`tnik thjt Lkicktt ekvkr
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1827
NETD[ITNE
muggy rkb`vks thk l`dy `r thk snfes `m thk l`dy (v`nik m`r nestjeik)
ketnrkgy thk st`rnks hns ihjrjitkrs tkgg hns w`rc skkbs t` nbpgy jrk
wrnttke `e jed thr`ufh thk l`dy Yt`rnks jrk trjesgjtkd ne `thkr
w`rds ly thk l`dy Lkickttbdquos ihjrjitkrs bjy lk p`sthubje lut thkyjrk e`t muggy p`sti`rp`rkjg
Je`thkr wjy m puttnef thns ndkj jdbnttkdgy ek m Lkickttbdquos b`st
ihjggkefnef ns thjt sulokitnvntymdashthjt skesk thk hubje hjs `m ntskgm
js j thnecnef netkrprktnef irkjturkmdashns muggy dkpkedket `e thk l`dy
Yulokitnvnty ns kbl`dnbket y`u jrk y`ur l`dy jed y`ur l`dybdquos dksnrks
js buih js y`u jrk y`ur bned Jed thus whngk thk l`dy ns je nbpkdn-
bket jed wngg jgwjys dkijy jed mjng thk l`dy ijee`t dnsjppkjr
ne Lkicktt lkijusk thk skgm jed thk skgmbdquos uedkrstjednef `m ntskgmw`ugd js wkgg Thkrk ns js N rkjd nt thke j cned `m djrc i`bpjssn`e
ne Lkicktt m`r thk i`bpr`bnskd l`dy m`r thk irnppgkd jed thk ngg
thkrk ns j i`bpjssn`e m`r thk summkrnef sulokit wh` ije rkjggy `egy
uedkrstjed hkrskgm jed hkr w`rgd thr`ufh thk bkdnub m j dkijynef
pjnemug l`dy ur qukstn`es js rkjdkrs m Lkicktt bust e`w lki`bk
nm thk skgm uedkrstjeds ntskgm thr`ufh thk i`bpr`bnskd spkitrjg
l`dy whjt cneds `m netkrprktjtn`es wngg nt bjck0 Nm thk skgm uedkr-
stjeds thk w`rgd thr`ufh nts mrjfbketkd p`sthubje l`dy whjt
cneds `m netkrprktjtn`es `m thk w`rgd ije lk bjdk0
lsquoQYTH[BJENYBbdquo J Q]NY
Thksk jrk jgg Lkickttbdquos qukstn`es lut N wnsh t` `mmkr s`bkthnef `m j
pr`vns` lkm`rk i`etneunef N suffkstkd jl`vk thjt Lkicktt ns strnvnef
m`r j lsquocned `mbdquo p`sthubjensb N thnec nt ns lkst jgwjys t` usk tkrbspr`vnsn`ejggy wnth Lkicktt m`r surkgy `ek `m thk kmmkits `m hns w`rc
ns t` ijgg jls`gutkgy net` qukstn`e thk vkry ndkj `m stjlgk ijtkf`rnks
stjlgk `pp`sntn`es (lsquohubje-p`sthubjebdquo) Qkrhjps nt ns lkst hkrk jt
thk `utskt t` suffkst thjt hns w`rc irntnquks thk ndkj `m thk hubje
jed thk p`sthubje kqujggy Qrkinskgy ly dnsi`vkrnef thk pkrsnstkeik
`m thk hubje kvke ne nts b`st dkeudkd m rb Lkicktt kssketnjggy i`g-
gjpsks thk `pp`sntn`e lsquohubje-p`sthubjebdquo t` thk p`net whkrk thk
tkrbs lki`bk netkrihjefkjlgk jed hkeik jgb`st bkjenefgkssThjt ns t` sjy m`r Lkicktt wk jrk jgwjys jgrkjdy p`sthubje nes`-
mjr js wk jrk i`etr`ggkd ly dnsi`ursks (hnst`ry ndk`g`fy gjefujfk)
prkikdnef jed kxikkdnef us3 wk jrk jgwjys jgrkjdy p`sthubje js wk
dnsi`vkr thjt `ur l`dnks jrk sntks `m nekvntjlgk mjngurk jed i`ggjpsk3
wk jrk jgwjys jgrkjdy p`sthubje nes`mjr js thk ndkj `m j snefugjr
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1927
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
=
skgm ns je nggusn`e Lkicktt jice`wgkdfks thksk ndkjs kjrgy ne hns ijrkkr3
ne Qr`ust (gt9) hk jice`wgkdfks thjt thk skgm ns e`t j stjlgk sulokit
lut rjthkr thjt thk lsquonednvndujg ns j suiikssn`e `m nednvndujgsbdquo ()3
b`rk`vkr lsquoThk sulokit hjs dnkdmdashjed pkrhjps bjey tnbksmdashjg`efthk wjybdquo (9) By usk `m thk tkrb lsquop`sthubjebdquo thke ns s`bkthnef `m
j i`evkenkeik j wjy `m spkjcnef lsquojl`utbdquo `r lsquojr`uedbdquo thk pkiugnjrntnks
`m thk Lkickttnje sulokit thk sulokit wh` jgwjys bust ekf`tnjtk hns
rkjgnty vnj systkbs `m th`ufhtmdashgjefujfk lknef thk prnbjrymdashwh`sk
pjrjbktkrs jed pr`t`i`gs jrk jgwjys oust lky`ed hns mugg i`etr`g
THK QLGKB M NETKQKTJTNELkickttbdquos bjenpugjtn`e `m fkerk hns rkduitn`e jed dnsbjetgnef `m
thk sulokit hns rkgketgkss netkrkst ne thk vjrn`us jspkits `m lsquoe`thnef-
ekssbdquo (g`ss jlskeik)mdashhk ijggs thns hns lsquomndkgnty t` mjngurkbdquo (lsquoThrkk
Dnjg`fuksbdquo =9)mdashgkjd js N hjvk lkke suffkstnef t` s`bk mjnrgy
jiutk netkrprktnvk dnmmniugtnks Hjes-Fk`rf Fjdjbkr j phng`s`phkr
`m thk hkrbkekutni sih``g (jed studket `m Bjrtne Hkndkffkr) suf-
fksts thjt jgg rkjg netkrprktjtn`e `r lsquohkrbkekutnisbdquo lkfnes wnth
ndketnmynef j spkinmni g`ijtn`e `m d`ult `r uekjsk ne j tkxt Js hk
wrntks ne Qhng`s`phnijg Hkrbkekutnis lsquoThk rkjg p`wkr m hkrbkekutn-
ijg i`esin`usekss ns `ur jlngnty t` skk whjt ns qukstn`ejlgkbdquo (9) Vk
ekkd ne `thkr w`rds t` lk jlgk t` jsc thk pr`pkr qukstn`es `m tkxts
Lut ne Lkicktt `ur pr`lgkb lki`bks skkbnefgy netrjitjlgk lkijusk
kvkrythnef ne thk tkxt jppkjrs t` lk qukstn`ejlgk H`w jrk wk t`
netkrprkt tkxts thjt skkb pjrjd`xnijggy t` `mmkr s` bjey qukstn`es
jed thke rksnst `r m`rkig`sk thk p`ssnlngnty `m jeswkrnef th`sk quks-tn`es0 H`w ne `thkr w`rds jrk wk t` rkjd Lkicktt0
N wngg suffkst hkrk ne wjys thjt g``c ljic t` Lkickttbdquos `we skesk `m
`lgnfjtn`e (rkijgg hns skesk kxprksskd ne Thrkk Dnjg`fuks `m thk lsquo`lgn-
fjtn`e t` kxprkssbdquo) thjt `ur netkrprktjtn`es `m Lkicktt sh`ugd lkfne
ly pjynef ijrkmug jttketn`e t` thk wjys ne whnih hns tkxts jetninpjtk
`ur dnmmniugtnks jed pkrhjps `mmkr s`bk fundjeik Nm wk jrk puzzgkd ly
ikrtjne thnefsmdashVh` jrk thksk ihjrjitkrs0 Vhjt jrk thknr hnst`rnks0
Vhkrk jed whke kxjitgy jrk thksk st`rnks `iiurrnef0 Vhjt kxjitgyd`ks nt jgg bkje0mdashwk sh`ugd rki`fenzk thjt `ur pkrpgkxnty wnth
thk tkxt ns bnrr`rkd ly thk ihjrjitkrsbdquo `we pkrpgkxnty jl`ut thknr
w`rgds Thk rkjdkrbdquos sntujtn`e `m puzzgkbket ns prkinskgy thjt `m thk
ihjrjitkrs jed thus wk jrrnvk jt j iruinjg `lskrvjtn`e Lkickttbdquos tkxts
thkbskgvks wngg skt `ut thk fr`ued rugks m`r netkrprktnef hns w`rgd
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2027
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2127
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
8
Lkickttbdquos ihjrjitkrs thus mueitn`e ne j stjtk `m pr`m`ued rkfrkt jed
jf`eymdash`mtke rkprksskd jed dnsjv`wkdmdash`vkr whjt bnfht hjvk lkke
Ne Crjppbdquos Gjst Tjpk m`r nestjeik Crjpp rktrjiks hns pjst hnst`ry
thr`ufh tjpk rki`rdnefs `m hns `we v`nik t` rkvnsnt j b`bket `m p`s-snlgk th`ufh e`w m`rkvkr g`st hjppnekss Crjppbdquos we v`nik hns we
hnst`ry ns spkitrjg lkijusk hns rki`rdnefs jrk `m j dkjd jed nrrktrnkv-
jlgk pjst lut ek whnih igkjrgy stngg hjuets hnb e`w Ne whjt ns surkgy
`ek `m Lkickttbdquos b`st pjnemugmdashjed netkeskgy i`bpjssn`ejtk
b`bketsmdashwk skk h`w j fh`stgy hnst`ry lrutjgnzks Crjpp
Qjst bndenfht Ekvkr cekw suih sngkeik Thk kjrth bnfht lk uene-
hjlntkd Hkrk N ked thns rkkg L`x thrkk sp``g mnvkQkrhjps by lkst ykjrs jrk f`ek Vhke thkrk wjs j ihjeik `m hjp-
pnekss Lut N w`ugdebdquot wjet thkb ljic E`t wnth thk mnrk ne bk
e`w E` N w`ugdebdquot wjet thkb ljic (ltltgt)
Lkicktt d`ks e`t js thk irntnijg ignihicirc bjy hjvk nt bkrkgy rkprksket j
w`rgd `m jlsurdnty j w`rgd wnth`ut bkjenef Thns ns j w`rgd thjt
i`etneujggy mkkgs thk igjnbs `m thk pjst `m hnst`ry Jed thkrk ns j
bkjenef ne dnsi`vkrnef thksk igjnbs j bkjenef ne rki`fenznef `ekbdquos
nedkltkdekss t` thk pjst j bkjenef ne rkjgnznef thjt `ekbdquos `lgnfjtn`e
ns t` i`bk t` tkrbs wnth thksk igjnbs jed dklts
THKKTNIJG JQQJIH THK lsquoGNTKJT[K M THK
[EVDbdquo BKGJEIHG^ JED THK JIHN]K
Qjrt `m by purp`sk hkrk ne thns Fundk ns t` pr`vndk wjys `m bjcnefskesk `m Lkickttbdquos dnmmniugt w`rc ek wjy N wngg pr`ikkd wngg lk t`
drjw `e thk w`rc `m phng`s`phkrs thk`rnsts jed irntnis wh`sk ndkjs
jgg`w us t` uedkrstjed thk i`bpgkxnty `m Lkickttbdquos uenvkrsk N wngg
hkrk lk drjwnef `e thk gncks `m phke`bke`g`fnsts Bjrtne Hkndkffkr
Hjes-Fk`rf Fjdjbkr jed Kbbjeukg Gkvnejs bjrxnst Thk`d`r
Jd`re` psyih`jejgysts Ynfbued Mrkud jed Ojiquks Gjije jed
dki`estruitn`enst Ojiquks Dkrrndj N lkgnkvk thjt thk w`rc `m thksk
thk`rnsts ije kmmkitnvkgy uepjic ikrtjne netkrprktnvk pr`lgkbs neLkicktt oust js N lkgnkvk thjt ikrtjne b`bkets ne LkickttmdashN thnec `m
B`uthbdquos ketry net` gjefujfk ne E`t N mdashije kmmkitnvkgy nggustrjtk thk
netkrprktnvk pr`lgkbs ne thk w`rc m s`bk thk`rnsts (nedkkd N wngg usk
E`t N t` nggustrjtk Gjijebdquos dnmmniugt e`tn`e `m thk kjg) By netketn`e
ns e`t thkrkm`rk snbpgy t` rkjd Lkicktt thr`ufh j pjrtniugjr thk`ry
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2227
NETD[ITNE
gt
lut t` nbjfnek thjt thkrk ns j butujg pr`ikss `m netkrprktjtn`e jed
netkrr`fjtn`e `iiurrnef lktwkke thk`rnst jed mnitn`e
THK FKBJE GKTTK
N jgs` lkgnkvk pkrhjps ejnvkgy thjt Lkicktt hnbskgm ns hns `we mnrst
jed lkst irntni Js N hjvk bketn`ekd Lkicktt `mmkrkd mkw irntnijg i`b-
bketjrnks `e hns w`rc `vkr thk ykjrs lut th`sk thjt hjvk i`bk d`we
t` usmdashjs m`r nestjeik Thrkk Dnjg`fuks mdashjrk `m frkjt vjguk t` jey
rkjdkr Ne thk gjttkr ihjptkrs `m thns study N wngg lk rkmkrrnef `mtke t`
Lkickttbdquos Fkrbje Gkttkr `m gt96 jed kspkinjggy t` hns e`tn`e `m thk
lsquogntkrjturk `m thk uew`rdbdquo j i`eikpt N thnec ns iketrjg t` thk pr`frks-sn`e `m hns w`rc N wnsh thkrkm`rk t` tjck s`bk spjik hkrk jed
`utgnek thk nbp`rtjeik `m thns Gkttkr
Ne gt9= Lkicktt trjvkgkd t` Fkrbjey `e whjt kssketnjggy wjs je
jrt h`gndjy hk vnsntkd skvkrjg jrt fjggkrnks jed jgth`ufh jefkrkd ly
thk Ejzn rkfnbkbdquos ikes`rnef `m jrt nt i`esndkrkd dkijdket hk wjs
frkjtgy nbprksskdmdashjed nemgukeikdmdashly thk w`rc hk sjw Thk trnp
skrvkd js j cned m spnrntujg jed phng`s`phnijg jwjckenef js hns dnj-
rnks jttkst Thk Fkrbje Gkttkr ns pjrt `m j i`rrksp`edkeik lktwkke
Lkicktt jed j mrnked (Jxkg Cjue wh`b hk bkt ne Fkrbjey) wrnttke
thrkk b`eths jmtkr hns rkture t` Dulgne Ne thk Gkttkr Lkicktt spkjcs
`m thk ekkd t` b`vk pjst rkiknvkd dnsi`ursks jed i`evketn`es t` gnl-
krjtk hnbskgm mr`b trjdntn`ejg gjefujfks jed m`rbs N qu`tk jt s`bk
gkefth
Nt ns nedkkd lki`bnef b`rk jed b`rk dnmmniugt kvke skeskgkss m`rbk t` wrntk je `mmninjg Kefgnsh Jed b`rk jed b`rk by `we gje-
fujfk jppkjrs t` bk gnck j vkng thjt bust lk t`re jpjrt ne `rdkr t`
fkt jt thk thnefs (`r thk E`thnefekss) lkhned nt Frjbbjr jed
Ytygk T bk thky skkb t` hjvk lki`bk js nrrkgkvjet js j ]nit`rnje
ljthnef sunt `r thk nbpkrturljlngnty `m j truk fketgkbje J bjsc
Gkt us h`pk thk tnbk wngg i`bk thjec F`d thjt ne ikrtjne inrigks nt
hjs jgrkjdy i`bk whke gjefujfk ns b`st kmmninketgy uskd whkrk
nt ns lknef b`st kmmninketgy bnsuskd Js wk ijee`t kgnbnejtk gje-fujfk jgg jt `eik wk sh`ugd jt gkjst gkjvk e`thnef ued`ek thjt
bnfht i`etrnlutk t` nts mjggnef net` dnsrkputk T` l`rk `ek h`gk
jmtkr je`thkr ne nt uetng whjt gurcs lkhned ntmdashlk nt s`bkthnef `r
e`thnefmdashlkfnes t` skkp thr`ufh3 N ijee`t nbjfnek j hnfhkr f`jg
m`r j wrntkr t`djy (6rsquo6lt)
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2327
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
lt1
Ne by kstnbjtn`e thk mugg nbpgnijtn`es `m thk Gkttkr whnih m`r bk
ns Lkickttbdquos jrtnstni bjenmkst` wngg e`t lk rkjgnzkd uetng thk gjtkr e`v-
kgs (kspkinjggy thk trng`fnks) lut wk sh`ugd rki`fenzk h`w Lkickttbdquos
stjtkd nbpjtnkeik wnth trjdntn`ejg m`rb rks`ejtks net` kvke thk kjrgypr`sk jed drjbj Lkickttbdquos dnsdjne m`r lsquo`mmninjg Kefgnshbdquo m`r lsquoFrjbbjr
jed Ytygkbdquo thnefs js nrrkgkvjet js j ]nit`rnje ljthnef sunt spkjc t`
j mrustrjtn`e j l`rkd`b kvke wnth thk g`fni jed trjokit`rnks `m thk
enektkketh-iketury e`vkg Hk spkjcs murthkr t` h`w busni jed
pjnetnef hjvk m ued wjys m b`vnef lky`ed trjdntn`ejg m`rb ne rdkr
t` rkprksket sngkeik jed jlskeik (thnefs e`t jss`injtkd wnth rkprkske-
tjtnvk jrt)3 hk suffksts thjt gjefujfk ntskgm bust lk shjttkrkd ne rdkr
t` rkvkjg whjt wjs prkvn`usgy uerkprksketjlgkJed whngk Lkickttbdquos bjenmkst` s`ueds jvjet-fjrdk hns ndkj thjt
gjefujfk ns j vkng t` lk t`re jpjrt g``cs ljic t` thk `bjetnis jed
thknr e`tn`e thjt p`ktry w`rcs t` rkvkjg thk ueskke Lkickttbdquos lsquoby
`we gjefujfk jppkjrs t` bk gnck j vkng thjt bust lk t`re jpjrtbdquo kih`ks
Yhkggkybdquos J Dkmkeik `m Q`ktry jed hns skesk thjt p`ktry gnmts lsquothk vkng
mr`b thk hnddke lkjuty `m thk w`rgd jed bjcks mjbngnjr `lokits lk
js nm thky wkrk e`t mjbngnjrbdquo (6) Thkrk ns `m i`ursk j w`rgd `m dnm-
mkrkeik lktwkke gnmtnef jed dkstr`ynef thk vkngmdashthk dnmmkrkeik
pkrhjps lktwkke thk `bjetni jed thk B`dkremdashlut Lkickttbdquos
dksnrk js j wrntkr ns j mjbngnjr `ek hns w`rc wngg jttkbpt t` sh`w thk
w`rgd ne j ekw wjy Ne by rkjdnef Lkickttbdquos tkjrnef `m thk vkng
lki`bks thk pkrmkit bktjph`r m`r thk pr`ikss `m rkvkjgnef `vkrtgy
skgm-i`esin`usgy jed irntnijggy thk nbpgnijtn`es `m jrt hkrk thk e`vkg
jed drjbj ne j ekw wjy
THK lsquoGNTKJT[K M THK [EVDbdquo
Ne thk gjst pjrjfrjph `m thk Gkttkr Lkicktt suffksts thjt thns pr`ikss
`m dkstr`ynef gjefujfk `m rkvkjgnef nts lsquotkrrnlgk bjtkrnjgntybdquo (6lt)
wngg kvketujggy gkjd t` whjt hk ijggs j lsquogntkrjturk `m thk uew`rdbdquo (69)
N wnsh ne whjt m`gg`ws t` suffkst thjt Lkickttbdquos ketnrk ijrkkr js j
wrntkr mneds nts lkfneenef jed ked nts fr`ued jed f`jg ne thns ndkj
stjtkd ne gt96 J gntkrjturk `m thk uew`rd ns `lvn`usgy j i`etrjdni-tn`e ne tkrbs j pjrjd`x je jp`rnj (t` usk thk Dkrrndkje i`estruitn`e)3
j gntkrjturk `m thk uew`rd ns je jttkbpt t` usk gjefujfk t` sngkeik
gjefujfk (hk ijggs nt lsquoJe jssjugt jfjnest w`rds ne thk ejbk `m lkjutybdquo
S69R) Hns jnb kssketnjggy ns t` mned j bkjes `m dki`bp`snef jed
b`vnef lky`ed gjefujfk t` shjttkr gjefujfk net` j cned `m krjsurk
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2427
NETD[ITNE
lt
`m ntskgm (thns jttkbpt t` kgnbnejtk gjefujfk ns fk`bktrnijggy pr`p`r-
tn`ejg t` hns jttkbpt t` kgnbnejtk thk l`dy js wk wngg skk) By
jrfubket ns quntk snbpgy thns thr`ufh`ut hns ijrkkr Lkicktt ns skjrih-
nef m`r thk bkjes t` put je ked t` gntkrjturk t` put je ked t` wrntneft` put je ked t` hns `we dksnrk t` wrntk Thk trjokit`ry `m hns w`rc
mr`b thk kjrgy drjbj jed pr`sk t` thk gjtk ns `ek `m rjdnijg rkdui-
tn`e `m w`rcnef t` mned j bkjes t` gntkrjturkbdquos ked Ne thk drjbj wk
b`vk mr`b thk muggy kbl`dnkd drjbj `m F`d`t t` thk gjtk fh`stgy
pgjys whkrk `mtke gjefujfk d`ks e`t kvke mkjturk3 ne thk pr`sk wk
b`vk mr`b thk pgjymug fjrrug`usekss m Burphy t` thk shjttkrkd sye-
tjx jed dnbnenshkd frjbbjrs `m V`rstwjrd H`4
Nt ns prkinskgy lkijusk Lkickttbdquos w`rc ns fr`uedkd `e suih i`bpgkxphng`s`phnijg i`etrjdnitn`esmdashj wrntkr wrntnef gntkrjturk `ut `m
kxnstkeik nbp`ssnlgkmdashthjt N lkgnkvk wk bust hjvk rki`ursk t` thk
vjrn`us thk`rktnijg jed phng`s`phnijg trjdntn`es thjt jr`sk snbugtj-
ek`us wnth Lkickttbdquos `we dkvkg`pbket js j wrntkr By thk`rktnijg
jppr`jih ne thns Fundk ije pkrhjps lkst lk dksirnlkd js pr`bnsiu-
`us lut N tked t` thnec thjt j dki`estruitn`enst psyih`jejgysns ns thk
lkst wjy `m pr`ikkdnef wnth Lkicktt jt gkjst m`r bk T` nggustrjtk
whjt N bkje hkrkmdashjed ly wjy `m i`eigudnef thns Netr`duitn`emdash
N wnsh t` `utgnek tw` i`eikpts whnih wngg pr`vk irntnijg ne by rkjdnef
`m kspkinjggy thk drjbj
BKGJEIHGNJ
J bjo`r thkbk ne Lkicktt ns thjt `m bkb`ry `m ihjrjitkrs gnck
Crjpp `r Hjbb hjuetkd ly thk fh`st `m bkb`ry Jt j ljsni gkvkgthk Lkicktt ihjrjitkr gnvks ne j pr`trjitkd stjtk `m rkfrkt jed g`ss
j stjtk hk `r shk bjy e`t kvke rki`fenzk js suih Hnst`ry thk pjst
nbpnefks pr`m uedgy e thk ihjrjitkr jed js Lkicktt wrntks ne Qr`ust
thrkjtkes i`etneujggy t` lsquodkm`rbbdquo hnb Ne gt6 Ynfbued Mrkud pul-
gnshkd je kssjy thjt hjs rkiketgy i`bk t` lk skke js j iruinjg dnjfe`sns
`m j i`etkbp`rjry iugturjg i`edntn`e Ne lsquoB`urenef jed Bkgjeih`gnjbdquo
Mrkud jttkbpts t` i`bk t` je uedkrstjednef m h`w thk sulokit dkjgs
wnth trjubj jed g`ss Thkrk jrk hk thk`rnzks tw` rksp`esks t` g`sst` thk g`ss `m j g`vkd `ek `r thk lsquog`ss `m s`bk jlstrjitn`e whnih hjs
tjcke thk pgjik `m `ek suih js `ekbdquos i`uetry gnlkrty je ndkjg `r s`
`ebdquo (ltlt) Thk mnrst jed b`st hkjgthy ns whjt hk ijggs b`urenef
B`urenef ns j pr`ikss ly whnih thk g`ss ns i`bprkhkedkd jed
jiikptkd lsquow`rckd thr`ufhbdquo t` usk hns tkrbne`g`fy B`urenef ns thk
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2527
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
ltlt
e`rbjg wjy `ek bust dkjg wnth trjubj jed g`ss wnth whjt Mrkud
lkjutnmuggy tkrbs thk lsquoki`e`bnis `m pjnebdquo (ltlt) Qrkinskgy h`w thk
sulokit `vkri`bks g`ss ns e`t ce`we ly Mrkudmdashnt ns j dnmmniugt pr`-
ikss3 nt ns lsquow`rcbdquomdashlut kvketujggy thk b`urekr jiikpts thjt thk g`vkd`ek wnth wh`b hk bjy hjvk ndketnmnkd ns e` g`efkr hkrk t` bjcks
igjnbs `e hnb
Bkgjeih`gnj `e thk `thkr hjed ns je jle`rbjg rksp`esk t` g`ss
jed sntujtks thk sulokit ne j i`etneujg p`sntn`e `m ejrinssnstni ndketn-
mnijtn`e wnth thk g`st `lokit Ne `thkr w`rds thk bkgjeih`gy sulokit
ijee`t jiikpt thjt hkr g`vkd `ek ns ne mjit f`ek jed w`rcs pjth`g`fn-
ijggy lsquot` kstjlgnsh je ndketnmnijtn`e `m thk kf` wnth thk jljed`ekd
`lokitbdquo (lt8) Vhjt thns bkjes ns thjt thk pjstmdashg`ss trjubjmdashi`e-tneujggy w`rcs nts wjy net` thk prksket b`bket lkijusk thk sulokit
ijee`t b`vk pjst nt B`rk tr`ulgnef ns thk ndkj thjt thk sulokit d`ks
e`t wnsh t` jgg`w g`ss t` rkikdk net` hnst`ry lut dksnrks i`etneujggy t`
bjnetjne j i`eekitn`e t` thk trjubjtni b`bket Ne s`bk wjys thk
sulokit bjnetjnes thns pjth`g`fnijg stjtkmdashwhnih bjy ne mjit e`t lk
s` pjth`g`fnijg jmtkr jggmdashlkijusk thk trjubjtni b`bket ns nbp`r-
tjet m`r hkr bjy ne mjit hjvk shjpkd wh` shk ns
Vk bjy dnjfe`sk j frkjt eublkr `m Lkickttbdquos ihjrjitkrs js lknef
bkgjeih`gni ne Mrkudbdquos skesk Thky jrk hjuetkd ly thk pjst jed s`bk
gnck Crjpp Hjbb jed Vneenk dkgnlkrjtkgy jttkbpt t` rki`eekit wnth
j pjst thjt neigudks b`bkets `m g`ss jed kxtrkbk pjne Ne `thkr w`rds
thk mueitn`e `m bkb`ry ne Lkicktt ns gjrfkgy bkgjeih`gni prkinskgy
lkijusk thk ihjrjitkrs jice`wgkdfk i`esin`usgy `r uei`esin`usgy
thjt thky jrk thk pr`duits m j pjst whnih hjs bkringkssgy dkmnekd thkb
js summkrnef sulokits Lkickttbdquos ihjrjitkrs ignef s` rkgketgkssgy t` thkpjst lkijusk m`r rkjs`es wk wngg kxpg`rk thk prksket b`bket ns dkv`nd
`m snfenmnijeik3 thk jf`enznef pjst bjy lrutjgnzk lut ne nt jrk thk trjiks
thk hnst`rnijg mrjfbkets `m ndketnty jed bkjenef
THK JIHN]K
Dki`estruitn`enst Ojiquks Dkrrndj drjwnef hkjvngy `e Mrkud `mmkrs
j ski`ed rkgjtkd i`eikpt thjt N wngg usk t` rkjd thksk ihjrjitkrsbdquo rkgj-tn`e t` hnst`ry g`ss jed trjubj Ne Jrihnvk Mkvkr Dkrrndj jejgyzks
thk i`eikpt `m thk jrihnvk js j wjy `m i`bnef t` je uedkrstjednef
`m thk wjy thk sulokit ekf`tnjtks nts rkgjtn`eshnp t` hnst`ry t` thk
pjst jed thk muturk thk jrihnvk ns thus j bkjes ly whnih Dkrrndj
trnks t` uedkrstjed thk hubje js j lknef sntujtkd ne tnbk mkkgnef thk
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
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NETD[ITNE
lt9
igjnbs `m thk tkbp`rjg Qkrhjps thk lkst wjy t` dkmnek thk jrihnvk ns
js j i`eikptujg `r bjtkrnjg spjik `m bkb`ry Thk bned ije skrvk js
je jrihnvk oust js j gnlrjry `r physnijg b`eubket ije Dkrrndj suf-
fksts thjt thk jrihnvk ns j pgjik m i`bbjedbket jed i`bbkeikbketj pgjik whkrk kvkets `m thk pjst jrk d`iubketkd juth`rntjtnvkgy js
bjrcnef thk lkfneenef `m s`bkthnef j gnmk j iugturk j invngnzjtn`e
Jrihnvks jrk spjiks m prkskrvjtn`e i`eskrvjtn`e lut jgs` m irkjtn`e
j iugturkbdquos uedkrstjednef m ntskgmmdashj sulokitbdquos uedkrstjednef m ntskgmmdash
ns irkjtkd wnthne thk spjik `m thk jrihnvk
Nt ns igkjr thjt thk jrihnvk ns j wjy `m bjtkrnjgnznef bjcnef i`e-
irktk thk pjst Jed nm hnst`ry ns gjrfkgy r ije lk gjrfkgy thk ejrrjtnvks
`m i`equkst dkmkjt jed vn`gkeik thk jrihnvk ns jgs` f`nef t` mueitn`ejs j spjik i`bbkb`rjtnef trjubj jed g`ss Nt strncks bk thkrkm`rk
thjt thk jrihnvkmdashjs j spjik thjt bjnetjnes j i`etneujg rkgjtn`e t` thk
pjstmdashns jgwjys jgrkjdy j bkgjeih`gy spjik Vhjt N wnsh t` suffkst
hkrk ne spkinmni rkgjtn`e t` Lkickttbdquos w`rc ns thjt thk Lkickttnje sul-
okit lki`bks j gntkrjg kbl`dnbket m whjt N hjvk kgskwhkrk ijggkd thk
lsquobkgjeih`gy jrihnvkbdquo Thk Lkickttnje sulokit nbb`lngnzkd jed
mrjfbketkdmdashthnec `m Vneenk lurnkd t` hkr ekic ne kjrth ne Hjppy
Djys3 `m B`uth ne E`t N 3 `m Bjg`ek ne Bjg`ek Dnks3 `m thk mnfurk ne
I`bpjey mdashns jgwjys j hnst`rnijg sulokit j sulokit b`rk prkinskgy
sulokit t` hnst`ry Yhk ns i`etneujggy rkbkblkrnef s`bktnbks jfjnest
hkr wngg whjt hjs `iiurrkd ne thk pjst3 shk ns i`etneujggy jttkbptnef
t` rkijpturk j pjst shk bjy e`t muggy i`bprkhked
Jed nt ns thk Lkickttnje l`dy whnih lki`bks thk prnbjry rkp`sn-
t`ry m`r thksk rkbjnes thksk trjiks `m hnst`ry Thk ihjrjitkr bjy
kxnstmdashjs ne Hjppy Djys r Kedfjbk mdashjt whjt jppkjrs t` lk thk ked`m hubje iugturk lut shkmdashhkr l`dymdashbjnetjnes thk jrihnvjg trjiks
`m thjt g`st iugturk Thk nbjfks Lkicktt fnvks us ne hns drjbj jed
pr`skmdashj dnskbl`dnkd b`uth j l`dy nbb`lngnzkd ne j whkkgihjnr
`r thk kjrth pk`pgk ne uresmdashjrk nbjfks thjt i`eirktnzk thk ndkj `m
bkb`ry js kbl`dnkd `r jrihnvkd N suffkstkd jl`vk thjt m`r Lkicktt
sulokitnvntymdashthk skesk m wh` wk jrkmdashns muggy dkpkedket e thk l`dy
Vhjt Mrkud jed Dkrrndj jgg`w us t` uedkrstjed ns thk wjy sulokitnv-
nty ne Lkicktt ns muggy dkpkedket `e hnst`ry jed jrihnvkd bkb`ryMrkudbdquos e`tn`es `m b`urenef jed bkgjeih`gnj t`fkthkr wnth thk
Dkrrndkje rkjdnef `m thk jrihnvk jrk i`eikpts thjt wngg pr`vk uskmug
ne rkjdnef je juth`r wh`sk w`rc ns jt j pr`m`ued gkvkg jgwjys jl`ut
thk pjst j pjst whnih bjy hjvk rkikdkd net` m`rfktmugekss lut wh`sk
igjnbs jrk stngg lknef mkgt Ne nts strjefkekss Lkickttbdquos w`rc prkskets
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2727
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
eubkr`us dnmmniugtnks lut js wk shjgg dnsi`vkr hk ekvkr jljed`es
hns rkjdkr `r judnkeik i`bpgktkgy Mnrst js N hjvk bketn`ekd hns
ihjrjitkrsmdashwh` jt tnbks lki`bk `ur surr`fjtks `ur ueijeey d`u-
lgksmdashkxprkss buih thk sjbk i`emusn`e jl`ut thknr w`rgds js thkrkjdkr3 js suih thk strjefkekss lkijusk shjrkd lki`bks ne j skesk
e`rbjgnzkd Yki`ed jed pkrhjps b`rk nbp`rtjet Lkickttbdquos w`rc
ckys net` muedjbketjggy rki`fenzjlgk sntujtn`es Vk jgg jrk irkjtn`es
`m hnst`rnks wk bjy e`t rki`fenzk `r wnsh t` rki`fenzk3 wk jgg jt
tnbks dnsjv`w `ur pjsts kvke js wk mkkg thk prkssurks `m hnst`ry3 wk
jgg ne `thkr w`rds jrk hnst`rnijgmdashne Mrkudbdquos tkrbs bkgjeih`gymdash
irkjturks Lkickttbdquos w`rc ns iruinjg lkijusk nt rkgketgkssgy rkb`rskgkssgy
i`bpkgs us t` i`emr`et thk pr`m`ued igjnbs thjt hnst`ry bust bjckup`e us jgg Js wk i`bk t` rki`fenzk thk igjnbs `m thk pjst jed rkjg-
nzk thk kxtket t` whnih hnst`ry i`estruits thk hubje sulokit wk lkfne
t` uedkrstjed thjt Lkickttbdquos w`rc jt tnbks skkbnefgy s` strjefk
skkbnefgy nehubje ns `egy kvkr j i`bpjssn`ejtk jttkbpt t` i`bprk-
hked hubjenty ntskgm
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1427
NETD[ITNE
w`rc ne Lkicktt js p`nets m muedjbketjg nm i`bpr`bnskd jed pjquk
rkvkgjtn`e nt ns hkrk jt thk p`net whkrk thk w`rgd ikjsks t` bjck
skesk `r i`rrksp`ed t` `ekbdquos prksupp`sntn`es thjt thk rkjg thk mue-
djbketjg netkrprktnvk jed kthnijg qukstn`es jrnsk H`w d` N f` `e nethk mjik m thns irnsns m bkjenef0 Vhjt ns by rksp`esnlngnty t` byskgm
jed `thkrs whke bkjenef i`ggjpsks0
Thksk b`bkets m thk i`ggjpsk m bkjenef m thk irnsns m netkrprk-
tjtn`e jrk iketrjg t` Lkickttbdquos w`rc (nedkkd wk bjy sjy thky i`bprnsk
thk t`tjgnty `m thk w`rc) jed t` hns phng`s`phy `m jrt Ne s`bk wjys
Lkickttbdquos rkjg netkrkst ns ne thk kei`uetkr kxnstketnjg jrtnstni jed
netkrprktnvk wnth whjt hk nbp`rtjetgy rkmkrs t` js lsquoE`thnefbdquo Thk
kxpkrnkeik `m e`thnef thk e`thnefekss rkjgnzkd ne thk l`rkd`b `mDndn jed F`f` ne Vjntnef m`r F`d`t (thk mnrst gnek m whnih ns lsquoE`thnef
t` lk d`ekbdquo) thk e`thnefekss thjt thrkjtkes `ur netkrprktnvk skiurnty
whjt Ig`v ne Kedfjbk ijggs thk lsquozkr`bdquo p`net `m bkjenef thk e`thnef-
ekss `m g`ss jed jlskeik thjt nem`rbs s` dkeskgy thk gjtkr trng`fy ns
`ek thjt pjrjd`xnijggy (h`w d` y`u wrntk jl`ut lsquoe`thnefbdquo0) jrtniu-
gjtks jed b`tnvjtks Lkickttbdquos `we w`rc
Ne gt4gt Lkicktt pulgnshkd Thrkk Dnjg`fuks j skrnks `m pskud`-
dnjg`fuks lktwkke lsquoLbdquo jed lsquoDbdquo L wh` irntnis ndketnmy js Lkicktt
hnbskgm (rnfhtgy N lkgnkvk) `mmkrs whjt hjs lki`bk pkrhjps thk b`st
`mtke intkd ketry p`net net` Lkickttbdquos `we w`rc L hjs lkke dnsiuss-
nef b`dkre jrt jed i`bks t` mmkr hns we vnkw m thk pr`pkr sulokit
bjttkr jed b`tnvjtn`es `m thk b`dkre jrtnst
Lmdash^kt N spkjc `m je jrt turenef mr`b nt ne dnsfust wkjry `m nts
puey kxpg`nts wkjry `m prktkednef t` lk jlgk `m lknef jlgk`m d`nef j gnttgk lkttkr thk sjbk `gd thnef `m f`nef j gnttgk
murthkr jg`ef j drkjry r`jd
DmdashJed prkmkrrnef whjt0
LmdashThk kxprkssn`e thjt thkrk ns e`thnef t` kxprkss e`thnef wnth
whnih t` kxprkss e`thnef mr`b whnih t` kxprkss e` p`wkr t`
kxprkss e` dksnrk t` kxprkss t`fkthkr wnth thk `lgnfjtn`e t`
kxprkss (=)
J eublkr `m thnefs jrk iruinjg hkrk Mnrst e`tnik h`w L kxprkssks
j wkjrnekss wnth jrtnstni i`evketn`e h`w thk ndkj `m lsquod`nef j gnttgk
lkttkr thk sjbk `gd thnefbdquo l`rks hnb (thns ns je ndkj t` whnih wk wngg
rkture) Nt ns igkjr kvke rkgjtnvkgy kjrgy ne hns ijrkkr thjt Lkicktt w`ugd
e`t lk irkjtnef i`evketn`ejggy mjbngnjr jrt E`tnik ski`ed h`w thk
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1527
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
lt
w`rd lsquoe`thnefbdquo fjthkrs j cned `m neirkbketjg rks`ejeik ne thns mnejg
sketkeik h`w nt lki`bks igkjr thjt e`thnef t` spkjc pkrhjps pjrj-
d`xnijggy lki`bks s`bkthnef s`bkthnef t` lk kxpg`rkd js j thkbk
js j rkjgnty (wk bjy rkijgg thjt gnek mr`b Bjg`ek Dnks lsquoE`thnef nsb`rk rkjg thje e`thnefbdquo) Js thns jst`enshnef sketkeik i`eigudks
Lkicktt jice`wgkdfks j pkrs`ejg kthnijg `lgnfjtn`e js je jrtnst je
`lgnfjtn`e t` `lskrvk jejgyzk jed kxprkss thksk b`bkets whke thk
e`thnef jrnsksmdashpkrhjps kvke jfjnest hns `we wnggmdashjed jppkjrs
t` euggnmy bkjenef t` thrkjtke `ur i`bm`rt t` krjsk `ur frjsp `m
thk rkjg
lsquoQYTH[BJENYBbdquo
T hjvk ljskd j ijrkkr `e thk kxpg`rjtn`e `m lsquoe`thnefbdquo bjy skkb pkr-
vkrsk t` s`bk Ikrtjnegy thk rkjdkrbdquos kei`uetkr wnth Lkickttbdquos vjrn`us
rkprksketjtn`es `m thk v`nd `m jlskeik `m g`ss wngg lk j dnmmniugt `ek
m`r thk snbpgk rkjs`e thjt Lkickttbdquos w`rgd ns dnmmniugt t` lkjr Jed
s`bk rkjdkrs `vkr thk ykjrs hjvk m`ued ne Lkickttbdquos w`rc j ikrtjne
ruthgkss pkrhjps kvke j i`gd nehubjenty Nm wk trjik thk trjokit`ry
`m Lkickttbdquos w`rc `e l`th stjfk jed ne pr`sk wk d` e`tnik thjt hns
systkbjtni rkduitn`e m thnefs whjt N hjvk suffkstkd ns hns rkduitn`e
t` thk lsquomuedjbketjgsbdquo d`ks nev`gvk thk rkduitn`e `m thk hubje skgm
whjt N wngg ne thns study lk rkmkrrnef t` js thk lsquosulokitbdquo E`tnik h`w
m`r nestjeik ne thk drjbj wk b`vk mr`b muggy kbl`dnkd sulokits ne
Vjntnef m`r F`d`t t` thk gkss physnijggy jlgk ihjrjitkrs ne Kedfjbk
(Hjbb ns lgned jed irnppgkd3 Ig`v ije `egy wjgc ne j stnmm-gkffkd
fjnt3 Ejff jed Ekgg l`th hjvk g`st thknr gkfs) t` ihjrjitkrs nbb`ln-gnzkd ne ures ne Qgjy t` thk dnskbl`dnkd B`uth `m E`t N J snbngjr
trjokit`ry h`gds ne thk mnrst pr`sk trng`fy B`gg`y wh`sk l`dy ns mjng-
nef ykt jlgk3 Bjg`ek wh` ns nbb`lngnzkd ne lkd3 thk ueejbjlgk wh`
bjy snbpgy lk j lrjne ne je ure Ne thk gjtkr pr`sk tkxts nt ns dnmmniugt
kvke t` dktkrbnek prkinskgy thk ejturk m thk hubje jed thk stjtus m
nts l`dy lsquoYjy j l`dy Vhkrk e`ek E` bned Vhkrk e`ek Thjt jt
gkjst J pgjik Vhkrk e`ek M`r thk l`dy T` lk nebdquo (46)
Lkicktt skkbs t` strnvk thr`ufh`ut hns ijrkkr t` rnd hns w`rc m thkl`dy t` w`rc thus t`wjrd whjt wk bjy ijgg j cned `m p`sthubjensb
Q`sthubjensb ije lk dkmnekd js thjt strjed `m phng`s`phy whnih
rjdnijggy irntnquks thk ndkj thjt thk nednvndujg sulokit ns thk iketkr `m
jgg thnefs thk lkfneenef jed ked `m jgg ce`wgkdfk jed kxpkrnkeik
thns ns thkrkm`rk j rjdnijg irntnquk m Hubjenst phng`s`phy whnih w`ugd
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1627
NETD[ITNE
9
p`snt thk hubjebdquos rkjs`e jed rjtn`ejgnty js lknef trjespjrketgy jvjng-
jlgk t` thk thnecnef sulokit Q`sthubjensb lkfnes ly i`uetkrnef
Hubjensbbdquos lkgnkm thjt thk hubje ns skgm-pr`duinef skgm-i`neindketjg
thjt nt ns s`bkh`w rksp`esnlgk m r thk pr`duitn`e `m nts w`rgd jed ntskxpkrnkeik `m thk w`rgd
Js j phng`s`phy p`sthubjensb ije lk trjikd t` bjey s`uriks
lut thk thnecnef `m Enktzsihk Bjrx jed Mrkud ns iruinjg Kjih
w`rckd t` suffkst thjt thk hubje sulokit ns e`t skgm-pr`duinef `r
skgm-i`neindketjg lut ns rjthkr pr`duikd ly nts iugturk (Bjrx) nts
gjefujfk (Enktzsihk) jed nts uei`esin`us drnvks jed nestneits
(Mrkud) Q`sthubjensb strnvks t` uedkrstjed thk prkinsk ki`e`bnks
`m thksk m`riks jed jscs qukstn`es gnck thksk H`w ns thk hubjesulokit t` rjthkr thje thk bjstkr `m gjefujfk0 H`w d`ks thk sulokit
ekf`tnjtk hkr rkgjtn`e t` thk drnvksmdasht`wjrd Kr`s Thjejt`smdashthjt
Mrkud p`snts0 H`w ije thk sulokit mrkk ntskgm nm jt jgg mr`b thk iug-
turjg m`riks `m ijpntjg ndk`g`fy jed rkgnfn`e m`riks whnih prkikdk
jed kxikkd thk sulokitbdquos kxpkrnkeik0
Thksk jrk jgg Lkickttbdquos qukstn`es jed hk wngg w`rc `ut jeswkrs ne
pgjys gnck Hjppy Djys jed e`vkgs gnck Burphy jed Thk [eejbjlgk
tkxts whnih jrk jl`ut h`w thk sulokit ekf`tnjtks j rkgjtn`e t` iugturk
(Hjppy Djys) t` thk drnvks (Burphy) t` gjefujfk (Thk [eejbjlgk)
Lut wk sh`ugd jgs` e`tk h`w Lkickttbdquos p`sthubjensb lki`bks
ueijeengy gntkrjgnzkd ne hns bnddgk-t`-gjtk-pkrn`d drjbj jed pr`sk
Lkicktt ns netkrkstkd ne kxpg`rnef thk vkry gnbnts `m thk hubje thk
vkry ksskeik `m whjt i`estntutks thk hubje T thns ked Lkicktt wngg
push thk hubje pjst `ur i`bb`e i`eikptujg l`uedjrnks3 thjt ns t`
sjy jt tnbks hk b`vks hns ihjrjitkrs net` thk spjik `m dkjth `m whjtns pkrhjps j cned `m jmtkrgnmk
Ne thk pr`sk thns thkbjtni lkfnes wnth Bjg`ek Dnks j e`vkg trjinef
thk b`bket j bje pjssks net` nekxnstkeik3 ne thk drjbj nt lkfnes
wnth Qgjy whnih skks thrkk ihjrjitkrs ne whjt jppkjrs t` lk je jmtkr-
gnmk (thk ihjrjitkrs jrk ne muekrjg ures) lnickrnef vkr thk ejrrjtnvk m
thknr pjst gnvks3 ne thk ski`ed trng`fy wk ije kjsngy nbjfnek nedkkd
sh`ugd nbjfnek thjt thk spkjckrs `m thk tkxts js wkgg js thk mnfurks
thjt jppkjr ne thk ejrrjtnvks jrk spkitkrs fh`sts N kxpg`rk thk mnfurk`m thk fh`st thk spkitkrmdashthk gntkrjg p`sthubjemdashne dktjng ne by
mnejg ihjptkr lut N oust wnsh t` nednijtk hkrk h`w Lkickttbdquos netkrkst
ne pjrnef thnefs d`we t` thk kssketnjgs gkjds g`fnijggy t` je netkrkst ne
thk spkitkr thk fh`st whnih lki`bks thk nbjfk `m thk hubje jmtkr
jgg thnefs hjvk lkke strnppkd wjy Qrkinskgy thk fh`st lki`bks j trjik
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1727
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
4
j bjrc `m thk hubjebdquos pjssnef `ut `m kxnstkeik lutmdashjed thns ns
jls`gutkgy iketrjgmdashthk fh`st ns je nesnstket rkbnedkr `m thk hubje
thjt `eik wjs Thk spkitkr ne `thkr w`rds skrvks t` rkiupkrjtk thk
hubje kvke js thk hubje pjssks net` `lgnvn`e thk spkitkr thuslki`bks whjt Ygjv`o _nzkc ijggs thk lsquonednvnsnlgk rkbjnedkr9bdquo T` put
nt lguetgy m`r Lkicktt thk t`tjg kgnbnejtn`e `m thk hubje ns j t`tjg
nbp`ssnlngnty
Qkrhjps Lkicktt suffksts wk ije `egy mned thk ejturk `m thk
hubje whjt hk ijggs lsquothk lkdr`ic `m thk kssketnjgsbdquo jt thk b`bket
thk hubje kxihjefks `ek stjtk m`r je`thkr `ek rkjgnty m`r je`thkr
Qkrhjps `egy thk jlskeik `m thk hubje (thk spkitkr) trugy rkvkjgs
whjt hjs lkke thk hubjebdquos truk ejturk Jed whjt ns m`r bk mjsinejt-nef jed iruinjg jl`ut thns pr`ikss ns thk wjy Lkicktt kgnbnejtks thk
hubje jt prkinskgy thk sjbk tnbk js hk kgnbnejtks dkejturks jed
dki`estruits ejrrjtnvk m`rb ntskgm Ne s`bk wjys Lkicktt ns jrfunef
thjt gjefujfk ntskgm bust lk kgnbnejtkd ne `rdkr m`r thk spkitkr thk
fh`st thk p`sthubje t` jppkjr gjefujfk bust lk kgnbnejtkd ne
`rdkr m r thk truth `m thk hubje t` lk ce`we
Vk bjy skk ne thns rkduitn`e j cned `m irukg trkjtbket `m thk
hubje j pkrvkrsk netkrkst ne nggekss jed dkijy lut N thnec thns w`ugd
lk j mjtjg netkrprktnvk krr`r Ikrtjnegy Lkickttbdquos w`rc nbpgnks thjt thk
l`dy ns jgwjys j gnjlngnty s`bkthnef thjt wngg nekvntjlgy mjng (je hngjrn-
`us gnek mr`b Bjg`ek Dnks suffksts thns lsquoNm N hjd thk usk `m by l`dy
N w`ugd thr`w nt `ut `m thk wned`wbdquo SltltR) Lut wk bust e`tnik thjt
thk l`dy `r snfes `m thk l`dy ekvkr muggy dnsjppkjrs mr`b Lkickttbdquos
w`rgd Thk pkrsnstkeik `m thk l`dy thk mrjfbketkd l`dy thk dnskb-
l`dnkd l`dy ns `ek `m Lkickttbdquos bjo`r thkbks jed `ek thjt p`skss`bk `m hns b`st netkrkstnef netkrprktnvk qukstn`es jed ihjggkefks
why d`ks Lkicktt w`rc t` rkduik jed mrjfbket thk l`dy0 H`w jrk wk
t` netkrprkt mrjfbkets `m hubjenty0
ek jeswkr t` thksk qukstn`es rkgjtks t` whjt N hjvk sjnd jl`vk
jl`ut Lkicktt rkduinef thnefs t` thk muedjbketjgs ne rdkr t` uedkr-
stjed thk ksskeik `m thk hubje ne Qgjy jed E`t N Lkicktt skkbs t`
lk suffkstnef thjt thksk ihjrjitkrs rkjggy `egy jrk thknr v`niks rkjggy
`egy jrk t` lk b`rk prkinsk thknr ejrrjtnvks Vhjt bjttkrs t` thkbjt thns spkinmni pgjik jt thns spkinmni tnbk ns thknr jlngntymdashpkrhjps
thknr i`bpugsn`e thknr `lgnfjtn`emdasht` spkjc Lkicktt w`ugd skkb t`
lk suffkstnef thjt thk t`tjgnty `m thk l`dy jt thns spkinmni b`bket ns
e`t tkrrnlgy nbp`rtjet t` thk sulokit js shk trnks t` uedkrstjed hkr
prksket sntujtn`e Lut js N suffkst wk d` e`tnik thjt Lkicktt ekvkr
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1827
NETD[ITNE
muggy rkb`vks thk l`dy `r thk snfes `m thk l`dy (v`nik m`r nestjeik)
ketnrkgy thk st`rnks hns ihjrjitkrs tkgg hns w`rc skkbs t` nbpgy jrk
wrnttke `e jed thr`ufh thk l`dy Yt`rnks jrk trjesgjtkd ne `thkr
w`rds ly thk l`dy Lkickttbdquos ihjrjitkrs bjy lk p`sthubje lut thkyjrk e`t muggy p`sti`rp`rkjg
Je`thkr wjy m puttnef thns ndkj jdbnttkdgy ek m Lkickttbdquos b`st
ihjggkefnef ns thjt sulokitnvntymdashthjt skesk thk hubje hjs `m ntskgm
js j thnecnef netkrprktnef irkjturkmdashns muggy dkpkedket `e thk l`dy
Yulokitnvnty ns kbl`dnbket y`u jrk y`ur l`dy jed y`ur l`dybdquos dksnrks
js buih js y`u jrk y`ur bned Jed thus whngk thk l`dy ns je nbpkdn-
bket jed wngg jgwjys dkijy jed mjng thk l`dy ijee`t dnsjppkjr
ne Lkicktt lkijusk thk skgm jed thk skgmbdquos uedkrstjednef `m ntskgmw`ugd js wkgg Thkrk ns js N rkjd nt thke j cned `m djrc i`bpjssn`e
ne Lkicktt m`r thk i`bpr`bnskd l`dy m`r thk irnppgkd jed thk ngg
thkrk ns j i`bpjssn`e m`r thk summkrnef sulokit wh` ije rkjggy `egy
uedkrstjed hkrskgm jed hkr w`rgd thr`ufh thk bkdnub m j dkijynef
pjnemug l`dy ur qukstn`es js rkjdkrs m Lkicktt bust e`w lki`bk
nm thk skgm uedkrstjeds ntskgm thr`ufh thk i`bpr`bnskd spkitrjg
l`dy whjt cneds `m netkrprktjtn`es wngg nt bjck0 Nm thk skgm uedkr-
stjeds thk w`rgd thr`ufh nts mrjfbketkd p`sthubje l`dy whjt
cneds `m netkrprktjtn`es `m thk w`rgd ije lk bjdk0
lsquoQYTH[BJENYBbdquo J Q]NY
Thksk jrk jgg Lkickttbdquos qukstn`es lut N wnsh t` `mmkr s`bkthnef `m j
pr`vns` lkm`rk i`etneunef N suffkstkd jl`vk thjt Lkicktt ns strnvnef
m`r j lsquocned `mbdquo p`sthubjensb N thnec nt ns lkst jgwjys t` usk tkrbspr`vnsn`ejggy wnth Lkicktt m`r surkgy `ek `m thk kmmkits `m hns w`rc
ns t` ijgg jls`gutkgy net` qukstn`e thk vkry ndkj `m stjlgk ijtkf`rnks
stjlgk `pp`sntn`es (lsquohubje-p`sthubjebdquo) Qkrhjps nt ns lkst hkrk jt
thk `utskt t` suffkst thjt hns w`rc irntnquks thk ndkj `m thk hubje
jed thk p`sthubje kqujggy Qrkinskgy ly dnsi`vkrnef thk pkrsnstkeik
`m thk hubje kvke ne nts b`st dkeudkd m rb Lkicktt kssketnjggy i`g-
gjpsks thk `pp`sntn`e lsquohubje-p`sthubjebdquo t` thk p`net whkrk thk
tkrbs lki`bk netkrihjefkjlgk jed hkeik jgb`st bkjenefgkssThjt ns t` sjy m`r Lkicktt wk jrk jgwjys jgrkjdy p`sthubje nes`-
mjr js wk jrk i`etr`ggkd ly dnsi`ursks (hnst`ry ndk`g`fy gjefujfk)
prkikdnef jed kxikkdnef us3 wk jrk jgwjys jgrkjdy p`sthubje js wk
dnsi`vkr thjt `ur l`dnks jrk sntks `m nekvntjlgk mjngurk jed i`ggjpsk3
wk jrk jgwjys jgrkjdy p`sthubje nes`mjr js thk ndkj `m j snefugjr
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1927
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
=
skgm ns je nggusn`e Lkicktt jice`wgkdfks thksk ndkjs kjrgy ne hns ijrkkr3
ne Qr`ust (gt9) hk jice`wgkdfks thjt thk skgm ns e`t j stjlgk sulokit
lut rjthkr thjt thk lsquonednvndujg ns j suiikssn`e `m nednvndujgsbdquo ()3
b`rk`vkr lsquoThk sulokit hjs dnkdmdashjed pkrhjps bjey tnbksmdashjg`efthk wjybdquo (9) By usk `m thk tkrb lsquop`sthubjebdquo thke ns s`bkthnef `m
j i`evkenkeik j wjy `m spkjcnef lsquojl`utbdquo `r lsquojr`uedbdquo thk pkiugnjrntnks
`m thk Lkickttnje sulokit thk sulokit wh` jgwjys bust ekf`tnjtk hns
rkjgnty vnj systkbs `m th`ufhtmdashgjefujfk lknef thk prnbjrymdashwh`sk
pjrjbktkrs jed pr`t`i`gs jrk jgwjys oust lky`ed hns mugg i`etr`g
THK QLGKB M NETKQKTJTNELkickttbdquos bjenpugjtn`e `m fkerk hns rkduitn`e jed dnsbjetgnef `m
thk sulokit hns rkgketgkss netkrkst ne thk vjrn`us jspkits `m lsquoe`thnef-
ekssbdquo (g`ss jlskeik)mdashhk ijggs thns hns lsquomndkgnty t` mjngurkbdquo (lsquoThrkk
Dnjg`fuksbdquo =9)mdashgkjd js N hjvk lkke suffkstnef t` s`bk mjnrgy
jiutk netkrprktnvk dnmmniugtnks Hjes-Fk`rf Fjdjbkr j phng`s`phkr
`m thk hkrbkekutni sih``g (jed studket `m Bjrtne Hkndkffkr) suf-
fksts thjt jgg rkjg netkrprktjtn`e `r lsquohkrbkekutnisbdquo lkfnes wnth
ndketnmynef j spkinmni g`ijtn`e `m d`ult `r uekjsk ne j tkxt Js hk
wrntks ne Qhng`s`phnijg Hkrbkekutnis lsquoThk rkjg p`wkr m hkrbkekutn-
ijg i`esin`usekss ns `ur jlngnty t` skk whjt ns qukstn`ejlgkbdquo (9) Vk
ekkd ne `thkr w`rds t` lk jlgk t` jsc thk pr`pkr qukstn`es `m tkxts
Lut ne Lkicktt `ur pr`lgkb lki`bks skkbnefgy netrjitjlgk lkijusk
kvkrythnef ne thk tkxt jppkjrs t` lk qukstn`ejlgk H`w jrk wk t`
netkrprkt tkxts thjt skkb pjrjd`xnijggy t` `mmkr s` bjey qukstn`es
jed thke rksnst `r m`rkig`sk thk p`ssnlngnty `m jeswkrnef th`sk quks-tn`es0 H`w ne `thkr w`rds jrk wk t` rkjd Lkicktt0
N wngg suffkst hkrk ne wjys thjt g``c ljic t` Lkickttbdquos `we skesk `m
`lgnfjtn`e (rkijgg hns skesk kxprksskd ne Thrkk Dnjg`fuks `m thk lsquo`lgn-
fjtn`e t` kxprkssbdquo) thjt `ur netkrprktjtn`es `m Lkicktt sh`ugd lkfne
ly pjynef ijrkmug jttketn`e t` thk wjys ne whnih hns tkxts jetninpjtk
`ur dnmmniugtnks jed pkrhjps `mmkr s`bk fundjeik Nm wk jrk puzzgkd ly
ikrtjne thnefsmdashVh` jrk thksk ihjrjitkrs0 Vhjt jrk thknr hnst`rnks0
Vhkrk jed whke kxjitgy jrk thksk st`rnks `iiurrnef0 Vhjt kxjitgyd`ks nt jgg bkje0mdashwk sh`ugd rki`fenzk thjt `ur pkrpgkxnty wnth
thk tkxt ns bnrr`rkd ly thk ihjrjitkrsbdquo `we pkrpgkxnty jl`ut thknr
w`rgds Thk rkjdkrbdquos sntujtn`e `m puzzgkbket ns prkinskgy thjt `m thk
ihjrjitkrs jed thus wk jrrnvk jt j iruinjg `lskrvjtn`e Lkickttbdquos tkxts
thkbskgvks wngg skt `ut thk fr`ued rugks m`r netkrprktnef hns w`rgd
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2027
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2127
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
8
Lkickttbdquos ihjrjitkrs thus mueitn`e ne j stjtk `m pr`m`ued rkfrkt jed
jf`eymdash`mtke rkprksskd jed dnsjv`wkdmdash`vkr whjt bnfht hjvk lkke
Ne Crjppbdquos Gjst Tjpk m`r nestjeik Crjpp rktrjiks hns pjst hnst`ry
thr`ufh tjpk rki`rdnefs `m hns `we v`nik t` rkvnsnt j b`bket `m p`s-snlgk th`ufh e`w m`rkvkr g`st hjppnekss Crjppbdquos we v`nik hns we
hnst`ry ns spkitrjg lkijusk hns rki`rdnefs jrk `m j dkjd jed nrrktrnkv-
jlgk pjst lut ek whnih igkjrgy stngg hjuets hnb e`w Ne whjt ns surkgy
`ek `m Lkickttbdquos b`st pjnemugmdashjed netkeskgy i`bpjssn`ejtk
b`bketsmdashwk skk h`w j fh`stgy hnst`ry lrutjgnzks Crjpp
Qjst bndenfht Ekvkr cekw suih sngkeik Thk kjrth bnfht lk uene-
hjlntkd Hkrk N ked thns rkkg L`x thrkk sp``g mnvkQkrhjps by lkst ykjrs jrk f`ek Vhke thkrk wjs j ihjeik `m hjp-
pnekss Lut N w`ugdebdquot wjet thkb ljic E`t wnth thk mnrk ne bk
e`w E` N w`ugdebdquot wjet thkb ljic (ltltgt)
Lkicktt d`ks e`t js thk irntnijg ignihicirc bjy hjvk nt bkrkgy rkprksket j
w`rgd `m jlsurdnty j w`rgd wnth`ut bkjenef Thns ns j w`rgd thjt
i`etneujggy mkkgs thk igjnbs `m thk pjst `m hnst`ry Jed thkrk ns j
bkjenef ne dnsi`vkrnef thksk igjnbs j bkjenef ne rki`fenznef `ekbdquos
nedkltkdekss t` thk pjst j bkjenef ne rkjgnznef thjt `ekbdquos `lgnfjtn`e
ns t` i`bk t` tkrbs wnth thksk igjnbs jed dklts
THKKTNIJG JQQJIH THK lsquoGNTKJT[K M THK
[EVDbdquo BKGJEIHG^ JED THK JIHN]K
Qjrt `m by purp`sk hkrk ne thns Fundk ns t` pr`vndk wjys `m bjcnefskesk `m Lkickttbdquos dnmmniugt w`rc ek wjy N wngg pr`ikkd wngg lk t`
drjw `e thk w`rc `m phng`s`phkrs thk`rnsts jed irntnis wh`sk ndkjs
jgg`w us t` uedkrstjed thk i`bpgkxnty `m Lkickttbdquos uenvkrsk N wngg
hkrk lk drjwnef `e thk gncks `m phke`bke`g`fnsts Bjrtne Hkndkffkr
Hjes-Fk`rf Fjdjbkr jed Kbbjeukg Gkvnejs bjrxnst Thk`d`r
Jd`re` psyih`jejgysts Ynfbued Mrkud jed Ojiquks Gjije jed
dki`estruitn`enst Ojiquks Dkrrndj N lkgnkvk thjt thk w`rc `m thksk
thk`rnsts ije kmmkitnvkgy uepjic ikrtjne netkrprktnvk pr`lgkbs neLkicktt oust js N lkgnkvk thjt ikrtjne b`bkets ne LkickttmdashN thnec `m
B`uthbdquos ketry net` gjefujfk ne E`t N mdashije kmmkitnvkgy nggustrjtk thk
netkrprktnvk pr`lgkbs ne thk w`rc m s`bk thk`rnsts (nedkkd N wngg usk
E`t N t` nggustrjtk Gjijebdquos dnmmniugt e`tn`e `m thk kjg) By netketn`e
ns e`t thkrkm`rk snbpgy t` rkjd Lkicktt thr`ufh j pjrtniugjr thk`ry
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2227
NETD[ITNE
gt
lut t` nbjfnek thjt thkrk ns j butujg pr`ikss `m netkrprktjtn`e jed
netkrr`fjtn`e `iiurrnef lktwkke thk`rnst jed mnitn`e
THK FKBJE GKTTK
N jgs` lkgnkvk pkrhjps ejnvkgy thjt Lkicktt hnbskgm ns hns `we mnrst
jed lkst irntni Js N hjvk bketn`ekd Lkicktt `mmkrkd mkw irntnijg i`b-
bketjrnks `e hns w`rc `vkr thk ykjrs lut th`sk thjt hjvk i`bk d`we
t` usmdashjs m`r nestjeik Thrkk Dnjg`fuks mdashjrk `m frkjt vjguk t` jey
rkjdkr Ne thk gjttkr ihjptkrs `m thns study N wngg lk rkmkrrnef `mtke t`
Lkickttbdquos Fkrbje Gkttkr `m gt96 jed kspkinjggy t` hns e`tn`e `m thk
lsquogntkrjturk `m thk uew`rdbdquo j i`eikpt N thnec ns iketrjg t` thk pr`frks-sn`e `m hns w`rc N wnsh thkrkm`rk t` tjck s`bk spjik hkrk jed
`utgnek thk nbp`rtjeik `m thns Gkttkr
Ne gt9= Lkicktt trjvkgkd t` Fkrbjey `e whjt kssketnjggy wjs je
jrt h`gndjy hk vnsntkd skvkrjg jrt fjggkrnks jed jgth`ufh jefkrkd ly
thk Ejzn rkfnbkbdquos ikes`rnef `m jrt nt i`esndkrkd dkijdket hk wjs
frkjtgy nbprksskdmdashjed nemgukeikdmdashly thk w`rc hk sjw Thk trnp
skrvkd js j cned m spnrntujg jed phng`s`phnijg jwjckenef js hns dnj-
rnks jttkst Thk Fkrbje Gkttkr ns pjrt `m j i`rrksp`edkeik lktwkke
Lkicktt jed j mrnked (Jxkg Cjue wh`b hk bkt ne Fkrbjey) wrnttke
thrkk b`eths jmtkr hns rkture t` Dulgne Ne thk Gkttkr Lkicktt spkjcs
`m thk ekkd t` b`vk pjst rkiknvkd dnsi`ursks jed i`evketn`es t` gnl-
krjtk hnbskgm mr`b trjdntn`ejg gjefujfks jed m`rbs N qu`tk jt s`bk
gkefth
Nt ns nedkkd lki`bnef b`rk jed b`rk dnmmniugt kvke skeskgkss m`rbk t` wrntk je `mmninjg Kefgnsh Jed b`rk jed b`rk by `we gje-
fujfk jppkjrs t` bk gnck j vkng thjt bust lk t`re jpjrt ne `rdkr t`
fkt jt thk thnefs (`r thk E`thnefekss) lkhned nt Frjbbjr jed
Ytygk T bk thky skkb t` hjvk lki`bk js nrrkgkvjet js j ]nit`rnje
ljthnef sunt `r thk nbpkrturljlngnty `m j truk fketgkbje J bjsc
Gkt us h`pk thk tnbk wngg i`bk thjec F`d thjt ne ikrtjne inrigks nt
hjs jgrkjdy i`bk whke gjefujfk ns b`st kmmninketgy uskd whkrk
nt ns lknef b`st kmmninketgy bnsuskd Js wk ijee`t kgnbnejtk gje-fujfk jgg jt `eik wk sh`ugd jt gkjst gkjvk e`thnef ued`ek thjt
bnfht i`etrnlutk t` nts mjggnef net` dnsrkputk T` l`rk `ek h`gk
jmtkr je`thkr ne nt uetng whjt gurcs lkhned ntmdashlk nt s`bkthnef `r
e`thnefmdashlkfnes t` skkp thr`ufh3 N ijee`t nbjfnek j hnfhkr f`jg
m`r j wrntkr t`djy (6rsquo6lt)
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2327
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
lt1
Ne by kstnbjtn`e thk mugg nbpgnijtn`es `m thk Gkttkr whnih m`r bk
ns Lkickttbdquos jrtnstni bjenmkst` wngg e`t lk rkjgnzkd uetng thk gjtkr e`v-
kgs (kspkinjggy thk trng`fnks) lut wk sh`ugd rki`fenzk h`w Lkickttbdquos
stjtkd nbpjtnkeik wnth trjdntn`ejg m`rb rks`ejtks net` kvke thk kjrgypr`sk jed drjbj Lkickttbdquos dnsdjne m`r lsquo`mmninjg Kefgnshbdquo m`r lsquoFrjbbjr
jed Ytygkbdquo thnefs js nrrkgkvjet js j ]nit`rnje ljthnef sunt spkjc t`
j mrustrjtn`e j l`rkd`b kvke wnth thk g`fni jed trjokit`rnks `m thk
enektkketh-iketury e`vkg Hk spkjcs murthkr t` h`w busni jed
pjnetnef hjvk m ued wjys m b`vnef lky`ed trjdntn`ejg m`rb ne rdkr
t` rkprksket sngkeik jed jlskeik (thnefs e`t jss`injtkd wnth rkprkske-
tjtnvk jrt)3 hk suffksts thjt gjefujfk ntskgm bust lk shjttkrkd ne rdkr
t` rkvkjg whjt wjs prkvn`usgy uerkprksketjlgkJed whngk Lkickttbdquos bjenmkst` s`ueds jvjet-fjrdk hns ndkj thjt
gjefujfk ns j vkng t` lk t`re jpjrt g``cs ljic t` thk `bjetnis jed
thknr e`tn`e thjt p`ktry w`rcs t` rkvkjg thk ueskke Lkickttbdquos lsquoby
`we gjefujfk jppkjrs t` bk gnck j vkng thjt bust lk t`re jpjrtbdquo kih`ks
Yhkggkybdquos J Dkmkeik `m Q`ktry jed hns skesk thjt p`ktry gnmts lsquothk vkng
mr`b thk hnddke lkjuty `m thk w`rgd jed bjcks mjbngnjr `lokits lk
js nm thky wkrk e`t mjbngnjrbdquo (6) Thkrk ns `m i`ursk j w`rgd `m dnm-
mkrkeik lktwkke gnmtnef jed dkstr`ynef thk vkngmdashthk dnmmkrkeik
pkrhjps lktwkke thk `bjetni jed thk B`dkremdashlut Lkickttbdquos
dksnrk js j wrntkr ns j mjbngnjr `ek hns w`rc wngg jttkbpt t` sh`w thk
w`rgd ne j ekw wjy Ne by rkjdnef Lkickttbdquos tkjrnef `m thk vkng
lki`bks thk pkrmkit bktjph`r m`r thk pr`ikss `m rkvkjgnef `vkrtgy
skgm-i`esin`usgy jed irntnijggy thk nbpgnijtn`es `m jrt hkrk thk e`vkg
jed drjbj ne j ekw wjy
THK lsquoGNTKJT[K M THK [EVDbdquo
Ne thk gjst pjrjfrjph `m thk Gkttkr Lkicktt suffksts thjt thns pr`ikss
`m dkstr`ynef gjefujfk `m rkvkjgnef nts lsquotkrrnlgk bjtkrnjgntybdquo (6lt)
wngg kvketujggy gkjd t` whjt hk ijggs j lsquogntkrjturk `m thk uew`rdbdquo (69)
N wnsh ne whjt m`gg`ws t` suffkst thjt Lkickttbdquos ketnrk ijrkkr js j
wrntkr mneds nts lkfneenef jed ked nts fr`ued jed f`jg ne thns ndkj
stjtkd ne gt96 J gntkrjturk `m thk uew`rd ns `lvn`usgy j i`etrjdni-tn`e ne tkrbs j pjrjd`x je jp`rnj (t` usk thk Dkrrndkje i`estruitn`e)3
j gntkrjturk `m thk uew`rd ns je jttkbpt t` usk gjefujfk t` sngkeik
gjefujfk (hk ijggs nt lsquoJe jssjugt jfjnest w`rds ne thk ejbk `m lkjutybdquo
S69R) Hns jnb kssketnjggy ns t` mned j bkjes `m dki`bp`snef jed
b`vnef lky`ed gjefujfk t` shjttkr gjefujfk net` j cned `m krjsurk
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2427
NETD[ITNE
lt
`m ntskgm (thns jttkbpt t` kgnbnejtk gjefujfk ns fk`bktrnijggy pr`p`r-
tn`ejg t` hns jttkbpt t` kgnbnejtk thk l`dy js wk wngg skk) By
jrfubket ns quntk snbpgy thns thr`ufh`ut hns ijrkkr Lkicktt ns skjrih-
nef m`r thk bkjes t` put je ked t` gntkrjturk t` put je ked t` wrntneft` put je ked t` hns `we dksnrk t` wrntk Thk trjokit`ry `m hns w`rc
mr`b thk kjrgy drjbj jed pr`sk t` thk gjtk ns `ek `m rjdnijg rkdui-
tn`e `m w`rcnef t` mned j bkjes t` gntkrjturkbdquos ked Ne thk drjbj wk
b`vk mr`b thk muggy kbl`dnkd drjbj `m F`d`t t` thk gjtk fh`stgy
pgjys whkrk `mtke gjefujfk d`ks e`t kvke mkjturk3 ne thk pr`sk wk
b`vk mr`b thk pgjymug fjrrug`usekss m Burphy t` thk shjttkrkd sye-
tjx jed dnbnenshkd frjbbjrs `m V`rstwjrd H`4
Nt ns prkinskgy lkijusk Lkickttbdquos w`rc ns fr`uedkd `e suih i`bpgkxphng`s`phnijg i`etrjdnitn`esmdashj wrntkr wrntnef gntkrjturk `ut `m
kxnstkeik nbp`ssnlgkmdashthjt N lkgnkvk wk bust hjvk rki`ursk t` thk
vjrn`us thk`rktnijg jed phng`s`phnijg trjdntn`es thjt jr`sk snbugtj-
ek`us wnth Lkickttbdquos `we dkvkg`pbket js j wrntkr By thk`rktnijg
jppr`jih ne thns Fundk ije pkrhjps lkst lk dksirnlkd js pr`bnsiu-
`us lut N tked t` thnec thjt j dki`estruitn`enst psyih`jejgysns ns thk
lkst wjy `m pr`ikkdnef wnth Lkicktt jt gkjst m`r bk T` nggustrjtk
whjt N bkje hkrkmdashjed ly wjy `m i`eigudnef thns Netr`duitn`emdash
N wnsh t` `utgnek tw` i`eikpts whnih wngg pr`vk irntnijg ne by rkjdnef
`m kspkinjggy thk drjbj
BKGJEIHGNJ
J bjo`r thkbk ne Lkicktt ns thjt `m bkb`ry `m ihjrjitkrs gnck
Crjpp `r Hjbb hjuetkd ly thk fh`st `m bkb`ry Jt j ljsni gkvkgthk Lkicktt ihjrjitkr gnvks ne j pr`trjitkd stjtk `m rkfrkt jed g`ss
j stjtk hk `r shk bjy e`t kvke rki`fenzk js suih Hnst`ry thk pjst
nbpnefks pr`m uedgy e thk ihjrjitkr jed js Lkicktt wrntks ne Qr`ust
thrkjtkes i`etneujggy t` lsquodkm`rbbdquo hnb Ne gt6 Ynfbued Mrkud pul-
gnshkd je kssjy thjt hjs rkiketgy i`bk t` lk skke js j iruinjg dnjfe`sns
`m j i`etkbp`rjry iugturjg i`edntn`e Ne lsquoB`urenef jed Bkgjeih`gnjbdquo
Mrkud jttkbpts t` i`bk t` je uedkrstjednef m h`w thk sulokit dkjgs
wnth trjubj jed g`ss Thkrk jrk hk thk`rnzks tw` rksp`esks t` g`sst` thk g`ss `m j g`vkd `ek `r thk lsquog`ss `m s`bk jlstrjitn`e whnih hjs
tjcke thk pgjik `m `ek suih js `ekbdquos i`uetry gnlkrty je ndkjg `r s`
`ebdquo (ltlt) Thk mnrst jed b`st hkjgthy ns whjt hk ijggs b`urenef
B`urenef ns j pr`ikss ly whnih thk g`ss ns i`bprkhkedkd jed
jiikptkd lsquow`rckd thr`ufhbdquo t` usk hns tkrbne`g`fy B`urenef ns thk
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2527
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
ltlt
e`rbjg wjy `ek bust dkjg wnth trjubj jed g`ss wnth whjt Mrkud
lkjutnmuggy tkrbs thk lsquoki`e`bnis `m pjnebdquo (ltlt) Qrkinskgy h`w thk
sulokit `vkri`bks g`ss ns e`t ce`we ly Mrkudmdashnt ns j dnmmniugt pr`-
ikss3 nt ns lsquow`rcbdquomdashlut kvketujggy thk b`urekr jiikpts thjt thk g`vkd`ek wnth wh`b hk bjy hjvk ndketnmnkd ns e` g`efkr hkrk t` bjcks
igjnbs `e hnb
Bkgjeih`gnj `e thk `thkr hjed ns je jle`rbjg rksp`esk t` g`ss
jed sntujtks thk sulokit ne j i`etneujg p`sntn`e `m ejrinssnstni ndketn-
mnijtn`e wnth thk g`st `lokit Ne `thkr w`rds thk bkgjeih`gy sulokit
ijee`t jiikpt thjt hkr g`vkd `ek ns ne mjit f`ek jed w`rcs pjth`g`fn-
ijggy lsquot` kstjlgnsh je ndketnmnijtn`e `m thk kf` wnth thk jljed`ekd
`lokitbdquo (lt8) Vhjt thns bkjes ns thjt thk pjstmdashg`ss trjubjmdashi`e-tneujggy w`rcs nts wjy net` thk prksket b`bket lkijusk thk sulokit
ijee`t b`vk pjst nt B`rk tr`ulgnef ns thk ndkj thjt thk sulokit d`ks
e`t wnsh t` jgg`w g`ss t` rkikdk net` hnst`ry lut dksnrks i`etneujggy t`
bjnetjne j i`eekitn`e t` thk trjubjtni b`bket Ne s`bk wjys thk
sulokit bjnetjnes thns pjth`g`fnijg stjtkmdashwhnih bjy ne mjit e`t lk
s` pjth`g`fnijg jmtkr jggmdashlkijusk thk trjubjtni b`bket ns nbp`r-
tjet m`r hkr bjy ne mjit hjvk shjpkd wh` shk ns
Vk bjy dnjfe`sk j frkjt eublkr `m Lkickttbdquos ihjrjitkrs js lknef
bkgjeih`gni ne Mrkudbdquos skesk Thky jrk hjuetkd ly thk pjst jed s`bk
gnck Crjpp Hjbb jed Vneenk dkgnlkrjtkgy jttkbpt t` rki`eekit wnth
j pjst thjt neigudks b`bkets `m g`ss jed kxtrkbk pjne Ne `thkr w`rds
thk mueitn`e `m bkb`ry ne Lkicktt ns gjrfkgy bkgjeih`gni prkinskgy
lkijusk thk ihjrjitkrs jice`wgkdfk i`esin`usgy `r uei`esin`usgy
thjt thky jrk thk pr`duits m j pjst whnih hjs bkringkssgy dkmnekd thkb
js summkrnef sulokits Lkickttbdquos ihjrjitkrs ignef s` rkgketgkssgy t` thkpjst lkijusk m`r rkjs`es wk wngg kxpg`rk thk prksket b`bket ns dkv`nd
`m snfenmnijeik3 thk jf`enznef pjst bjy lrutjgnzk lut ne nt jrk thk trjiks
thk hnst`rnijg mrjfbkets `m ndketnty jed bkjenef
THK JIHN]K
Dki`estruitn`enst Ojiquks Dkrrndj drjwnef hkjvngy `e Mrkud `mmkrs
j ski`ed rkgjtkd i`eikpt thjt N wngg usk t` rkjd thksk ihjrjitkrsbdquo rkgj-tn`e t` hnst`ry g`ss jed trjubj Ne Jrihnvk Mkvkr Dkrrndj jejgyzks
thk i`eikpt `m thk jrihnvk js j wjy `m i`bnef t` je uedkrstjednef
`m thk wjy thk sulokit ekf`tnjtks nts rkgjtn`eshnp t` hnst`ry t` thk
pjst jed thk muturk thk jrihnvk ns thus j bkjes ly whnih Dkrrndj
trnks t` uedkrstjed thk hubje js j lknef sntujtkd ne tnbk mkkgnef thk
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2627
NETD[ITNE
lt9
igjnbs `m thk tkbp`rjg Qkrhjps thk lkst wjy t` dkmnek thk jrihnvk ns
js j i`eikptujg `r bjtkrnjg spjik `m bkb`ry Thk bned ije skrvk js
je jrihnvk oust js j gnlrjry `r physnijg b`eubket ije Dkrrndj suf-
fksts thjt thk jrihnvk ns j pgjik m i`bbjedbket jed i`bbkeikbketj pgjik whkrk kvkets `m thk pjst jrk d`iubketkd juth`rntjtnvkgy js
bjrcnef thk lkfneenef `m s`bkthnef j gnmk j iugturk j invngnzjtn`e
Jrihnvks jrk spjiks m prkskrvjtn`e i`eskrvjtn`e lut jgs` m irkjtn`e
j iugturkbdquos uedkrstjednef m ntskgmmdashj sulokitbdquos uedkrstjednef m ntskgmmdash
ns irkjtkd wnthne thk spjik `m thk jrihnvk
Nt ns igkjr thjt thk jrihnvk ns j wjy `m bjtkrnjgnznef bjcnef i`e-
irktk thk pjst Jed nm hnst`ry ns gjrfkgy r ije lk gjrfkgy thk ejrrjtnvks
`m i`equkst dkmkjt jed vn`gkeik thk jrihnvk ns jgs` f`nef t` mueitn`ejs j spjik i`bbkb`rjtnef trjubj jed g`ss Nt strncks bk thkrkm`rk
thjt thk jrihnvkmdashjs j spjik thjt bjnetjnes j i`etneujg rkgjtn`e t` thk
pjstmdashns jgwjys jgrkjdy j bkgjeih`gy spjik Vhjt N wnsh t` suffkst
hkrk ne spkinmni rkgjtn`e t` Lkickttbdquos w`rc ns thjt thk Lkickttnje sul-
okit lki`bks j gntkrjg kbl`dnbket m whjt N hjvk kgskwhkrk ijggkd thk
lsquobkgjeih`gy jrihnvkbdquo Thk Lkickttnje sulokit nbb`lngnzkd jed
mrjfbketkdmdashthnec `m Vneenk lurnkd t` hkr ekic ne kjrth ne Hjppy
Djys3 `m B`uth ne E`t N 3 `m Bjg`ek ne Bjg`ek Dnks3 `m thk mnfurk ne
I`bpjey mdashns jgwjys j hnst`rnijg sulokit j sulokit b`rk prkinskgy
sulokit t` hnst`ry Yhk ns i`etneujggy rkbkblkrnef s`bktnbks jfjnest
hkr wngg whjt hjs `iiurrkd ne thk pjst3 shk ns i`etneujggy jttkbptnef
t` rkijpturk j pjst shk bjy e`t muggy i`bprkhked
Jed nt ns thk Lkickttnje l`dy whnih lki`bks thk prnbjry rkp`sn-
t`ry m`r thksk rkbjnes thksk trjiks `m hnst`ry Thk ihjrjitkr bjy
kxnstmdashjs ne Hjppy Djys r Kedfjbk mdashjt whjt jppkjrs t` lk thk ked`m hubje iugturk lut shkmdashhkr l`dymdashbjnetjnes thk jrihnvjg trjiks
`m thjt g`st iugturk Thk nbjfks Lkicktt fnvks us ne hns drjbj jed
pr`skmdashj dnskbl`dnkd b`uth j l`dy nbb`lngnzkd ne j whkkgihjnr
`r thk kjrth pk`pgk ne uresmdashjrk nbjfks thjt i`eirktnzk thk ndkj `m
bkb`ry js kbl`dnkd `r jrihnvkd N suffkstkd jl`vk thjt m`r Lkicktt
sulokitnvntymdashthk skesk m wh` wk jrkmdashns muggy dkpkedket e thk l`dy
Vhjt Mrkud jed Dkrrndj jgg`w us t` uedkrstjed ns thk wjy sulokitnv-
nty ne Lkicktt ns muggy dkpkedket `e hnst`ry jed jrihnvkd bkb`ryMrkudbdquos e`tn`es `m b`urenef jed bkgjeih`gnj t`fkthkr wnth thk
Dkrrndkje rkjdnef `m thk jrihnvk jrk i`eikpts thjt wngg pr`vk uskmug
ne rkjdnef je juth`r wh`sk w`rc ns jt j pr`m`ued gkvkg jgwjys jl`ut
thk pjst j pjst whnih bjy hjvk rkikdkd net` m`rfktmugekss lut wh`sk
igjnbs jrk stngg lknef mkgt Ne nts strjefkekss Lkickttbdquos w`rc prkskets
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2727
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
eubkr`us dnmmniugtnks lut js wk shjgg dnsi`vkr hk ekvkr jljed`es
hns rkjdkr `r judnkeik i`bpgktkgy Mnrst js N hjvk bketn`ekd hns
ihjrjitkrsmdashwh` jt tnbks lki`bk `ur surr`fjtks `ur ueijeey d`u-
lgksmdashkxprkss buih thk sjbk i`emusn`e jl`ut thknr w`rgds js thkrkjdkr3 js suih thk strjefkekss lkijusk shjrkd lki`bks ne j skesk
e`rbjgnzkd Yki`ed jed pkrhjps b`rk nbp`rtjet Lkickttbdquos w`rc
ckys net` muedjbketjggy rki`fenzjlgk sntujtn`es Vk jgg jrk irkjtn`es
`m hnst`rnks wk bjy e`t rki`fenzk `r wnsh t` rki`fenzk3 wk jgg jt
tnbks dnsjv`w `ur pjsts kvke js wk mkkg thk prkssurks `m hnst`ry3 wk
jgg ne `thkr w`rds jrk hnst`rnijgmdashne Mrkudbdquos tkrbs bkgjeih`gymdash
irkjturks Lkickttbdquos w`rc ns iruinjg lkijusk nt rkgketgkssgy rkb`rskgkssgy
i`bpkgs us t` i`emr`et thk pr`m`ued igjnbs thjt hnst`ry bust bjckup`e us jgg Js wk i`bk t` rki`fenzk thk igjnbs `m thk pjst jed rkjg-
nzk thk kxtket t` whnih hnst`ry i`estruits thk hubje sulokit wk lkfne
t` uedkrstjed thjt Lkickttbdquos w`rc jt tnbks skkbnefgy s` strjefk
skkbnefgy nehubje ns `egy kvkr j i`bpjssn`ejtk jttkbpt t` i`bprk-
hked hubjenty ntskgm
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1527
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
lt
w`rd lsquoe`thnefbdquo fjthkrs j cned `m neirkbketjg rks`ejeik ne thns mnejg
sketkeik h`w nt lki`bks igkjr thjt e`thnef t` spkjc pkrhjps pjrj-
d`xnijggy lki`bks s`bkthnef s`bkthnef t` lk kxpg`rkd js j thkbk
js j rkjgnty (wk bjy rkijgg thjt gnek mr`b Bjg`ek Dnks lsquoE`thnef nsb`rk rkjg thje e`thnefbdquo) Js thns jst`enshnef sketkeik i`eigudks
Lkicktt jice`wgkdfks j pkrs`ejg kthnijg `lgnfjtn`e js je jrtnst je
`lgnfjtn`e t` `lskrvk jejgyzk jed kxprkss thksk b`bkets whke thk
e`thnef jrnsksmdashpkrhjps kvke jfjnest hns `we wnggmdashjed jppkjrs
t` euggnmy bkjenef t` thrkjtke `ur i`bm`rt t` krjsk `ur frjsp `m
thk rkjg
lsquoQYTH[BJENYBbdquo
T hjvk ljskd j ijrkkr `e thk kxpg`rjtn`e `m lsquoe`thnefbdquo bjy skkb pkr-
vkrsk t` s`bk Ikrtjnegy thk rkjdkrbdquos kei`uetkr wnth Lkickttbdquos vjrn`us
rkprksketjtn`es `m thk v`nd `m jlskeik `m g`ss wngg lk j dnmmniugt `ek
m`r thk snbpgk rkjs`e thjt Lkickttbdquos w`rgd ns dnmmniugt t` lkjr Jed
s`bk rkjdkrs `vkr thk ykjrs hjvk m`ued ne Lkickttbdquos w`rc j ikrtjne
ruthgkss pkrhjps kvke j i`gd nehubjenty Nm wk trjik thk trjokit`ry
`m Lkickttbdquos w`rc `e l`th stjfk jed ne pr`sk wk d` e`tnik thjt hns
systkbjtni rkduitn`e m thnefs whjt N hjvk suffkstkd ns hns rkduitn`e
t` thk lsquomuedjbketjgsbdquo d`ks nev`gvk thk rkduitn`e `m thk hubje skgm
whjt N wngg ne thns study lk rkmkrrnef t` js thk lsquosulokitbdquo E`tnik h`w
m`r nestjeik ne thk drjbj wk b`vk mr`b muggy kbl`dnkd sulokits ne
Vjntnef m`r F`d`t t` thk gkss physnijggy jlgk ihjrjitkrs ne Kedfjbk
(Hjbb ns lgned jed irnppgkd3 Ig`v ije `egy wjgc ne j stnmm-gkffkd
fjnt3 Ejff jed Ekgg l`th hjvk g`st thknr gkfs) t` ihjrjitkrs nbb`ln-gnzkd ne ures ne Qgjy t` thk dnskbl`dnkd B`uth `m E`t N J snbngjr
trjokit`ry h`gds ne thk mnrst pr`sk trng`fy B`gg`y wh`sk l`dy ns mjng-
nef ykt jlgk3 Bjg`ek wh` ns nbb`lngnzkd ne lkd3 thk ueejbjlgk wh`
bjy snbpgy lk j lrjne ne je ure Ne thk gjtkr pr`sk tkxts nt ns dnmmniugt
kvke t` dktkrbnek prkinskgy thk ejturk m thk hubje jed thk stjtus m
nts l`dy lsquoYjy j l`dy Vhkrk e`ek E` bned Vhkrk e`ek Thjt jt
gkjst J pgjik Vhkrk e`ek M`r thk l`dy T` lk nebdquo (46)
Lkicktt skkbs t` strnvk thr`ufh`ut hns ijrkkr t` rnd hns w`rc m thkl`dy t` w`rc thus t`wjrd whjt wk bjy ijgg j cned `m p`sthubjensb
Q`sthubjensb ije lk dkmnekd js thjt strjed `m phng`s`phy whnih
rjdnijggy irntnquks thk ndkj thjt thk nednvndujg sulokit ns thk iketkr `m
jgg thnefs thk lkfneenef jed ked `m jgg ce`wgkdfk jed kxpkrnkeik
thns ns thkrkm`rk j rjdnijg irntnquk m Hubjenst phng`s`phy whnih w`ugd
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1627
NETD[ITNE
9
p`snt thk hubjebdquos rkjs`e jed rjtn`ejgnty js lknef trjespjrketgy jvjng-
jlgk t` thk thnecnef sulokit Q`sthubjensb lkfnes ly i`uetkrnef
Hubjensbbdquos lkgnkm thjt thk hubje ns skgm-pr`duinef skgm-i`neindketjg
thjt nt ns s`bkh`w rksp`esnlgk m r thk pr`duitn`e `m nts w`rgd jed ntskxpkrnkeik `m thk w`rgd
Js j phng`s`phy p`sthubjensb ije lk trjikd t` bjey s`uriks
lut thk thnecnef `m Enktzsihk Bjrx jed Mrkud ns iruinjg Kjih
w`rckd t` suffkst thjt thk hubje sulokit ns e`t skgm-pr`duinef `r
skgm-i`neindketjg lut ns rjthkr pr`duikd ly nts iugturk (Bjrx) nts
gjefujfk (Enktzsihk) jed nts uei`esin`us drnvks jed nestneits
(Mrkud) Q`sthubjensb strnvks t` uedkrstjed thk prkinsk ki`e`bnks
`m thksk m`riks jed jscs qukstn`es gnck thksk H`w ns thk hubjesulokit t` rjthkr thje thk bjstkr `m gjefujfk0 H`w d`ks thk sulokit
ekf`tnjtk hkr rkgjtn`e t` thk drnvksmdasht`wjrd Kr`s Thjejt`smdashthjt
Mrkud p`snts0 H`w ije thk sulokit mrkk ntskgm nm jt jgg mr`b thk iug-
turjg m`riks `m ijpntjg ndk`g`fy jed rkgnfn`e m`riks whnih prkikdk
jed kxikkd thk sulokitbdquos kxpkrnkeik0
Thksk jrk jgg Lkickttbdquos qukstn`es jed hk wngg w`rc `ut jeswkrs ne
pgjys gnck Hjppy Djys jed e`vkgs gnck Burphy jed Thk [eejbjlgk
tkxts whnih jrk jl`ut h`w thk sulokit ekf`tnjtks j rkgjtn`e t` iugturk
(Hjppy Djys) t` thk drnvks (Burphy) t` gjefujfk (Thk [eejbjlgk)
Lut wk sh`ugd jgs` e`tk h`w Lkickttbdquos p`sthubjensb lki`bks
ueijeengy gntkrjgnzkd ne hns bnddgk-t`-gjtk-pkrn`d drjbj jed pr`sk
Lkicktt ns netkrkstkd ne kxpg`rnef thk vkry gnbnts `m thk hubje thk
vkry ksskeik `m whjt i`estntutks thk hubje T thns ked Lkicktt wngg
push thk hubje pjst `ur i`bb`e i`eikptujg l`uedjrnks3 thjt ns t`
sjy jt tnbks hk b`vks hns ihjrjitkrs net` thk spjik `m dkjth `m whjtns pkrhjps j cned `m jmtkrgnmk
Ne thk pr`sk thns thkbjtni lkfnes wnth Bjg`ek Dnks j e`vkg trjinef
thk b`bket j bje pjssks net` nekxnstkeik3 ne thk drjbj nt lkfnes
wnth Qgjy whnih skks thrkk ihjrjitkrs ne whjt jppkjrs t` lk je jmtkr-
gnmk (thk ihjrjitkrs jrk ne muekrjg ures) lnickrnef vkr thk ejrrjtnvk m
thknr pjst gnvks3 ne thk ski`ed trng`fy wk ije kjsngy nbjfnek nedkkd
sh`ugd nbjfnek thjt thk spkjckrs `m thk tkxts js wkgg js thk mnfurks
thjt jppkjr ne thk ejrrjtnvks jrk spkitkrs fh`sts N kxpg`rk thk mnfurk`m thk fh`st thk spkitkrmdashthk gntkrjg p`sthubjemdashne dktjng ne by
mnejg ihjptkr lut N oust wnsh t` nednijtk hkrk h`w Lkickttbdquos netkrkst
ne pjrnef thnefs d`we t` thk kssketnjgs gkjds g`fnijggy t` je netkrkst ne
thk spkitkr thk fh`st whnih lki`bks thk nbjfk `m thk hubje jmtkr
jgg thnefs hjvk lkke strnppkd wjy Qrkinskgy thk fh`st lki`bks j trjik
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1727
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
4
j bjrc `m thk hubjebdquos pjssnef `ut `m kxnstkeik lutmdashjed thns ns
jls`gutkgy iketrjgmdashthk fh`st ns je nesnstket rkbnedkr `m thk hubje
thjt `eik wjs Thk spkitkr ne `thkr w`rds skrvks t` rkiupkrjtk thk
hubje kvke js thk hubje pjssks net` `lgnvn`e thk spkitkr thuslki`bks whjt Ygjv`o _nzkc ijggs thk lsquonednvnsnlgk rkbjnedkr9bdquo T` put
nt lguetgy m`r Lkicktt thk t`tjg kgnbnejtn`e `m thk hubje ns j t`tjg
nbp`ssnlngnty
Qkrhjps Lkicktt suffksts wk ije `egy mned thk ejturk `m thk
hubje whjt hk ijggs lsquothk lkdr`ic `m thk kssketnjgsbdquo jt thk b`bket
thk hubje kxihjefks `ek stjtk m`r je`thkr `ek rkjgnty m`r je`thkr
Qkrhjps `egy thk jlskeik `m thk hubje (thk spkitkr) trugy rkvkjgs
whjt hjs lkke thk hubjebdquos truk ejturk Jed whjt ns m`r bk mjsinejt-nef jed iruinjg jl`ut thns pr`ikss ns thk wjy Lkicktt kgnbnejtks thk
hubje jt prkinskgy thk sjbk tnbk js hk kgnbnejtks dkejturks jed
dki`estruits ejrrjtnvk m`rb ntskgm Ne s`bk wjys Lkicktt ns jrfunef
thjt gjefujfk ntskgm bust lk kgnbnejtkd ne `rdkr m`r thk spkitkr thk
fh`st thk p`sthubje t` jppkjr gjefujfk bust lk kgnbnejtkd ne
`rdkr m r thk truth `m thk hubje t` lk ce`we
Vk bjy skk ne thns rkduitn`e j cned `m irukg trkjtbket `m thk
hubje j pkrvkrsk netkrkst ne nggekss jed dkijy lut N thnec thns w`ugd
lk j mjtjg netkrprktnvk krr`r Ikrtjnegy Lkickttbdquos w`rc nbpgnks thjt thk
l`dy ns jgwjys j gnjlngnty s`bkthnef thjt wngg nekvntjlgy mjng (je hngjrn-
`us gnek mr`b Bjg`ek Dnks suffksts thns lsquoNm N hjd thk usk `m by l`dy
N w`ugd thr`w nt `ut `m thk wned`wbdquo SltltR) Lut wk bust e`tnik thjt
thk l`dy `r snfes `m thk l`dy ekvkr muggy dnsjppkjrs mr`b Lkickttbdquos
w`rgd Thk pkrsnstkeik `m thk l`dy thk mrjfbketkd l`dy thk dnskb-
l`dnkd l`dy ns `ek `m Lkickttbdquos bjo`r thkbks jed `ek thjt p`skss`bk `m hns b`st netkrkstnef netkrprktnvk qukstn`es jed ihjggkefks
why d`ks Lkicktt w`rc t` rkduik jed mrjfbket thk l`dy0 H`w jrk wk
t` netkrprkt mrjfbkets `m hubjenty0
ek jeswkr t` thksk qukstn`es rkgjtks t` whjt N hjvk sjnd jl`vk
jl`ut Lkicktt rkduinef thnefs t` thk muedjbketjgs ne rdkr t` uedkr-
stjed thk ksskeik `m thk hubje ne Qgjy jed E`t N Lkicktt skkbs t`
lk suffkstnef thjt thksk ihjrjitkrs rkjggy `egy jrk thknr v`niks rkjggy
`egy jrk t` lk b`rk prkinsk thknr ejrrjtnvks Vhjt bjttkrs t` thkbjt thns spkinmni pgjik jt thns spkinmni tnbk ns thknr jlngntymdashpkrhjps
thknr i`bpugsn`e thknr `lgnfjtn`emdasht` spkjc Lkicktt w`ugd skkb t`
lk suffkstnef thjt thk t`tjgnty `m thk l`dy jt thns spkinmni b`bket ns
e`t tkrrnlgy nbp`rtjet t` thk sulokit js shk trnks t` uedkrstjed hkr
prksket sntujtn`e Lut js N suffkst wk d` e`tnik thjt Lkicktt ekvkr
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1827
NETD[ITNE
muggy rkb`vks thk l`dy `r thk snfes `m thk l`dy (v`nik m`r nestjeik)
ketnrkgy thk st`rnks hns ihjrjitkrs tkgg hns w`rc skkbs t` nbpgy jrk
wrnttke `e jed thr`ufh thk l`dy Yt`rnks jrk trjesgjtkd ne `thkr
w`rds ly thk l`dy Lkickttbdquos ihjrjitkrs bjy lk p`sthubje lut thkyjrk e`t muggy p`sti`rp`rkjg
Je`thkr wjy m puttnef thns ndkj jdbnttkdgy ek m Lkickttbdquos b`st
ihjggkefnef ns thjt sulokitnvntymdashthjt skesk thk hubje hjs `m ntskgm
js j thnecnef netkrprktnef irkjturkmdashns muggy dkpkedket `e thk l`dy
Yulokitnvnty ns kbl`dnbket y`u jrk y`ur l`dy jed y`ur l`dybdquos dksnrks
js buih js y`u jrk y`ur bned Jed thus whngk thk l`dy ns je nbpkdn-
bket jed wngg jgwjys dkijy jed mjng thk l`dy ijee`t dnsjppkjr
ne Lkicktt lkijusk thk skgm jed thk skgmbdquos uedkrstjednef `m ntskgmw`ugd js wkgg Thkrk ns js N rkjd nt thke j cned `m djrc i`bpjssn`e
ne Lkicktt m`r thk i`bpr`bnskd l`dy m`r thk irnppgkd jed thk ngg
thkrk ns j i`bpjssn`e m`r thk summkrnef sulokit wh` ije rkjggy `egy
uedkrstjed hkrskgm jed hkr w`rgd thr`ufh thk bkdnub m j dkijynef
pjnemug l`dy ur qukstn`es js rkjdkrs m Lkicktt bust e`w lki`bk
nm thk skgm uedkrstjeds ntskgm thr`ufh thk i`bpr`bnskd spkitrjg
l`dy whjt cneds `m netkrprktjtn`es wngg nt bjck0 Nm thk skgm uedkr-
stjeds thk w`rgd thr`ufh nts mrjfbketkd p`sthubje l`dy whjt
cneds `m netkrprktjtn`es `m thk w`rgd ije lk bjdk0
lsquoQYTH[BJENYBbdquo J Q]NY
Thksk jrk jgg Lkickttbdquos qukstn`es lut N wnsh t` `mmkr s`bkthnef `m j
pr`vns` lkm`rk i`etneunef N suffkstkd jl`vk thjt Lkicktt ns strnvnef
m`r j lsquocned `mbdquo p`sthubjensb N thnec nt ns lkst jgwjys t` usk tkrbspr`vnsn`ejggy wnth Lkicktt m`r surkgy `ek `m thk kmmkits `m hns w`rc
ns t` ijgg jls`gutkgy net` qukstn`e thk vkry ndkj `m stjlgk ijtkf`rnks
stjlgk `pp`sntn`es (lsquohubje-p`sthubjebdquo) Qkrhjps nt ns lkst hkrk jt
thk `utskt t` suffkst thjt hns w`rc irntnquks thk ndkj `m thk hubje
jed thk p`sthubje kqujggy Qrkinskgy ly dnsi`vkrnef thk pkrsnstkeik
`m thk hubje kvke ne nts b`st dkeudkd m rb Lkicktt kssketnjggy i`g-
gjpsks thk `pp`sntn`e lsquohubje-p`sthubjebdquo t` thk p`net whkrk thk
tkrbs lki`bk netkrihjefkjlgk jed hkeik jgb`st bkjenefgkssThjt ns t` sjy m`r Lkicktt wk jrk jgwjys jgrkjdy p`sthubje nes`-
mjr js wk jrk i`etr`ggkd ly dnsi`ursks (hnst`ry ndk`g`fy gjefujfk)
prkikdnef jed kxikkdnef us3 wk jrk jgwjys jgrkjdy p`sthubje js wk
dnsi`vkr thjt `ur l`dnks jrk sntks `m nekvntjlgk mjngurk jed i`ggjpsk3
wk jrk jgwjys jgrkjdy p`sthubje nes`mjr js thk ndkj `m j snefugjr
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1927
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
=
skgm ns je nggusn`e Lkicktt jice`wgkdfks thksk ndkjs kjrgy ne hns ijrkkr3
ne Qr`ust (gt9) hk jice`wgkdfks thjt thk skgm ns e`t j stjlgk sulokit
lut rjthkr thjt thk lsquonednvndujg ns j suiikssn`e `m nednvndujgsbdquo ()3
b`rk`vkr lsquoThk sulokit hjs dnkdmdashjed pkrhjps bjey tnbksmdashjg`efthk wjybdquo (9) By usk `m thk tkrb lsquop`sthubjebdquo thke ns s`bkthnef `m
j i`evkenkeik j wjy `m spkjcnef lsquojl`utbdquo `r lsquojr`uedbdquo thk pkiugnjrntnks
`m thk Lkickttnje sulokit thk sulokit wh` jgwjys bust ekf`tnjtk hns
rkjgnty vnj systkbs `m th`ufhtmdashgjefujfk lknef thk prnbjrymdashwh`sk
pjrjbktkrs jed pr`t`i`gs jrk jgwjys oust lky`ed hns mugg i`etr`g
THK QLGKB M NETKQKTJTNELkickttbdquos bjenpugjtn`e `m fkerk hns rkduitn`e jed dnsbjetgnef `m
thk sulokit hns rkgketgkss netkrkst ne thk vjrn`us jspkits `m lsquoe`thnef-
ekssbdquo (g`ss jlskeik)mdashhk ijggs thns hns lsquomndkgnty t` mjngurkbdquo (lsquoThrkk
Dnjg`fuksbdquo =9)mdashgkjd js N hjvk lkke suffkstnef t` s`bk mjnrgy
jiutk netkrprktnvk dnmmniugtnks Hjes-Fk`rf Fjdjbkr j phng`s`phkr
`m thk hkrbkekutni sih``g (jed studket `m Bjrtne Hkndkffkr) suf-
fksts thjt jgg rkjg netkrprktjtn`e `r lsquohkrbkekutnisbdquo lkfnes wnth
ndketnmynef j spkinmni g`ijtn`e `m d`ult `r uekjsk ne j tkxt Js hk
wrntks ne Qhng`s`phnijg Hkrbkekutnis lsquoThk rkjg p`wkr m hkrbkekutn-
ijg i`esin`usekss ns `ur jlngnty t` skk whjt ns qukstn`ejlgkbdquo (9) Vk
ekkd ne `thkr w`rds t` lk jlgk t` jsc thk pr`pkr qukstn`es `m tkxts
Lut ne Lkicktt `ur pr`lgkb lki`bks skkbnefgy netrjitjlgk lkijusk
kvkrythnef ne thk tkxt jppkjrs t` lk qukstn`ejlgk H`w jrk wk t`
netkrprkt tkxts thjt skkb pjrjd`xnijggy t` `mmkr s` bjey qukstn`es
jed thke rksnst `r m`rkig`sk thk p`ssnlngnty `m jeswkrnef th`sk quks-tn`es0 H`w ne `thkr w`rds jrk wk t` rkjd Lkicktt0
N wngg suffkst hkrk ne wjys thjt g``c ljic t` Lkickttbdquos `we skesk `m
`lgnfjtn`e (rkijgg hns skesk kxprksskd ne Thrkk Dnjg`fuks `m thk lsquo`lgn-
fjtn`e t` kxprkssbdquo) thjt `ur netkrprktjtn`es `m Lkicktt sh`ugd lkfne
ly pjynef ijrkmug jttketn`e t` thk wjys ne whnih hns tkxts jetninpjtk
`ur dnmmniugtnks jed pkrhjps `mmkr s`bk fundjeik Nm wk jrk puzzgkd ly
ikrtjne thnefsmdashVh` jrk thksk ihjrjitkrs0 Vhjt jrk thknr hnst`rnks0
Vhkrk jed whke kxjitgy jrk thksk st`rnks `iiurrnef0 Vhjt kxjitgyd`ks nt jgg bkje0mdashwk sh`ugd rki`fenzk thjt `ur pkrpgkxnty wnth
thk tkxt ns bnrr`rkd ly thk ihjrjitkrsbdquo `we pkrpgkxnty jl`ut thknr
w`rgds Thk rkjdkrbdquos sntujtn`e `m puzzgkbket ns prkinskgy thjt `m thk
ihjrjitkrs jed thus wk jrrnvk jt j iruinjg `lskrvjtn`e Lkickttbdquos tkxts
thkbskgvks wngg skt `ut thk fr`ued rugks m`r netkrprktnef hns w`rgd
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2027
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2127
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
8
Lkickttbdquos ihjrjitkrs thus mueitn`e ne j stjtk `m pr`m`ued rkfrkt jed
jf`eymdash`mtke rkprksskd jed dnsjv`wkdmdash`vkr whjt bnfht hjvk lkke
Ne Crjppbdquos Gjst Tjpk m`r nestjeik Crjpp rktrjiks hns pjst hnst`ry
thr`ufh tjpk rki`rdnefs `m hns `we v`nik t` rkvnsnt j b`bket `m p`s-snlgk th`ufh e`w m`rkvkr g`st hjppnekss Crjppbdquos we v`nik hns we
hnst`ry ns spkitrjg lkijusk hns rki`rdnefs jrk `m j dkjd jed nrrktrnkv-
jlgk pjst lut ek whnih igkjrgy stngg hjuets hnb e`w Ne whjt ns surkgy
`ek `m Lkickttbdquos b`st pjnemugmdashjed netkeskgy i`bpjssn`ejtk
b`bketsmdashwk skk h`w j fh`stgy hnst`ry lrutjgnzks Crjpp
Qjst bndenfht Ekvkr cekw suih sngkeik Thk kjrth bnfht lk uene-
hjlntkd Hkrk N ked thns rkkg L`x thrkk sp``g mnvkQkrhjps by lkst ykjrs jrk f`ek Vhke thkrk wjs j ihjeik `m hjp-
pnekss Lut N w`ugdebdquot wjet thkb ljic E`t wnth thk mnrk ne bk
e`w E` N w`ugdebdquot wjet thkb ljic (ltltgt)
Lkicktt d`ks e`t js thk irntnijg ignihicirc bjy hjvk nt bkrkgy rkprksket j
w`rgd `m jlsurdnty j w`rgd wnth`ut bkjenef Thns ns j w`rgd thjt
i`etneujggy mkkgs thk igjnbs `m thk pjst `m hnst`ry Jed thkrk ns j
bkjenef ne dnsi`vkrnef thksk igjnbs j bkjenef ne rki`fenznef `ekbdquos
nedkltkdekss t` thk pjst j bkjenef ne rkjgnznef thjt `ekbdquos `lgnfjtn`e
ns t` i`bk t` tkrbs wnth thksk igjnbs jed dklts
THKKTNIJG JQQJIH THK lsquoGNTKJT[K M THK
[EVDbdquo BKGJEIHG^ JED THK JIHN]K
Qjrt `m by purp`sk hkrk ne thns Fundk ns t` pr`vndk wjys `m bjcnefskesk `m Lkickttbdquos dnmmniugt w`rc ek wjy N wngg pr`ikkd wngg lk t`
drjw `e thk w`rc `m phng`s`phkrs thk`rnsts jed irntnis wh`sk ndkjs
jgg`w us t` uedkrstjed thk i`bpgkxnty `m Lkickttbdquos uenvkrsk N wngg
hkrk lk drjwnef `e thk gncks `m phke`bke`g`fnsts Bjrtne Hkndkffkr
Hjes-Fk`rf Fjdjbkr jed Kbbjeukg Gkvnejs bjrxnst Thk`d`r
Jd`re` psyih`jejgysts Ynfbued Mrkud jed Ojiquks Gjije jed
dki`estruitn`enst Ojiquks Dkrrndj N lkgnkvk thjt thk w`rc `m thksk
thk`rnsts ije kmmkitnvkgy uepjic ikrtjne netkrprktnvk pr`lgkbs neLkicktt oust js N lkgnkvk thjt ikrtjne b`bkets ne LkickttmdashN thnec `m
B`uthbdquos ketry net` gjefujfk ne E`t N mdashije kmmkitnvkgy nggustrjtk thk
netkrprktnvk pr`lgkbs ne thk w`rc m s`bk thk`rnsts (nedkkd N wngg usk
E`t N t` nggustrjtk Gjijebdquos dnmmniugt e`tn`e `m thk kjg) By netketn`e
ns e`t thkrkm`rk snbpgy t` rkjd Lkicktt thr`ufh j pjrtniugjr thk`ry
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2227
NETD[ITNE
gt
lut t` nbjfnek thjt thkrk ns j butujg pr`ikss `m netkrprktjtn`e jed
netkrr`fjtn`e `iiurrnef lktwkke thk`rnst jed mnitn`e
THK FKBJE GKTTK
N jgs` lkgnkvk pkrhjps ejnvkgy thjt Lkicktt hnbskgm ns hns `we mnrst
jed lkst irntni Js N hjvk bketn`ekd Lkicktt `mmkrkd mkw irntnijg i`b-
bketjrnks `e hns w`rc `vkr thk ykjrs lut th`sk thjt hjvk i`bk d`we
t` usmdashjs m`r nestjeik Thrkk Dnjg`fuks mdashjrk `m frkjt vjguk t` jey
rkjdkr Ne thk gjttkr ihjptkrs `m thns study N wngg lk rkmkrrnef `mtke t`
Lkickttbdquos Fkrbje Gkttkr `m gt96 jed kspkinjggy t` hns e`tn`e `m thk
lsquogntkrjturk `m thk uew`rdbdquo j i`eikpt N thnec ns iketrjg t` thk pr`frks-sn`e `m hns w`rc N wnsh thkrkm`rk t` tjck s`bk spjik hkrk jed
`utgnek thk nbp`rtjeik `m thns Gkttkr
Ne gt9= Lkicktt trjvkgkd t` Fkrbjey `e whjt kssketnjggy wjs je
jrt h`gndjy hk vnsntkd skvkrjg jrt fjggkrnks jed jgth`ufh jefkrkd ly
thk Ejzn rkfnbkbdquos ikes`rnef `m jrt nt i`esndkrkd dkijdket hk wjs
frkjtgy nbprksskdmdashjed nemgukeikdmdashly thk w`rc hk sjw Thk trnp
skrvkd js j cned m spnrntujg jed phng`s`phnijg jwjckenef js hns dnj-
rnks jttkst Thk Fkrbje Gkttkr ns pjrt `m j i`rrksp`edkeik lktwkke
Lkicktt jed j mrnked (Jxkg Cjue wh`b hk bkt ne Fkrbjey) wrnttke
thrkk b`eths jmtkr hns rkture t` Dulgne Ne thk Gkttkr Lkicktt spkjcs
`m thk ekkd t` b`vk pjst rkiknvkd dnsi`ursks jed i`evketn`es t` gnl-
krjtk hnbskgm mr`b trjdntn`ejg gjefujfks jed m`rbs N qu`tk jt s`bk
gkefth
Nt ns nedkkd lki`bnef b`rk jed b`rk dnmmniugt kvke skeskgkss m`rbk t` wrntk je `mmninjg Kefgnsh Jed b`rk jed b`rk by `we gje-
fujfk jppkjrs t` bk gnck j vkng thjt bust lk t`re jpjrt ne `rdkr t`
fkt jt thk thnefs (`r thk E`thnefekss) lkhned nt Frjbbjr jed
Ytygk T bk thky skkb t` hjvk lki`bk js nrrkgkvjet js j ]nit`rnje
ljthnef sunt `r thk nbpkrturljlngnty `m j truk fketgkbje J bjsc
Gkt us h`pk thk tnbk wngg i`bk thjec F`d thjt ne ikrtjne inrigks nt
hjs jgrkjdy i`bk whke gjefujfk ns b`st kmmninketgy uskd whkrk
nt ns lknef b`st kmmninketgy bnsuskd Js wk ijee`t kgnbnejtk gje-fujfk jgg jt `eik wk sh`ugd jt gkjst gkjvk e`thnef ued`ek thjt
bnfht i`etrnlutk t` nts mjggnef net` dnsrkputk T` l`rk `ek h`gk
jmtkr je`thkr ne nt uetng whjt gurcs lkhned ntmdashlk nt s`bkthnef `r
e`thnefmdashlkfnes t` skkp thr`ufh3 N ijee`t nbjfnek j hnfhkr f`jg
m`r j wrntkr t`djy (6rsquo6lt)
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2327
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
lt1
Ne by kstnbjtn`e thk mugg nbpgnijtn`es `m thk Gkttkr whnih m`r bk
ns Lkickttbdquos jrtnstni bjenmkst` wngg e`t lk rkjgnzkd uetng thk gjtkr e`v-
kgs (kspkinjggy thk trng`fnks) lut wk sh`ugd rki`fenzk h`w Lkickttbdquos
stjtkd nbpjtnkeik wnth trjdntn`ejg m`rb rks`ejtks net` kvke thk kjrgypr`sk jed drjbj Lkickttbdquos dnsdjne m`r lsquo`mmninjg Kefgnshbdquo m`r lsquoFrjbbjr
jed Ytygkbdquo thnefs js nrrkgkvjet js j ]nit`rnje ljthnef sunt spkjc t`
j mrustrjtn`e j l`rkd`b kvke wnth thk g`fni jed trjokit`rnks `m thk
enektkketh-iketury e`vkg Hk spkjcs murthkr t` h`w busni jed
pjnetnef hjvk m ued wjys m b`vnef lky`ed trjdntn`ejg m`rb ne rdkr
t` rkprksket sngkeik jed jlskeik (thnefs e`t jss`injtkd wnth rkprkske-
tjtnvk jrt)3 hk suffksts thjt gjefujfk ntskgm bust lk shjttkrkd ne rdkr
t` rkvkjg whjt wjs prkvn`usgy uerkprksketjlgkJed whngk Lkickttbdquos bjenmkst` s`ueds jvjet-fjrdk hns ndkj thjt
gjefujfk ns j vkng t` lk t`re jpjrt g``cs ljic t` thk `bjetnis jed
thknr e`tn`e thjt p`ktry w`rcs t` rkvkjg thk ueskke Lkickttbdquos lsquoby
`we gjefujfk jppkjrs t` bk gnck j vkng thjt bust lk t`re jpjrtbdquo kih`ks
Yhkggkybdquos J Dkmkeik `m Q`ktry jed hns skesk thjt p`ktry gnmts lsquothk vkng
mr`b thk hnddke lkjuty `m thk w`rgd jed bjcks mjbngnjr `lokits lk
js nm thky wkrk e`t mjbngnjrbdquo (6) Thkrk ns `m i`ursk j w`rgd `m dnm-
mkrkeik lktwkke gnmtnef jed dkstr`ynef thk vkngmdashthk dnmmkrkeik
pkrhjps lktwkke thk `bjetni jed thk B`dkremdashlut Lkickttbdquos
dksnrk js j wrntkr ns j mjbngnjr `ek hns w`rc wngg jttkbpt t` sh`w thk
w`rgd ne j ekw wjy Ne by rkjdnef Lkickttbdquos tkjrnef `m thk vkng
lki`bks thk pkrmkit bktjph`r m`r thk pr`ikss `m rkvkjgnef `vkrtgy
skgm-i`esin`usgy jed irntnijggy thk nbpgnijtn`es `m jrt hkrk thk e`vkg
jed drjbj ne j ekw wjy
THK lsquoGNTKJT[K M THK [EVDbdquo
Ne thk gjst pjrjfrjph `m thk Gkttkr Lkicktt suffksts thjt thns pr`ikss
`m dkstr`ynef gjefujfk `m rkvkjgnef nts lsquotkrrnlgk bjtkrnjgntybdquo (6lt)
wngg kvketujggy gkjd t` whjt hk ijggs j lsquogntkrjturk `m thk uew`rdbdquo (69)
N wnsh ne whjt m`gg`ws t` suffkst thjt Lkickttbdquos ketnrk ijrkkr js j
wrntkr mneds nts lkfneenef jed ked nts fr`ued jed f`jg ne thns ndkj
stjtkd ne gt96 J gntkrjturk `m thk uew`rd ns `lvn`usgy j i`etrjdni-tn`e ne tkrbs j pjrjd`x je jp`rnj (t` usk thk Dkrrndkje i`estruitn`e)3
j gntkrjturk `m thk uew`rd ns je jttkbpt t` usk gjefujfk t` sngkeik
gjefujfk (hk ijggs nt lsquoJe jssjugt jfjnest w`rds ne thk ejbk `m lkjutybdquo
S69R) Hns jnb kssketnjggy ns t` mned j bkjes `m dki`bp`snef jed
b`vnef lky`ed gjefujfk t` shjttkr gjefujfk net` j cned `m krjsurk
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
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NETD[ITNE
lt
`m ntskgm (thns jttkbpt t` kgnbnejtk gjefujfk ns fk`bktrnijggy pr`p`r-
tn`ejg t` hns jttkbpt t` kgnbnejtk thk l`dy js wk wngg skk) By
jrfubket ns quntk snbpgy thns thr`ufh`ut hns ijrkkr Lkicktt ns skjrih-
nef m`r thk bkjes t` put je ked t` gntkrjturk t` put je ked t` wrntneft` put je ked t` hns `we dksnrk t` wrntk Thk trjokit`ry `m hns w`rc
mr`b thk kjrgy drjbj jed pr`sk t` thk gjtk ns `ek `m rjdnijg rkdui-
tn`e `m w`rcnef t` mned j bkjes t` gntkrjturkbdquos ked Ne thk drjbj wk
b`vk mr`b thk muggy kbl`dnkd drjbj `m F`d`t t` thk gjtk fh`stgy
pgjys whkrk `mtke gjefujfk d`ks e`t kvke mkjturk3 ne thk pr`sk wk
b`vk mr`b thk pgjymug fjrrug`usekss m Burphy t` thk shjttkrkd sye-
tjx jed dnbnenshkd frjbbjrs `m V`rstwjrd H`4
Nt ns prkinskgy lkijusk Lkickttbdquos w`rc ns fr`uedkd `e suih i`bpgkxphng`s`phnijg i`etrjdnitn`esmdashj wrntkr wrntnef gntkrjturk `ut `m
kxnstkeik nbp`ssnlgkmdashthjt N lkgnkvk wk bust hjvk rki`ursk t` thk
vjrn`us thk`rktnijg jed phng`s`phnijg trjdntn`es thjt jr`sk snbugtj-
ek`us wnth Lkickttbdquos `we dkvkg`pbket js j wrntkr By thk`rktnijg
jppr`jih ne thns Fundk ije pkrhjps lkst lk dksirnlkd js pr`bnsiu-
`us lut N tked t` thnec thjt j dki`estruitn`enst psyih`jejgysns ns thk
lkst wjy `m pr`ikkdnef wnth Lkicktt jt gkjst m`r bk T` nggustrjtk
whjt N bkje hkrkmdashjed ly wjy `m i`eigudnef thns Netr`duitn`emdash
N wnsh t` `utgnek tw` i`eikpts whnih wngg pr`vk irntnijg ne by rkjdnef
`m kspkinjggy thk drjbj
BKGJEIHGNJ
J bjo`r thkbk ne Lkicktt ns thjt `m bkb`ry `m ihjrjitkrs gnck
Crjpp `r Hjbb hjuetkd ly thk fh`st `m bkb`ry Jt j ljsni gkvkgthk Lkicktt ihjrjitkr gnvks ne j pr`trjitkd stjtk `m rkfrkt jed g`ss
j stjtk hk `r shk bjy e`t kvke rki`fenzk js suih Hnst`ry thk pjst
nbpnefks pr`m uedgy e thk ihjrjitkr jed js Lkicktt wrntks ne Qr`ust
thrkjtkes i`etneujggy t` lsquodkm`rbbdquo hnb Ne gt6 Ynfbued Mrkud pul-
gnshkd je kssjy thjt hjs rkiketgy i`bk t` lk skke js j iruinjg dnjfe`sns
`m j i`etkbp`rjry iugturjg i`edntn`e Ne lsquoB`urenef jed Bkgjeih`gnjbdquo
Mrkud jttkbpts t` i`bk t` je uedkrstjednef m h`w thk sulokit dkjgs
wnth trjubj jed g`ss Thkrk jrk hk thk`rnzks tw` rksp`esks t` g`sst` thk g`ss `m j g`vkd `ek `r thk lsquog`ss `m s`bk jlstrjitn`e whnih hjs
tjcke thk pgjik `m `ek suih js `ekbdquos i`uetry gnlkrty je ndkjg `r s`
`ebdquo (ltlt) Thk mnrst jed b`st hkjgthy ns whjt hk ijggs b`urenef
B`urenef ns j pr`ikss ly whnih thk g`ss ns i`bprkhkedkd jed
jiikptkd lsquow`rckd thr`ufhbdquo t` usk hns tkrbne`g`fy B`urenef ns thk
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
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LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
ltlt
e`rbjg wjy `ek bust dkjg wnth trjubj jed g`ss wnth whjt Mrkud
lkjutnmuggy tkrbs thk lsquoki`e`bnis `m pjnebdquo (ltlt) Qrkinskgy h`w thk
sulokit `vkri`bks g`ss ns e`t ce`we ly Mrkudmdashnt ns j dnmmniugt pr`-
ikss3 nt ns lsquow`rcbdquomdashlut kvketujggy thk b`urekr jiikpts thjt thk g`vkd`ek wnth wh`b hk bjy hjvk ndketnmnkd ns e` g`efkr hkrk t` bjcks
igjnbs `e hnb
Bkgjeih`gnj `e thk `thkr hjed ns je jle`rbjg rksp`esk t` g`ss
jed sntujtks thk sulokit ne j i`etneujg p`sntn`e `m ejrinssnstni ndketn-
mnijtn`e wnth thk g`st `lokit Ne `thkr w`rds thk bkgjeih`gy sulokit
ijee`t jiikpt thjt hkr g`vkd `ek ns ne mjit f`ek jed w`rcs pjth`g`fn-
ijggy lsquot` kstjlgnsh je ndketnmnijtn`e `m thk kf` wnth thk jljed`ekd
`lokitbdquo (lt8) Vhjt thns bkjes ns thjt thk pjstmdashg`ss trjubjmdashi`e-tneujggy w`rcs nts wjy net` thk prksket b`bket lkijusk thk sulokit
ijee`t b`vk pjst nt B`rk tr`ulgnef ns thk ndkj thjt thk sulokit d`ks
e`t wnsh t` jgg`w g`ss t` rkikdk net` hnst`ry lut dksnrks i`etneujggy t`
bjnetjne j i`eekitn`e t` thk trjubjtni b`bket Ne s`bk wjys thk
sulokit bjnetjnes thns pjth`g`fnijg stjtkmdashwhnih bjy ne mjit e`t lk
s` pjth`g`fnijg jmtkr jggmdashlkijusk thk trjubjtni b`bket ns nbp`r-
tjet m`r hkr bjy ne mjit hjvk shjpkd wh` shk ns
Vk bjy dnjfe`sk j frkjt eublkr `m Lkickttbdquos ihjrjitkrs js lknef
bkgjeih`gni ne Mrkudbdquos skesk Thky jrk hjuetkd ly thk pjst jed s`bk
gnck Crjpp Hjbb jed Vneenk dkgnlkrjtkgy jttkbpt t` rki`eekit wnth
j pjst thjt neigudks b`bkets `m g`ss jed kxtrkbk pjne Ne `thkr w`rds
thk mueitn`e `m bkb`ry ne Lkicktt ns gjrfkgy bkgjeih`gni prkinskgy
lkijusk thk ihjrjitkrs jice`wgkdfk i`esin`usgy `r uei`esin`usgy
thjt thky jrk thk pr`duits m j pjst whnih hjs bkringkssgy dkmnekd thkb
js summkrnef sulokits Lkickttbdquos ihjrjitkrs ignef s` rkgketgkssgy t` thkpjst lkijusk m`r rkjs`es wk wngg kxpg`rk thk prksket b`bket ns dkv`nd
`m snfenmnijeik3 thk jf`enznef pjst bjy lrutjgnzk lut ne nt jrk thk trjiks
thk hnst`rnijg mrjfbkets `m ndketnty jed bkjenef
THK JIHN]K
Dki`estruitn`enst Ojiquks Dkrrndj drjwnef hkjvngy `e Mrkud `mmkrs
j ski`ed rkgjtkd i`eikpt thjt N wngg usk t` rkjd thksk ihjrjitkrsbdquo rkgj-tn`e t` hnst`ry g`ss jed trjubj Ne Jrihnvk Mkvkr Dkrrndj jejgyzks
thk i`eikpt `m thk jrihnvk js j wjy `m i`bnef t` je uedkrstjednef
`m thk wjy thk sulokit ekf`tnjtks nts rkgjtn`eshnp t` hnst`ry t` thk
pjst jed thk muturk thk jrihnvk ns thus j bkjes ly whnih Dkrrndj
trnks t` uedkrstjed thk hubje js j lknef sntujtkd ne tnbk mkkgnef thk
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
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NETD[ITNE
lt9
igjnbs `m thk tkbp`rjg Qkrhjps thk lkst wjy t` dkmnek thk jrihnvk ns
js j i`eikptujg `r bjtkrnjg spjik `m bkb`ry Thk bned ije skrvk js
je jrihnvk oust js j gnlrjry `r physnijg b`eubket ije Dkrrndj suf-
fksts thjt thk jrihnvk ns j pgjik m i`bbjedbket jed i`bbkeikbketj pgjik whkrk kvkets `m thk pjst jrk d`iubketkd juth`rntjtnvkgy js
bjrcnef thk lkfneenef `m s`bkthnef j gnmk j iugturk j invngnzjtn`e
Jrihnvks jrk spjiks m prkskrvjtn`e i`eskrvjtn`e lut jgs` m irkjtn`e
j iugturkbdquos uedkrstjednef m ntskgmmdashj sulokitbdquos uedkrstjednef m ntskgmmdash
ns irkjtkd wnthne thk spjik `m thk jrihnvk
Nt ns igkjr thjt thk jrihnvk ns j wjy `m bjtkrnjgnznef bjcnef i`e-
irktk thk pjst Jed nm hnst`ry ns gjrfkgy r ije lk gjrfkgy thk ejrrjtnvks
`m i`equkst dkmkjt jed vn`gkeik thk jrihnvk ns jgs` f`nef t` mueitn`ejs j spjik i`bbkb`rjtnef trjubj jed g`ss Nt strncks bk thkrkm`rk
thjt thk jrihnvkmdashjs j spjik thjt bjnetjnes j i`etneujg rkgjtn`e t` thk
pjstmdashns jgwjys jgrkjdy j bkgjeih`gy spjik Vhjt N wnsh t` suffkst
hkrk ne spkinmni rkgjtn`e t` Lkickttbdquos w`rc ns thjt thk Lkickttnje sul-
okit lki`bks j gntkrjg kbl`dnbket m whjt N hjvk kgskwhkrk ijggkd thk
lsquobkgjeih`gy jrihnvkbdquo Thk Lkickttnje sulokit nbb`lngnzkd jed
mrjfbketkdmdashthnec `m Vneenk lurnkd t` hkr ekic ne kjrth ne Hjppy
Djys3 `m B`uth ne E`t N 3 `m Bjg`ek ne Bjg`ek Dnks3 `m thk mnfurk ne
I`bpjey mdashns jgwjys j hnst`rnijg sulokit j sulokit b`rk prkinskgy
sulokit t` hnst`ry Yhk ns i`etneujggy rkbkblkrnef s`bktnbks jfjnest
hkr wngg whjt hjs `iiurrkd ne thk pjst3 shk ns i`etneujggy jttkbptnef
t` rkijpturk j pjst shk bjy e`t muggy i`bprkhked
Jed nt ns thk Lkickttnje l`dy whnih lki`bks thk prnbjry rkp`sn-
t`ry m`r thksk rkbjnes thksk trjiks `m hnst`ry Thk ihjrjitkr bjy
kxnstmdashjs ne Hjppy Djys r Kedfjbk mdashjt whjt jppkjrs t` lk thk ked`m hubje iugturk lut shkmdashhkr l`dymdashbjnetjnes thk jrihnvjg trjiks
`m thjt g`st iugturk Thk nbjfks Lkicktt fnvks us ne hns drjbj jed
pr`skmdashj dnskbl`dnkd b`uth j l`dy nbb`lngnzkd ne j whkkgihjnr
`r thk kjrth pk`pgk ne uresmdashjrk nbjfks thjt i`eirktnzk thk ndkj `m
bkb`ry js kbl`dnkd `r jrihnvkd N suffkstkd jl`vk thjt m`r Lkicktt
sulokitnvntymdashthk skesk m wh` wk jrkmdashns muggy dkpkedket e thk l`dy
Vhjt Mrkud jed Dkrrndj jgg`w us t` uedkrstjed ns thk wjy sulokitnv-
nty ne Lkicktt ns muggy dkpkedket `e hnst`ry jed jrihnvkd bkb`ryMrkudbdquos e`tn`es `m b`urenef jed bkgjeih`gnj t`fkthkr wnth thk
Dkrrndkje rkjdnef `m thk jrihnvk jrk i`eikpts thjt wngg pr`vk uskmug
ne rkjdnef je juth`r wh`sk w`rc ns jt j pr`m`ued gkvkg jgwjys jl`ut
thk pjst j pjst whnih bjy hjvk rkikdkd net` m`rfktmugekss lut wh`sk
igjnbs jrk stngg lknef mkgt Ne nts strjefkekss Lkickttbdquos w`rc prkskets
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2727
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
eubkr`us dnmmniugtnks lut js wk shjgg dnsi`vkr hk ekvkr jljed`es
hns rkjdkr `r judnkeik i`bpgktkgy Mnrst js N hjvk bketn`ekd hns
ihjrjitkrsmdashwh` jt tnbks lki`bk `ur surr`fjtks `ur ueijeey d`u-
lgksmdashkxprkss buih thk sjbk i`emusn`e jl`ut thknr w`rgds js thkrkjdkr3 js suih thk strjefkekss lkijusk shjrkd lki`bks ne j skesk
e`rbjgnzkd Yki`ed jed pkrhjps b`rk nbp`rtjet Lkickttbdquos w`rc
ckys net` muedjbketjggy rki`fenzjlgk sntujtn`es Vk jgg jrk irkjtn`es
`m hnst`rnks wk bjy e`t rki`fenzk `r wnsh t` rki`fenzk3 wk jgg jt
tnbks dnsjv`w `ur pjsts kvke js wk mkkg thk prkssurks `m hnst`ry3 wk
jgg ne `thkr w`rds jrk hnst`rnijgmdashne Mrkudbdquos tkrbs bkgjeih`gymdash
irkjturks Lkickttbdquos w`rc ns iruinjg lkijusk nt rkgketgkssgy rkb`rskgkssgy
i`bpkgs us t` i`emr`et thk pr`m`ued igjnbs thjt hnst`ry bust bjckup`e us jgg Js wk i`bk t` rki`fenzk thk igjnbs `m thk pjst jed rkjg-
nzk thk kxtket t` whnih hnst`ry i`estruits thk hubje sulokit wk lkfne
t` uedkrstjed thjt Lkickttbdquos w`rc jt tnbks skkbnefgy s` strjefk
skkbnefgy nehubje ns `egy kvkr j i`bpjssn`ejtk jttkbpt t` i`bprk-
hked hubjenty ntskgm
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1627
NETD[ITNE
9
p`snt thk hubjebdquos rkjs`e jed rjtn`ejgnty js lknef trjespjrketgy jvjng-
jlgk t` thk thnecnef sulokit Q`sthubjensb lkfnes ly i`uetkrnef
Hubjensbbdquos lkgnkm thjt thk hubje ns skgm-pr`duinef skgm-i`neindketjg
thjt nt ns s`bkh`w rksp`esnlgk m r thk pr`duitn`e `m nts w`rgd jed ntskxpkrnkeik `m thk w`rgd
Js j phng`s`phy p`sthubjensb ije lk trjikd t` bjey s`uriks
lut thk thnecnef `m Enktzsihk Bjrx jed Mrkud ns iruinjg Kjih
w`rckd t` suffkst thjt thk hubje sulokit ns e`t skgm-pr`duinef `r
skgm-i`neindketjg lut ns rjthkr pr`duikd ly nts iugturk (Bjrx) nts
gjefujfk (Enktzsihk) jed nts uei`esin`us drnvks jed nestneits
(Mrkud) Q`sthubjensb strnvks t` uedkrstjed thk prkinsk ki`e`bnks
`m thksk m`riks jed jscs qukstn`es gnck thksk H`w ns thk hubjesulokit t` rjthkr thje thk bjstkr `m gjefujfk0 H`w d`ks thk sulokit
ekf`tnjtk hkr rkgjtn`e t` thk drnvksmdasht`wjrd Kr`s Thjejt`smdashthjt
Mrkud p`snts0 H`w ije thk sulokit mrkk ntskgm nm jt jgg mr`b thk iug-
turjg m`riks `m ijpntjg ndk`g`fy jed rkgnfn`e m`riks whnih prkikdk
jed kxikkd thk sulokitbdquos kxpkrnkeik0
Thksk jrk jgg Lkickttbdquos qukstn`es jed hk wngg w`rc `ut jeswkrs ne
pgjys gnck Hjppy Djys jed e`vkgs gnck Burphy jed Thk [eejbjlgk
tkxts whnih jrk jl`ut h`w thk sulokit ekf`tnjtks j rkgjtn`e t` iugturk
(Hjppy Djys) t` thk drnvks (Burphy) t` gjefujfk (Thk [eejbjlgk)
Lut wk sh`ugd jgs` e`tk h`w Lkickttbdquos p`sthubjensb lki`bks
ueijeengy gntkrjgnzkd ne hns bnddgk-t`-gjtk-pkrn`d drjbj jed pr`sk
Lkicktt ns netkrkstkd ne kxpg`rnef thk vkry gnbnts `m thk hubje thk
vkry ksskeik `m whjt i`estntutks thk hubje T thns ked Lkicktt wngg
push thk hubje pjst `ur i`bb`e i`eikptujg l`uedjrnks3 thjt ns t`
sjy jt tnbks hk b`vks hns ihjrjitkrs net` thk spjik `m dkjth `m whjtns pkrhjps j cned `m jmtkrgnmk
Ne thk pr`sk thns thkbjtni lkfnes wnth Bjg`ek Dnks j e`vkg trjinef
thk b`bket j bje pjssks net` nekxnstkeik3 ne thk drjbj nt lkfnes
wnth Qgjy whnih skks thrkk ihjrjitkrs ne whjt jppkjrs t` lk je jmtkr-
gnmk (thk ihjrjitkrs jrk ne muekrjg ures) lnickrnef vkr thk ejrrjtnvk m
thknr pjst gnvks3 ne thk ski`ed trng`fy wk ije kjsngy nbjfnek nedkkd
sh`ugd nbjfnek thjt thk spkjckrs `m thk tkxts js wkgg js thk mnfurks
thjt jppkjr ne thk ejrrjtnvks jrk spkitkrs fh`sts N kxpg`rk thk mnfurk`m thk fh`st thk spkitkrmdashthk gntkrjg p`sthubjemdashne dktjng ne by
mnejg ihjptkr lut N oust wnsh t` nednijtk hkrk h`w Lkickttbdquos netkrkst
ne pjrnef thnefs d`we t` thk kssketnjgs gkjds g`fnijggy t` je netkrkst ne
thk spkitkr thk fh`st whnih lki`bks thk nbjfk `m thk hubje jmtkr
jgg thnefs hjvk lkke strnppkd wjy Qrkinskgy thk fh`st lki`bks j trjik
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1727
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
4
j bjrc `m thk hubjebdquos pjssnef `ut `m kxnstkeik lutmdashjed thns ns
jls`gutkgy iketrjgmdashthk fh`st ns je nesnstket rkbnedkr `m thk hubje
thjt `eik wjs Thk spkitkr ne `thkr w`rds skrvks t` rkiupkrjtk thk
hubje kvke js thk hubje pjssks net` `lgnvn`e thk spkitkr thuslki`bks whjt Ygjv`o _nzkc ijggs thk lsquonednvnsnlgk rkbjnedkr9bdquo T` put
nt lguetgy m`r Lkicktt thk t`tjg kgnbnejtn`e `m thk hubje ns j t`tjg
nbp`ssnlngnty
Qkrhjps Lkicktt suffksts wk ije `egy mned thk ejturk `m thk
hubje whjt hk ijggs lsquothk lkdr`ic `m thk kssketnjgsbdquo jt thk b`bket
thk hubje kxihjefks `ek stjtk m`r je`thkr `ek rkjgnty m`r je`thkr
Qkrhjps `egy thk jlskeik `m thk hubje (thk spkitkr) trugy rkvkjgs
whjt hjs lkke thk hubjebdquos truk ejturk Jed whjt ns m`r bk mjsinejt-nef jed iruinjg jl`ut thns pr`ikss ns thk wjy Lkicktt kgnbnejtks thk
hubje jt prkinskgy thk sjbk tnbk js hk kgnbnejtks dkejturks jed
dki`estruits ejrrjtnvk m`rb ntskgm Ne s`bk wjys Lkicktt ns jrfunef
thjt gjefujfk ntskgm bust lk kgnbnejtkd ne `rdkr m`r thk spkitkr thk
fh`st thk p`sthubje t` jppkjr gjefujfk bust lk kgnbnejtkd ne
`rdkr m r thk truth `m thk hubje t` lk ce`we
Vk bjy skk ne thns rkduitn`e j cned `m irukg trkjtbket `m thk
hubje j pkrvkrsk netkrkst ne nggekss jed dkijy lut N thnec thns w`ugd
lk j mjtjg netkrprktnvk krr`r Ikrtjnegy Lkickttbdquos w`rc nbpgnks thjt thk
l`dy ns jgwjys j gnjlngnty s`bkthnef thjt wngg nekvntjlgy mjng (je hngjrn-
`us gnek mr`b Bjg`ek Dnks suffksts thns lsquoNm N hjd thk usk `m by l`dy
N w`ugd thr`w nt `ut `m thk wned`wbdquo SltltR) Lut wk bust e`tnik thjt
thk l`dy `r snfes `m thk l`dy ekvkr muggy dnsjppkjrs mr`b Lkickttbdquos
w`rgd Thk pkrsnstkeik `m thk l`dy thk mrjfbketkd l`dy thk dnskb-
l`dnkd l`dy ns `ek `m Lkickttbdquos bjo`r thkbks jed `ek thjt p`skss`bk `m hns b`st netkrkstnef netkrprktnvk qukstn`es jed ihjggkefks
why d`ks Lkicktt w`rc t` rkduik jed mrjfbket thk l`dy0 H`w jrk wk
t` netkrprkt mrjfbkets `m hubjenty0
ek jeswkr t` thksk qukstn`es rkgjtks t` whjt N hjvk sjnd jl`vk
jl`ut Lkicktt rkduinef thnefs t` thk muedjbketjgs ne rdkr t` uedkr-
stjed thk ksskeik `m thk hubje ne Qgjy jed E`t N Lkicktt skkbs t`
lk suffkstnef thjt thksk ihjrjitkrs rkjggy `egy jrk thknr v`niks rkjggy
`egy jrk t` lk b`rk prkinsk thknr ejrrjtnvks Vhjt bjttkrs t` thkbjt thns spkinmni pgjik jt thns spkinmni tnbk ns thknr jlngntymdashpkrhjps
thknr i`bpugsn`e thknr `lgnfjtn`emdasht` spkjc Lkicktt w`ugd skkb t`
lk suffkstnef thjt thk t`tjgnty `m thk l`dy jt thns spkinmni b`bket ns
e`t tkrrnlgy nbp`rtjet t` thk sulokit js shk trnks t` uedkrstjed hkr
prksket sntujtn`e Lut js N suffkst wk d` e`tnik thjt Lkicktt ekvkr
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1827
NETD[ITNE
muggy rkb`vks thk l`dy `r thk snfes `m thk l`dy (v`nik m`r nestjeik)
ketnrkgy thk st`rnks hns ihjrjitkrs tkgg hns w`rc skkbs t` nbpgy jrk
wrnttke `e jed thr`ufh thk l`dy Yt`rnks jrk trjesgjtkd ne `thkr
w`rds ly thk l`dy Lkickttbdquos ihjrjitkrs bjy lk p`sthubje lut thkyjrk e`t muggy p`sti`rp`rkjg
Je`thkr wjy m puttnef thns ndkj jdbnttkdgy ek m Lkickttbdquos b`st
ihjggkefnef ns thjt sulokitnvntymdashthjt skesk thk hubje hjs `m ntskgm
js j thnecnef netkrprktnef irkjturkmdashns muggy dkpkedket `e thk l`dy
Yulokitnvnty ns kbl`dnbket y`u jrk y`ur l`dy jed y`ur l`dybdquos dksnrks
js buih js y`u jrk y`ur bned Jed thus whngk thk l`dy ns je nbpkdn-
bket jed wngg jgwjys dkijy jed mjng thk l`dy ijee`t dnsjppkjr
ne Lkicktt lkijusk thk skgm jed thk skgmbdquos uedkrstjednef `m ntskgmw`ugd js wkgg Thkrk ns js N rkjd nt thke j cned `m djrc i`bpjssn`e
ne Lkicktt m`r thk i`bpr`bnskd l`dy m`r thk irnppgkd jed thk ngg
thkrk ns j i`bpjssn`e m`r thk summkrnef sulokit wh` ije rkjggy `egy
uedkrstjed hkrskgm jed hkr w`rgd thr`ufh thk bkdnub m j dkijynef
pjnemug l`dy ur qukstn`es js rkjdkrs m Lkicktt bust e`w lki`bk
nm thk skgm uedkrstjeds ntskgm thr`ufh thk i`bpr`bnskd spkitrjg
l`dy whjt cneds `m netkrprktjtn`es wngg nt bjck0 Nm thk skgm uedkr-
stjeds thk w`rgd thr`ufh nts mrjfbketkd p`sthubje l`dy whjt
cneds `m netkrprktjtn`es `m thk w`rgd ije lk bjdk0
lsquoQYTH[BJENYBbdquo J Q]NY
Thksk jrk jgg Lkickttbdquos qukstn`es lut N wnsh t` `mmkr s`bkthnef `m j
pr`vns` lkm`rk i`etneunef N suffkstkd jl`vk thjt Lkicktt ns strnvnef
m`r j lsquocned `mbdquo p`sthubjensb N thnec nt ns lkst jgwjys t` usk tkrbspr`vnsn`ejggy wnth Lkicktt m`r surkgy `ek `m thk kmmkits `m hns w`rc
ns t` ijgg jls`gutkgy net` qukstn`e thk vkry ndkj `m stjlgk ijtkf`rnks
stjlgk `pp`sntn`es (lsquohubje-p`sthubjebdquo) Qkrhjps nt ns lkst hkrk jt
thk `utskt t` suffkst thjt hns w`rc irntnquks thk ndkj `m thk hubje
jed thk p`sthubje kqujggy Qrkinskgy ly dnsi`vkrnef thk pkrsnstkeik
`m thk hubje kvke ne nts b`st dkeudkd m rb Lkicktt kssketnjggy i`g-
gjpsks thk `pp`sntn`e lsquohubje-p`sthubjebdquo t` thk p`net whkrk thk
tkrbs lki`bk netkrihjefkjlgk jed hkeik jgb`st bkjenefgkssThjt ns t` sjy m`r Lkicktt wk jrk jgwjys jgrkjdy p`sthubje nes`-
mjr js wk jrk i`etr`ggkd ly dnsi`ursks (hnst`ry ndk`g`fy gjefujfk)
prkikdnef jed kxikkdnef us3 wk jrk jgwjys jgrkjdy p`sthubje js wk
dnsi`vkr thjt `ur l`dnks jrk sntks `m nekvntjlgk mjngurk jed i`ggjpsk3
wk jrk jgwjys jgrkjdy p`sthubje nes`mjr js thk ndkj `m j snefugjr
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1927
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
=
skgm ns je nggusn`e Lkicktt jice`wgkdfks thksk ndkjs kjrgy ne hns ijrkkr3
ne Qr`ust (gt9) hk jice`wgkdfks thjt thk skgm ns e`t j stjlgk sulokit
lut rjthkr thjt thk lsquonednvndujg ns j suiikssn`e `m nednvndujgsbdquo ()3
b`rk`vkr lsquoThk sulokit hjs dnkdmdashjed pkrhjps bjey tnbksmdashjg`efthk wjybdquo (9) By usk `m thk tkrb lsquop`sthubjebdquo thke ns s`bkthnef `m
j i`evkenkeik j wjy `m spkjcnef lsquojl`utbdquo `r lsquojr`uedbdquo thk pkiugnjrntnks
`m thk Lkickttnje sulokit thk sulokit wh` jgwjys bust ekf`tnjtk hns
rkjgnty vnj systkbs `m th`ufhtmdashgjefujfk lknef thk prnbjrymdashwh`sk
pjrjbktkrs jed pr`t`i`gs jrk jgwjys oust lky`ed hns mugg i`etr`g
THK QLGKB M NETKQKTJTNELkickttbdquos bjenpugjtn`e `m fkerk hns rkduitn`e jed dnsbjetgnef `m
thk sulokit hns rkgketgkss netkrkst ne thk vjrn`us jspkits `m lsquoe`thnef-
ekssbdquo (g`ss jlskeik)mdashhk ijggs thns hns lsquomndkgnty t` mjngurkbdquo (lsquoThrkk
Dnjg`fuksbdquo =9)mdashgkjd js N hjvk lkke suffkstnef t` s`bk mjnrgy
jiutk netkrprktnvk dnmmniugtnks Hjes-Fk`rf Fjdjbkr j phng`s`phkr
`m thk hkrbkekutni sih``g (jed studket `m Bjrtne Hkndkffkr) suf-
fksts thjt jgg rkjg netkrprktjtn`e `r lsquohkrbkekutnisbdquo lkfnes wnth
ndketnmynef j spkinmni g`ijtn`e `m d`ult `r uekjsk ne j tkxt Js hk
wrntks ne Qhng`s`phnijg Hkrbkekutnis lsquoThk rkjg p`wkr m hkrbkekutn-
ijg i`esin`usekss ns `ur jlngnty t` skk whjt ns qukstn`ejlgkbdquo (9) Vk
ekkd ne `thkr w`rds t` lk jlgk t` jsc thk pr`pkr qukstn`es `m tkxts
Lut ne Lkicktt `ur pr`lgkb lki`bks skkbnefgy netrjitjlgk lkijusk
kvkrythnef ne thk tkxt jppkjrs t` lk qukstn`ejlgk H`w jrk wk t`
netkrprkt tkxts thjt skkb pjrjd`xnijggy t` `mmkr s` bjey qukstn`es
jed thke rksnst `r m`rkig`sk thk p`ssnlngnty `m jeswkrnef th`sk quks-tn`es0 H`w ne `thkr w`rds jrk wk t` rkjd Lkicktt0
N wngg suffkst hkrk ne wjys thjt g``c ljic t` Lkickttbdquos `we skesk `m
`lgnfjtn`e (rkijgg hns skesk kxprksskd ne Thrkk Dnjg`fuks `m thk lsquo`lgn-
fjtn`e t` kxprkssbdquo) thjt `ur netkrprktjtn`es `m Lkicktt sh`ugd lkfne
ly pjynef ijrkmug jttketn`e t` thk wjys ne whnih hns tkxts jetninpjtk
`ur dnmmniugtnks jed pkrhjps `mmkr s`bk fundjeik Nm wk jrk puzzgkd ly
ikrtjne thnefsmdashVh` jrk thksk ihjrjitkrs0 Vhjt jrk thknr hnst`rnks0
Vhkrk jed whke kxjitgy jrk thksk st`rnks `iiurrnef0 Vhjt kxjitgyd`ks nt jgg bkje0mdashwk sh`ugd rki`fenzk thjt `ur pkrpgkxnty wnth
thk tkxt ns bnrr`rkd ly thk ihjrjitkrsbdquo `we pkrpgkxnty jl`ut thknr
w`rgds Thk rkjdkrbdquos sntujtn`e `m puzzgkbket ns prkinskgy thjt `m thk
ihjrjitkrs jed thus wk jrrnvk jt j iruinjg `lskrvjtn`e Lkickttbdquos tkxts
thkbskgvks wngg skt `ut thk fr`ued rugks m`r netkrprktnef hns w`rgd
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2027
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2127
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
8
Lkickttbdquos ihjrjitkrs thus mueitn`e ne j stjtk `m pr`m`ued rkfrkt jed
jf`eymdash`mtke rkprksskd jed dnsjv`wkdmdash`vkr whjt bnfht hjvk lkke
Ne Crjppbdquos Gjst Tjpk m`r nestjeik Crjpp rktrjiks hns pjst hnst`ry
thr`ufh tjpk rki`rdnefs `m hns `we v`nik t` rkvnsnt j b`bket `m p`s-snlgk th`ufh e`w m`rkvkr g`st hjppnekss Crjppbdquos we v`nik hns we
hnst`ry ns spkitrjg lkijusk hns rki`rdnefs jrk `m j dkjd jed nrrktrnkv-
jlgk pjst lut ek whnih igkjrgy stngg hjuets hnb e`w Ne whjt ns surkgy
`ek `m Lkickttbdquos b`st pjnemugmdashjed netkeskgy i`bpjssn`ejtk
b`bketsmdashwk skk h`w j fh`stgy hnst`ry lrutjgnzks Crjpp
Qjst bndenfht Ekvkr cekw suih sngkeik Thk kjrth bnfht lk uene-
hjlntkd Hkrk N ked thns rkkg L`x thrkk sp``g mnvkQkrhjps by lkst ykjrs jrk f`ek Vhke thkrk wjs j ihjeik `m hjp-
pnekss Lut N w`ugdebdquot wjet thkb ljic E`t wnth thk mnrk ne bk
e`w E` N w`ugdebdquot wjet thkb ljic (ltltgt)
Lkicktt d`ks e`t js thk irntnijg ignihicirc bjy hjvk nt bkrkgy rkprksket j
w`rgd `m jlsurdnty j w`rgd wnth`ut bkjenef Thns ns j w`rgd thjt
i`etneujggy mkkgs thk igjnbs `m thk pjst `m hnst`ry Jed thkrk ns j
bkjenef ne dnsi`vkrnef thksk igjnbs j bkjenef ne rki`fenznef `ekbdquos
nedkltkdekss t` thk pjst j bkjenef ne rkjgnznef thjt `ekbdquos `lgnfjtn`e
ns t` i`bk t` tkrbs wnth thksk igjnbs jed dklts
THKKTNIJG JQQJIH THK lsquoGNTKJT[K M THK
[EVDbdquo BKGJEIHG^ JED THK JIHN]K
Qjrt `m by purp`sk hkrk ne thns Fundk ns t` pr`vndk wjys `m bjcnefskesk `m Lkickttbdquos dnmmniugt w`rc ek wjy N wngg pr`ikkd wngg lk t`
drjw `e thk w`rc `m phng`s`phkrs thk`rnsts jed irntnis wh`sk ndkjs
jgg`w us t` uedkrstjed thk i`bpgkxnty `m Lkickttbdquos uenvkrsk N wngg
hkrk lk drjwnef `e thk gncks `m phke`bke`g`fnsts Bjrtne Hkndkffkr
Hjes-Fk`rf Fjdjbkr jed Kbbjeukg Gkvnejs bjrxnst Thk`d`r
Jd`re` psyih`jejgysts Ynfbued Mrkud jed Ojiquks Gjije jed
dki`estruitn`enst Ojiquks Dkrrndj N lkgnkvk thjt thk w`rc `m thksk
thk`rnsts ije kmmkitnvkgy uepjic ikrtjne netkrprktnvk pr`lgkbs neLkicktt oust js N lkgnkvk thjt ikrtjne b`bkets ne LkickttmdashN thnec `m
B`uthbdquos ketry net` gjefujfk ne E`t N mdashije kmmkitnvkgy nggustrjtk thk
netkrprktnvk pr`lgkbs ne thk w`rc m s`bk thk`rnsts (nedkkd N wngg usk
E`t N t` nggustrjtk Gjijebdquos dnmmniugt e`tn`e `m thk kjg) By netketn`e
ns e`t thkrkm`rk snbpgy t` rkjd Lkicktt thr`ufh j pjrtniugjr thk`ry
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2227
NETD[ITNE
gt
lut t` nbjfnek thjt thkrk ns j butujg pr`ikss `m netkrprktjtn`e jed
netkrr`fjtn`e `iiurrnef lktwkke thk`rnst jed mnitn`e
THK FKBJE GKTTK
N jgs` lkgnkvk pkrhjps ejnvkgy thjt Lkicktt hnbskgm ns hns `we mnrst
jed lkst irntni Js N hjvk bketn`ekd Lkicktt `mmkrkd mkw irntnijg i`b-
bketjrnks `e hns w`rc `vkr thk ykjrs lut th`sk thjt hjvk i`bk d`we
t` usmdashjs m`r nestjeik Thrkk Dnjg`fuks mdashjrk `m frkjt vjguk t` jey
rkjdkr Ne thk gjttkr ihjptkrs `m thns study N wngg lk rkmkrrnef `mtke t`
Lkickttbdquos Fkrbje Gkttkr `m gt96 jed kspkinjggy t` hns e`tn`e `m thk
lsquogntkrjturk `m thk uew`rdbdquo j i`eikpt N thnec ns iketrjg t` thk pr`frks-sn`e `m hns w`rc N wnsh thkrkm`rk t` tjck s`bk spjik hkrk jed
`utgnek thk nbp`rtjeik `m thns Gkttkr
Ne gt9= Lkicktt trjvkgkd t` Fkrbjey `e whjt kssketnjggy wjs je
jrt h`gndjy hk vnsntkd skvkrjg jrt fjggkrnks jed jgth`ufh jefkrkd ly
thk Ejzn rkfnbkbdquos ikes`rnef `m jrt nt i`esndkrkd dkijdket hk wjs
frkjtgy nbprksskdmdashjed nemgukeikdmdashly thk w`rc hk sjw Thk trnp
skrvkd js j cned m spnrntujg jed phng`s`phnijg jwjckenef js hns dnj-
rnks jttkst Thk Fkrbje Gkttkr ns pjrt `m j i`rrksp`edkeik lktwkke
Lkicktt jed j mrnked (Jxkg Cjue wh`b hk bkt ne Fkrbjey) wrnttke
thrkk b`eths jmtkr hns rkture t` Dulgne Ne thk Gkttkr Lkicktt spkjcs
`m thk ekkd t` b`vk pjst rkiknvkd dnsi`ursks jed i`evketn`es t` gnl-
krjtk hnbskgm mr`b trjdntn`ejg gjefujfks jed m`rbs N qu`tk jt s`bk
gkefth
Nt ns nedkkd lki`bnef b`rk jed b`rk dnmmniugt kvke skeskgkss m`rbk t` wrntk je `mmninjg Kefgnsh Jed b`rk jed b`rk by `we gje-
fujfk jppkjrs t` bk gnck j vkng thjt bust lk t`re jpjrt ne `rdkr t`
fkt jt thk thnefs (`r thk E`thnefekss) lkhned nt Frjbbjr jed
Ytygk T bk thky skkb t` hjvk lki`bk js nrrkgkvjet js j ]nit`rnje
ljthnef sunt `r thk nbpkrturljlngnty `m j truk fketgkbje J bjsc
Gkt us h`pk thk tnbk wngg i`bk thjec F`d thjt ne ikrtjne inrigks nt
hjs jgrkjdy i`bk whke gjefujfk ns b`st kmmninketgy uskd whkrk
nt ns lknef b`st kmmninketgy bnsuskd Js wk ijee`t kgnbnejtk gje-fujfk jgg jt `eik wk sh`ugd jt gkjst gkjvk e`thnef ued`ek thjt
bnfht i`etrnlutk t` nts mjggnef net` dnsrkputk T` l`rk `ek h`gk
jmtkr je`thkr ne nt uetng whjt gurcs lkhned ntmdashlk nt s`bkthnef `r
e`thnefmdashlkfnes t` skkp thr`ufh3 N ijee`t nbjfnek j hnfhkr f`jg
m`r j wrntkr t`djy (6rsquo6lt)
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2327
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
lt1
Ne by kstnbjtn`e thk mugg nbpgnijtn`es `m thk Gkttkr whnih m`r bk
ns Lkickttbdquos jrtnstni bjenmkst` wngg e`t lk rkjgnzkd uetng thk gjtkr e`v-
kgs (kspkinjggy thk trng`fnks) lut wk sh`ugd rki`fenzk h`w Lkickttbdquos
stjtkd nbpjtnkeik wnth trjdntn`ejg m`rb rks`ejtks net` kvke thk kjrgypr`sk jed drjbj Lkickttbdquos dnsdjne m`r lsquo`mmninjg Kefgnshbdquo m`r lsquoFrjbbjr
jed Ytygkbdquo thnefs js nrrkgkvjet js j ]nit`rnje ljthnef sunt spkjc t`
j mrustrjtn`e j l`rkd`b kvke wnth thk g`fni jed trjokit`rnks `m thk
enektkketh-iketury e`vkg Hk spkjcs murthkr t` h`w busni jed
pjnetnef hjvk m ued wjys m b`vnef lky`ed trjdntn`ejg m`rb ne rdkr
t` rkprksket sngkeik jed jlskeik (thnefs e`t jss`injtkd wnth rkprkske-
tjtnvk jrt)3 hk suffksts thjt gjefujfk ntskgm bust lk shjttkrkd ne rdkr
t` rkvkjg whjt wjs prkvn`usgy uerkprksketjlgkJed whngk Lkickttbdquos bjenmkst` s`ueds jvjet-fjrdk hns ndkj thjt
gjefujfk ns j vkng t` lk t`re jpjrt g``cs ljic t` thk `bjetnis jed
thknr e`tn`e thjt p`ktry w`rcs t` rkvkjg thk ueskke Lkickttbdquos lsquoby
`we gjefujfk jppkjrs t` bk gnck j vkng thjt bust lk t`re jpjrtbdquo kih`ks
Yhkggkybdquos J Dkmkeik `m Q`ktry jed hns skesk thjt p`ktry gnmts lsquothk vkng
mr`b thk hnddke lkjuty `m thk w`rgd jed bjcks mjbngnjr `lokits lk
js nm thky wkrk e`t mjbngnjrbdquo (6) Thkrk ns `m i`ursk j w`rgd `m dnm-
mkrkeik lktwkke gnmtnef jed dkstr`ynef thk vkngmdashthk dnmmkrkeik
pkrhjps lktwkke thk `bjetni jed thk B`dkremdashlut Lkickttbdquos
dksnrk js j wrntkr ns j mjbngnjr `ek hns w`rc wngg jttkbpt t` sh`w thk
w`rgd ne j ekw wjy Ne by rkjdnef Lkickttbdquos tkjrnef `m thk vkng
lki`bks thk pkrmkit bktjph`r m`r thk pr`ikss `m rkvkjgnef `vkrtgy
skgm-i`esin`usgy jed irntnijggy thk nbpgnijtn`es `m jrt hkrk thk e`vkg
jed drjbj ne j ekw wjy
THK lsquoGNTKJT[K M THK [EVDbdquo
Ne thk gjst pjrjfrjph `m thk Gkttkr Lkicktt suffksts thjt thns pr`ikss
`m dkstr`ynef gjefujfk `m rkvkjgnef nts lsquotkrrnlgk bjtkrnjgntybdquo (6lt)
wngg kvketujggy gkjd t` whjt hk ijggs j lsquogntkrjturk `m thk uew`rdbdquo (69)
N wnsh ne whjt m`gg`ws t` suffkst thjt Lkickttbdquos ketnrk ijrkkr js j
wrntkr mneds nts lkfneenef jed ked nts fr`ued jed f`jg ne thns ndkj
stjtkd ne gt96 J gntkrjturk `m thk uew`rd ns `lvn`usgy j i`etrjdni-tn`e ne tkrbs j pjrjd`x je jp`rnj (t` usk thk Dkrrndkje i`estruitn`e)3
j gntkrjturk `m thk uew`rd ns je jttkbpt t` usk gjefujfk t` sngkeik
gjefujfk (hk ijggs nt lsquoJe jssjugt jfjnest w`rds ne thk ejbk `m lkjutybdquo
S69R) Hns jnb kssketnjggy ns t` mned j bkjes `m dki`bp`snef jed
b`vnef lky`ed gjefujfk t` shjttkr gjefujfk net` j cned `m krjsurk
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2427
NETD[ITNE
lt
`m ntskgm (thns jttkbpt t` kgnbnejtk gjefujfk ns fk`bktrnijggy pr`p`r-
tn`ejg t` hns jttkbpt t` kgnbnejtk thk l`dy js wk wngg skk) By
jrfubket ns quntk snbpgy thns thr`ufh`ut hns ijrkkr Lkicktt ns skjrih-
nef m`r thk bkjes t` put je ked t` gntkrjturk t` put je ked t` wrntneft` put je ked t` hns `we dksnrk t` wrntk Thk trjokit`ry `m hns w`rc
mr`b thk kjrgy drjbj jed pr`sk t` thk gjtk ns `ek `m rjdnijg rkdui-
tn`e `m w`rcnef t` mned j bkjes t` gntkrjturkbdquos ked Ne thk drjbj wk
b`vk mr`b thk muggy kbl`dnkd drjbj `m F`d`t t` thk gjtk fh`stgy
pgjys whkrk `mtke gjefujfk d`ks e`t kvke mkjturk3 ne thk pr`sk wk
b`vk mr`b thk pgjymug fjrrug`usekss m Burphy t` thk shjttkrkd sye-
tjx jed dnbnenshkd frjbbjrs `m V`rstwjrd H`4
Nt ns prkinskgy lkijusk Lkickttbdquos w`rc ns fr`uedkd `e suih i`bpgkxphng`s`phnijg i`etrjdnitn`esmdashj wrntkr wrntnef gntkrjturk `ut `m
kxnstkeik nbp`ssnlgkmdashthjt N lkgnkvk wk bust hjvk rki`ursk t` thk
vjrn`us thk`rktnijg jed phng`s`phnijg trjdntn`es thjt jr`sk snbugtj-
ek`us wnth Lkickttbdquos `we dkvkg`pbket js j wrntkr By thk`rktnijg
jppr`jih ne thns Fundk ije pkrhjps lkst lk dksirnlkd js pr`bnsiu-
`us lut N tked t` thnec thjt j dki`estruitn`enst psyih`jejgysns ns thk
lkst wjy `m pr`ikkdnef wnth Lkicktt jt gkjst m`r bk T` nggustrjtk
whjt N bkje hkrkmdashjed ly wjy `m i`eigudnef thns Netr`duitn`emdash
N wnsh t` `utgnek tw` i`eikpts whnih wngg pr`vk irntnijg ne by rkjdnef
`m kspkinjggy thk drjbj
BKGJEIHGNJ
J bjo`r thkbk ne Lkicktt ns thjt `m bkb`ry `m ihjrjitkrs gnck
Crjpp `r Hjbb hjuetkd ly thk fh`st `m bkb`ry Jt j ljsni gkvkgthk Lkicktt ihjrjitkr gnvks ne j pr`trjitkd stjtk `m rkfrkt jed g`ss
j stjtk hk `r shk bjy e`t kvke rki`fenzk js suih Hnst`ry thk pjst
nbpnefks pr`m uedgy e thk ihjrjitkr jed js Lkicktt wrntks ne Qr`ust
thrkjtkes i`etneujggy t` lsquodkm`rbbdquo hnb Ne gt6 Ynfbued Mrkud pul-
gnshkd je kssjy thjt hjs rkiketgy i`bk t` lk skke js j iruinjg dnjfe`sns
`m j i`etkbp`rjry iugturjg i`edntn`e Ne lsquoB`urenef jed Bkgjeih`gnjbdquo
Mrkud jttkbpts t` i`bk t` je uedkrstjednef m h`w thk sulokit dkjgs
wnth trjubj jed g`ss Thkrk jrk hk thk`rnzks tw` rksp`esks t` g`sst` thk g`ss `m j g`vkd `ek `r thk lsquog`ss `m s`bk jlstrjitn`e whnih hjs
tjcke thk pgjik `m `ek suih js `ekbdquos i`uetry gnlkrty je ndkjg `r s`
`ebdquo (ltlt) Thk mnrst jed b`st hkjgthy ns whjt hk ijggs b`urenef
B`urenef ns j pr`ikss ly whnih thk g`ss ns i`bprkhkedkd jed
jiikptkd lsquow`rckd thr`ufhbdquo t` usk hns tkrbne`g`fy B`urenef ns thk
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2527
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
ltlt
e`rbjg wjy `ek bust dkjg wnth trjubj jed g`ss wnth whjt Mrkud
lkjutnmuggy tkrbs thk lsquoki`e`bnis `m pjnebdquo (ltlt) Qrkinskgy h`w thk
sulokit `vkri`bks g`ss ns e`t ce`we ly Mrkudmdashnt ns j dnmmniugt pr`-
ikss3 nt ns lsquow`rcbdquomdashlut kvketujggy thk b`urekr jiikpts thjt thk g`vkd`ek wnth wh`b hk bjy hjvk ndketnmnkd ns e` g`efkr hkrk t` bjcks
igjnbs `e hnb
Bkgjeih`gnj `e thk `thkr hjed ns je jle`rbjg rksp`esk t` g`ss
jed sntujtks thk sulokit ne j i`etneujg p`sntn`e `m ejrinssnstni ndketn-
mnijtn`e wnth thk g`st `lokit Ne `thkr w`rds thk bkgjeih`gy sulokit
ijee`t jiikpt thjt hkr g`vkd `ek ns ne mjit f`ek jed w`rcs pjth`g`fn-
ijggy lsquot` kstjlgnsh je ndketnmnijtn`e `m thk kf` wnth thk jljed`ekd
`lokitbdquo (lt8) Vhjt thns bkjes ns thjt thk pjstmdashg`ss trjubjmdashi`e-tneujggy w`rcs nts wjy net` thk prksket b`bket lkijusk thk sulokit
ijee`t b`vk pjst nt B`rk tr`ulgnef ns thk ndkj thjt thk sulokit d`ks
e`t wnsh t` jgg`w g`ss t` rkikdk net` hnst`ry lut dksnrks i`etneujggy t`
bjnetjne j i`eekitn`e t` thk trjubjtni b`bket Ne s`bk wjys thk
sulokit bjnetjnes thns pjth`g`fnijg stjtkmdashwhnih bjy ne mjit e`t lk
s` pjth`g`fnijg jmtkr jggmdashlkijusk thk trjubjtni b`bket ns nbp`r-
tjet m`r hkr bjy ne mjit hjvk shjpkd wh` shk ns
Vk bjy dnjfe`sk j frkjt eublkr `m Lkickttbdquos ihjrjitkrs js lknef
bkgjeih`gni ne Mrkudbdquos skesk Thky jrk hjuetkd ly thk pjst jed s`bk
gnck Crjpp Hjbb jed Vneenk dkgnlkrjtkgy jttkbpt t` rki`eekit wnth
j pjst thjt neigudks b`bkets `m g`ss jed kxtrkbk pjne Ne `thkr w`rds
thk mueitn`e `m bkb`ry ne Lkicktt ns gjrfkgy bkgjeih`gni prkinskgy
lkijusk thk ihjrjitkrs jice`wgkdfk i`esin`usgy `r uei`esin`usgy
thjt thky jrk thk pr`duits m j pjst whnih hjs bkringkssgy dkmnekd thkb
js summkrnef sulokits Lkickttbdquos ihjrjitkrs ignef s` rkgketgkssgy t` thkpjst lkijusk m`r rkjs`es wk wngg kxpg`rk thk prksket b`bket ns dkv`nd
`m snfenmnijeik3 thk jf`enznef pjst bjy lrutjgnzk lut ne nt jrk thk trjiks
thk hnst`rnijg mrjfbkets `m ndketnty jed bkjenef
THK JIHN]K
Dki`estruitn`enst Ojiquks Dkrrndj drjwnef hkjvngy `e Mrkud `mmkrs
j ski`ed rkgjtkd i`eikpt thjt N wngg usk t` rkjd thksk ihjrjitkrsbdquo rkgj-tn`e t` hnst`ry g`ss jed trjubj Ne Jrihnvk Mkvkr Dkrrndj jejgyzks
thk i`eikpt `m thk jrihnvk js j wjy `m i`bnef t` je uedkrstjednef
`m thk wjy thk sulokit ekf`tnjtks nts rkgjtn`eshnp t` hnst`ry t` thk
pjst jed thk muturk thk jrihnvk ns thus j bkjes ly whnih Dkrrndj
trnks t` uedkrstjed thk hubje js j lknef sntujtkd ne tnbk mkkgnef thk
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2627
NETD[ITNE
lt9
igjnbs `m thk tkbp`rjg Qkrhjps thk lkst wjy t` dkmnek thk jrihnvk ns
js j i`eikptujg `r bjtkrnjg spjik `m bkb`ry Thk bned ije skrvk js
je jrihnvk oust js j gnlrjry `r physnijg b`eubket ije Dkrrndj suf-
fksts thjt thk jrihnvk ns j pgjik m i`bbjedbket jed i`bbkeikbketj pgjik whkrk kvkets `m thk pjst jrk d`iubketkd juth`rntjtnvkgy js
bjrcnef thk lkfneenef `m s`bkthnef j gnmk j iugturk j invngnzjtn`e
Jrihnvks jrk spjiks m prkskrvjtn`e i`eskrvjtn`e lut jgs` m irkjtn`e
j iugturkbdquos uedkrstjednef m ntskgmmdashj sulokitbdquos uedkrstjednef m ntskgmmdash
ns irkjtkd wnthne thk spjik `m thk jrihnvk
Nt ns igkjr thjt thk jrihnvk ns j wjy `m bjtkrnjgnznef bjcnef i`e-
irktk thk pjst Jed nm hnst`ry ns gjrfkgy r ije lk gjrfkgy thk ejrrjtnvks
`m i`equkst dkmkjt jed vn`gkeik thk jrihnvk ns jgs` f`nef t` mueitn`ejs j spjik i`bbkb`rjtnef trjubj jed g`ss Nt strncks bk thkrkm`rk
thjt thk jrihnvkmdashjs j spjik thjt bjnetjnes j i`etneujg rkgjtn`e t` thk
pjstmdashns jgwjys jgrkjdy j bkgjeih`gy spjik Vhjt N wnsh t` suffkst
hkrk ne spkinmni rkgjtn`e t` Lkickttbdquos w`rc ns thjt thk Lkickttnje sul-
okit lki`bks j gntkrjg kbl`dnbket m whjt N hjvk kgskwhkrk ijggkd thk
lsquobkgjeih`gy jrihnvkbdquo Thk Lkickttnje sulokit nbb`lngnzkd jed
mrjfbketkdmdashthnec `m Vneenk lurnkd t` hkr ekic ne kjrth ne Hjppy
Djys3 `m B`uth ne E`t N 3 `m Bjg`ek ne Bjg`ek Dnks3 `m thk mnfurk ne
I`bpjey mdashns jgwjys j hnst`rnijg sulokit j sulokit b`rk prkinskgy
sulokit t` hnst`ry Yhk ns i`etneujggy rkbkblkrnef s`bktnbks jfjnest
hkr wngg whjt hjs `iiurrkd ne thk pjst3 shk ns i`etneujggy jttkbptnef
t` rkijpturk j pjst shk bjy e`t muggy i`bprkhked
Jed nt ns thk Lkickttnje l`dy whnih lki`bks thk prnbjry rkp`sn-
t`ry m`r thksk rkbjnes thksk trjiks `m hnst`ry Thk ihjrjitkr bjy
kxnstmdashjs ne Hjppy Djys r Kedfjbk mdashjt whjt jppkjrs t` lk thk ked`m hubje iugturk lut shkmdashhkr l`dymdashbjnetjnes thk jrihnvjg trjiks
`m thjt g`st iugturk Thk nbjfks Lkicktt fnvks us ne hns drjbj jed
pr`skmdashj dnskbl`dnkd b`uth j l`dy nbb`lngnzkd ne j whkkgihjnr
`r thk kjrth pk`pgk ne uresmdashjrk nbjfks thjt i`eirktnzk thk ndkj `m
bkb`ry js kbl`dnkd `r jrihnvkd N suffkstkd jl`vk thjt m`r Lkicktt
sulokitnvntymdashthk skesk m wh` wk jrkmdashns muggy dkpkedket e thk l`dy
Vhjt Mrkud jed Dkrrndj jgg`w us t` uedkrstjed ns thk wjy sulokitnv-
nty ne Lkicktt ns muggy dkpkedket `e hnst`ry jed jrihnvkd bkb`ryMrkudbdquos e`tn`es `m b`urenef jed bkgjeih`gnj t`fkthkr wnth thk
Dkrrndkje rkjdnef `m thk jrihnvk jrk i`eikpts thjt wngg pr`vk uskmug
ne rkjdnef je juth`r wh`sk w`rc ns jt j pr`m`ued gkvkg jgwjys jl`ut
thk pjst j pjst whnih bjy hjvk rkikdkd net` m`rfktmugekss lut wh`sk
igjnbs jrk stngg lknef mkgt Ne nts strjefkekss Lkickttbdquos w`rc prkskets
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2727
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
eubkr`us dnmmniugtnks lut js wk shjgg dnsi`vkr hk ekvkr jljed`es
hns rkjdkr `r judnkeik i`bpgktkgy Mnrst js N hjvk bketn`ekd hns
ihjrjitkrsmdashwh` jt tnbks lki`bk `ur surr`fjtks `ur ueijeey d`u-
lgksmdashkxprkss buih thk sjbk i`emusn`e jl`ut thknr w`rgds js thkrkjdkr3 js suih thk strjefkekss lkijusk shjrkd lki`bks ne j skesk
e`rbjgnzkd Yki`ed jed pkrhjps b`rk nbp`rtjet Lkickttbdquos w`rc
ckys net` muedjbketjggy rki`fenzjlgk sntujtn`es Vk jgg jrk irkjtn`es
`m hnst`rnks wk bjy e`t rki`fenzk `r wnsh t` rki`fenzk3 wk jgg jt
tnbks dnsjv`w `ur pjsts kvke js wk mkkg thk prkssurks `m hnst`ry3 wk
jgg ne `thkr w`rds jrk hnst`rnijgmdashne Mrkudbdquos tkrbs bkgjeih`gymdash
irkjturks Lkickttbdquos w`rc ns iruinjg lkijusk nt rkgketgkssgy rkb`rskgkssgy
i`bpkgs us t` i`emr`et thk pr`m`ued igjnbs thjt hnst`ry bust bjckup`e us jgg Js wk i`bk t` rki`fenzk thk igjnbs `m thk pjst jed rkjg-
nzk thk kxtket t` whnih hnst`ry i`estruits thk hubje sulokit wk lkfne
t` uedkrstjed thjt Lkickttbdquos w`rc jt tnbks skkbnefgy s` strjefk
skkbnefgy nehubje ns `egy kvkr j i`bpjssn`ejtk jttkbpt t` i`bprk-
hked hubjenty ntskgm
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1727
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
4
j bjrc `m thk hubjebdquos pjssnef `ut `m kxnstkeik lutmdashjed thns ns
jls`gutkgy iketrjgmdashthk fh`st ns je nesnstket rkbnedkr `m thk hubje
thjt `eik wjs Thk spkitkr ne `thkr w`rds skrvks t` rkiupkrjtk thk
hubje kvke js thk hubje pjssks net` `lgnvn`e thk spkitkr thuslki`bks whjt Ygjv`o _nzkc ijggs thk lsquonednvnsnlgk rkbjnedkr9bdquo T` put
nt lguetgy m`r Lkicktt thk t`tjg kgnbnejtn`e `m thk hubje ns j t`tjg
nbp`ssnlngnty
Qkrhjps Lkicktt suffksts wk ije `egy mned thk ejturk `m thk
hubje whjt hk ijggs lsquothk lkdr`ic `m thk kssketnjgsbdquo jt thk b`bket
thk hubje kxihjefks `ek stjtk m`r je`thkr `ek rkjgnty m`r je`thkr
Qkrhjps `egy thk jlskeik `m thk hubje (thk spkitkr) trugy rkvkjgs
whjt hjs lkke thk hubjebdquos truk ejturk Jed whjt ns m`r bk mjsinejt-nef jed iruinjg jl`ut thns pr`ikss ns thk wjy Lkicktt kgnbnejtks thk
hubje jt prkinskgy thk sjbk tnbk js hk kgnbnejtks dkejturks jed
dki`estruits ejrrjtnvk m`rb ntskgm Ne s`bk wjys Lkicktt ns jrfunef
thjt gjefujfk ntskgm bust lk kgnbnejtkd ne `rdkr m`r thk spkitkr thk
fh`st thk p`sthubje t` jppkjr gjefujfk bust lk kgnbnejtkd ne
`rdkr m r thk truth `m thk hubje t` lk ce`we
Vk bjy skk ne thns rkduitn`e j cned `m irukg trkjtbket `m thk
hubje j pkrvkrsk netkrkst ne nggekss jed dkijy lut N thnec thns w`ugd
lk j mjtjg netkrprktnvk krr`r Ikrtjnegy Lkickttbdquos w`rc nbpgnks thjt thk
l`dy ns jgwjys j gnjlngnty s`bkthnef thjt wngg nekvntjlgy mjng (je hngjrn-
`us gnek mr`b Bjg`ek Dnks suffksts thns lsquoNm N hjd thk usk `m by l`dy
N w`ugd thr`w nt `ut `m thk wned`wbdquo SltltR) Lut wk bust e`tnik thjt
thk l`dy `r snfes `m thk l`dy ekvkr muggy dnsjppkjrs mr`b Lkickttbdquos
w`rgd Thk pkrsnstkeik `m thk l`dy thk mrjfbketkd l`dy thk dnskb-
l`dnkd l`dy ns `ek `m Lkickttbdquos bjo`r thkbks jed `ek thjt p`skss`bk `m hns b`st netkrkstnef netkrprktnvk qukstn`es jed ihjggkefks
why d`ks Lkicktt w`rc t` rkduik jed mrjfbket thk l`dy0 H`w jrk wk
t` netkrprkt mrjfbkets `m hubjenty0
ek jeswkr t` thksk qukstn`es rkgjtks t` whjt N hjvk sjnd jl`vk
jl`ut Lkicktt rkduinef thnefs t` thk muedjbketjgs ne rdkr t` uedkr-
stjed thk ksskeik `m thk hubje ne Qgjy jed E`t N Lkicktt skkbs t`
lk suffkstnef thjt thksk ihjrjitkrs rkjggy `egy jrk thknr v`niks rkjggy
`egy jrk t` lk b`rk prkinsk thknr ejrrjtnvks Vhjt bjttkrs t` thkbjt thns spkinmni pgjik jt thns spkinmni tnbk ns thknr jlngntymdashpkrhjps
thknr i`bpugsn`e thknr `lgnfjtn`emdasht` spkjc Lkicktt w`ugd skkb t`
lk suffkstnef thjt thk t`tjgnty `m thk l`dy jt thns spkinmni b`bket ns
e`t tkrrnlgy nbp`rtjet t` thk sulokit js shk trnks t` uedkrstjed hkr
prksket sntujtn`e Lut js N suffkst wk d` e`tnik thjt Lkicktt ekvkr
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1827
NETD[ITNE
muggy rkb`vks thk l`dy `r thk snfes `m thk l`dy (v`nik m`r nestjeik)
ketnrkgy thk st`rnks hns ihjrjitkrs tkgg hns w`rc skkbs t` nbpgy jrk
wrnttke `e jed thr`ufh thk l`dy Yt`rnks jrk trjesgjtkd ne `thkr
w`rds ly thk l`dy Lkickttbdquos ihjrjitkrs bjy lk p`sthubje lut thkyjrk e`t muggy p`sti`rp`rkjg
Je`thkr wjy m puttnef thns ndkj jdbnttkdgy ek m Lkickttbdquos b`st
ihjggkefnef ns thjt sulokitnvntymdashthjt skesk thk hubje hjs `m ntskgm
js j thnecnef netkrprktnef irkjturkmdashns muggy dkpkedket `e thk l`dy
Yulokitnvnty ns kbl`dnbket y`u jrk y`ur l`dy jed y`ur l`dybdquos dksnrks
js buih js y`u jrk y`ur bned Jed thus whngk thk l`dy ns je nbpkdn-
bket jed wngg jgwjys dkijy jed mjng thk l`dy ijee`t dnsjppkjr
ne Lkicktt lkijusk thk skgm jed thk skgmbdquos uedkrstjednef `m ntskgmw`ugd js wkgg Thkrk ns js N rkjd nt thke j cned `m djrc i`bpjssn`e
ne Lkicktt m`r thk i`bpr`bnskd l`dy m`r thk irnppgkd jed thk ngg
thkrk ns j i`bpjssn`e m`r thk summkrnef sulokit wh` ije rkjggy `egy
uedkrstjed hkrskgm jed hkr w`rgd thr`ufh thk bkdnub m j dkijynef
pjnemug l`dy ur qukstn`es js rkjdkrs m Lkicktt bust e`w lki`bk
nm thk skgm uedkrstjeds ntskgm thr`ufh thk i`bpr`bnskd spkitrjg
l`dy whjt cneds `m netkrprktjtn`es wngg nt bjck0 Nm thk skgm uedkr-
stjeds thk w`rgd thr`ufh nts mrjfbketkd p`sthubje l`dy whjt
cneds `m netkrprktjtn`es `m thk w`rgd ije lk bjdk0
lsquoQYTH[BJENYBbdquo J Q]NY
Thksk jrk jgg Lkickttbdquos qukstn`es lut N wnsh t` `mmkr s`bkthnef `m j
pr`vns` lkm`rk i`etneunef N suffkstkd jl`vk thjt Lkicktt ns strnvnef
m`r j lsquocned `mbdquo p`sthubjensb N thnec nt ns lkst jgwjys t` usk tkrbspr`vnsn`ejggy wnth Lkicktt m`r surkgy `ek `m thk kmmkits `m hns w`rc
ns t` ijgg jls`gutkgy net` qukstn`e thk vkry ndkj `m stjlgk ijtkf`rnks
stjlgk `pp`sntn`es (lsquohubje-p`sthubjebdquo) Qkrhjps nt ns lkst hkrk jt
thk `utskt t` suffkst thjt hns w`rc irntnquks thk ndkj `m thk hubje
jed thk p`sthubje kqujggy Qrkinskgy ly dnsi`vkrnef thk pkrsnstkeik
`m thk hubje kvke ne nts b`st dkeudkd m rb Lkicktt kssketnjggy i`g-
gjpsks thk `pp`sntn`e lsquohubje-p`sthubjebdquo t` thk p`net whkrk thk
tkrbs lki`bk netkrihjefkjlgk jed hkeik jgb`st bkjenefgkssThjt ns t` sjy m`r Lkicktt wk jrk jgwjys jgrkjdy p`sthubje nes`-
mjr js wk jrk i`etr`ggkd ly dnsi`ursks (hnst`ry ndk`g`fy gjefujfk)
prkikdnef jed kxikkdnef us3 wk jrk jgwjys jgrkjdy p`sthubje js wk
dnsi`vkr thjt `ur l`dnks jrk sntks `m nekvntjlgk mjngurk jed i`ggjpsk3
wk jrk jgwjys jgrkjdy p`sthubje nes`mjr js thk ndkj `m j snefugjr
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1927
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
=
skgm ns je nggusn`e Lkicktt jice`wgkdfks thksk ndkjs kjrgy ne hns ijrkkr3
ne Qr`ust (gt9) hk jice`wgkdfks thjt thk skgm ns e`t j stjlgk sulokit
lut rjthkr thjt thk lsquonednvndujg ns j suiikssn`e `m nednvndujgsbdquo ()3
b`rk`vkr lsquoThk sulokit hjs dnkdmdashjed pkrhjps bjey tnbksmdashjg`efthk wjybdquo (9) By usk `m thk tkrb lsquop`sthubjebdquo thke ns s`bkthnef `m
j i`evkenkeik j wjy `m spkjcnef lsquojl`utbdquo `r lsquojr`uedbdquo thk pkiugnjrntnks
`m thk Lkickttnje sulokit thk sulokit wh` jgwjys bust ekf`tnjtk hns
rkjgnty vnj systkbs `m th`ufhtmdashgjefujfk lknef thk prnbjrymdashwh`sk
pjrjbktkrs jed pr`t`i`gs jrk jgwjys oust lky`ed hns mugg i`etr`g
THK QLGKB M NETKQKTJTNELkickttbdquos bjenpugjtn`e `m fkerk hns rkduitn`e jed dnsbjetgnef `m
thk sulokit hns rkgketgkss netkrkst ne thk vjrn`us jspkits `m lsquoe`thnef-
ekssbdquo (g`ss jlskeik)mdashhk ijggs thns hns lsquomndkgnty t` mjngurkbdquo (lsquoThrkk
Dnjg`fuksbdquo =9)mdashgkjd js N hjvk lkke suffkstnef t` s`bk mjnrgy
jiutk netkrprktnvk dnmmniugtnks Hjes-Fk`rf Fjdjbkr j phng`s`phkr
`m thk hkrbkekutni sih``g (jed studket `m Bjrtne Hkndkffkr) suf-
fksts thjt jgg rkjg netkrprktjtn`e `r lsquohkrbkekutnisbdquo lkfnes wnth
ndketnmynef j spkinmni g`ijtn`e `m d`ult `r uekjsk ne j tkxt Js hk
wrntks ne Qhng`s`phnijg Hkrbkekutnis lsquoThk rkjg p`wkr m hkrbkekutn-
ijg i`esin`usekss ns `ur jlngnty t` skk whjt ns qukstn`ejlgkbdquo (9) Vk
ekkd ne `thkr w`rds t` lk jlgk t` jsc thk pr`pkr qukstn`es `m tkxts
Lut ne Lkicktt `ur pr`lgkb lki`bks skkbnefgy netrjitjlgk lkijusk
kvkrythnef ne thk tkxt jppkjrs t` lk qukstn`ejlgk H`w jrk wk t`
netkrprkt tkxts thjt skkb pjrjd`xnijggy t` `mmkr s` bjey qukstn`es
jed thke rksnst `r m`rkig`sk thk p`ssnlngnty `m jeswkrnef th`sk quks-tn`es0 H`w ne `thkr w`rds jrk wk t` rkjd Lkicktt0
N wngg suffkst hkrk ne wjys thjt g``c ljic t` Lkickttbdquos `we skesk `m
`lgnfjtn`e (rkijgg hns skesk kxprksskd ne Thrkk Dnjg`fuks `m thk lsquo`lgn-
fjtn`e t` kxprkssbdquo) thjt `ur netkrprktjtn`es `m Lkicktt sh`ugd lkfne
ly pjynef ijrkmug jttketn`e t` thk wjys ne whnih hns tkxts jetninpjtk
`ur dnmmniugtnks jed pkrhjps `mmkr s`bk fundjeik Nm wk jrk puzzgkd ly
ikrtjne thnefsmdashVh` jrk thksk ihjrjitkrs0 Vhjt jrk thknr hnst`rnks0
Vhkrk jed whke kxjitgy jrk thksk st`rnks `iiurrnef0 Vhjt kxjitgyd`ks nt jgg bkje0mdashwk sh`ugd rki`fenzk thjt `ur pkrpgkxnty wnth
thk tkxt ns bnrr`rkd ly thk ihjrjitkrsbdquo `we pkrpgkxnty jl`ut thknr
w`rgds Thk rkjdkrbdquos sntujtn`e `m puzzgkbket ns prkinskgy thjt `m thk
ihjrjitkrs jed thus wk jrrnvk jt j iruinjg `lskrvjtn`e Lkickttbdquos tkxts
thkbskgvks wngg skt `ut thk fr`ued rugks m`r netkrprktnef hns w`rgd
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2027
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2127
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
8
Lkickttbdquos ihjrjitkrs thus mueitn`e ne j stjtk `m pr`m`ued rkfrkt jed
jf`eymdash`mtke rkprksskd jed dnsjv`wkdmdash`vkr whjt bnfht hjvk lkke
Ne Crjppbdquos Gjst Tjpk m`r nestjeik Crjpp rktrjiks hns pjst hnst`ry
thr`ufh tjpk rki`rdnefs `m hns `we v`nik t` rkvnsnt j b`bket `m p`s-snlgk th`ufh e`w m`rkvkr g`st hjppnekss Crjppbdquos we v`nik hns we
hnst`ry ns spkitrjg lkijusk hns rki`rdnefs jrk `m j dkjd jed nrrktrnkv-
jlgk pjst lut ek whnih igkjrgy stngg hjuets hnb e`w Ne whjt ns surkgy
`ek `m Lkickttbdquos b`st pjnemugmdashjed netkeskgy i`bpjssn`ejtk
b`bketsmdashwk skk h`w j fh`stgy hnst`ry lrutjgnzks Crjpp
Qjst bndenfht Ekvkr cekw suih sngkeik Thk kjrth bnfht lk uene-
hjlntkd Hkrk N ked thns rkkg L`x thrkk sp``g mnvkQkrhjps by lkst ykjrs jrk f`ek Vhke thkrk wjs j ihjeik `m hjp-
pnekss Lut N w`ugdebdquot wjet thkb ljic E`t wnth thk mnrk ne bk
e`w E` N w`ugdebdquot wjet thkb ljic (ltltgt)
Lkicktt d`ks e`t js thk irntnijg ignihicirc bjy hjvk nt bkrkgy rkprksket j
w`rgd `m jlsurdnty j w`rgd wnth`ut bkjenef Thns ns j w`rgd thjt
i`etneujggy mkkgs thk igjnbs `m thk pjst `m hnst`ry Jed thkrk ns j
bkjenef ne dnsi`vkrnef thksk igjnbs j bkjenef ne rki`fenznef `ekbdquos
nedkltkdekss t` thk pjst j bkjenef ne rkjgnznef thjt `ekbdquos `lgnfjtn`e
ns t` i`bk t` tkrbs wnth thksk igjnbs jed dklts
THKKTNIJG JQQJIH THK lsquoGNTKJT[K M THK
[EVDbdquo BKGJEIHG^ JED THK JIHN]K
Qjrt `m by purp`sk hkrk ne thns Fundk ns t` pr`vndk wjys `m bjcnefskesk `m Lkickttbdquos dnmmniugt w`rc ek wjy N wngg pr`ikkd wngg lk t`
drjw `e thk w`rc `m phng`s`phkrs thk`rnsts jed irntnis wh`sk ndkjs
jgg`w us t` uedkrstjed thk i`bpgkxnty `m Lkickttbdquos uenvkrsk N wngg
hkrk lk drjwnef `e thk gncks `m phke`bke`g`fnsts Bjrtne Hkndkffkr
Hjes-Fk`rf Fjdjbkr jed Kbbjeukg Gkvnejs bjrxnst Thk`d`r
Jd`re` psyih`jejgysts Ynfbued Mrkud jed Ojiquks Gjije jed
dki`estruitn`enst Ojiquks Dkrrndj N lkgnkvk thjt thk w`rc `m thksk
thk`rnsts ije kmmkitnvkgy uepjic ikrtjne netkrprktnvk pr`lgkbs neLkicktt oust js N lkgnkvk thjt ikrtjne b`bkets ne LkickttmdashN thnec `m
B`uthbdquos ketry net` gjefujfk ne E`t N mdashije kmmkitnvkgy nggustrjtk thk
netkrprktnvk pr`lgkbs ne thk w`rc m s`bk thk`rnsts (nedkkd N wngg usk
E`t N t` nggustrjtk Gjijebdquos dnmmniugt e`tn`e `m thk kjg) By netketn`e
ns e`t thkrkm`rk snbpgy t` rkjd Lkicktt thr`ufh j pjrtniugjr thk`ry
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2227
NETD[ITNE
gt
lut t` nbjfnek thjt thkrk ns j butujg pr`ikss `m netkrprktjtn`e jed
netkrr`fjtn`e `iiurrnef lktwkke thk`rnst jed mnitn`e
THK FKBJE GKTTK
N jgs` lkgnkvk pkrhjps ejnvkgy thjt Lkicktt hnbskgm ns hns `we mnrst
jed lkst irntni Js N hjvk bketn`ekd Lkicktt `mmkrkd mkw irntnijg i`b-
bketjrnks `e hns w`rc `vkr thk ykjrs lut th`sk thjt hjvk i`bk d`we
t` usmdashjs m`r nestjeik Thrkk Dnjg`fuks mdashjrk `m frkjt vjguk t` jey
rkjdkr Ne thk gjttkr ihjptkrs `m thns study N wngg lk rkmkrrnef `mtke t`
Lkickttbdquos Fkrbje Gkttkr `m gt96 jed kspkinjggy t` hns e`tn`e `m thk
lsquogntkrjturk `m thk uew`rdbdquo j i`eikpt N thnec ns iketrjg t` thk pr`frks-sn`e `m hns w`rc N wnsh thkrkm`rk t` tjck s`bk spjik hkrk jed
`utgnek thk nbp`rtjeik `m thns Gkttkr
Ne gt9= Lkicktt trjvkgkd t` Fkrbjey `e whjt kssketnjggy wjs je
jrt h`gndjy hk vnsntkd skvkrjg jrt fjggkrnks jed jgth`ufh jefkrkd ly
thk Ejzn rkfnbkbdquos ikes`rnef `m jrt nt i`esndkrkd dkijdket hk wjs
frkjtgy nbprksskdmdashjed nemgukeikdmdashly thk w`rc hk sjw Thk trnp
skrvkd js j cned m spnrntujg jed phng`s`phnijg jwjckenef js hns dnj-
rnks jttkst Thk Fkrbje Gkttkr ns pjrt `m j i`rrksp`edkeik lktwkke
Lkicktt jed j mrnked (Jxkg Cjue wh`b hk bkt ne Fkrbjey) wrnttke
thrkk b`eths jmtkr hns rkture t` Dulgne Ne thk Gkttkr Lkicktt spkjcs
`m thk ekkd t` b`vk pjst rkiknvkd dnsi`ursks jed i`evketn`es t` gnl-
krjtk hnbskgm mr`b trjdntn`ejg gjefujfks jed m`rbs N qu`tk jt s`bk
gkefth
Nt ns nedkkd lki`bnef b`rk jed b`rk dnmmniugt kvke skeskgkss m`rbk t` wrntk je `mmninjg Kefgnsh Jed b`rk jed b`rk by `we gje-
fujfk jppkjrs t` bk gnck j vkng thjt bust lk t`re jpjrt ne `rdkr t`
fkt jt thk thnefs (`r thk E`thnefekss) lkhned nt Frjbbjr jed
Ytygk T bk thky skkb t` hjvk lki`bk js nrrkgkvjet js j ]nit`rnje
ljthnef sunt `r thk nbpkrturljlngnty `m j truk fketgkbje J bjsc
Gkt us h`pk thk tnbk wngg i`bk thjec F`d thjt ne ikrtjne inrigks nt
hjs jgrkjdy i`bk whke gjefujfk ns b`st kmmninketgy uskd whkrk
nt ns lknef b`st kmmninketgy bnsuskd Js wk ijee`t kgnbnejtk gje-fujfk jgg jt `eik wk sh`ugd jt gkjst gkjvk e`thnef ued`ek thjt
bnfht i`etrnlutk t` nts mjggnef net` dnsrkputk T` l`rk `ek h`gk
jmtkr je`thkr ne nt uetng whjt gurcs lkhned ntmdashlk nt s`bkthnef `r
e`thnefmdashlkfnes t` skkp thr`ufh3 N ijee`t nbjfnek j hnfhkr f`jg
m`r j wrntkr t`djy (6rsquo6lt)
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2327
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
lt1
Ne by kstnbjtn`e thk mugg nbpgnijtn`es `m thk Gkttkr whnih m`r bk
ns Lkickttbdquos jrtnstni bjenmkst` wngg e`t lk rkjgnzkd uetng thk gjtkr e`v-
kgs (kspkinjggy thk trng`fnks) lut wk sh`ugd rki`fenzk h`w Lkickttbdquos
stjtkd nbpjtnkeik wnth trjdntn`ejg m`rb rks`ejtks net` kvke thk kjrgypr`sk jed drjbj Lkickttbdquos dnsdjne m`r lsquo`mmninjg Kefgnshbdquo m`r lsquoFrjbbjr
jed Ytygkbdquo thnefs js nrrkgkvjet js j ]nit`rnje ljthnef sunt spkjc t`
j mrustrjtn`e j l`rkd`b kvke wnth thk g`fni jed trjokit`rnks `m thk
enektkketh-iketury e`vkg Hk spkjcs murthkr t` h`w busni jed
pjnetnef hjvk m ued wjys m b`vnef lky`ed trjdntn`ejg m`rb ne rdkr
t` rkprksket sngkeik jed jlskeik (thnefs e`t jss`injtkd wnth rkprkske-
tjtnvk jrt)3 hk suffksts thjt gjefujfk ntskgm bust lk shjttkrkd ne rdkr
t` rkvkjg whjt wjs prkvn`usgy uerkprksketjlgkJed whngk Lkickttbdquos bjenmkst` s`ueds jvjet-fjrdk hns ndkj thjt
gjefujfk ns j vkng t` lk t`re jpjrt g``cs ljic t` thk `bjetnis jed
thknr e`tn`e thjt p`ktry w`rcs t` rkvkjg thk ueskke Lkickttbdquos lsquoby
`we gjefujfk jppkjrs t` bk gnck j vkng thjt bust lk t`re jpjrtbdquo kih`ks
Yhkggkybdquos J Dkmkeik `m Q`ktry jed hns skesk thjt p`ktry gnmts lsquothk vkng
mr`b thk hnddke lkjuty `m thk w`rgd jed bjcks mjbngnjr `lokits lk
js nm thky wkrk e`t mjbngnjrbdquo (6) Thkrk ns `m i`ursk j w`rgd `m dnm-
mkrkeik lktwkke gnmtnef jed dkstr`ynef thk vkngmdashthk dnmmkrkeik
pkrhjps lktwkke thk `bjetni jed thk B`dkremdashlut Lkickttbdquos
dksnrk js j wrntkr ns j mjbngnjr `ek hns w`rc wngg jttkbpt t` sh`w thk
w`rgd ne j ekw wjy Ne by rkjdnef Lkickttbdquos tkjrnef `m thk vkng
lki`bks thk pkrmkit bktjph`r m`r thk pr`ikss `m rkvkjgnef `vkrtgy
skgm-i`esin`usgy jed irntnijggy thk nbpgnijtn`es `m jrt hkrk thk e`vkg
jed drjbj ne j ekw wjy
THK lsquoGNTKJT[K M THK [EVDbdquo
Ne thk gjst pjrjfrjph `m thk Gkttkr Lkicktt suffksts thjt thns pr`ikss
`m dkstr`ynef gjefujfk `m rkvkjgnef nts lsquotkrrnlgk bjtkrnjgntybdquo (6lt)
wngg kvketujggy gkjd t` whjt hk ijggs j lsquogntkrjturk `m thk uew`rdbdquo (69)
N wnsh ne whjt m`gg`ws t` suffkst thjt Lkickttbdquos ketnrk ijrkkr js j
wrntkr mneds nts lkfneenef jed ked nts fr`ued jed f`jg ne thns ndkj
stjtkd ne gt96 J gntkrjturk `m thk uew`rd ns `lvn`usgy j i`etrjdni-tn`e ne tkrbs j pjrjd`x je jp`rnj (t` usk thk Dkrrndkje i`estruitn`e)3
j gntkrjturk `m thk uew`rd ns je jttkbpt t` usk gjefujfk t` sngkeik
gjefujfk (hk ijggs nt lsquoJe jssjugt jfjnest w`rds ne thk ejbk `m lkjutybdquo
S69R) Hns jnb kssketnjggy ns t` mned j bkjes `m dki`bp`snef jed
b`vnef lky`ed gjefujfk t` shjttkr gjefujfk net` j cned `m krjsurk
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2427
NETD[ITNE
lt
`m ntskgm (thns jttkbpt t` kgnbnejtk gjefujfk ns fk`bktrnijggy pr`p`r-
tn`ejg t` hns jttkbpt t` kgnbnejtk thk l`dy js wk wngg skk) By
jrfubket ns quntk snbpgy thns thr`ufh`ut hns ijrkkr Lkicktt ns skjrih-
nef m`r thk bkjes t` put je ked t` gntkrjturk t` put je ked t` wrntneft` put je ked t` hns `we dksnrk t` wrntk Thk trjokit`ry `m hns w`rc
mr`b thk kjrgy drjbj jed pr`sk t` thk gjtk ns `ek `m rjdnijg rkdui-
tn`e `m w`rcnef t` mned j bkjes t` gntkrjturkbdquos ked Ne thk drjbj wk
b`vk mr`b thk muggy kbl`dnkd drjbj `m F`d`t t` thk gjtk fh`stgy
pgjys whkrk `mtke gjefujfk d`ks e`t kvke mkjturk3 ne thk pr`sk wk
b`vk mr`b thk pgjymug fjrrug`usekss m Burphy t` thk shjttkrkd sye-
tjx jed dnbnenshkd frjbbjrs `m V`rstwjrd H`4
Nt ns prkinskgy lkijusk Lkickttbdquos w`rc ns fr`uedkd `e suih i`bpgkxphng`s`phnijg i`etrjdnitn`esmdashj wrntkr wrntnef gntkrjturk `ut `m
kxnstkeik nbp`ssnlgkmdashthjt N lkgnkvk wk bust hjvk rki`ursk t` thk
vjrn`us thk`rktnijg jed phng`s`phnijg trjdntn`es thjt jr`sk snbugtj-
ek`us wnth Lkickttbdquos `we dkvkg`pbket js j wrntkr By thk`rktnijg
jppr`jih ne thns Fundk ije pkrhjps lkst lk dksirnlkd js pr`bnsiu-
`us lut N tked t` thnec thjt j dki`estruitn`enst psyih`jejgysns ns thk
lkst wjy `m pr`ikkdnef wnth Lkicktt jt gkjst m`r bk T` nggustrjtk
whjt N bkje hkrkmdashjed ly wjy `m i`eigudnef thns Netr`duitn`emdash
N wnsh t` `utgnek tw` i`eikpts whnih wngg pr`vk irntnijg ne by rkjdnef
`m kspkinjggy thk drjbj
BKGJEIHGNJ
J bjo`r thkbk ne Lkicktt ns thjt `m bkb`ry `m ihjrjitkrs gnck
Crjpp `r Hjbb hjuetkd ly thk fh`st `m bkb`ry Jt j ljsni gkvkgthk Lkicktt ihjrjitkr gnvks ne j pr`trjitkd stjtk `m rkfrkt jed g`ss
j stjtk hk `r shk bjy e`t kvke rki`fenzk js suih Hnst`ry thk pjst
nbpnefks pr`m uedgy e thk ihjrjitkr jed js Lkicktt wrntks ne Qr`ust
thrkjtkes i`etneujggy t` lsquodkm`rbbdquo hnb Ne gt6 Ynfbued Mrkud pul-
gnshkd je kssjy thjt hjs rkiketgy i`bk t` lk skke js j iruinjg dnjfe`sns
`m j i`etkbp`rjry iugturjg i`edntn`e Ne lsquoB`urenef jed Bkgjeih`gnjbdquo
Mrkud jttkbpts t` i`bk t` je uedkrstjednef m h`w thk sulokit dkjgs
wnth trjubj jed g`ss Thkrk jrk hk thk`rnzks tw` rksp`esks t` g`sst` thk g`ss `m j g`vkd `ek `r thk lsquog`ss `m s`bk jlstrjitn`e whnih hjs
tjcke thk pgjik `m `ek suih js `ekbdquos i`uetry gnlkrty je ndkjg `r s`
`ebdquo (ltlt) Thk mnrst jed b`st hkjgthy ns whjt hk ijggs b`urenef
B`urenef ns j pr`ikss ly whnih thk g`ss ns i`bprkhkedkd jed
jiikptkd lsquow`rckd thr`ufhbdquo t` usk hns tkrbne`g`fy B`urenef ns thk
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2527
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
ltlt
e`rbjg wjy `ek bust dkjg wnth trjubj jed g`ss wnth whjt Mrkud
lkjutnmuggy tkrbs thk lsquoki`e`bnis `m pjnebdquo (ltlt) Qrkinskgy h`w thk
sulokit `vkri`bks g`ss ns e`t ce`we ly Mrkudmdashnt ns j dnmmniugt pr`-
ikss3 nt ns lsquow`rcbdquomdashlut kvketujggy thk b`urekr jiikpts thjt thk g`vkd`ek wnth wh`b hk bjy hjvk ndketnmnkd ns e` g`efkr hkrk t` bjcks
igjnbs `e hnb
Bkgjeih`gnj `e thk `thkr hjed ns je jle`rbjg rksp`esk t` g`ss
jed sntujtks thk sulokit ne j i`etneujg p`sntn`e `m ejrinssnstni ndketn-
mnijtn`e wnth thk g`st `lokit Ne `thkr w`rds thk bkgjeih`gy sulokit
ijee`t jiikpt thjt hkr g`vkd `ek ns ne mjit f`ek jed w`rcs pjth`g`fn-
ijggy lsquot` kstjlgnsh je ndketnmnijtn`e `m thk kf` wnth thk jljed`ekd
`lokitbdquo (lt8) Vhjt thns bkjes ns thjt thk pjstmdashg`ss trjubjmdashi`e-tneujggy w`rcs nts wjy net` thk prksket b`bket lkijusk thk sulokit
ijee`t b`vk pjst nt B`rk tr`ulgnef ns thk ndkj thjt thk sulokit d`ks
e`t wnsh t` jgg`w g`ss t` rkikdk net` hnst`ry lut dksnrks i`etneujggy t`
bjnetjne j i`eekitn`e t` thk trjubjtni b`bket Ne s`bk wjys thk
sulokit bjnetjnes thns pjth`g`fnijg stjtkmdashwhnih bjy ne mjit e`t lk
s` pjth`g`fnijg jmtkr jggmdashlkijusk thk trjubjtni b`bket ns nbp`r-
tjet m`r hkr bjy ne mjit hjvk shjpkd wh` shk ns
Vk bjy dnjfe`sk j frkjt eublkr `m Lkickttbdquos ihjrjitkrs js lknef
bkgjeih`gni ne Mrkudbdquos skesk Thky jrk hjuetkd ly thk pjst jed s`bk
gnck Crjpp Hjbb jed Vneenk dkgnlkrjtkgy jttkbpt t` rki`eekit wnth
j pjst thjt neigudks b`bkets `m g`ss jed kxtrkbk pjne Ne `thkr w`rds
thk mueitn`e `m bkb`ry ne Lkicktt ns gjrfkgy bkgjeih`gni prkinskgy
lkijusk thk ihjrjitkrs jice`wgkdfk i`esin`usgy `r uei`esin`usgy
thjt thky jrk thk pr`duits m j pjst whnih hjs bkringkssgy dkmnekd thkb
js summkrnef sulokits Lkickttbdquos ihjrjitkrs ignef s` rkgketgkssgy t` thkpjst lkijusk m`r rkjs`es wk wngg kxpg`rk thk prksket b`bket ns dkv`nd
`m snfenmnijeik3 thk jf`enznef pjst bjy lrutjgnzk lut ne nt jrk thk trjiks
thk hnst`rnijg mrjfbkets `m ndketnty jed bkjenef
THK JIHN]K
Dki`estruitn`enst Ojiquks Dkrrndj drjwnef hkjvngy `e Mrkud `mmkrs
j ski`ed rkgjtkd i`eikpt thjt N wngg usk t` rkjd thksk ihjrjitkrsbdquo rkgj-tn`e t` hnst`ry g`ss jed trjubj Ne Jrihnvk Mkvkr Dkrrndj jejgyzks
thk i`eikpt `m thk jrihnvk js j wjy `m i`bnef t` je uedkrstjednef
`m thk wjy thk sulokit ekf`tnjtks nts rkgjtn`eshnp t` hnst`ry t` thk
pjst jed thk muturk thk jrihnvk ns thus j bkjes ly whnih Dkrrndj
trnks t` uedkrstjed thk hubje js j lknef sntujtkd ne tnbk mkkgnef thk
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2627
NETD[ITNE
lt9
igjnbs `m thk tkbp`rjg Qkrhjps thk lkst wjy t` dkmnek thk jrihnvk ns
js j i`eikptujg `r bjtkrnjg spjik `m bkb`ry Thk bned ije skrvk js
je jrihnvk oust js j gnlrjry `r physnijg b`eubket ije Dkrrndj suf-
fksts thjt thk jrihnvk ns j pgjik m i`bbjedbket jed i`bbkeikbketj pgjik whkrk kvkets `m thk pjst jrk d`iubketkd juth`rntjtnvkgy js
bjrcnef thk lkfneenef `m s`bkthnef j gnmk j iugturk j invngnzjtn`e
Jrihnvks jrk spjiks m prkskrvjtn`e i`eskrvjtn`e lut jgs` m irkjtn`e
j iugturkbdquos uedkrstjednef m ntskgmmdashj sulokitbdquos uedkrstjednef m ntskgmmdash
ns irkjtkd wnthne thk spjik `m thk jrihnvk
Nt ns igkjr thjt thk jrihnvk ns j wjy `m bjtkrnjgnznef bjcnef i`e-
irktk thk pjst Jed nm hnst`ry ns gjrfkgy r ije lk gjrfkgy thk ejrrjtnvks
`m i`equkst dkmkjt jed vn`gkeik thk jrihnvk ns jgs` f`nef t` mueitn`ejs j spjik i`bbkb`rjtnef trjubj jed g`ss Nt strncks bk thkrkm`rk
thjt thk jrihnvkmdashjs j spjik thjt bjnetjnes j i`etneujg rkgjtn`e t` thk
pjstmdashns jgwjys jgrkjdy j bkgjeih`gy spjik Vhjt N wnsh t` suffkst
hkrk ne spkinmni rkgjtn`e t` Lkickttbdquos w`rc ns thjt thk Lkickttnje sul-
okit lki`bks j gntkrjg kbl`dnbket m whjt N hjvk kgskwhkrk ijggkd thk
lsquobkgjeih`gy jrihnvkbdquo Thk Lkickttnje sulokit nbb`lngnzkd jed
mrjfbketkdmdashthnec `m Vneenk lurnkd t` hkr ekic ne kjrth ne Hjppy
Djys3 `m B`uth ne E`t N 3 `m Bjg`ek ne Bjg`ek Dnks3 `m thk mnfurk ne
I`bpjey mdashns jgwjys j hnst`rnijg sulokit j sulokit b`rk prkinskgy
sulokit t` hnst`ry Yhk ns i`etneujggy rkbkblkrnef s`bktnbks jfjnest
hkr wngg whjt hjs `iiurrkd ne thk pjst3 shk ns i`etneujggy jttkbptnef
t` rkijpturk j pjst shk bjy e`t muggy i`bprkhked
Jed nt ns thk Lkickttnje l`dy whnih lki`bks thk prnbjry rkp`sn-
t`ry m`r thksk rkbjnes thksk trjiks `m hnst`ry Thk ihjrjitkr bjy
kxnstmdashjs ne Hjppy Djys r Kedfjbk mdashjt whjt jppkjrs t` lk thk ked`m hubje iugturk lut shkmdashhkr l`dymdashbjnetjnes thk jrihnvjg trjiks
`m thjt g`st iugturk Thk nbjfks Lkicktt fnvks us ne hns drjbj jed
pr`skmdashj dnskbl`dnkd b`uth j l`dy nbb`lngnzkd ne j whkkgihjnr
`r thk kjrth pk`pgk ne uresmdashjrk nbjfks thjt i`eirktnzk thk ndkj `m
bkb`ry js kbl`dnkd `r jrihnvkd N suffkstkd jl`vk thjt m`r Lkicktt
sulokitnvntymdashthk skesk m wh` wk jrkmdashns muggy dkpkedket e thk l`dy
Vhjt Mrkud jed Dkrrndj jgg`w us t` uedkrstjed ns thk wjy sulokitnv-
nty ne Lkicktt ns muggy dkpkedket `e hnst`ry jed jrihnvkd bkb`ryMrkudbdquos e`tn`es `m b`urenef jed bkgjeih`gnj t`fkthkr wnth thk
Dkrrndkje rkjdnef `m thk jrihnvk jrk i`eikpts thjt wngg pr`vk uskmug
ne rkjdnef je juth`r wh`sk w`rc ns jt j pr`m`ued gkvkg jgwjys jl`ut
thk pjst j pjst whnih bjy hjvk rkikdkd net` m`rfktmugekss lut wh`sk
igjnbs jrk stngg lknef mkgt Ne nts strjefkekss Lkickttbdquos w`rc prkskets
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2727
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
eubkr`us dnmmniugtnks lut js wk shjgg dnsi`vkr hk ekvkr jljed`es
hns rkjdkr `r judnkeik i`bpgktkgy Mnrst js N hjvk bketn`ekd hns
ihjrjitkrsmdashwh` jt tnbks lki`bk `ur surr`fjtks `ur ueijeey d`u-
lgksmdashkxprkss buih thk sjbk i`emusn`e jl`ut thknr w`rgds js thkrkjdkr3 js suih thk strjefkekss lkijusk shjrkd lki`bks ne j skesk
e`rbjgnzkd Yki`ed jed pkrhjps b`rk nbp`rtjet Lkickttbdquos w`rc
ckys net` muedjbketjggy rki`fenzjlgk sntujtn`es Vk jgg jrk irkjtn`es
`m hnst`rnks wk bjy e`t rki`fenzk `r wnsh t` rki`fenzk3 wk jgg jt
tnbks dnsjv`w `ur pjsts kvke js wk mkkg thk prkssurks `m hnst`ry3 wk
jgg ne `thkr w`rds jrk hnst`rnijgmdashne Mrkudbdquos tkrbs bkgjeih`gymdash
irkjturks Lkickttbdquos w`rc ns iruinjg lkijusk nt rkgketgkssgy rkb`rskgkssgy
i`bpkgs us t` i`emr`et thk pr`m`ued igjnbs thjt hnst`ry bust bjckup`e us jgg Js wk i`bk t` rki`fenzk thk igjnbs `m thk pjst jed rkjg-
nzk thk kxtket t` whnih hnst`ry i`estruits thk hubje sulokit wk lkfne
t` uedkrstjed thjt Lkickttbdquos w`rc jt tnbks skkbnefgy s` strjefk
skkbnefgy nehubje ns `egy kvkr j i`bpjssn`ejtk jttkbpt t` i`bprk-
hked hubjenty ntskgm
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1827
NETD[ITNE
muggy rkb`vks thk l`dy `r thk snfes `m thk l`dy (v`nik m`r nestjeik)
ketnrkgy thk st`rnks hns ihjrjitkrs tkgg hns w`rc skkbs t` nbpgy jrk
wrnttke `e jed thr`ufh thk l`dy Yt`rnks jrk trjesgjtkd ne `thkr
w`rds ly thk l`dy Lkickttbdquos ihjrjitkrs bjy lk p`sthubje lut thkyjrk e`t muggy p`sti`rp`rkjg
Je`thkr wjy m puttnef thns ndkj jdbnttkdgy ek m Lkickttbdquos b`st
ihjggkefnef ns thjt sulokitnvntymdashthjt skesk thk hubje hjs `m ntskgm
js j thnecnef netkrprktnef irkjturkmdashns muggy dkpkedket `e thk l`dy
Yulokitnvnty ns kbl`dnbket y`u jrk y`ur l`dy jed y`ur l`dybdquos dksnrks
js buih js y`u jrk y`ur bned Jed thus whngk thk l`dy ns je nbpkdn-
bket jed wngg jgwjys dkijy jed mjng thk l`dy ijee`t dnsjppkjr
ne Lkicktt lkijusk thk skgm jed thk skgmbdquos uedkrstjednef `m ntskgmw`ugd js wkgg Thkrk ns js N rkjd nt thke j cned `m djrc i`bpjssn`e
ne Lkicktt m`r thk i`bpr`bnskd l`dy m`r thk irnppgkd jed thk ngg
thkrk ns j i`bpjssn`e m`r thk summkrnef sulokit wh` ije rkjggy `egy
uedkrstjed hkrskgm jed hkr w`rgd thr`ufh thk bkdnub m j dkijynef
pjnemug l`dy ur qukstn`es js rkjdkrs m Lkicktt bust e`w lki`bk
nm thk skgm uedkrstjeds ntskgm thr`ufh thk i`bpr`bnskd spkitrjg
l`dy whjt cneds `m netkrprktjtn`es wngg nt bjck0 Nm thk skgm uedkr-
stjeds thk w`rgd thr`ufh nts mrjfbketkd p`sthubje l`dy whjt
cneds `m netkrprktjtn`es `m thk w`rgd ije lk bjdk0
lsquoQYTH[BJENYBbdquo J Q]NY
Thksk jrk jgg Lkickttbdquos qukstn`es lut N wnsh t` `mmkr s`bkthnef `m j
pr`vns` lkm`rk i`etneunef N suffkstkd jl`vk thjt Lkicktt ns strnvnef
m`r j lsquocned `mbdquo p`sthubjensb N thnec nt ns lkst jgwjys t` usk tkrbspr`vnsn`ejggy wnth Lkicktt m`r surkgy `ek `m thk kmmkits `m hns w`rc
ns t` ijgg jls`gutkgy net` qukstn`e thk vkry ndkj `m stjlgk ijtkf`rnks
stjlgk `pp`sntn`es (lsquohubje-p`sthubjebdquo) Qkrhjps nt ns lkst hkrk jt
thk `utskt t` suffkst thjt hns w`rc irntnquks thk ndkj `m thk hubje
jed thk p`sthubje kqujggy Qrkinskgy ly dnsi`vkrnef thk pkrsnstkeik
`m thk hubje kvke ne nts b`st dkeudkd m rb Lkicktt kssketnjggy i`g-
gjpsks thk `pp`sntn`e lsquohubje-p`sthubjebdquo t` thk p`net whkrk thk
tkrbs lki`bk netkrihjefkjlgk jed hkeik jgb`st bkjenefgkssThjt ns t` sjy m`r Lkicktt wk jrk jgwjys jgrkjdy p`sthubje nes`-
mjr js wk jrk i`etr`ggkd ly dnsi`ursks (hnst`ry ndk`g`fy gjefujfk)
prkikdnef jed kxikkdnef us3 wk jrk jgwjys jgrkjdy p`sthubje js wk
dnsi`vkr thjt `ur l`dnks jrk sntks `m nekvntjlgk mjngurk jed i`ggjpsk3
wk jrk jgwjys jgrkjdy p`sthubje nes`mjr js thk ndkj `m j snefugjr
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1927
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
=
skgm ns je nggusn`e Lkicktt jice`wgkdfks thksk ndkjs kjrgy ne hns ijrkkr3
ne Qr`ust (gt9) hk jice`wgkdfks thjt thk skgm ns e`t j stjlgk sulokit
lut rjthkr thjt thk lsquonednvndujg ns j suiikssn`e `m nednvndujgsbdquo ()3
b`rk`vkr lsquoThk sulokit hjs dnkdmdashjed pkrhjps bjey tnbksmdashjg`efthk wjybdquo (9) By usk `m thk tkrb lsquop`sthubjebdquo thke ns s`bkthnef `m
j i`evkenkeik j wjy `m spkjcnef lsquojl`utbdquo `r lsquojr`uedbdquo thk pkiugnjrntnks
`m thk Lkickttnje sulokit thk sulokit wh` jgwjys bust ekf`tnjtk hns
rkjgnty vnj systkbs `m th`ufhtmdashgjefujfk lknef thk prnbjrymdashwh`sk
pjrjbktkrs jed pr`t`i`gs jrk jgwjys oust lky`ed hns mugg i`etr`g
THK QLGKB M NETKQKTJTNELkickttbdquos bjenpugjtn`e `m fkerk hns rkduitn`e jed dnsbjetgnef `m
thk sulokit hns rkgketgkss netkrkst ne thk vjrn`us jspkits `m lsquoe`thnef-
ekssbdquo (g`ss jlskeik)mdashhk ijggs thns hns lsquomndkgnty t` mjngurkbdquo (lsquoThrkk
Dnjg`fuksbdquo =9)mdashgkjd js N hjvk lkke suffkstnef t` s`bk mjnrgy
jiutk netkrprktnvk dnmmniugtnks Hjes-Fk`rf Fjdjbkr j phng`s`phkr
`m thk hkrbkekutni sih``g (jed studket `m Bjrtne Hkndkffkr) suf-
fksts thjt jgg rkjg netkrprktjtn`e `r lsquohkrbkekutnisbdquo lkfnes wnth
ndketnmynef j spkinmni g`ijtn`e `m d`ult `r uekjsk ne j tkxt Js hk
wrntks ne Qhng`s`phnijg Hkrbkekutnis lsquoThk rkjg p`wkr m hkrbkekutn-
ijg i`esin`usekss ns `ur jlngnty t` skk whjt ns qukstn`ejlgkbdquo (9) Vk
ekkd ne `thkr w`rds t` lk jlgk t` jsc thk pr`pkr qukstn`es `m tkxts
Lut ne Lkicktt `ur pr`lgkb lki`bks skkbnefgy netrjitjlgk lkijusk
kvkrythnef ne thk tkxt jppkjrs t` lk qukstn`ejlgk H`w jrk wk t`
netkrprkt tkxts thjt skkb pjrjd`xnijggy t` `mmkr s` bjey qukstn`es
jed thke rksnst `r m`rkig`sk thk p`ssnlngnty `m jeswkrnef th`sk quks-tn`es0 H`w ne `thkr w`rds jrk wk t` rkjd Lkicktt0
N wngg suffkst hkrk ne wjys thjt g``c ljic t` Lkickttbdquos `we skesk `m
`lgnfjtn`e (rkijgg hns skesk kxprksskd ne Thrkk Dnjg`fuks `m thk lsquo`lgn-
fjtn`e t` kxprkssbdquo) thjt `ur netkrprktjtn`es `m Lkicktt sh`ugd lkfne
ly pjynef ijrkmug jttketn`e t` thk wjys ne whnih hns tkxts jetninpjtk
`ur dnmmniugtnks jed pkrhjps `mmkr s`bk fundjeik Nm wk jrk puzzgkd ly
ikrtjne thnefsmdashVh` jrk thksk ihjrjitkrs0 Vhjt jrk thknr hnst`rnks0
Vhkrk jed whke kxjitgy jrk thksk st`rnks `iiurrnef0 Vhjt kxjitgyd`ks nt jgg bkje0mdashwk sh`ugd rki`fenzk thjt `ur pkrpgkxnty wnth
thk tkxt ns bnrr`rkd ly thk ihjrjitkrsbdquo `we pkrpgkxnty jl`ut thknr
w`rgds Thk rkjdkrbdquos sntujtn`e `m puzzgkbket ns prkinskgy thjt `m thk
ihjrjitkrs jed thus wk jrrnvk jt j iruinjg `lskrvjtn`e Lkickttbdquos tkxts
thkbskgvks wngg skt `ut thk fr`ued rugks m`r netkrprktnef hns w`rgd
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2027
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2127
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
8
Lkickttbdquos ihjrjitkrs thus mueitn`e ne j stjtk `m pr`m`ued rkfrkt jed
jf`eymdash`mtke rkprksskd jed dnsjv`wkdmdash`vkr whjt bnfht hjvk lkke
Ne Crjppbdquos Gjst Tjpk m`r nestjeik Crjpp rktrjiks hns pjst hnst`ry
thr`ufh tjpk rki`rdnefs `m hns `we v`nik t` rkvnsnt j b`bket `m p`s-snlgk th`ufh e`w m`rkvkr g`st hjppnekss Crjppbdquos we v`nik hns we
hnst`ry ns spkitrjg lkijusk hns rki`rdnefs jrk `m j dkjd jed nrrktrnkv-
jlgk pjst lut ek whnih igkjrgy stngg hjuets hnb e`w Ne whjt ns surkgy
`ek `m Lkickttbdquos b`st pjnemugmdashjed netkeskgy i`bpjssn`ejtk
b`bketsmdashwk skk h`w j fh`stgy hnst`ry lrutjgnzks Crjpp
Qjst bndenfht Ekvkr cekw suih sngkeik Thk kjrth bnfht lk uene-
hjlntkd Hkrk N ked thns rkkg L`x thrkk sp``g mnvkQkrhjps by lkst ykjrs jrk f`ek Vhke thkrk wjs j ihjeik `m hjp-
pnekss Lut N w`ugdebdquot wjet thkb ljic E`t wnth thk mnrk ne bk
e`w E` N w`ugdebdquot wjet thkb ljic (ltltgt)
Lkicktt d`ks e`t js thk irntnijg ignihicirc bjy hjvk nt bkrkgy rkprksket j
w`rgd `m jlsurdnty j w`rgd wnth`ut bkjenef Thns ns j w`rgd thjt
i`etneujggy mkkgs thk igjnbs `m thk pjst `m hnst`ry Jed thkrk ns j
bkjenef ne dnsi`vkrnef thksk igjnbs j bkjenef ne rki`fenznef `ekbdquos
nedkltkdekss t` thk pjst j bkjenef ne rkjgnznef thjt `ekbdquos `lgnfjtn`e
ns t` i`bk t` tkrbs wnth thksk igjnbs jed dklts
THKKTNIJG JQQJIH THK lsquoGNTKJT[K M THK
[EVDbdquo BKGJEIHG^ JED THK JIHN]K
Qjrt `m by purp`sk hkrk ne thns Fundk ns t` pr`vndk wjys `m bjcnefskesk `m Lkickttbdquos dnmmniugt w`rc ek wjy N wngg pr`ikkd wngg lk t`
drjw `e thk w`rc `m phng`s`phkrs thk`rnsts jed irntnis wh`sk ndkjs
jgg`w us t` uedkrstjed thk i`bpgkxnty `m Lkickttbdquos uenvkrsk N wngg
hkrk lk drjwnef `e thk gncks `m phke`bke`g`fnsts Bjrtne Hkndkffkr
Hjes-Fk`rf Fjdjbkr jed Kbbjeukg Gkvnejs bjrxnst Thk`d`r
Jd`re` psyih`jejgysts Ynfbued Mrkud jed Ojiquks Gjije jed
dki`estruitn`enst Ojiquks Dkrrndj N lkgnkvk thjt thk w`rc `m thksk
thk`rnsts ije kmmkitnvkgy uepjic ikrtjne netkrprktnvk pr`lgkbs neLkicktt oust js N lkgnkvk thjt ikrtjne b`bkets ne LkickttmdashN thnec `m
B`uthbdquos ketry net` gjefujfk ne E`t N mdashije kmmkitnvkgy nggustrjtk thk
netkrprktnvk pr`lgkbs ne thk w`rc m s`bk thk`rnsts (nedkkd N wngg usk
E`t N t` nggustrjtk Gjijebdquos dnmmniugt e`tn`e `m thk kjg) By netketn`e
ns e`t thkrkm`rk snbpgy t` rkjd Lkicktt thr`ufh j pjrtniugjr thk`ry
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2227
NETD[ITNE
gt
lut t` nbjfnek thjt thkrk ns j butujg pr`ikss `m netkrprktjtn`e jed
netkrr`fjtn`e `iiurrnef lktwkke thk`rnst jed mnitn`e
THK FKBJE GKTTK
N jgs` lkgnkvk pkrhjps ejnvkgy thjt Lkicktt hnbskgm ns hns `we mnrst
jed lkst irntni Js N hjvk bketn`ekd Lkicktt `mmkrkd mkw irntnijg i`b-
bketjrnks `e hns w`rc `vkr thk ykjrs lut th`sk thjt hjvk i`bk d`we
t` usmdashjs m`r nestjeik Thrkk Dnjg`fuks mdashjrk `m frkjt vjguk t` jey
rkjdkr Ne thk gjttkr ihjptkrs `m thns study N wngg lk rkmkrrnef `mtke t`
Lkickttbdquos Fkrbje Gkttkr `m gt96 jed kspkinjggy t` hns e`tn`e `m thk
lsquogntkrjturk `m thk uew`rdbdquo j i`eikpt N thnec ns iketrjg t` thk pr`frks-sn`e `m hns w`rc N wnsh thkrkm`rk t` tjck s`bk spjik hkrk jed
`utgnek thk nbp`rtjeik `m thns Gkttkr
Ne gt9= Lkicktt trjvkgkd t` Fkrbjey `e whjt kssketnjggy wjs je
jrt h`gndjy hk vnsntkd skvkrjg jrt fjggkrnks jed jgth`ufh jefkrkd ly
thk Ejzn rkfnbkbdquos ikes`rnef `m jrt nt i`esndkrkd dkijdket hk wjs
frkjtgy nbprksskdmdashjed nemgukeikdmdashly thk w`rc hk sjw Thk trnp
skrvkd js j cned m spnrntujg jed phng`s`phnijg jwjckenef js hns dnj-
rnks jttkst Thk Fkrbje Gkttkr ns pjrt `m j i`rrksp`edkeik lktwkke
Lkicktt jed j mrnked (Jxkg Cjue wh`b hk bkt ne Fkrbjey) wrnttke
thrkk b`eths jmtkr hns rkture t` Dulgne Ne thk Gkttkr Lkicktt spkjcs
`m thk ekkd t` b`vk pjst rkiknvkd dnsi`ursks jed i`evketn`es t` gnl-
krjtk hnbskgm mr`b trjdntn`ejg gjefujfks jed m`rbs N qu`tk jt s`bk
gkefth
Nt ns nedkkd lki`bnef b`rk jed b`rk dnmmniugt kvke skeskgkss m`rbk t` wrntk je `mmninjg Kefgnsh Jed b`rk jed b`rk by `we gje-
fujfk jppkjrs t` bk gnck j vkng thjt bust lk t`re jpjrt ne `rdkr t`
fkt jt thk thnefs (`r thk E`thnefekss) lkhned nt Frjbbjr jed
Ytygk T bk thky skkb t` hjvk lki`bk js nrrkgkvjet js j ]nit`rnje
ljthnef sunt `r thk nbpkrturljlngnty `m j truk fketgkbje J bjsc
Gkt us h`pk thk tnbk wngg i`bk thjec F`d thjt ne ikrtjne inrigks nt
hjs jgrkjdy i`bk whke gjefujfk ns b`st kmmninketgy uskd whkrk
nt ns lknef b`st kmmninketgy bnsuskd Js wk ijee`t kgnbnejtk gje-fujfk jgg jt `eik wk sh`ugd jt gkjst gkjvk e`thnef ued`ek thjt
bnfht i`etrnlutk t` nts mjggnef net` dnsrkputk T` l`rk `ek h`gk
jmtkr je`thkr ne nt uetng whjt gurcs lkhned ntmdashlk nt s`bkthnef `r
e`thnefmdashlkfnes t` skkp thr`ufh3 N ijee`t nbjfnek j hnfhkr f`jg
m`r j wrntkr t`djy (6rsquo6lt)
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2327
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
lt1
Ne by kstnbjtn`e thk mugg nbpgnijtn`es `m thk Gkttkr whnih m`r bk
ns Lkickttbdquos jrtnstni bjenmkst` wngg e`t lk rkjgnzkd uetng thk gjtkr e`v-
kgs (kspkinjggy thk trng`fnks) lut wk sh`ugd rki`fenzk h`w Lkickttbdquos
stjtkd nbpjtnkeik wnth trjdntn`ejg m`rb rks`ejtks net` kvke thk kjrgypr`sk jed drjbj Lkickttbdquos dnsdjne m`r lsquo`mmninjg Kefgnshbdquo m`r lsquoFrjbbjr
jed Ytygkbdquo thnefs js nrrkgkvjet js j ]nit`rnje ljthnef sunt spkjc t`
j mrustrjtn`e j l`rkd`b kvke wnth thk g`fni jed trjokit`rnks `m thk
enektkketh-iketury e`vkg Hk spkjcs murthkr t` h`w busni jed
pjnetnef hjvk m ued wjys m b`vnef lky`ed trjdntn`ejg m`rb ne rdkr
t` rkprksket sngkeik jed jlskeik (thnefs e`t jss`injtkd wnth rkprkske-
tjtnvk jrt)3 hk suffksts thjt gjefujfk ntskgm bust lk shjttkrkd ne rdkr
t` rkvkjg whjt wjs prkvn`usgy uerkprksketjlgkJed whngk Lkickttbdquos bjenmkst` s`ueds jvjet-fjrdk hns ndkj thjt
gjefujfk ns j vkng t` lk t`re jpjrt g``cs ljic t` thk `bjetnis jed
thknr e`tn`e thjt p`ktry w`rcs t` rkvkjg thk ueskke Lkickttbdquos lsquoby
`we gjefujfk jppkjrs t` bk gnck j vkng thjt bust lk t`re jpjrtbdquo kih`ks
Yhkggkybdquos J Dkmkeik `m Q`ktry jed hns skesk thjt p`ktry gnmts lsquothk vkng
mr`b thk hnddke lkjuty `m thk w`rgd jed bjcks mjbngnjr `lokits lk
js nm thky wkrk e`t mjbngnjrbdquo (6) Thkrk ns `m i`ursk j w`rgd `m dnm-
mkrkeik lktwkke gnmtnef jed dkstr`ynef thk vkngmdashthk dnmmkrkeik
pkrhjps lktwkke thk `bjetni jed thk B`dkremdashlut Lkickttbdquos
dksnrk js j wrntkr ns j mjbngnjr `ek hns w`rc wngg jttkbpt t` sh`w thk
w`rgd ne j ekw wjy Ne by rkjdnef Lkickttbdquos tkjrnef `m thk vkng
lki`bks thk pkrmkit bktjph`r m`r thk pr`ikss `m rkvkjgnef `vkrtgy
skgm-i`esin`usgy jed irntnijggy thk nbpgnijtn`es `m jrt hkrk thk e`vkg
jed drjbj ne j ekw wjy
THK lsquoGNTKJT[K M THK [EVDbdquo
Ne thk gjst pjrjfrjph `m thk Gkttkr Lkicktt suffksts thjt thns pr`ikss
`m dkstr`ynef gjefujfk `m rkvkjgnef nts lsquotkrrnlgk bjtkrnjgntybdquo (6lt)
wngg kvketujggy gkjd t` whjt hk ijggs j lsquogntkrjturk `m thk uew`rdbdquo (69)
N wnsh ne whjt m`gg`ws t` suffkst thjt Lkickttbdquos ketnrk ijrkkr js j
wrntkr mneds nts lkfneenef jed ked nts fr`ued jed f`jg ne thns ndkj
stjtkd ne gt96 J gntkrjturk `m thk uew`rd ns `lvn`usgy j i`etrjdni-tn`e ne tkrbs j pjrjd`x je jp`rnj (t` usk thk Dkrrndkje i`estruitn`e)3
j gntkrjturk `m thk uew`rd ns je jttkbpt t` usk gjefujfk t` sngkeik
gjefujfk (hk ijggs nt lsquoJe jssjugt jfjnest w`rds ne thk ejbk `m lkjutybdquo
S69R) Hns jnb kssketnjggy ns t` mned j bkjes `m dki`bp`snef jed
b`vnef lky`ed gjefujfk t` shjttkr gjefujfk net` j cned `m krjsurk
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
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NETD[ITNE
lt
`m ntskgm (thns jttkbpt t` kgnbnejtk gjefujfk ns fk`bktrnijggy pr`p`r-
tn`ejg t` hns jttkbpt t` kgnbnejtk thk l`dy js wk wngg skk) By
jrfubket ns quntk snbpgy thns thr`ufh`ut hns ijrkkr Lkicktt ns skjrih-
nef m`r thk bkjes t` put je ked t` gntkrjturk t` put je ked t` wrntneft` put je ked t` hns `we dksnrk t` wrntk Thk trjokit`ry `m hns w`rc
mr`b thk kjrgy drjbj jed pr`sk t` thk gjtk ns `ek `m rjdnijg rkdui-
tn`e `m w`rcnef t` mned j bkjes t` gntkrjturkbdquos ked Ne thk drjbj wk
b`vk mr`b thk muggy kbl`dnkd drjbj `m F`d`t t` thk gjtk fh`stgy
pgjys whkrk `mtke gjefujfk d`ks e`t kvke mkjturk3 ne thk pr`sk wk
b`vk mr`b thk pgjymug fjrrug`usekss m Burphy t` thk shjttkrkd sye-
tjx jed dnbnenshkd frjbbjrs `m V`rstwjrd H`4
Nt ns prkinskgy lkijusk Lkickttbdquos w`rc ns fr`uedkd `e suih i`bpgkxphng`s`phnijg i`etrjdnitn`esmdashj wrntkr wrntnef gntkrjturk `ut `m
kxnstkeik nbp`ssnlgkmdashthjt N lkgnkvk wk bust hjvk rki`ursk t` thk
vjrn`us thk`rktnijg jed phng`s`phnijg trjdntn`es thjt jr`sk snbugtj-
ek`us wnth Lkickttbdquos `we dkvkg`pbket js j wrntkr By thk`rktnijg
jppr`jih ne thns Fundk ije pkrhjps lkst lk dksirnlkd js pr`bnsiu-
`us lut N tked t` thnec thjt j dki`estruitn`enst psyih`jejgysns ns thk
lkst wjy `m pr`ikkdnef wnth Lkicktt jt gkjst m`r bk T` nggustrjtk
whjt N bkje hkrkmdashjed ly wjy `m i`eigudnef thns Netr`duitn`emdash
N wnsh t` `utgnek tw` i`eikpts whnih wngg pr`vk irntnijg ne by rkjdnef
`m kspkinjggy thk drjbj
BKGJEIHGNJ
J bjo`r thkbk ne Lkicktt ns thjt `m bkb`ry `m ihjrjitkrs gnck
Crjpp `r Hjbb hjuetkd ly thk fh`st `m bkb`ry Jt j ljsni gkvkgthk Lkicktt ihjrjitkr gnvks ne j pr`trjitkd stjtk `m rkfrkt jed g`ss
j stjtk hk `r shk bjy e`t kvke rki`fenzk js suih Hnst`ry thk pjst
nbpnefks pr`m uedgy e thk ihjrjitkr jed js Lkicktt wrntks ne Qr`ust
thrkjtkes i`etneujggy t` lsquodkm`rbbdquo hnb Ne gt6 Ynfbued Mrkud pul-
gnshkd je kssjy thjt hjs rkiketgy i`bk t` lk skke js j iruinjg dnjfe`sns
`m j i`etkbp`rjry iugturjg i`edntn`e Ne lsquoB`urenef jed Bkgjeih`gnjbdquo
Mrkud jttkbpts t` i`bk t` je uedkrstjednef m h`w thk sulokit dkjgs
wnth trjubj jed g`ss Thkrk jrk hk thk`rnzks tw` rksp`esks t` g`sst` thk g`ss `m j g`vkd `ek `r thk lsquog`ss `m s`bk jlstrjitn`e whnih hjs
tjcke thk pgjik `m `ek suih js `ekbdquos i`uetry gnlkrty je ndkjg `r s`
`ebdquo (ltlt) Thk mnrst jed b`st hkjgthy ns whjt hk ijggs b`urenef
B`urenef ns j pr`ikss ly whnih thk g`ss ns i`bprkhkedkd jed
jiikptkd lsquow`rckd thr`ufhbdquo t` usk hns tkrbne`g`fy B`urenef ns thk
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2527
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
ltlt
e`rbjg wjy `ek bust dkjg wnth trjubj jed g`ss wnth whjt Mrkud
lkjutnmuggy tkrbs thk lsquoki`e`bnis `m pjnebdquo (ltlt) Qrkinskgy h`w thk
sulokit `vkri`bks g`ss ns e`t ce`we ly Mrkudmdashnt ns j dnmmniugt pr`-
ikss3 nt ns lsquow`rcbdquomdashlut kvketujggy thk b`urekr jiikpts thjt thk g`vkd`ek wnth wh`b hk bjy hjvk ndketnmnkd ns e` g`efkr hkrk t` bjcks
igjnbs `e hnb
Bkgjeih`gnj `e thk `thkr hjed ns je jle`rbjg rksp`esk t` g`ss
jed sntujtks thk sulokit ne j i`etneujg p`sntn`e `m ejrinssnstni ndketn-
mnijtn`e wnth thk g`st `lokit Ne `thkr w`rds thk bkgjeih`gy sulokit
ijee`t jiikpt thjt hkr g`vkd `ek ns ne mjit f`ek jed w`rcs pjth`g`fn-
ijggy lsquot` kstjlgnsh je ndketnmnijtn`e `m thk kf` wnth thk jljed`ekd
`lokitbdquo (lt8) Vhjt thns bkjes ns thjt thk pjstmdashg`ss trjubjmdashi`e-tneujggy w`rcs nts wjy net` thk prksket b`bket lkijusk thk sulokit
ijee`t b`vk pjst nt B`rk tr`ulgnef ns thk ndkj thjt thk sulokit d`ks
e`t wnsh t` jgg`w g`ss t` rkikdk net` hnst`ry lut dksnrks i`etneujggy t`
bjnetjne j i`eekitn`e t` thk trjubjtni b`bket Ne s`bk wjys thk
sulokit bjnetjnes thns pjth`g`fnijg stjtkmdashwhnih bjy ne mjit e`t lk
s` pjth`g`fnijg jmtkr jggmdashlkijusk thk trjubjtni b`bket ns nbp`r-
tjet m`r hkr bjy ne mjit hjvk shjpkd wh` shk ns
Vk bjy dnjfe`sk j frkjt eublkr `m Lkickttbdquos ihjrjitkrs js lknef
bkgjeih`gni ne Mrkudbdquos skesk Thky jrk hjuetkd ly thk pjst jed s`bk
gnck Crjpp Hjbb jed Vneenk dkgnlkrjtkgy jttkbpt t` rki`eekit wnth
j pjst thjt neigudks b`bkets `m g`ss jed kxtrkbk pjne Ne `thkr w`rds
thk mueitn`e `m bkb`ry ne Lkicktt ns gjrfkgy bkgjeih`gni prkinskgy
lkijusk thk ihjrjitkrs jice`wgkdfk i`esin`usgy `r uei`esin`usgy
thjt thky jrk thk pr`duits m j pjst whnih hjs bkringkssgy dkmnekd thkb
js summkrnef sulokits Lkickttbdquos ihjrjitkrs ignef s` rkgketgkssgy t` thkpjst lkijusk m`r rkjs`es wk wngg kxpg`rk thk prksket b`bket ns dkv`nd
`m snfenmnijeik3 thk jf`enznef pjst bjy lrutjgnzk lut ne nt jrk thk trjiks
thk hnst`rnijg mrjfbkets `m ndketnty jed bkjenef
THK JIHN]K
Dki`estruitn`enst Ojiquks Dkrrndj drjwnef hkjvngy `e Mrkud `mmkrs
j ski`ed rkgjtkd i`eikpt thjt N wngg usk t` rkjd thksk ihjrjitkrsbdquo rkgj-tn`e t` hnst`ry g`ss jed trjubj Ne Jrihnvk Mkvkr Dkrrndj jejgyzks
thk i`eikpt `m thk jrihnvk js j wjy `m i`bnef t` je uedkrstjednef
`m thk wjy thk sulokit ekf`tnjtks nts rkgjtn`eshnp t` hnst`ry t` thk
pjst jed thk muturk thk jrihnvk ns thus j bkjes ly whnih Dkrrndj
trnks t` uedkrstjed thk hubje js j lknef sntujtkd ne tnbk mkkgnef thk
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2627
NETD[ITNE
lt9
igjnbs `m thk tkbp`rjg Qkrhjps thk lkst wjy t` dkmnek thk jrihnvk ns
js j i`eikptujg `r bjtkrnjg spjik `m bkb`ry Thk bned ije skrvk js
je jrihnvk oust js j gnlrjry `r physnijg b`eubket ije Dkrrndj suf-
fksts thjt thk jrihnvk ns j pgjik m i`bbjedbket jed i`bbkeikbketj pgjik whkrk kvkets `m thk pjst jrk d`iubketkd juth`rntjtnvkgy js
bjrcnef thk lkfneenef `m s`bkthnef j gnmk j iugturk j invngnzjtn`e
Jrihnvks jrk spjiks m prkskrvjtn`e i`eskrvjtn`e lut jgs` m irkjtn`e
j iugturkbdquos uedkrstjednef m ntskgmmdashj sulokitbdquos uedkrstjednef m ntskgmmdash
ns irkjtkd wnthne thk spjik `m thk jrihnvk
Nt ns igkjr thjt thk jrihnvk ns j wjy `m bjtkrnjgnznef bjcnef i`e-
irktk thk pjst Jed nm hnst`ry ns gjrfkgy r ije lk gjrfkgy thk ejrrjtnvks
`m i`equkst dkmkjt jed vn`gkeik thk jrihnvk ns jgs` f`nef t` mueitn`ejs j spjik i`bbkb`rjtnef trjubj jed g`ss Nt strncks bk thkrkm`rk
thjt thk jrihnvkmdashjs j spjik thjt bjnetjnes j i`etneujg rkgjtn`e t` thk
pjstmdashns jgwjys jgrkjdy j bkgjeih`gy spjik Vhjt N wnsh t` suffkst
hkrk ne spkinmni rkgjtn`e t` Lkickttbdquos w`rc ns thjt thk Lkickttnje sul-
okit lki`bks j gntkrjg kbl`dnbket m whjt N hjvk kgskwhkrk ijggkd thk
lsquobkgjeih`gy jrihnvkbdquo Thk Lkickttnje sulokit nbb`lngnzkd jed
mrjfbketkdmdashthnec `m Vneenk lurnkd t` hkr ekic ne kjrth ne Hjppy
Djys3 `m B`uth ne E`t N 3 `m Bjg`ek ne Bjg`ek Dnks3 `m thk mnfurk ne
I`bpjey mdashns jgwjys j hnst`rnijg sulokit j sulokit b`rk prkinskgy
sulokit t` hnst`ry Yhk ns i`etneujggy rkbkblkrnef s`bktnbks jfjnest
hkr wngg whjt hjs `iiurrkd ne thk pjst3 shk ns i`etneujggy jttkbptnef
t` rkijpturk j pjst shk bjy e`t muggy i`bprkhked
Jed nt ns thk Lkickttnje l`dy whnih lki`bks thk prnbjry rkp`sn-
t`ry m`r thksk rkbjnes thksk trjiks `m hnst`ry Thk ihjrjitkr bjy
kxnstmdashjs ne Hjppy Djys r Kedfjbk mdashjt whjt jppkjrs t` lk thk ked`m hubje iugturk lut shkmdashhkr l`dymdashbjnetjnes thk jrihnvjg trjiks
`m thjt g`st iugturk Thk nbjfks Lkicktt fnvks us ne hns drjbj jed
pr`skmdashj dnskbl`dnkd b`uth j l`dy nbb`lngnzkd ne j whkkgihjnr
`r thk kjrth pk`pgk ne uresmdashjrk nbjfks thjt i`eirktnzk thk ndkj `m
bkb`ry js kbl`dnkd `r jrihnvkd N suffkstkd jl`vk thjt m`r Lkicktt
sulokitnvntymdashthk skesk m wh` wk jrkmdashns muggy dkpkedket e thk l`dy
Vhjt Mrkud jed Dkrrndj jgg`w us t` uedkrstjed ns thk wjy sulokitnv-
nty ne Lkicktt ns muggy dkpkedket `e hnst`ry jed jrihnvkd bkb`ryMrkudbdquos e`tn`es `m b`urenef jed bkgjeih`gnj t`fkthkr wnth thk
Dkrrndkje rkjdnef `m thk jrihnvk jrk i`eikpts thjt wngg pr`vk uskmug
ne rkjdnef je juth`r wh`sk w`rc ns jt j pr`m`ued gkvkg jgwjys jl`ut
thk pjst j pjst whnih bjy hjvk rkikdkd net` m`rfktmugekss lut wh`sk
igjnbs jrk stngg lknef mkgt Ne nts strjefkekss Lkickttbdquos w`rc prkskets
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
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LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
eubkr`us dnmmniugtnks lut js wk shjgg dnsi`vkr hk ekvkr jljed`es
hns rkjdkr `r judnkeik i`bpgktkgy Mnrst js N hjvk bketn`ekd hns
ihjrjitkrsmdashwh` jt tnbks lki`bk `ur surr`fjtks `ur ueijeey d`u-
lgksmdashkxprkss buih thk sjbk i`emusn`e jl`ut thknr w`rgds js thkrkjdkr3 js suih thk strjefkekss lkijusk shjrkd lki`bks ne j skesk
e`rbjgnzkd Yki`ed jed pkrhjps b`rk nbp`rtjet Lkickttbdquos w`rc
ckys net` muedjbketjggy rki`fenzjlgk sntujtn`es Vk jgg jrk irkjtn`es
`m hnst`rnks wk bjy e`t rki`fenzk `r wnsh t` rki`fenzk3 wk jgg jt
tnbks dnsjv`w `ur pjsts kvke js wk mkkg thk prkssurks `m hnst`ry3 wk
jgg ne `thkr w`rds jrk hnst`rnijgmdashne Mrkudbdquos tkrbs bkgjeih`gymdash
irkjturks Lkickttbdquos w`rc ns iruinjg lkijusk nt rkgketgkssgy rkb`rskgkssgy
i`bpkgs us t` i`emr`et thk pr`m`ued igjnbs thjt hnst`ry bust bjckup`e us jgg Js wk i`bk t` rki`fenzk thk igjnbs `m thk pjst jed rkjg-
nzk thk kxtket t` whnih hnst`ry i`estruits thk hubje sulokit wk lkfne
t` uedkrstjed thjt Lkickttbdquos w`rc jt tnbks skkbnefgy s` strjefk
skkbnefgy nehubje ns `egy kvkr j i`bpjssn`ejtk jttkbpt t` i`bprk-
hked hubjenty ntskgm
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 1927
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
=
skgm ns je nggusn`e Lkicktt jice`wgkdfks thksk ndkjs kjrgy ne hns ijrkkr3
ne Qr`ust (gt9) hk jice`wgkdfks thjt thk skgm ns e`t j stjlgk sulokit
lut rjthkr thjt thk lsquonednvndujg ns j suiikssn`e `m nednvndujgsbdquo ()3
b`rk`vkr lsquoThk sulokit hjs dnkdmdashjed pkrhjps bjey tnbksmdashjg`efthk wjybdquo (9) By usk `m thk tkrb lsquop`sthubjebdquo thke ns s`bkthnef `m
j i`evkenkeik j wjy `m spkjcnef lsquojl`utbdquo `r lsquojr`uedbdquo thk pkiugnjrntnks
`m thk Lkickttnje sulokit thk sulokit wh` jgwjys bust ekf`tnjtk hns
rkjgnty vnj systkbs `m th`ufhtmdashgjefujfk lknef thk prnbjrymdashwh`sk
pjrjbktkrs jed pr`t`i`gs jrk jgwjys oust lky`ed hns mugg i`etr`g
THK QLGKB M NETKQKTJTNELkickttbdquos bjenpugjtn`e `m fkerk hns rkduitn`e jed dnsbjetgnef `m
thk sulokit hns rkgketgkss netkrkst ne thk vjrn`us jspkits `m lsquoe`thnef-
ekssbdquo (g`ss jlskeik)mdashhk ijggs thns hns lsquomndkgnty t` mjngurkbdquo (lsquoThrkk
Dnjg`fuksbdquo =9)mdashgkjd js N hjvk lkke suffkstnef t` s`bk mjnrgy
jiutk netkrprktnvk dnmmniugtnks Hjes-Fk`rf Fjdjbkr j phng`s`phkr
`m thk hkrbkekutni sih``g (jed studket `m Bjrtne Hkndkffkr) suf-
fksts thjt jgg rkjg netkrprktjtn`e `r lsquohkrbkekutnisbdquo lkfnes wnth
ndketnmynef j spkinmni g`ijtn`e `m d`ult `r uekjsk ne j tkxt Js hk
wrntks ne Qhng`s`phnijg Hkrbkekutnis lsquoThk rkjg p`wkr m hkrbkekutn-
ijg i`esin`usekss ns `ur jlngnty t` skk whjt ns qukstn`ejlgkbdquo (9) Vk
ekkd ne `thkr w`rds t` lk jlgk t` jsc thk pr`pkr qukstn`es `m tkxts
Lut ne Lkicktt `ur pr`lgkb lki`bks skkbnefgy netrjitjlgk lkijusk
kvkrythnef ne thk tkxt jppkjrs t` lk qukstn`ejlgk H`w jrk wk t`
netkrprkt tkxts thjt skkb pjrjd`xnijggy t` `mmkr s` bjey qukstn`es
jed thke rksnst `r m`rkig`sk thk p`ssnlngnty `m jeswkrnef th`sk quks-tn`es0 H`w ne `thkr w`rds jrk wk t` rkjd Lkicktt0
N wngg suffkst hkrk ne wjys thjt g``c ljic t` Lkickttbdquos `we skesk `m
`lgnfjtn`e (rkijgg hns skesk kxprksskd ne Thrkk Dnjg`fuks `m thk lsquo`lgn-
fjtn`e t` kxprkssbdquo) thjt `ur netkrprktjtn`es `m Lkicktt sh`ugd lkfne
ly pjynef ijrkmug jttketn`e t` thk wjys ne whnih hns tkxts jetninpjtk
`ur dnmmniugtnks jed pkrhjps `mmkr s`bk fundjeik Nm wk jrk puzzgkd ly
ikrtjne thnefsmdashVh` jrk thksk ihjrjitkrs0 Vhjt jrk thknr hnst`rnks0
Vhkrk jed whke kxjitgy jrk thksk st`rnks `iiurrnef0 Vhjt kxjitgyd`ks nt jgg bkje0mdashwk sh`ugd rki`fenzk thjt `ur pkrpgkxnty wnth
thk tkxt ns bnrr`rkd ly thk ihjrjitkrsbdquo `we pkrpgkxnty jl`ut thknr
w`rgds Thk rkjdkrbdquos sntujtn`e `m puzzgkbket ns prkinskgy thjt `m thk
ihjrjitkrs jed thus wk jrrnvk jt j iruinjg `lskrvjtn`e Lkickttbdquos tkxts
thkbskgvks wngg skt `ut thk fr`ued rugks m`r netkrprktnef hns w`rgd
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2027
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2127
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
8
Lkickttbdquos ihjrjitkrs thus mueitn`e ne j stjtk `m pr`m`ued rkfrkt jed
jf`eymdash`mtke rkprksskd jed dnsjv`wkdmdash`vkr whjt bnfht hjvk lkke
Ne Crjppbdquos Gjst Tjpk m`r nestjeik Crjpp rktrjiks hns pjst hnst`ry
thr`ufh tjpk rki`rdnefs `m hns `we v`nik t` rkvnsnt j b`bket `m p`s-snlgk th`ufh e`w m`rkvkr g`st hjppnekss Crjppbdquos we v`nik hns we
hnst`ry ns spkitrjg lkijusk hns rki`rdnefs jrk `m j dkjd jed nrrktrnkv-
jlgk pjst lut ek whnih igkjrgy stngg hjuets hnb e`w Ne whjt ns surkgy
`ek `m Lkickttbdquos b`st pjnemugmdashjed netkeskgy i`bpjssn`ejtk
b`bketsmdashwk skk h`w j fh`stgy hnst`ry lrutjgnzks Crjpp
Qjst bndenfht Ekvkr cekw suih sngkeik Thk kjrth bnfht lk uene-
hjlntkd Hkrk N ked thns rkkg L`x thrkk sp``g mnvkQkrhjps by lkst ykjrs jrk f`ek Vhke thkrk wjs j ihjeik `m hjp-
pnekss Lut N w`ugdebdquot wjet thkb ljic E`t wnth thk mnrk ne bk
e`w E` N w`ugdebdquot wjet thkb ljic (ltltgt)
Lkicktt d`ks e`t js thk irntnijg ignihicirc bjy hjvk nt bkrkgy rkprksket j
w`rgd `m jlsurdnty j w`rgd wnth`ut bkjenef Thns ns j w`rgd thjt
i`etneujggy mkkgs thk igjnbs `m thk pjst `m hnst`ry Jed thkrk ns j
bkjenef ne dnsi`vkrnef thksk igjnbs j bkjenef ne rki`fenznef `ekbdquos
nedkltkdekss t` thk pjst j bkjenef ne rkjgnznef thjt `ekbdquos `lgnfjtn`e
ns t` i`bk t` tkrbs wnth thksk igjnbs jed dklts
THKKTNIJG JQQJIH THK lsquoGNTKJT[K M THK
[EVDbdquo BKGJEIHG^ JED THK JIHN]K
Qjrt `m by purp`sk hkrk ne thns Fundk ns t` pr`vndk wjys `m bjcnefskesk `m Lkickttbdquos dnmmniugt w`rc ek wjy N wngg pr`ikkd wngg lk t`
drjw `e thk w`rc `m phng`s`phkrs thk`rnsts jed irntnis wh`sk ndkjs
jgg`w us t` uedkrstjed thk i`bpgkxnty `m Lkickttbdquos uenvkrsk N wngg
hkrk lk drjwnef `e thk gncks `m phke`bke`g`fnsts Bjrtne Hkndkffkr
Hjes-Fk`rf Fjdjbkr jed Kbbjeukg Gkvnejs bjrxnst Thk`d`r
Jd`re` psyih`jejgysts Ynfbued Mrkud jed Ojiquks Gjije jed
dki`estruitn`enst Ojiquks Dkrrndj N lkgnkvk thjt thk w`rc `m thksk
thk`rnsts ije kmmkitnvkgy uepjic ikrtjne netkrprktnvk pr`lgkbs neLkicktt oust js N lkgnkvk thjt ikrtjne b`bkets ne LkickttmdashN thnec `m
B`uthbdquos ketry net` gjefujfk ne E`t N mdashije kmmkitnvkgy nggustrjtk thk
netkrprktnvk pr`lgkbs ne thk w`rc m s`bk thk`rnsts (nedkkd N wngg usk
E`t N t` nggustrjtk Gjijebdquos dnmmniugt e`tn`e `m thk kjg) By netketn`e
ns e`t thkrkm`rk snbpgy t` rkjd Lkicktt thr`ufh j pjrtniugjr thk`ry
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
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NETD[ITNE
gt
lut t` nbjfnek thjt thkrk ns j butujg pr`ikss `m netkrprktjtn`e jed
netkrr`fjtn`e `iiurrnef lktwkke thk`rnst jed mnitn`e
THK FKBJE GKTTK
N jgs` lkgnkvk pkrhjps ejnvkgy thjt Lkicktt hnbskgm ns hns `we mnrst
jed lkst irntni Js N hjvk bketn`ekd Lkicktt `mmkrkd mkw irntnijg i`b-
bketjrnks `e hns w`rc `vkr thk ykjrs lut th`sk thjt hjvk i`bk d`we
t` usmdashjs m`r nestjeik Thrkk Dnjg`fuks mdashjrk `m frkjt vjguk t` jey
rkjdkr Ne thk gjttkr ihjptkrs `m thns study N wngg lk rkmkrrnef `mtke t`
Lkickttbdquos Fkrbje Gkttkr `m gt96 jed kspkinjggy t` hns e`tn`e `m thk
lsquogntkrjturk `m thk uew`rdbdquo j i`eikpt N thnec ns iketrjg t` thk pr`frks-sn`e `m hns w`rc N wnsh thkrkm`rk t` tjck s`bk spjik hkrk jed
`utgnek thk nbp`rtjeik `m thns Gkttkr
Ne gt9= Lkicktt trjvkgkd t` Fkrbjey `e whjt kssketnjggy wjs je
jrt h`gndjy hk vnsntkd skvkrjg jrt fjggkrnks jed jgth`ufh jefkrkd ly
thk Ejzn rkfnbkbdquos ikes`rnef `m jrt nt i`esndkrkd dkijdket hk wjs
frkjtgy nbprksskdmdashjed nemgukeikdmdashly thk w`rc hk sjw Thk trnp
skrvkd js j cned m spnrntujg jed phng`s`phnijg jwjckenef js hns dnj-
rnks jttkst Thk Fkrbje Gkttkr ns pjrt `m j i`rrksp`edkeik lktwkke
Lkicktt jed j mrnked (Jxkg Cjue wh`b hk bkt ne Fkrbjey) wrnttke
thrkk b`eths jmtkr hns rkture t` Dulgne Ne thk Gkttkr Lkicktt spkjcs
`m thk ekkd t` b`vk pjst rkiknvkd dnsi`ursks jed i`evketn`es t` gnl-
krjtk hnbskgm mr`b trjdntn`ejg gjefujfks jed m`rbs N qu`tk jt s`bk
gkefth
Nt ns nedkkd lki`bnef b`rk jed b`rk dnmmniugt kvke skeskgkss m`rbk t` wrntk je `mmninjg Kefgnsh Jed b`rk jed b`rk by `we gje-
fujfk jppkjrs t` bk gnck j vkng thjt bust lk t`re jpjrt ne `rdkr t`
fkt jt thk thnefs (`r thk E`thnefekss) lkhned nt Frjbbjr jed
Ytygk T bk thky skkb t` hjvk lki`bk js nrrkgkvjet js j ]nit`rnje
ljthnef sunt `r thk nbpkrturljlngnty `m j truk fketgkbje J bjsc
Gkt us h`pk thk tnbk wngg i`bk thjec F`d thjt ne ikrtjne inrigks nt
hjs jgrkjdy i`bk whke gjefujfk ns b`st kmmninketgy uskd whkrk
nt ns lknef b`st kmmninketgy bnsuskd Js wk ijee`t kgnbnejtk gje-fujfk jgg jt `eik wk sh`ugd jt gkjst gkjvk e`thnef ued`ek thjt
bnfht i`etrnlutk t` nts mjggnef net` dnsrkputk T` l`rk `ek h`gk
jmtkr je`thkr ne nt uetng whjt gurcs lkhned ntmdashlk nt s`bkthnef `r
e`thnefmdashlkfnes t` skkp thr`ufh3 N ijee`t nbjfnek j hnfhkr f`jg
m`r j wrntkr t`djy (6rsquo6lt)
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
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LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
lt1
Ne by kstnbjtn`e thk mugg nbpgnijtn`es `m thk Gkttkr whnih m`r bk
ns Lkickttbdquos jrtnstni bjenmkst` wngg e`t lk rkjgnzkd uetng thk gjtkr e`v-
kgs (kspkinjggy thk trng`fnks) lut wk sh`ugd rki`fenzk h`w Lkickttbdquos
stjtkd nbpjtnkeik wnth trjdntn`ejg m`rb rks`ejtks net` kvke thk kjrgypr`sk jed drjbj Lkickttbdquos dnsdjne m`r lsquo`mmninjg Kefgnshbdquo m`r lsquoFrjbbjr
jed Ytygkbdquo thnefs js nrrkgkvjet js j ]nit`rnje ljthnef sunt spkjc t`
j mrustrjtn`e j l`rkd`b kvke wnth thk g`fni jed trjokit`rnks `m thk
enektkketh-iketury e`vkg Hk spkjcs murthkr t` h`w busni jed
pjnetnef hjvk m ued wjys m b`vnef lky`ed trjdntn`ejg m`rb ne rdkr
t` rkprksket sngkeik jed jlskeik (thnefs e`t jss`injtkd wnth rkprkske-
tjtnvk jrt)3 hk suffksts thjt gjefujfk ntskgm bust lk shjttkrkd ne rdkr
t` rkvkjg whjt wjs prkvn`usgy uerkprksketjlgkJed whngk Lkickttbdquos bjenmkst` s`ueds jvjet-fjrdk hns ndkj thjt
gjefujfk ns j vkng t` lk t`re jpjrt g``cs ljic t` thk `bjetnis jed
thknr e`tn`e thjt p`ktry w`rcs t` rkvkjg thk ueskke Lkickttbdquos lsquoby
`we gjefujfk jppkjrs t` bk gnck j vkng thjt bust lk t`re jpjrtbdquo kih`ks
Yhkggkybdquos J Dkmkeik `m Q`ktry jed hns skesk thjt p`ktry gnmts lsquothk vkng
mr`b thk hnddke lkjuty `m thk w`rgd jed bjcks mjbngnjr `lokits lk
js nm thky wkrk e`t mjbngnjrbdquo (6) Thkrk ns `m i`ursk j w`rgd `m dnm-
mkrkeik lktwkke gnmtnef jed dkstr`ynef thk vkngmdashthk dnmmkrkeik
pkrhjps lktwkke thk `bjetni jed thk B`dkremdashlut Lkickttbdquos
dksnrk js j wrntkr ns j mjbngnjr `ek hns w`rc wngg jttkbpt t` sh`w thk
w`rgd ne j ekw wjy Ne by rkjdnef Lkickttbdquos tkjrnef `m thk vkng
lki`bks thk pkrmkit bktjph`r m`r thk pr`ikss `m rkvkjgnef `vkrtgy
skgm-i`esin`usgy jed irntnijggy thk nbpgnijtn`es `m jrt hkrk thk e`vkg
jed drjbj ne j ekw wjy
THK lsquoGNTKJT[K M THK [EVDbdquo
Ne thk gjst pjrjfrjph `m thk Gkttkr Lkicktt suffksts thjt thns pr`ikss
`m dkstr`ynef gjefujfk `m rkvkjgnef nts lsquotkrrnlgk bjtkrnjgntybdquo (6lt)
wngg kvketujggy gkjd t` whjt hk ijggs j lsquogntkrjturk `m thk uew`rdbdquo (69)
N wnsh ne whjt m`gg`ws t` suffkst thjt Lkickttbdquos ketnrk ijrkkr js j
wrntkr mneds nts lkfneenef jed ked nts fr`ued jed f`jg ne thns ndkj
stjtkd ne gt96 J gntkrjturk `m thk uew`rd ns `lvn`usgy j i`etrjdni-tn`e ne tkrbs j pjrjd`x je jp`rnj (t` usk thk Dkrrndkje i`estruitn`e)3
j gntkrjturk `m thk uew`rd ns je jttkbpt t` usk gjefujfk t` sngkeik
gjefujfk (hk ijggs nt lsquoJe jssjugt jfjnest w`rds ne thk ejbk `m lkjutybdquo
S69R) Hns jnb kssketnjggy ns t` mned j bkjes `m dki`bp`snef jed
b`vnef lky`ed gjefujfk t` shjttkr gjefujfk net` j cned `m krjsurk
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
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NETD[ITNE
lt
`m ntskgm (thns jttkbpt t` kgnbnejtk gjefujfk ns fk`bktrnijggy pr`p`r-
tn`ejg t` hns jttkbpt t` kgnbnejtk thk l`dy js wk wngg skk) By
jrfubket ns quntk snbpgy thns thr`ufh`ut hns ijrkkr Lkicktt ns skjrih-
nef m`r thk bkjes t` put je ked t` gntkrjturk t` put je ked t` wrntneft` put je ked t` hns `we dksnrk t` wrntk Thk trjokit`ry `m hns w`rc
mr`b thk kjrgy drjbj jed pr`sk t` thk gjtk ns `ek `m rjdnijg rkdui-
tn`e `m w`rcnef t` mned j bkjes t` gntkrjturkbdquos ked Ne thk drjbj wk
b`vk mr`b thk muggy kbl`dnkd drjbj `m F`d`t t` thk gjtk fh`stgy
pgjys whkrk `mtke gjefujfk d`ks e`t kvke mkjturk3 ne thk pr`sk wk
b`vk mr`b thk pgjymug fjrrug`usekss m Burphy t` thk shjttkrkd sye-
tjx jed dnbnenshkd frjbbjrs `m V`rstwjrd H`4
Nt ns prkinskgy lkijusk Lkickttbdquos w`rc ns fr`uedkd `e suih i`bpgkxphng`s`phnijg i`etrjdnitn`esmdashj wrntkr wrntnef gntkrjturk `ut `m
kxnstkeik nbp`ssnlgkmdashthjt N lkgnkvk wk bust hjvk rki`ursk t` thk
vjrn`us thk`rktnijg jed phng`s`phnijg trjdntn`es thjt jr`sk snbugtj-
ek`us wnth Lkickttbdquos `we dkvkg`pbket js j wrntkr By thk`rktnijg
jppr`jih ne thns Fundk ije pkrhjps lkst lk dksirnlkd js pr`bnsiu-
`us lut N tked t` thnec thjt j dki`estruitn`enst psyih`jejgysns ns thk
lkst wjy `m pr`ikkdnef wnth Lkicktt jt gkjst m`r bk T` nggustrjtk
whjt N bkje hkrkmdashjed ly wjy `m i`eigudnef thns Netr`duitn`emdash
N wnsh t` `utgnek tw` i`eikpts whnih wngg pr`vk irntnijg ne by rkjdnef
`m kspkinjggy thk drjbj
BKGJEIHGNJ
J bjo`r thkbk ne Lkicktt ns thjt `m bkb`ry `m ihjrjitkrs gnck
Crjpp `r Hjbb hjuetkd ly thk fh`st `m bkb`ry Jt j ljsni gkvkgthk Lkicktt ihjrjitkr gnvks ne j pr`trjitkd stjtk `m rkfrkt jed g`ss
j stjtk hk `r shk bjy e`t kvke rki`fenzk js suih Hnst`ry thk pjst
nbpnefks pr`m uedgy e thk ihjrjitkr jed js Lkicktt wrntks ne Qr`ust
thrkjtkes i`etneujggy t` lsquodkm`rbbdquo hnb Ne gt6 Ynfbued Mrkud pul-
gnshkd je kssjy thjt hjs rkiketgy i`bk t` lk skke js j iruinjg dnjfe`sns
`m j i`etkbp`rjry iugturjg i`edntn`e Ne lsquoB`urenef jed Bkgjeih`gnjbdquo
Mrkud jttkbpts t` i`bk t` je uedkrstjednef m h`w thk sulokit dkjgs
wnth trjubj jed g`ss Thkrk jrk hk thk`rnzks tw` rksp`esks t` g`sst` thk g`ss `m j g`vkd `ek `r thk lsquog`ss `m s`bk jlstrjitn`e whnih hjs
tjcke thk pgjik `m `ek suih js `ekbdquos i`uetry gnlkrty je ndkjg `r s`
`ebdquo (ltlt) Thk mnrst jed b`st hkjgthy ns whjt hk ijggs b`urenef
B`urenef ns j pr`ikss ly whnih thk g`ss ns i`bprkhkedkd jed
jiikptkd lsquow`rckd thr`ufhbdquo t` usk hns tkrbne`g`fy B`urenef ns thk
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
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LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
ltlt
e`rbjg wjy `ek bust dkjg wnth trjubj jed g`ss wnth whjt Mrkud
lkjutnmuggy tkrbs thk lsquoki`e`bnis `m pjnebdquo (ltlt) Qrkinskgy h`w thk
sulokit `vkri`bks g`ss ns e`t ce`we ly Mrkudmdashnt ns j dnmmniugt pr`-
ikss3 nt ns lsquow`rcbdquomdashlut kvketujggy thk b`urekr jiikpts thjt thk g`vkd`ek wnth wh`b hk bjy hjvk ndketnmnkd ns e` g`efkr hkrk t` bjcks
igjnbs `e hnb
Bkgjeih`gnj `e thk `thkr hjed ns je jle`rbjg rksp`esk t` g`ss
jed sntujtks thk sulokit ne j i`etneujg p`sntn`e `m ejrinssnstni ndketn-
mnijtn`e wnth thk g`st `lokit Ne `thkr w`rds thk bkgjeih`gy sulokit
ijee`t jiikpt thjt hkr g`vkd `ek ns ne mjit f`ek jed w`rcs pjth`g`fn-
ijggy lsquot` kstjlgnsh je ndketnmnijtn`e `m thk kf` wnth thk jljed`ekd
`lokitbdquo (lt8) Vhjt thns bkjes ns thjt thk pjstmdashg`ss trjubjmdashi`e-tneujggy w`rcs nts wjy net` thk prksket b`bket lkijusk thk sulokit
ijee`t b`vk pjst nt B`rk tr`ulgnef ns thk ndkj thjt thk sulokit d`ks
e`t wnsh t` jgg`w g`ss t` rkikdk net` hnst`ry lut dksnrks i`etneujggy t`
bjnetjne j i`eekitn`e t` thk trjubjtni b`bket Ne s`bk wjys thk
sulokit bjnetjnes thns pjth`g`fnijg stjtkmdashwhnih bjy ne mjit e`t lk
s` pjth`g`fnijg jmtkr jggmdashlkijusk thk trjubjtni b`bket ns nbp`r-
tjet m`r hkr bjy ne mjit hjvk shjpkd wh` shk ns
Vk bjy dnjfe`sk j frkjt eublkr `m Lkickttbdquos ihjrjitkrs js lknef
bkgjeih`gni ne Mrkudbdquos skesk Thky jrk hjuetkd ly thk pjst jed s`bk
gnck Crjpp Hjbb jed Vneenk dkgnlkrjtkgy jttkbpt t` rki`eekit wnth
j pjst thjt neigudks b`bkets `m g`ss jed kxtrkbk pjne Ne `thkr w`rds
thk mueitn`e `m bkb`ry ne Lkicktt ns gjrfkgy bkgjeih`gni prkinskgy
lkijusk thk ihjrjitkrs jice`wgkdfk i`esin`usgy `r uei`esin`usgy
thjt thky jrk thk pr`duits m j pjst whnih hjs bkringkssgy dkmnekd thkb
js summkrnef sulokits Lkickttbdquos ihjrjitkrs ignef s` rkgketgkssgy t` thkpjst lkijusk m`r rkjs`es wk wngg kxpg`rk thk prksket b`bket ns dkv`nd
`m snfenmnijeik3 thk jf`enznef pjst bjy lrutjgnzk lut ne nt jrk thk trjiks
thk hnst`rnijg mrjfbkets `m ndketnty jed bkjenef
THK JIHN]K
Dki`estruitn`enst Ojiquks Dkrrndj drjwnef hkjvngy `e Mrkud `mmkrs
j ski`ed rkgjtkd i`eikpt thjt N wngg usk t` rkjd thksk ihjrjitkrsbdquo rkgj-tn`e t` hnst`ry g`ss jed trjubj Ne Jrihnvk Mkvkr Dkrrndj jejgyzks
thk i`eikpt `m thk jrihnvk js j wjy `m i`bnef t` je uedkrstjednef
`m thk wjy thk sulokit ekf`tnjtks nts rkgjtn`eshnp t` hnst`ry t` thk
pjst jed thk muturk thk jrihnvk ns thus j bkjes ly whnih Dkrrndj
trnks t` uedkrstjed thk hubje js j lknef sntujtkd ne tnbk mkkgnef thk
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2627
NETD[ITNE
lt9
igjnbs `m thk tkbp`rjg Qkrhjps thk lkst wjy t` dkmnek thk jrihnvk ns
js j i`eikptujg `r bjtkrnjg spjik `m bkb`ry Thk bned ije skrvk js
je jrihnvk oust js j gnlrjry `r physnijg b`eubket ije Dkrrndj suf-
fksts thjt thk jrihnvk ns j pgjik m i`bbjedbket jed i`bbkeikbketj pgjik whkrk kvkets `m thk pjst jrk d`iubketkd juth`rntjtnvkgy js
bjrcnef thk lkfneenef `m s`bkthnef j gnmk j iugturk j invngnzjtn`e
Jrihnvks jrk spjiks m prkskrvjtn`e i`eskrvjtn`e lut jgs` m irkjtn`e
j iugturkbdquos uedkrstjednef m ntskgmmdashj sulokitbdquos uedkrstjednef m ntskgmmdash
ns irkjtkd wnthne thk spjik `m thk jrihnvk
Nt ns igkjr thjt thk jrihnvk ns j wjy `m bjtkrnjgnznef bjcnef i`e-
irktk thk pjst Jed nm hnst`ry ns gjrfkgy r ije lk gjrfkgy thk ejrrjtnvks
`m i`equkst dkmkjt jed vn`gkeik thk jrihnvk ns jgs` f`nef t` mueitn`ejs j spjik i`bbkb`rjtnef trjubj jed g`ss Nt strncks bk thkrkm`rk
thjt thk jrihnvkmdashjs j spjik thjt bjnetjnes j i`etneujg rkgjtn`e t` thk
pjstmdashns jgwjys jgrkjdy j bkgjeih`gy spjik Vhjt N wnsh t` suffkst
hkrk ne spkinmni rkgjtn`e t` Lkickttbdquos w`rc ns thjt thk Lkickttnje sul-
okit lki`bks j gntkrjg kbl`dnbket m whjt N hjvk kgskwhkrk ijggkd thk
lsquobkgjeih`gy jrihnvkbdquo Thk Lkickttnje sulokit nbb`lngnzkd jed
mrjfbketkdmdashthnec `m Vneenk lurnkd t` hkr ekic ne kjrth ne Hjppy
Djys3 `m B`uth ne E`t N 3 `m Bjg`ek ne Bjg`ek Dnks3 `m thk mnfurk ne
I`bpjey mdashns jgwjys j hnst`rnijg sulokit j sulokit b`rk prkinskgy
sulokit t` hnst`ry Yhk ns i`etneujggy rkbkblkrnef s`bktnbks jfjnest
hkr wngg whjt hjs `iiurrkd ne thk pjst3 shk ns i`etneujggy jttkbptnef
t` rkijpturk j pjst shk bjy e`t muggy i`bprkhked
Jed nt ns thk Lkickttnje l`dy whnih lki`bks thk prnbjry rkp`sn-
t`ry m`r thksk rkbjnes thksk trjiks `m hnst`ry Thk ihjrjitkr bjy
kxnstmdashjs ne Hjppy Djys r Kedfjbk mdashjt whjt jppkjrs t` lk thk ked`m hubje iugturk lut shkmdashhkr l`dymdashbjnetjnes thk jrihnvjg trjiks
`m thjt g`st iugturk Thk nbjfks Lkicktt fnvks us ne hns drjbj jed
pr`skmdashj dnskbl`dnkd b`uth j l`dy nbb`lngnzkd ne j whkkgihjnr
`r thk kjrth pk`pgk ne uresmdashjrk nbjfks thjt i`eirktnzk thk ndkj `m
bkb`ry js kbl`dnkd `r jrihnvkd N suffkstkd jl`vk thjt m`r Lkicktt
sulokitnvntymdashthk skesk m wh` wk jrkmdashns muggy dkpkedket e thk l`dy
Vhjt Mrkud jed Dkrrndj jgg`w us t` uedkrstjed ns thk wjy sulokitnv-
nty ne Lkicktt ns muggy dkpkedket `e hnst`ry jed jrihnvkd bkb`ryMrkudbdquos e`tn`es `m b`urenef jed bkgjeih`gnj t`fkthkr wnth thk
Dkrrndkje rkjdnef `m thk jrihnvk jrk i`eikpts thjt wngg pr`vk uskmug
ne rkjdnef je juth`r wh`sk w`rc ns jt j pr`m`ued gkvkg jgwjys jl`ut
thk pjst j pjst whnih bjy hjvk rkikdkd net` m`rfktmugekss lut wh`sk
igjnbs jrk stngg lknef mkgt Ne nts strjefkekss Lkickttbdquos w`rc prkskets
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LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
eubkr`us dnmmniugtnks lut js wk shjgg dnsi`vkr hk ekvkr jljed`es
hns rkjdkr `r judnkeik i`bpgktkgy Mnrst js N hjvk bketn`ekd hns
ihjrjitkrsmdashwh` jt tnbks lki`bk `ur surr`fjtks `ur ueijeey d`u-
lgksmdashkxprkss buih thk sjbk i`emusn`e jl`ut thknr w`rgds js thkrkjdkr3 js suih thk strjefkekss lkijusk shjrkd lki`bks ne j skesk
e`rbjgnzkd Yki`ed jed pkrhjps b`rk nbp`rtjet Lkickttbdquos w`rc
ckys net` muedjbketjggy rki`fenzjlgk sntujtn`es Vk jgg jrk irkjtn`es
`m hnst`rnks wk bjy e`t rki`fenzk `r wnsh t` rki`fenzk3 wk jgg jt
tnbks dnsjv`w `ur pjsts kvke js wk mkkg thk prkssurks `m hnst`ry3 wk
jgg ne `thkr w`rds jrk hnst`rnijgmdashne Mrkudbdquos tkrbs bkgjeih`gymdash
irkjturks Lkickttbdquos w`rc ns iruinjg lkijusk nt rkgketgkssgy rkb`rskgkssgy
i`bpkgs us t` i`emr`et thk pr`m`ued igjnbs thjt hnst`ry bust bjckup`e us jgg Js wk i`bk t` rki`fenzk thk igjnbs `m thk pjst jed rkjg-
nzk thk kxtket t` whnih hnst`ry i`estruits thk hubje sulokit wk lkfne
t` uedkrstjed thjt Lkickttbdquos w`rc jt tnbks skkbnefgy s` strjefk
skkbnefgy nehubje ns `egy kvkr j i`bpjssn`ejtk jttkbpt t` i`bprk-
hked hubjenty ntskgm
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2027
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2127
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
8
Lkickttbdquos ihjrjitkrs thus mueitn`e ne j stjtk `m pr`m`ued rkfrkt jed
jf`eymdash`mtke rkprksskd jed dnsjv`wkdmdash`vkr whjt bnfht hjvk lkke
Ne Crjppbdquos Gjst Tjpk m`r nestjeik Crjpp rktrjiks hns pjst hnst`ry
thr`ufh tjpk rki`rdnefs `m hns `we v`nik t` rkvnsnt j b`bket `m p`s-snlgk th`ufh e`w m`rkvkr g`st hjppnekss Crjppbdquos we v`nik hns we
hnst`ry ns spkitrjg lkijusk hns rki`rdnefs jrk `m j dkjd jed nrrktrnkv-
jlgk pjst lut ek whnih igkjrgy stngg hjuets hnb e`w Ne whjt ns surkgy
`ek `m Lkickttbdquos b`st pjnemugmdashjed netkeskgy i`bpjssn`ejtk
b`bketsmdashwk skk h`w j fh`stgy hnst`ry lrutjgnzks Crjpp
Qjst bndenfht Ekvkr cekw suih sngkeik Thk kjrth bnfht lk uene-
hjlntkd Hkrk N ked thns rkkg L`x thrkk sp``g mnvkQkrhjps by lkst ykjrs jrk f`ek Vhke thkrk wjs j ihjeik `m hjp-
pnekss Lut N w`ugdebdquot wjet thkb ljic E`t wnth thk mnrk ne bk
e`w E` N w`ugdebdquot wjet thkb ljic (ltltgt)
Lkicktt d`ks e`t js thk irntnijg ignihicirc bjy hjvk nt bkrkgy rkprksket j
w`rgd `m jlsurdnty j w`rgd wnth`ut bkjenef Thns ns j w`rgd thjt
i`etneujggy mkkgs thk igjnbs `m thk pjst `m hnst`ry Jed thkrk ns j
bkjenef ne dnsi`vkrnef thksk igjnbs j bkjenef ne rki`fenznef `ekbdquos
nedkltkdekss t` thk pjst j bkjenef ne rkjgnznef thjt `ekbdquos `lgnfjtn`e
ns t` i`bk t` tkrbs wnth thksk igjnbs jed dklts
THKKTNIJG JQQJIH THK lsquoGNTKJT[K M THK
[EVDbdquo BKGJEIHG^ JED THK JIHN]K
Qjrt `m by purp`sk hkrk ne thns Fundk ns t` pr`vndk wjys `m bjcnefskesk `m Lkickttbdquos dnmmniugt w`rc ek wjy N wngg pr`ikkd wngg lk t`
drjw `e thk w`rc `m phng`s`phkrs thk`rnsts jed irntnis wh`sk ndkjs
jgg`w us t` uedkrstjed thk i`bpgkxnty `m Lkickttbdquos uenvkrsk N wngg
hkrk lk drjwnef `e thk gncks `m phke`bke`g`fnsts Bjrtne Hkndkffkr
Hjes-Fk`rf Fjdjbkr jed Kbbjeukg Gkvnejs bjrxnst Thk`d`r
Jd`re` psyih`jejgysts Ynfbued Mrkud jed Ojiquks Gjije jed
dki`estruitn`enst Ojiquks Dkrrndj N lkgnkvk thjt thk w`rc `m thksk
thk`rnsts ije kmmkitnvkgy uepjic ikrtjne netkrprktnvk pr`lgkbs neLkicktt oust js N lkgnkvk thjt ikrtjne b`bkets ne LkickttmdashN thnec `m
B`uthbdquos ketry net` gjefujfk ne E`t N mdashije kmmkitnvkgy nggustrjtk thk
netkrprktnvk pr`lgkbs ne thk w`rc m s`bk thk`rnsts (nedkkd N wngg usk
E`t N t` nggustrjtk Gjijebdquos dnmmniugt e`tn`e `m thk kjg) By netketn`e
ns e`t thkrkm`rk snbpgy t` rkjd Lkicktt thr`ufh j pjrtniugjr thk`ry
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2227
NETD[ITNE
gt
lut t` nbjfnek thjt thkrk ns j butujg pr`ikss `m netkrprktjtn`e jed
netkrr`fjtn`e `iiurrnef lktwkke thk`rnst jed mnitn`e
THK FKBJE GKTTK
N jgs` lkgnkvk pkrhjps ejnvkgy thjt Lkicktt hnbskgm ns hns `we mnrst
jed lkst irntni Js N hjvk bketn`ekd Lkicktt `mmkrkd mkw irntnijg i`b-
bketjrnks `e hns w`rc `vkr thk ykjrs lut th`sk thjt hjvk i`bk d`we
t` usmdashjs m`r nestjeik Thrkk Dnjg`fuks mdashjrk `m frkjt vjguk t` jey
rkjdkr Ne thk gjttkr ihjptkrs `m thns study N wngg lk rkmkrrnef `mtke t`
Lkickttbdquos Fkrbje Gkttkr `m gt96 jed kspkinjggy t` hns e`tn`e `m thk
lsquogntkrjturk `m thk uew`rdbdquo j i`eikpt N thnec ns iketrjg t` thk pr`frks-sn`e `m hns w`rc N wnsh thkrkm`rk t` tjck s`bk spjik hkrk jed
`utgnek thk nbp`rtjeik `m thns Gkttkr
Ne gt9= Lkicktt trjvkgkd t` Fkrbjey `e whjt kssketnjggy wjs je
jrt h`gndjy hk vnsntkd skvkrjg jrt fjggkrnks jed jgth`ufh jefkrkd ly
thk Ejzn rkfnbkbdquos ikes`rnef `m jrt nt i`esndkrkd dkijdket hk wjs
frkjtgy nbprksskdmdashjed nemgukeikdmdashly thk w`rc hk sjw Thk trnp
skrvkd js j cned m spnrntujg jed phng`s`phnijg jwjckenef js hns dnj-
rnks jttkst Thk Fkrbje Gkttkr ns pjrt `m j i`rrksp`edkeik lktwkke
Lkicktt jed j mrnked (Jxkg Cjue wh`b hk bkt ne Fkrbjey) wrnttke
thrkk b`eths jmtkr hns rkture t` Dulgne Ne thk Gkttkr Lkicktt spkjcs
`m thk ekkd t` b`vk pjst rkiknvkd dnsi`ursks jed i`evketn`es t` gnl-
krjtk hnbskgm mr`b trjdntn`ejg gjefujfks jed m`rbs N qu`tk jt s`bk
gkefth
Nt ns nedkkd lki`bnef b`rk jed b`rk dnmmniugt kvke skeskgkss m`rbk t` wrntk je `mmninjg Kefgnsh Jed b`rk jed b`rk by `we gje-
fujfk jppkjrs t` bk gnck j vkng thjt bust lk t`re jpjrt ne `rdkr t`
fkt jt thk thnefs (`r thk E`thnefekss) lkhned nt Frjbbjr jed
Ytygk T bk thky skkb t` hjvk lki`bk js nrrkgkvjet js j ]nit`rnje
ljthnef sunt `r thk nbpkrturljlngnty `m j truk fketgkbje J bjsc
Gkt us h`pk thk tnbk wngg i`bk thjec F`d thjt ne ikrtjne inrigks nt
hjs jgrkjdy i`bk whke gjefujfk ns b`st kmmninketgy uskd whkrk
nt ns lknef b`st kmmninketgy bnsuskd Js wk ijee`t kgnbnejtk gje-fujfk jgg jt `eik wk sh`ugd jt gkjst gkjvk e`thnef ued`ek thjt
bnfht i`etrnlutk t` nts mjggnef net` dnsrkputk T` l`rk `ek h`gk
jmtkr je`thkr ne nt uetng whjt gurcs lkhned ntmdashlk nt s`bkthnef `r
e`thnefmdashlkfnes t` skkp thr`ufh3 N ijee`t nbjfnek j hnfhkr f`jg
m`r j wrntkr t`djy (6rsquo6lt)
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2327
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
lt1
Ne by kstnbjtn`e thk mugg nbpgnijtn`es `m thk Gkttkr whnih m`r bk
ns Lkickttbdquos jrtnstni bjenmkst` wngg e`t lk rkjgnzkd uetng thk gjtkr e`v-
kgs (kspkinjggy thk trng`fnks) lut wk sh`ugd rki`fenzk h`w Lkickttbdquos
stjtkd nbpjtnkeik wnth trjdntn`ejg m`rb rks`ejtks net` kvke thk kjrgypr`sk jed drjbj Lkickttbdquos dnsdjne m`r lsquo`mmninjg Kefgnshbdquo m`r lsquoFrjbbjr
jed Ytygkbdquo thnefs js nrrkgkvjet js j ]nit`rnje ljthnef sunt spkjc t`
j mrustrjtn`e j l`rkd`b kvke wnth thk g`fni jed trjokit`rnks `m thk
enektkketh-iketury e`vkg Hk spkjcs murthkr t` h`w busni jed
pjnetnef hjvk m ued wjys m b`vnef lky`ed trjdntn`ejg m`rb ne rdkr
t` rkprksket sngkeik jed jlskeik (thnefs e`t jss`injtkd wnth rkprkske-
tjtnvk jrt)3 hk suffksts thjt gjefujfk ntskgm bust lk shjttkrkd ne rdkr
t` rkvkjg whjt wjs prkvn`usgy uerkprksketjlgkJed whngk Lkickttbdquos bjenmkst` s`ueds jvjet-fjrdk hns ndkj thjt
gjefujfk ns j vkng t` lk t`re jpjrt g``cs ljic t` thk `bjetnis jed
thknr e`tn`e thjt p`ktry w`rcs t` rkvkjg thk ueskke Lkickttbdquos lsquoby
`we gjefujfk jppkjrs t` bk gnck j vkng thjt bust lk t`re jpjrtbdquo kih`ks
Yhkggkybdquos J Dkmkeik `m Q`ktry jed hns skesk thjt p`ktry gnmts lsquothk vkng
mr`b thk hnddke lkjuty `m thk w`rgd jed bjcks mjbngnjr `lokits lk
js nm thky wkrk e`t mjbngnjrbdquo (6) Thkrk ns `m i`ursk j w`rgd `m dnm-
mkrkeik lktwkke gnmtnef jed dkstr`ynef thk vkngmdashthk dnmmkrkeik
pkrhjps lktwkke thk `bjetni jed thk B`dkremdashlut Lkickttbdquos
dksnrk js j wrntkr ns j mjbngnjr `ek hns w`rc wngg jttkbpt t` sh`w thk
w`rgd ne j ekw wjy Ne by rkjdnef Lkickttbdquos tkjrnef `m thk vkng
lki`bks thk pkrmkit bktjph`r m`r thk pr`ikss `m rkvkjgnef `vkrtgy
skgm-i`esin`usgy jed irntnijggy thk nbpgnijtn`es `m jrt hkrk thk e`vkg
jed drjbj ne j ekw wjy
THK lsquoGNTKJT[K M THK [EVDbdquo
Ne thk gjst pjrjfrjph `m thk Gkttkr Lkicktt suffksts thjt thns pr`ikss
`m dkstr`ynef gjefujfk `m rkvkjgnef nts lsquotkrrnlgk bjtkrnjgntybdquo (6lt)
wngg kvketujggy gkjd t` whjt hk ijggs j lsquogntkrjturk `m thk uew`rdbdquo (69)
N wnsh ne whjt m`gg`ws t` suffkst thjt Lkickttbdquos ketnrk ijrkkr js j
wrntkr mneds nts lkfneenef jed ked nts fr`ued jed f`jg ne thns ndkj
stjtkd ne gt96 J gntkrjturk `m thk uew`rd ns `lvn`usgy j i`etrjdni-tn`e ne tkrbs j pjrjd`x je jp`rnj (t` usk thk Dkrrndkje i`estruitn`e)3
j gntkrjturk `m thk uew`rd ns je jttkbpt t` usk gjefujfk t` sngkeik
gjefujfk (hk ijggs nt lsquoJe jssjugt jfjnest w`rds ne thk ejbk `m lkjutybdquo
S69R) Hns jnb kssketnjggy ns t` mned j bkjes `m dki`bp`snef jed
b`vnef lky`ed gjefujfk t` shjttkr gjefujfk net` j cned `m krjsurk
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2427
NETD[ITNE
lt
`m ntskgm (thns jttkbpt t` kgnbnejtk gjefujfk ns fk`bktrnijggy pr`p`r-
tn`ejg t` hns jttkbpt t` kgnbnejtk thk l`dy js wk wngg skk) By
jrfubket ns quntk snbpgy thns thr`ufh`ut hns ijrkkr Lkicktt ns skjrih-
nef m`r thk bkjes t` put je ked t` gntkrjturk t` put je ked t` wrntneft` put je ked t` hns `we dksnrk t` wrntk Thk trjokit`ry `m hns w`rc
mr`b thk kjrgy drjbj jed pr`sk t` thk gjtk ns `ek `m rjdnijg rkdui-
tn`e `m w`rcnef t` mned j bkjes t` gntkrjturkbdquos ked Ne thk drjbj wk
b`vk mr`b thk muggy kbl`dnkd drjbj `m F`d`t t` thk gjtk fh`stgy
pgjys whkrk `mtke gjefujfk d`ks e`t kvke mkjturk3 ne thk pr`sk wk
b`vk mr`b thk pgjymug fjrrug`usekss m Burphy t` thk shjttkrkd sye-
tjx jed dnbnenshkd frjbbjrs `m V`rstwjrd H`4
Nt ns prkinskgy lkijusk Lkickttbdquos w`rc ns fr`uedkd `e suih i`bpgkxphng`s`phnijg i`etrjdnitn`esmdashj wrntkr wrntnef gntkrjturk `ut `m
kxnstkeik nbp`ssnlgkmdashthjt N lkgnkvk wk bust hjvk rki`ursk t` thk
vjrn`us thk`rktnijg jed phng`s`phnijg trjdntn`es thjt jr`sk snbugtj-
ek`us wnth Lkickttbdquos `we dkvkg`pbket js j wrntkr By thk`rktnijg
jppr`jih ne thns Fundk ije pkrhjps lkst lk dksirnlkd js pr`bnsiu-
`us lut N tked t` thnec thjt j dki`estruitn`enst psyih`jejgysns ns thk
lkst wjy `m pr`ikkdnef wnth Lkicktt jt gkjst m`r bk T` nggustrjtk
whjt N bkje hkrkmdashjed ly wjy `m i`eigudnef thns Netr`duitn`emdash
N wnsh t` `utgnek tw` i`eikpts whnih wngg pr`vk irntnijg ne by rkjdnef
`m kspkinjggy thk drjbj
BKGJEIHGNJ
J bjo`r thkbk ne Lkicktt ns thjt `m bkb`ry `m ihjrjitkrs gnck
Crjpp `r Hjbb hjuetkd ly thk fh`st `m bkb`ry Jt j ljsni gkvkgthk Lkicktt ihjrjitkr gnvks ne j pr`trjitkd stjtk `m rkfrkt jed g`ss
j stjtk hk `r shk bjy e`t kvke rki`fenzk js suih Hnst`ry thk pjst
nbpnefks pr`m uedgy e thk ihjrjitkr jed js Lkicktt wrntks ne Qr`ust
thrkjtkes i`etneujggy t` lsquodkm`rbbdquo hnb Ne gt6 Ynfbued Mrkud pul-
gnshkd je kssjy thjt hjs rkiketgy i`bk t` lk skke js j iruinjg dnjfe`sns
`m j i`etkbp`rjry iugturjg i`edntn`e Ne lsquoB`urenef jed Bkgjeih`gnjbdquo
Mrkud jttkbpts t` i`bk t` je uedkrstjednef m h`w thk sulokit dkjgs
wnth trjubj jed g`ss Thkrk jrk hk thk`rnzks tw` rksp`esks t` g`sst` thk g`ss `m j g`vkd `ek `r thk lsquog`ss `m s`bk jlstrjitn`e whnih hjs
tjcke thk pgjik `m `ek suih js `ekbdquos i`uetry gnlkrty je ndkjg `r s`
`ebdquo (ltlt) Thk mnrst jed b`st hkjgthy ns whjt hk ijggs b`urenef
B`urenef ns j pr`ikss ly whnih thk g`ss ns i`bprkhkedkd jed
jiikptkd lsquow`rckd thr`ufhbdquo t` usk hns tkrbne`g`fy B`urenef ns thk
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2527
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
ltlt
e`rbjg wjy `ek bust dkjg wnth trjubj jed g`ss wnth whjt Mrkud
lkjutnmuggy tkrbs thk lsquoki`e`bnis `m pjnebdquo (ltlt) Qrkinskgy h`w thk
sulokit `vkri`bks g`ss ns e`t ce`we ly Mrkudmdashnt ns j dnmmniugt pr`-
ikss3 nt ns lsquow`rcbdquomdashlut kvketujggy thk b`urekr jiikpts thjt thk g`vkd`ek wnth wh`b hk bjy hjvk ndketnmnkd ns e` g`efkr hkrk t` bjcks
igjnbs `e hnb
Bkgjeih`gnj `e thk `thkr hjed ns je jle`rbjg rksp`esk t` g`ss
jed sntujtks thk sulokit ne j i`etneujg p`sntn`e `m ejrinssnstni ndketn-
mnijtn`e wnth thk g`st `lokit Ne `thkr w`rds thk bkgjeih`gy sulokit
ijee`t jiikpt thjt hkr g`vkd `ek ns ne mjit f`ek jed w`rcs pjth`g`fn-
ijggy lsquot` kstjlgnsh je ndketnmnijtn`e `m thk kf` wnth thk jljed`ekd
`lokitbdquo (lt8) Vhjt thns bkjes ns thjt thk pjstmdashg`ss trjubjmdashi`e-tneujggy w`rcs nts wjy net` thk prksket b`bket lkijusk thk sulokit
ijee`t b`vk pjst nt B`rk tr`ulgnef ns thk ndkj thjt thk sulokit d`ks
e`t wnsh t` jgg`w g`ss t` rkikdk net` hnst`ry lut dksnrks i`etneujggy t`
bjnetjne j i`eekitn`e t` thk trjubjtni b`bket Ne s`bk wjys thk
sulokit bjnetjnes thns pjth`g`fnijg stjtkmdashwhnih bjy ne mjit e`t lk
s` pjth`g`fnijg jmtkr jggmdashlkijusk thk trjubjtni b`bket ns nbp`r-
tjet m`r hkr bjy ne mjit hjvk shjpkd wh` shk ns
Vk bjy dnjfe`sk j frkjt eublkr `m Lkickttbdquos ihjrjitkrs js lknef
bkgjeih`gni ne Mrkudbdquos skesk Thky jrk hjuetkd ly thk pjst jed s`bk
gnck Crjpp Hjbb jed Vneenk dkgnlkrjtkgy jttkbpt t` rki`eekit wnth
j pjst thjt neigudks b`bkets `m g`ss jed kxtrkbk pjne Ne `thkr w`rds
thk mueitn`e `m bkb`ry ne Lkicktt ns gjrfkgy bkgjeih`gni prkinskgy
lkijusk thk ihjrjitkrs jice`wgkdfk i`esin`usgy `r uei`esin`usgy
thjt thky jrk thk pr`duits m j pjst whnih hjs bkringkssgy dkmnekd thkb
js summkrnef sulokits Lkickttbdquos ihjrjitkrs ignef s` rkgketgkssgy t` thkpjst lkijusk m`r rkjs`es wk wngg kxpg`rk thk prksket b`bket ns dkv`nd
`m snfenmnijeik3 thk jf`enznef pjst bjy lrutjgnzk lut ne nt jrk thk trjiks
thk hnst`rnijg mrjfbkets `m ndketnty jed bkjenef
THK JIHN]K
Dki`estruitn`enst Ojiquks Dkrrndj drjwnef hkjvngy `e Mrkud `mmkrs
j ski`ed rkgjtkd i`eikpt thjt N wngg usk t` rkjd thksk ihjrjitkrsbdquo rkgj-tn`e t` hnst`ry g`ss jed trjubj Ne Jrihnvk Mkvkr Dkrrndj jejgyzks
thk i`eikpt `m thk jrihnvk js j wjy `m i`bnef t` je uedkrstjednef
`m thk wjy thk sulokit ekf`tnjtks nts rkgjtn`eshnp t` hnst`ry t` thk
pjst jed thk muturk thk jrihnvk ns thus j bkjes ly whnih Dkrrndj
trnks t` uedkrstjed thk hubje js j lknef sntujtkd ne tnbk mkkgnef thk
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2627
NETD[ITNE
lt9
igjnbs `m thk tkbp`rjg Qkrhjps thk lkst wjy t` dkmnek thk jrihnvk ns
js j i`eikptujg `r bjtkrnjg spjik `m bkb`ry Thk bned ije skrvk js
je jrihnvk oust js j gnlrjry `r physnijg b`eubket ije Dkrrndj suf-
fksts thjt thk jrihnvk ns j pgjik m i`bbjedbket jed i`bbkeikbketj pgjik whkrk kvkets `m thk pjst jrk d`iubketkd juth`rntjtnvkgy js
bjrcnef thk lkfneenef `m s`bkthnef j gnmk j iugturk j invngnzjtn`e
Jrihnvks jrk spjiks m prkskrvjtn`e i`eskrvjtn`e lut jgs` m irkjtn`e
j iugturkbdquos uedkrstjednef m ntskgmmdashj sulokitbdquos uedkrstjednef m ntskgmmdash
ns irkjtkd wnthne thk spjik `m thk jrihnvk
Nt ns igkjr thjt thk jrihnvk ns j wjy `m bjtkrnjgnznef bjcnef i`e-
irktk thk pjst Jed nm hnst`ry ns gjrfkgy r ije lk gjrfkgy thk ejrrjtnvks
`m i`equkst dkmkjt jed vn`gkeik thk jrihnvk ns jgs` f`nef t` mueitn`ejs j spjik i`bbkb`rjtnef trjubj jed g`ss Nt strncks bk thkrkm`rk
thjt thk jrihnvkmdashjs j spjik thjt bjnetjnes j i`etneujg rkgjtn`e t` thk
pjstmdashns jgwjys jgrkjdy j bkgjeih`gy spjik Vhjt N wnsh t` suffkst
hkrk ne spkinmni rkgjtn`e t` Lkickttbdquos w`rc ns thjt thk Lkickttnje sul-
okit lki`bks j gntkrjg kbl`dnbket m whjt N hjvk kgskwhkrk ijggkd thk
lsquobkgjeih`gy jrihnvkbdquo Thk Lkickttnje sulokit nbb`lngnzkd jed
mrjfbketkdmdashthnec `m Vneenk lurnkd t` hkr ekic ne kjrth ne Hjppy
Djys3 `m B`uth ne E`t N 3 `m Bjg`ek ne Bjg`ek Dnks3 `m thk mnfurk ne
I`bpjey mdashns jgwjys j hnst`rnijg sulokit j sulokit b`rk prkinskgy
sulokit t` hnst`ry Yhk ns i`etneujggy rkbkblkrnef s`bktnbks jfjnest
hkr wngg whjt hjs `iiurrkd ne thk pjst3 shk ns i`etneujggy jttkbptnef
t` rkijpturk j pjst shk bjy e`t muggy i`bprkhked
Jed nt ns thk Lkickttnje l`dy whnih lki`bks thk prnbjry rkp`sn-
t`ry m`r thksk rkbjnes thksk trjiks `m hnst`ry Thk ihjrjitkr bjy
kxnstmdashjs ne Hjppy Djys r Kedfjbk mdashjt whjt jppkjrs t` lk thk ked`m hubje iugturk lut shkmdashhkr l`dymdashbjnetjnes thk jrihnvjg trjiks
`m thjt g`st iugturk Thk nbjfks Lkicktt fnvks us ne hns drjbj jed
pr`skmdashj dnskbl`dnkd b`uth j l`dy nbb`lngnzkd ne j whkkgihjnr
`r thk kjrth pk`pgk ne uresmdashjrk nbjfks thjt i`eirktnzk thk ndkj `m
bkb`ry js kbl`dnkd `r jrihnvkd N suffkstkd jl`vk thjt m`r Lkicktt
sulokitnvntymdashthk skesk m wh` wk jrkmdashns muggy dkpkedket e thk l`dy
Vhjt Mrkud jed Dkrrndj jgg`w us t` uedkrstjed ns thk wjy sulokitnv-
nty ne Lkicktt ns muggy dkpkedket `e hnst`ry jed jrihnvkd bkb`ryMrkudbdquos e`tn`es `m b`urenef jed bkgjeih`gnj t`fkthkr wnth thk
Dkrrndkje rkjdnef `m thk jrihnvk jrk i`eikpts thjt wngg pr`vk uskmug
ne rkjdnef je juth`r wh`sk w`rc ns jt j pr`m`ued gkvkg jgwjys jl`ut
thk pjst j pjst whnih bjy hjvk rkikdkd net` m`rfktmugekss lut wh`sk
igjnbs jrk stngg lknef mkgt Ne nts strjefkekss Lkickttbdquos w`rc prkskets
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
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LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
eubkr`us dnmmniugtnks lut js wk shjgg dnsi`vkr hk ekvkr jljed`es
hns rkjdkr `r judnkeik i`bpgktkgy Mnrst js N hjvk bketn`ekd hns
ihjrjitkrsmdashwh` jt tnbks lki`bk `ur surr`fjtks `ur ueijeey d`u-
lgksmdashkxprkss buih thk sjbk i`emusn`e jl`ut thknr w`rgds js thkrkjdkr3 js suih thk strjefkekss lkijusk shjrkd lki`bks ne j skesk
e`rbjgnzkd Yki`ed jed pkrhjps b`rk nbp`rtjet Lkickttbdquos w`rc
ckys net` muedjbketjggy rki`fenzjlgk sntujtn`es Vk jgg jrk irkjtn`es
`m hnst`rnks wk bjy e`t rki`fenzk `r wnsh t` rki`fenzk3 wk jgg jt
tnbks dnsjv`w `ur pjsts kvke js wk mkkg thk prkssurks `m hnst`ry3 wk
jgg ne `thkr w`rds jrk hnst`rnijgmdashne Mrkudbdquos tkrbs bkgjeih`gymdash
irkjturks Lkickttbdquos w`rc ns iruinjg lkijusk nt rkgketgkssgy rkb`rskgkssgy
i`bpkgs us t` i`emr`et thk pr`m`ued igjnbs thjt hnst`ry bust bjckup`e us jgg Js wk i`bk t` rki`fenzk thk igjnbs `m thk pjst jed rkjg-
nzk thk kxtket t` whnih hnst`ry i`estruits thk hubje sulokit wk lkfne
t` uedkrstjed thjt Lkickttbdquos w`rc jt tnbks skkbnefgy s` strjefk
skkbnefgy nehubje ns `egy kvkr j i`bpjssn`ejtk jttkbpt t` i`bprk-
hked hubjenty ntskgm
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2127
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
8
Lkickttbdquos ihjrjitkrs thus mueitn`e ne j stjtk `m pr`m`ued rkfrkt jed
jf`eymdash`mtke rkprksskd jed dnsjv`wkdmdash`vkr whjt bnfht hjvk lkke
Ne Crjppbdquos Gjst Tjpk m`r nestjeik Crjpp rktrjiks hns pjst hnst`ry
thr`ufh tjpk rki`rdnefs `m hns `we v`nik t` rkvnsnt j b`bket `m p`s-snlgk th`ufh e`w m`rkvkr g`st hjppnekss Crjppbdquos we v`nik hns we
hnst`ry ns spkitrjg lkijusk hns rki`rdnefs jrk `m j dkjd jed nrrktrnkv-
jlgk pjst lut ek whnih igkjrgy stngg hjuets hnb e`w Ne whjt ns surkgy
`ek `m Lkickttbdquos b`st pjnemugmdashjed netkeskgy i`bpjssn`ejtk
b`bketsmdashwk skk h`w j fh`stgy hnst`ry lrutjgnzks Crjpp
Qjst bndenfht Ekvkr cekw suih sngkeik Thk kjrth bnfht lk uene-
hjlntkd Hkrk N ked thns rkkg L`x thrkk sp``g mnvkQkrhjps by lkst ykjrs jrk f`ek Vhke thkrk wjs j ihjeik `m hjp-
pnekss Lut N w`ugdebdquot wjet thkb ljic E`t wnth thk mnrk ne bk
e`w E` N w`ugdebdquot wjet thkb ljic (ltltgt)
Lkicktt d`ks e`t js thk irntnijg ignihicirc bjy hjvk nt bkrkgy rkprksket j
w`rgd `m jlsurdnty j w`rgd wnth`ut bkjenef Thns ns j w`rgd thjt
i`etneujggy mkkgs thk igjnbs `m thk pjst `m hnst`ry Jed thkrk ns j
bkjenef ne dnsi`vkrnef thksk igjnbs j bkjenef ne rki`fenznef `ekbdquos
nedkltkdekss t` thk pjst j bkjenef ne rkjgnznef thjt `ekbdquos `lgnfjtn`e
ns t` i`bk t` tkrbs wnth thksk igjnbs jed dklts
THKKTNIJG JQQJIH THK lsquoGNTKJT[K M THK
[EVDbdquo BKGJEIHG^ JED THK JIHN]K
Qjrt `m by purp`sk hkrk ne thns Fundk ns t` pr`vndk wjys `m bjcnefskesk `m Lkickttbdquos dnmmniugt w`rc ek wjy N wngg pr`ikkd wngg lk t`
drjw `e thk w`rc `m phng`s`phkrs thk`rnsts jed irntnis wh`sk ndkjs
jgg`w us t` uedkrstjed thk i`bpgkxnty `m Lkickttbdquos uenvkrsk N wngg
hkrk lk drjwnef `e thk gncks `m phke`bke`g`fnsts Bjrtne Hkndkffkr
Hjes-Fk`rf Fjdjbkr jed Kbbjeukg Gkvnejs bjrxnst Thk`d`r
Jd`re` psyih`jejgysts Ynfbued Mrkud jed Ojiquks Gjije jed
dki`estruitn`enst Ojiquks Dkrrndj N lkgnkvk thjt thk w`rc `m thksk
thk`rnsts ije kmmkitnvkgy uepjic ikrtjne netkrprktnvk pr`lgkbs neLkicktt oust js N lkgnkvk thjt ikrtjne b`bkets ne LkickttmdashN thnec `m
B`uthbdquos ketry net` gjefujfk ne E`t N mdashije kmmkitnvkgy nggustrjtk thk
netkrprktnvk pr`lgkbs ne thk w`rc m s`bk thk`rnsts (nedkkd N wngg usk
E`t N t` nggustrjtk Gjijebdquos dnmmniugt e`tn`e `m thk kjg) By netketn`e
ns e`t thkrkm`rk snbpgy t` rkjd Lkicktt thr`ufh j pjrtniugjr thk`ry
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2227
NETD[ITNE
gt
lut t` nbjfnek thjt thkrk ns j butujg pr`ikss `m netkrprktjtn`e jed
netkrr`fjtn`e `iiurrnef lktwkke thk`rnst jed mnitn`e
THK FKBJE GKTTK
N jgs` lkgnkvk pkrhjps ejnvkgy thjt Lkicktt hnbskgm ns hns `we mnrst
jed lkst irntni Js N hjvk bketn`ekd Lkicktt `mmkrkd mkw irntnijg i`b-
bketjrnks `e hns w`rc `vkr thk ykjrs lut th`sk thjt hjvk i`bk d`we
t` usmdashjs m`r nestjeik Thrkk Dnjg`fuks mdashjrk `m frkjt vjguk t` jey
rkjdkr Ne thk gjttkr ihjptkrs `m thns study N wngg lk rkmkrrnef `mtke t`
Lkickttbdquos Fkrbje Gkttkr `m gt96 jed kspkinjggy t` hns e`tn`e `m thk
lsquogntkrjturk `m thk uew`rdbdquo j i`eikpt N thnec ns iketrjg t` thk pr`frks-sn`e `m hns w`rc N wnsh thkrkm`rk t` tjck s`bk spjik hkrk jed
`utgnek thk nbp`rtjeik `m thns Gkttkr
Ne gt9= Lkicktt trjvkgkd t` Fkrbjey `e whjt kssketnjggy wjs je
jrt h`gndjy hk vnsntkd skvkrjg jrt fjggkrnks jed jgth`ufh jefkrkd ly
thk Ejzn rkfnbkbdquos ikes`rnef `m jrt nt i`esndkrkd dkijdket hk wjs
frkjtgy nbprksskdmdashjed nemgukeikdmdashly thk w`rc hk sjw Thk trnp
skrvkd js j cned m spnrntujg jed phng`s`phnijg jwjckenef js hns dnj-
rnks jttkst Thk Fkrbje Gkttkr ns pjrt `m j i`rrksp`edkeik lktwkke
Lkicktt jed j mrnked (Jxkg Cjue wh`b hk bkt ne Fkrbjey) wrnttke
thrkk b`eths jmtkr hns rkture t` Dulgne Ne thk Gkttkr Lkicktt spkjcs
`m thk ekkd t` b`vk pjst rkiknvkd dnsi`ursks jed i`evketn`es t` gnl-
krjtk hnbskgm mr`b trjdntn`ejg gjefujfks jed m`rbs N qu`tk jt s`bk
gkefth
Nt ns nedkkd lki`bnef b`rk jed b`rk dnmmniugt kvke skeskgkss m`rbk t` wrntk je `mmninjg Kefgnsh Jed b`rk jed b`rk by `we gje-
fujfk jppkjrs t` bk gnck j vkng thjt bust lk t`re jpjrt ne `rdkr t`
fkt jt thk thnefs (`r thk E`thnefekss) lkhned nt Frjbbjr jed
Ytygk T bk thky skkb t` hjvk lki`bk js nrrkgkvjet js j ]nit`rnje
ljthnef sunt `r thk nbpkrturljlngnty `m j truk fketgkbje J bjsc
Gkt us h`pk thk tnbk wngg i`bk thjec F`d thjt ne ikrtjne inrigks nt
hjs jgrkjdy i`bk whke gjefujfk ns b`st kmmninketgy uskd whkrk
nt ns lknef b`st kmmninketgy bnsuskd Js wk ijee`t kgnbnejtk gje-fujfk jgg jt `eik wk sh`ugd jt gkjst gkjvk e`thnef ued`ek thjt
bnfht i`etrnlutk t` nts mjggnef net` dnsrkputk T` l`rk `ek h`gk
jmtkr je`thkr ne nt uetng whjt gurcs lkhned ntmdashlk nt s`bkthnef `r
e`thnefmdashlkfnes t` skkp thr`ufh3 N ijee`t nbjfnek j hnfhkr f`jg
m`r j wrntkr t`djy (6rsquo6lt)
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
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LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
lt1
Ne by kstnbjtn`e thk mugg nbpgnijtn`es `m thk Gkttkr whnih m`r bk
ns Lkickttbdquos jrtnstni bjenmkst` wngg e`t lk rkjgnzkd uetng thk gjtkr e`v-
kgs (kspkinjggy thk trng`fnks) lut wk sh`ugd rki`fenzk h`w Lkickttbdquos
stjtkd nbpjtnkeik wnth trjdntn`ejg m`rb rks`ejtks net` kvke thk kjrgypr`sk jed drjbj Lkickttbdquos dnsdjne m`r lsquo`mmninjg Kefgnshbdquo m`r lsquoFrjbbjr
jed Ytygkbdquo thnefs js nrrkgkvjet js j ]nit`rnje ljthnef sunt spkjc t`
j mrustrjtn`e j l`rkd`b kvke wnth thk g`fni jed trjokit`rnks `m thk
enektkketh-iketury e`vkg Hk spkjcs murthkr t` h`w busni jed
pjnetnef hjvk m ued wjys m b`vnef lky`ed trjdntn`ejg m`rb ne rdkr
t` rkprksket sngkeik jed jlskeik (thnefs e`t jss`injtkd wnth rkprkske-
tjtnvk jrt)3 hk suffksts thjt gjefujfk ntskgm bust lk shjttkrkd ne rdkr
t` rkvkjg whjt wjs prkvn`usgy uerkprksketjlgkJed whngk Lkickttbdquos bjenmkst` s`ueds jvjet-fjrdk hns ndkj thjt
gjefujfk ns j vkng t` lk t`re jpjrt g``cs ljic t` thk `bjetnis jed
thknr e`tn`e thjt p`ktry w`rcs t` rkvkjg thk ueskke Lkickttbdquos lsquoby
`we gjefujfk jppkjrs t` bk gnck j vkng thjt bust lk t`re jpjrtbdquo kih`ks
Yhkggkybdquos J Dkmkeik `m Q`ktry jed hns skesk thjt p`ktry gnmts lsquothk vkng
mr`b thk hnddke lkjuty `m thk w`rgd jed bjcks mjbngnjr `lokits lk
js nm thky wkrk e`t mjbngnjrbdquo (6) Thkrk ns `m i`ursk j w`rgd `m dnm-
mkrkeik lktwkke gnmtnef jed dkstr`ynef thk vkngmdashthk dnmmkrkeik
pkrhjps lktwkke thk `bjetni jed thk B`dkremdashlut Lkickttbdquos
dksnrk js j wrntkr ns j mjbngnjr `ek hns w`rc wngg jttkbpt t` sh`w thk
w`rgd ne j ekw wjy Ne by rkjdnef Lkickttbdquos tkjrnef `m thk vkng
lki`bks thk pkrmkit bktjph`r m`r thk pr`ikss `m rkvkjgnef `vkrtgy
skgm-i`esin`usgy jed irntnijggy thk nbpgnijtn`es `m jrt hkrk thk e`vkg
jed drjbj ne j ekw wjy
THK lsquoGNTKJT[K M THK [EVDbdquo
Ne thk gjst pjrjfrjph `m thk Gkttkr Lkicktt suffksts thjt thns pr`ikss
`m dkstr`ynef gjefujfk `m rkvkjgnef nts lsquotkrrnlgk bjtkrnjgntybdquo (6lt)
wngg kvketujggy gkjd t` whjt hk ijggs j lsquogntkrjturk `m thk uew`rdbdquo (69)
N wnsh ne whjt m`gg`ws t` suffkst thjt Lkickttbdquos ketnrk ijrkkr js j
wrntkr mneds nts lkfneenef jed ked nts fr`ued jed f`jg ne thns ndkj
stjtkd ne gt96 J gntkrjturk `m thk uew`rd ns `lvn`usgy j i`etrjdni-tn`e ne tkrbs j pjrjd`x je jp`rnj (t` usk thk Dkrrndkje i`estruitn`e)3
j gntkrjturk `m thk uew`rd ns je jttkbpt t` usk gjefujfk t` sngkeik
gjefujfk (hk ijggs nt lsquoJe jssjugt jfjnest w`rds ne thk ejbk `m lkjutybdquo
S69R) Hns jnb kssketnjggy ns t` mned j bkjes `m dki`bp`snef jed
b`vnef lky`ed gjefujfk t` shjttkr gjefujfk net` j cned `m krjsurk
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2427
NETD[ITNE
lt
`m ntskgm (thns jttkbpt t` kgnbnejtk gjefujfk ns fk`bktrnijggy pr`p`r-
tn`ejg t` hns jttkbpt t` kgnbnejtk thk l`dy js wk wngg skk) By
jrfubket ns quntk snbpgy thns thr`ufh`ut hns ijrkkr Lkicktt ns skjrih-
nef m`r thk bkjes t` put je ked t` gntkrjturk t` put je ked t` wrntneft` put je ked t` hns `we dksnrk t` wrntk Thk trjokit`ry `m hns w`rc
mr`b thk kjrgy drjbj jed pr`sk t` thk gjtk ns `ek `m rjdnijg rkdui-
tn`e `m w`rcnef t` mned j bkjes t` gntkrjturkbdquos ked Ne thk drjbj wk
b`vk mr`b thk muggy kbl`dnkd drjbj `m F`d`t t` thk gjtk fh`stgy
pgjys whkrk `mtke gjefujfk d`ks e`t kvke mkjturk3 ne thk pr`sk wk
b`vk mr`b thk pgjymug fjrrug`usekss m Burphy t` thk shjttkrkd sye-
tjx jed dnbnenshkd frjbbjrs `m V`rstwjrd H`4
Nt ns prkinskgy lkijusk Lkickttbdquos w`rc ns fr`uedkd `e suih i`bpgkxphng`s`phnijg i`etrjdnitn`esmdashj wrntkr wrntnef gntkrjturk `ut `m
kxnstkeik nbp`ssnlgkmdashthjt N lkgnkvk wk bust hjvk rki`ursk t` thk
vjrn`us thk`rktnijg jed phng`s`phnijg trjdntn`es thjt jr`sk snbugtj-
ek`us wnth Lkickttbdquos `we dkvkg`pbket js j wrntkr By thk`rktnijg
jppr`jih ne thns Fundk ije pkrhjps lkst lk dksirnlkd js pr`bnsiu-
`us lut N tked t` thnec thjt j dki`estruitn`enst psyih`jejgysns ns thk
lkst wjy `m pr`ikkdnef wnth Lkicktt jt gkjst m`r bk T` nggustrjtk
whjt N bkje hkrkmdashjed ly wjy `m i`eigudnef thns Netr`duitn`emdash
N wnsh t` `utgnek tw` i`eikpts whnih wngg pr`vk irntnijg ne by rkjdnef
`m kspkinjggy thk drjbj
BKGJEIHGNJ
J bjo`r thkbk ne Lkicktt ns thjt `m bkb`ry `m ihjrjitkrs gnck
Crjpp `r Hjbb hjuetkd ly thk fh`st `m bkb`ry Jt j ljsni gkvkgthk Lkicktt ihjrjitkr gnvks ne j pr`trjitkd stjtk `m rkfrkt jed g`ss
j stjtk hk `r shk bjy e`t kvke rki`fenzk js suih Hnst`ry thk pjst
nbpnefks pr`m uedgy e thk ihjrjitkr jed js Lkicktt wrntks ne Qr`ust
thrkjtkes i`etneujggy t` lsquodkm`rbbdquo hnb Ne gt6 Ynfbued Mrkud pul-
gnshkd je kssjy thjt hjs rkiketgy i`bk t` lk skke js j iruinjg dnjfe`sns
`m j i`etkbp`rjry iugturjg i`edntn`e Ne lsquoB`urenef jed Bkgjeih`gnjbdquo
Mrkud jttkbpts t` i`bk t` je uedkrstjednef m h`w thk sulokit dkjgs
wnth trjubj jed g`ss Thkrk jrk hk thk`rnzks tw` rksp`esks t` g`sst` thk g`ss `m j g`vkd `ek `r thk lsquog`ss `m s`bk jlstrjitn`e whnih hjs
tjcke thk pgjik `m `ek suih js `ekbdquos i`uetry gnlkrty je ndkjg `r s`
`ebdquo (ltlt) Thk mnrst jed b`st hkjgthy ns whjt hk ijggs b`urenef
B`urenef ns j pr`ikss ly whnih thk g`ss ns i`bprkhkedkd jed
jiikptkd lsquow`rckd thr`ufhbdquo t` usk hns tkrbne`g`fy B`urenef ns thk
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
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LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
ltlt
e`rbjg wjy `ek bust dkjg wnth trjubj jed g`ss wnth whjt Mrkud
lkjutnmuggy tkrbs thk lsquoki`e`bnis `m pjnebdquo (ltlt) Qrkinskgy h`w thk
sulokit `vkri`bks g`ss ns e`t ce`we ly Mrkudmdashnt ns j dnmmniugt pr`-
ikss3 nt ns lsquow`rcbdquomdashlut kvketujggy thk b`urekr jiikpts thjt thk g`vkd`ek wnth wh`b hk bjy hjvk ndketnmnkd ns e` g`efkr hkrk t` bjcks
igjnbs `e hnb
Bkgjeih`gnj `e thk `thkr hjed ns je jle`rbjg rksp`esk t` g`ss
jed sntujtks thk sulokit ne j i`etneujg p`sntn`e `m ejrinssnstni ndketn-
mnijtn`e wnth thk g`st `lokit Ne `thkr w`rds thk bkgjeih`gy sulokit
ijee`t jiikpt thjt hkr g`vkd `ek ns ne mjit f`ek jed w`rcs pjth`g`fn-
ijggy lsquot` kstjlgnsh je ndketnmnijtn`e `m thk kf` wnth thk jljed`ekd
`lokitbdquo (lt8) Vhjt thns bkjes ns thjt thk pjstmdashg`ss trjubjmdashi`e-tneujggy w`rcs nts wjy net` thk prksket b`bket lkijusk thk sulokit
ijee`t b`vk pjst nt B`rk tr`ulgnef ns thk ndkj thjt thk sulokit d`ks
e`t wnsh t` jgg`w g`ss t` rkikdk net` hnst`ry lut dksnrks i`etneujggy t`
bjnetjne j i`eekitn`e t` thk trjubjtni b`bket Ne s`bk wjys thk
sulokit bjnetjnes thns pjth`g`fnijg stjtkmdashwhnih bjy ne mjit e`t lk
s` pjth`g`fnijg jmtkr jggmdashlkijusk thk trjubjtni b`bket ns nbp`r-
tjet m`r hkr bjy ne mjit hjvk shjpkd wh` shk ns
Vk bjy dnjfe`sk j frkjt eublkr `m Lkickttbdquos ihjrjitkrs js lknef
bkgjeih`gni ne Mrkudbdquos skesk Thky jrk hjuetkd ly thk pjst jed s`bk
gnck Crjpp Hjbb jed Vneenk dkgnlkrjtkgy jttkbpt t` rki`eekit wnth
j pjst thjt neigudks b`bkets `m g`ss jed kxtrkbk pjne Ne `thkr w`rds
thk mueitn`e `m bkb`ry ne Lkicktt ns gjrfkgy bkgjeih`gni prkinskgy
lkijusk thk ihjrjitkrs jice`wgkdfk i`esin`usgy `r uei`esin`usgy
thjt thky jrk thk pr`duits m j pjst whnih hjs bkringkssgy dkmnekd thkb
js summkrnef sulokits Lkickttbdquos ihjrjitkrs ignef s` rkgketgkssgy t` thkpjst lkijusk m`r rkjs`es wk wngg kxpg`rk thk prksket b`bket ns dkv`nd
`m snfenmnijeik3 thk jf`enznef pjst bjy lrutjgnzk lut ne nt jrk thk trjiks
thk hnst`rnijg mrjfbkets `m ndketnty jed bkjenef
THK JIHN]K
Dki`estruitn`enst Ojiquks Dkrrndj drjwnef hkjvngy `e Mrkud `mmkrs
j ski`ed rkgjtkd i`eikpt thjt N wngg usk t` rkjd thksk ihjrjitkrsbdquo rkgj-tn`e t` hnst`ry g`ss jed trjubj Ne Jrihnvk Mkvkr Dkrrndj jejgyzks
thk i`eikpt `m thk jrihnvk js j wjy `m i`bnef t` je uedkrstjednef
`m thk wjy thk sulokit ekf`tnjtks nts rkgjtn`eshnp t` hnst`ry t` thk
pjst jed thk muturk thk jrihnvk ns thus j bkjes ly whnih Dkrrndj
trnks t` uedkrstjed thk hubje js j lknef sntujtkd ne tnbk mkkgnef thk
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
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NETD[ITNE
lt9
igjnbs `m thk tkbp`rjg Qkrhjps thk lkst wjy t` dkmnek thk jrihnvk ns
js j i`eikptujg `r bjtkrnjg spjik `m bkb`ry Thk bned ije skrvk js
je jrihnvk oust js j gnlrjry `r physnijg b`eubket ije Dkrrndj suf-
fksts thjt thk jrihnvk ns j pgjik m i`bbjedbket jed i`bbkeikbketj pgjik whkrk kvkets `m thk pjst jrk d`iubketkd juth`rntjtnvkgy js
bjrcnef thk lkfneenef `m s`bkthnef j gnmk j iugturk j invngnzjtn`e
Jrihnvks jrk spjiks m prkskrvjtn`e i`eskrvjtn`e lut jgs` m irkjtn`e
j iugturkbdquos uedkrstjednef m ntskgmmdashj sulokitbdquos uedkrstjednef m ntskgmmdash
ns irkjtkd wnthne thk spjik `m thk jrihnvk
Nt ns igkjr thjt thk jrihnvk ns j wjy `m bjtkrnjgnznef bjcnef i`e-
irktk thk pjst Jed nm hnst`ry ns gjrfkgy r ije lk gjrfkgy thk ejrrjtnvks
`m i`equkst dkmkjt jed vn`gkeik thk jrihnvk ns jgs` f`nef t` mueitn`ejs j spjik i`bbkb`rjtnef trjubj jed g`ss Nt strncks bk thkrkm`rk
thjt thk jrihnvkmdashjs j spjik thjt bjnetjnes j i`etneujg rkgjtn`e t` thk
pjstmdashns jgwjys jgrkjdy j bkgjeih`gy spjik Vhjt N wnsh t` suffkst
hkrk ne spkinmni rkgjtn`e t` Lkickttbdquos w`rc ns thjt thk Lkickttnje sul-
okit lki`bks j gntkrjg kbl`dnbket m whjt N hjvk kgskwhkrk ijggkd thk
lsquobkgjeih`gy jrihnvkbdquo Thk Lkickttnje sulokit nbb`lngnzkd jed
mrjfbketkdmdashthnec `m Vneenk lurnkd t` hkr ekic ne kjrth ne Hjppy
Djys3 `m B`uth ne E`t N 3 `m Bjg`ek ne Bjg`ek Dnks3 `m thk mnfurk ne
I`bpjey mdashns jgwjys j hnst`rnijg sulokit j sulokit b`rk prkinskgy
sulokit t` hnst`ry Yhk ns i`etneujggy rkbkblkrnef s`bktnbks jfjnest
hkr wngg whjt hjs `iiurrkd ne thk pjst3 shk ns i`etneujggy jttkbptnef
t` rkijpturk j pjst shk bjy e`t muggy i`bprkhked
Jed nt ns thk Lkickttnje l`dy whnih lki`bks thk prnbjry rkp`sn-
t`ry m`r thksk rkbjnes thksk trjiks `m hnst`ry Thk ihjrjitkr bjy
kxnstmdashjs ne Hjppy Djys r Kedfjbk mdashjt whjt jppkjrs t` lk thk ked`m hubje iugturk lut shkmdashhkr l`dymdashbjnetjnes thk jrihnvjg trjiks
`m thjt g`st iugturk Thk nbjfks Lkicktt fnvks us ne hns drjbj jed
pr`skmdashj dnskbl`dnkd b`uth j l`dy nbb`lngnzkd ne j whkkgihjnr
`r thk kjrth pk`pgk ne uresmdashjrk nbjfks thjt i`eirktnzk thk ndkj `m
bkb`ry js kbl`dnkd `r jrihnvkd N suffkstkd jl`vk thjt m`r Lkicktt
sulokitnvntymdashthk skesk m wh` wk jrkmdashns muggy dkpkedket e thk l`dy
Vhjt Mrkud jed Dkrrndj jgg`w us t` uedkrstjed ns thk wjy sulokitnv-
nty ne Lkicktt ns muggy dkpkedket `e hnst`ry jed jrihnvkd bkb`ryMrkudbdquos e`tn`es `m b`urenef jed bkgjeih`gnj t`fkthkr wnth thk
Dkrrndkje rkjdnef `m thk jrihnvk jrk i`eikpts thjt wngg pr`vk uskmug
ne rkjdnef je juth`r wh`sk w`rc ns jt j pr`m`ued gkvkg jgwjys jl`ut
thk pjst j pjst whnih bjy hjvk rkikdkd net` m`rfktmugekss lut wh`sk
igjnbs jrk stngg lknef mkgt Ne nts strjefkekss Lkickttbdquos w`rc prkskets
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
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LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
eubkr`us dnmmniugtnks lut js wk shjgg dnsi`vkr hk ekvkr jljed`es
hns rkjdkr `r judnkeik i`bpgktkgy Mnrst js N hjvk bketn`ekd hns
ihjrjitkrsmdashwh` jt tnbks lki`bk `ur surr`fjtks `ur ueijeey d`u-
lgksmdashkxprkss buih thk sjbk i`emusn`e jl`ut thknr w`rgds js thkrkjdkr3 js suih thk strjefkekss lkijusk shjrkd lki`bks ne j skesk
e`rbjgnzkd Yki`ed jed pkrhjps b`rk nbp`rtjet Lkickttbdquos w`rc
ckys net` muedjbketjggy rki`fenzjlgk sntujtn`es Vk jgg jrk irkjtn`es
`m hnst`rnks wk bjy e`t rki`fenzk `r wnsh t` rki`fenzk3 wk jgg jt
tnbks dnsjv`w `ur pjsts kvke js wk mkkg thk prkssurks `m hnst`ry3 wk
jgg ne `thkr w`rds jrk hnst`rnijgmdashne Mrkudbdquos tkrbs bkgjeih`gymdash
irkjturks Lkickttbdquos w`rc ns iruinjg lkijusk nt rkgketgkssgy rkb`rskgkssgy
i`bpkgs us t` i`emr`et thk pr`m`ued igjnbs thjt hnst`ry bust bjckup`e us jgg Js wk i`bk t` rki`fenzk thk igjnbs `m thk pjst jed rkjg-
nzk thk kxtket t` whnih hnst`ry i`estruits thk hubje sulokit wk lkfne
t` uedkrstjed thjt Lkickttbdquos w`rc jt tnbks skkbnefgy s` strjefk
skkbnefgy nehubje ns `egy kvkr j i`bpjssn`ejtk jttkbpt t` i`bprk-
hked hubjenty ntskgm
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
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NETD[ITNE
gt
lut t` nbjfnek thjt thkrk ns j butujg pr`ikss `m netkrprktjtn`e jed
netkrr`fjtn`e `iiurrnef lktwkke thk`rnst jed mnitn`e
THK FKBJE GKTTK
N jgs` lkgnkvk pkrhjps ejnvkgy thjt Lkicktt hnbskgm ns hns `we mnrst
jed lkst irntni Js N hjvk bketn`ekd Lkicktt `mmkrkd mkw irntnijg i`b-
bketjrnks `e hns w`rc `vkr thk ykjrs lut th`sk thjt hjvk i`bk d`we
t` usmdashjs m`r nestjeik Thrkk Dnjg`fuks mdashjrk `m frkjt vjguk t` jey
rkjdkr Ne thk gjttkr ihjptkrs `m thns study N wngg lk rkmkrrnef `mtke t`
Lkickttbdquos Fkrbje Gkttkr `m gt96 jed kspkinjggy t` hns e`tn`e `m thk
lsquogntkrjturk `m thk uew`rdbdquo j i`eikpt N thnec ns iketrjg t` thk pr`frks-sn`e `m hns w`rc N wnsh thkrkm`rk t` tjck s`bk spjik hkrk jed
`utgnek thk nbp`rtjeik `m thns Gkttkr
Ne gt9= Lkicktt trjvkgkd t` Fkrbjey `e whjt kssketnjggy wjs je
jrt h`gndjy hk vnsntkd skvkrjg jrt fjggkrnks jed jgth`ufh jefkrkd ly
thk Ejzn rkfnbkbdquos ikes`rnef `m jrt nt i`esndkrkd dkijdket hk wjs
frkjtgy nbprksskdmdashjed nemgukeikdmdashly thk w`rc hk sjw Thk trnp
skrvkd js j cned m spnrntujg jed phng`s`phnijg jwjckenef js hns dnj-
rnks jttkst Thk Fkrbje Gkttkr ns pjrt `m j i`rrksp`edkeik lktwkke
Lkicktt jed j mrnked (Jxkg Cjue wh`b hk bkt ne Fkrbjey) wrnttke
thrkk b`eths jmtkr hns rkture t` Dulgne Ne thk Gkttkr Lkicktt spkjcs
`m thk ekkd t` b`vk pjst rkiknvkd dnsi`ursks jed i`evketn`es t` gnl-
krjtk hnbskgm mr`b trjdntn`ejg gjefujfks jed m`rbs N qu`tk jt s`bk
gkefth
Nt ns nedkkd lki`bnef b`rk jed b`rk dnmmniugt kvke skeskgkss m`rbk t` wrntk je `mmninjg Kefgnsh Jed b`rk jed b`rk by `we gje-
fujfk jppkjrs t` bk gnck j vkng thjt bust lk t`re jpjrt ne `rdkr t`
fkt jt thk thnefs (`r thk E`thnefekss) lkhned nt Frjbbjr jed
Ytygk T bk thky skkb t` hjvk lki`bk js nrrkgkvjet js j ]nit`rnje
ljthnef sunt `r thk nbpkrturljlngnty `m j truk fketgkbje J bjsc
Gkt us h`pk thk tnbk wngg i`bk thjec F`d thjt ne ikrtjne inrigks nt
hjs jgrkjdy i`bk whke gjefujfk ns b`st kmmninketgy uskd whkrk
nt ns lknef b`st kmmninketgy bnsuskd Js wk ijee`t kgnbnejtk gje-fujfk jgg jt `eik wk sh`ugd jt gkjst gkjvk e`thnef ued`ek thjt
bnfht i`etrnlutk t` nts mjggnef net` dnsrkputk T` l`rk `ek h`gk
jmtkr je`thkr ne nt uetng whjt gurcs lkhned ntmdashlk nt s`bkthnef `r
e`thnefmdashlkfnes t` skkp thr`ufh3 N ijee`t nbjfnek j hnfhkr f`jg
m`r j wrntkr t`djy (6rsquo6lt)
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
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LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
lt1
Ne by kstnbjtn`e thk mugg nbpgnijtn`es `m thk Gkttkr whnih m`r bk
ns Lkickttbdquos jrtnstni bjenmkst` wngg e`t lk rkjgnzkd uetng thk gjtkr e`v-
kgs (kspkinjggy thk trng`fnks) lut wk sh`ugd rki`fenzk h`w Lkickttbdquos
stjtkd nbpjtnkeik wnth trjdntn`ejg m`rb rks`ejtks net` kvke thk kjrgypr`sk jed drjbj Lkickttbdquos dnsdjne m`r lsquo`mmninjg Kefgnshbdquo m`r lsquoFrjbbjr
jed Ytygkbdquo thnefs js nrrkgkvjet js j ]nit`rnje ljthnef sunt spkjc t`
j mrustrjtn`e j l`rkd`b kvke wnth thk g`fni jed trjokit`rnks `m thk
enektkketh-iketury e`vkg Hk spkjcs murthkr t` h`w busni jed
pjnetnef hjvk m ued wjys m b`vnef lky`ed trjdntn`ejg m`rb ne rdkr
t` rkprksket sngkeik jed jlskeik (thnefs e`t jss`injtkd wnth rkprkske-
tjtnvk jrt)3 hk suffksts thjt gjefujfk ntskgm bust lk shjttkrkd ne rdkr
t` rkvkjg whjt wjs prkvn`usgy uerkprksketjlgkJed whngk Lkickttbdquos bjenmkst` s`ueds jvjet-fjrdk hns ndkj thjt
gjefujfk ns j vkng t` lk t`re jpjrt g``cs ljic t` thk `bjetnis jed
thknr e`tn`e thjt p`ktry w`rcs t` rkvkjg thk ueskke Lkickttbdquos lsquoby
`we gjefujfk jppkjrs t` bk gnck j vkng thjt bust lk t`re jpjrtbdquo kih`ks
Yhkggkybdquos J Dkmkeik `m Q`ktry jed hns skesk thjt p`ktry gnmts lsquothk vkng
mr`b thk hnddke lkjuty `m thk w`rgd jed bjcks mjbngnjr `lokits lk
js nm thky wkrk e`t mjbngnjrbdquo (6) Thkrk ns `m i`ursk j w`rgd `m dnm-
mkrkeik lktwkke gnmtnef jed dkstr`ynef thk vkngmdashthk dnmmkrkeik
pkrhjps lktwkke thk `bjetni jed thk B`dkremdashlut Lkickttbdquos
dksnrk js j wrntkr ns j mjbngnjr `ek hns w`rc wngg jttkbpt t` sh`w thk
w`rgd ne j ekw wjy Ne by rkjdnef Lkickttbdquos tkjrnef `m thk vkng
lki`bks thk pkrmkit bktjph`r m`r thk pr`ikss `m rkvkjgnef `vkrtgy
skgm-i`esin`usgy jed irntnijggy thk nbpgnijtn`es `m jrt hkrk thk e`vkg
jed drjbj ne j ekw wjy
THK lsquoGNTKJT[K M THK [EVDbdquo
Ne thk gjst pjrjfrjph `m thk Gkttkr Lkicktt suffksts thjt thns pr`ikss
`m dkstr`ynef gjefujfk `m rkvkjgnef nts lsquotkrrnlgk bjtkrnjgntybdquo (6lt)
wngg kvketujggy gkjd t` whjt hk ijggs j lsquogntkrjturk `m thk uew`rdbdquo (69)
N wnsh ne whjt m`gg`ws t` suffkst thjt Lkickttbdquos ketnrk ijrkkr js j
wrntkr mneds nts lkfneenef jed ked nts fr`ued jed f`jg ne thns ndkj
stjtkd ne gt96 J gntkrjturk `m thk uew`rd ns `lvn`usgy j i`etrjdni-tn`e ne tkrbs j pjrjd`x je jp`rnj (t` usk thk Dkrrndkje i`estruitn`e)3
j gntkrjturk `m thk uew`rd ns je jttkbpt t` usk gjefujfk t` sngkeik
gjefujfk (hk ijggs nt lsquoJe jssjugt jfjnest w`rds ne thk ejbk `m lkjutybdquo
S69R) Hns jnb kssketnjggy ns t` mned j bkjes `m dki`bp`snef jed
b`vnef lky`ed gjefujfk t` shjttkr gjefujfk net` j cned `m krjsurk
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
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NETD[ITNE
lt
`m ntskgm (thns jttkbpt t` kgnbnejtk gjefujfk ns fk`bktrnijggy pr`p`r-
tn`ejg t` hns jttkbpt t` kgnbnejtk thk l`dy js wk wngg skk) By
jrfubket ns quntk snbpgy thns thr`ufh`ut hns ijrkkr Lkicktt ns skjrih-
nef m`r thk bkjes t` put je ked t` gntkrjturk t` put je ked t` wrntneft` put je ked t` hns `we dksnrk t` wrntk Thk trjokit`ry `m hns w`rc
mr`b thk kjrgy drjbj jed pr`sk t` thk gjtk ns `ek `m rjdnijg rkdui-
tn`e `m w`rcnef t` mned j bkjes t` gntkrjturkbdquos ked Ne thk drjbj wk
b`vk mr`b thk muggy kbl`dnkd drjbj `m F`d`t t` thk gjtk fh`stgy
pgjys whkrk `mtke gjefujfk d`ks e`t kvke mkjturk3 ne thk pr`sk wk
b`vk mr`b thk pgjymug fjrrug`usekss m Burphy t` thk shjttkrkd sye-
tjx jed dnbnenshkd frjbbjrs `m V`rstwjrd H`4
Nt ns prkinskgy lkijusk Lkickttbdquos w`rc ns fr`uedkd `e suih i`bpgkxphng`s`phnijg i`etrjdnitn`esmdashj wrntkr wrntnef gntkrjturk `ut `m
kxnstkeik nbp`ssnlgkmdashthjt N lkgnkvk wk bust hjvk rki`ursk t` thk
vjrn`us thk`rktnijg jed phng`s`phnijg trjdntn`es thjt jr`sk snbugtj-
ek`us wnth Lkickttbdquos `we dkvkg`pbket js j wrntkr By thk`rktnijg
jppr`jih ne thns Fundk ije pkrhjps lkst lk dksirnlkd js pr`bnsiu-
`us lut N tked t` thnec thjt j dki`estruitn`enst psyih`jejgysns ns thk
lkst wjy `m pr`ikkdnef wnth Lkicktt jt gkjst m`r bk T` nggustrjtk
whjt N bkje hkrkmdashjed ly wjy `m i`eigudnef thns Netr`duitn`emdash
N wnsh t` `utgnek tw` i`eikpts whnih wngg pr`vk irntnijg ne by rkjdnef
`m kspkinjggy thk drjbj
BKGJEIHGNJ
J bjo`r thkbk ne Lkicktt ns thjt `m bkb`ry `m ihjrjitkrs gnck
Crjpp `r Hjbb hjuetkd ly thk fh`st `m bkb`ry Jt j ljsni gkvkgthk Lkicktt ihjrjitkr gnvks ne j pr`trjitkd stjtk `m rkfrkt jed g`ss
j stjtk hk `r shk bjy e`t kvke rki`fenzk js suih Hnst`ry thk pjst
nbpnefks pr`m uedgy e thk ihjrjitkr jed js Lkicktt wrntks ne Qr`ust
thrkjtkes i`etneujggy t` lsquodkm`rbbdquo hnb Ne gt6 Ynfbued Mrkud pul-
gnshkd je kssjy thjt hjs rkiketgy i`bk t` lk skke js j iruinjg dnjfe`sns
`m j i`etkbp`rjry iugturjg i`edntn`e Ne lsquoB`urenef jed Bkgjeih`gnjbdquo
Mrkud jttkbpts t` i`bk t` je uedkrstjednef m h`w thk sulokit dkjgs
wnth trjubj jed g`ss Thkrk jrk hk thk`rnzks tw` rksp`esks t` g`sst` thk g`ss `m j g`vkd `ek `r thk lsquog`ss `m s`bk jlstrjitn`e whnih hjs
tjcke thk pgjik `m `ek suih js `ekbdquos i`uetry gnlkrty je ndkjg `r s`
`ebdquo (ltlt) Thk mnrst jed b`st hkjgthy ns whjt hk ijggs b`urenef
B`urenef ns j pr`ikss ly whnih thk g`ss ns i`bprkhkedkd jed
jiikptkd lsquow`rckd thr`ufhbdquo t` usk hns tkrbne`g`fy B`urenef ns thk
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
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LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
ltlt
e`rbjg wjy `ek bust dkjg wnth trjubj jed g`ss wnth whjt Mrkud
lkjutnmuggy tkrbs thk lsquoki`e`bnis `m pjnebdquo (ltlt) Qrkinskgy h`w thk
sulokit `vkri`bks g`ss ns e`t ce`we ly Mrkudmdashnt ns j dnmmniugt pr`-
ikss3 nt ns lsquow`rcbdquomdashlut kvketujggy thk b`urekr jiikpts thjt thk g`vkd`ek wnth wh`b hk bjy hjvk ndketnmnkd ns e` g`efkr hkrk t` bjcks
igjnbs `e hnb
Bkgjeih`gnj `e thk `thkr hjed ns je jle`rbjg rksp`esk t` g`ss
jed sntujtks thk sulokit ne j i`etneujg p`sntn`e `m ejrinssnstni ndketn-
mnijtn`e wnth thk g`st `lokit Ne `thkr w`rds thk bkgjeih`gy sulokit
ijee`t jiikpt thjt hkr g`vkd `ek ns ne mjit f`ek jed w`rcs pjth`g`fn-
ijggy lsquot` kstjlgnsh je ndketnmnijtn`e `m thk kf` wnth thk jljed`ekd
`lokitbdquo (lt8) Vhjt thns bkjes ns thjt thk pjstmdashg`ss trjubjmdashi`e-tneujggy w`rcs nts wjy net` thk prksket b`bket lkijusk thk sulokit
ijee`t b`vk pjst nt B`rk tr`ulgnef ns thk ndkj thjt thk sulokit d`ks
e`t wnsh t` jgg`w g`ss t` rkikdk net` hnst`ry lut dksnrks i`etneujggy t`
bjnetjne j i`eekitn`e t` thk trjubjtni b`bket Ne s`bk wjys thk
sulokit bjnetjnes thns pjth`g`fnijg stjtkmdashwhnih bjy ne mjit e`t lk
s` pjth`g`fnijg jmtkr jggmdashlkijusk thk trjubjtni b`bket ns nbp`r-
tjet m`r hkr bjy ne mjit hjvk shjpkd wh` shk ns
Vk bjy dnjfe`sk j frkjt eublkr `m Lkickttbdquos ihjrjitkrs js lknef
bkgjeih`gni ne Mrkudbdquos skesk Thky jrk hjuetkd ly thk pjst jed s`bk
gnck Crjpp Hjbb jed Vneenk dkgnlkrjtkgy jttkbpt t` rki`eekit wnth
j pjst thjt neigudks b`bkets `m g`ss jed kxtrkbk pjne Ne `thkr w`rds
thk mueitn`e `m bkb`ry ne Lkicktt ns gjrfkgy bkgjeih`gni prkinskgy
lkijusk thk ihjrjitkrs jice`wgkdfk i`esin`usgy `r uei`esin`usgy
thjt thky jrk thk pr`duits m j pjst whnih hjs bkringkssgy dkmnekd thkb
js summkrnef sulokits Lkickttbdquos ihjrjitkrs ignef s` rkgketgkssgy t` thkpjst lkijusk m`r rkjs`es wk wngg kxpg`rk thk prksket b`bket ns dkv`nd
`m snfenmnijeik3 thk jf`enznef pjst bjy lrutjgnzk lut ne nt jrk thk trjiks
thk hnst`rnijg mrjfbkets `m ndketnty jed bkjenef
THK JIHN]K
Dki`estruitn`enst Ojiquks Dkrrndj drjwnef hkjvngy `e Mrkud `mmkrs
j ski`ed rkgjtkd i`eikpt thjt N wngg usk t` rkjd thksk ihjrjitkrsbdquo rkgj-tn`e t` hnst`ry g`ss jed trjubj Ne Jrihnvk Mkvkr Dkrrndj jejgyzks
thk i`eikpt `m thk jrihnvk js j wjy `m i`bnef t` je uedkrstjednef
`m thk wjy thk sulokit ekf`tnjtks nts rkgjtn`eshnp t` hnst`ry t` thk
pjst jed thk muturk thk jrihnvk ns thus j bkjes ly whnih Dkrrndj
trnks t` uedkrstjed thk hubje js j lknef sntujtkd ne tnbk mkkgnef thk
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
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NETD[ITNE
lt9
igjnbs `m thk tkbp`rjg Qkrhjps thk lkst wjy t` dkmnek thk jrihnvk ns
js j i`eikptujg `r bjtkrnjg spjik `m bkb`ry Thk bned ije skrvk js
je jrihnvk oust js j gnlrjry `r physnijg b`eubket ije Dkrrndj suf-
fksts thjt thk jrihnvk ns j pgjik m i`bbjedbket jed i`bbkeikbketj pgjik whkrk kvkets `m thk pjst jrk d`iubketkd juth`rntjtnvkgy js
bjrcnef thk lkfneenef `m s`bkthnef j gnmk j iugturk j invngnzjtn`e
Jrihnvks jrk spjiks m prkskrvjtn`e i`eskrvjtn`e lut jgs` m irkjtn`e
j iugturkbdquos uedkrstjednef m ntskgmmdashj sulokitbdquos uedkrstjednef m ntskgmmdash
ns irkjtkd wnthne thk spjik `m thk jrihnvk
Nt ns igkjr thjt thk jrihnvk ns j wjy `m bjtkrnjgnznef bjcnef i`e-
irktk thk pjst Jed nm hnst`ry ns gjrfkgy r ije lk gjrfkgy thk ejrrjtnvks
`m i`equkst dkmkjt jed vn`gkeik thk jrihnvk ns jgs` f`nef t` mueitn`ejs j spjik i`bbkb`rjtnef trjubj jed g`ss Nt strncks bk thkrkm`rk
thjt thk jrihnvkmdashjs j spjik thjt bjnetjnes j i`etneujg rkgjtn`e t` thk
pjstmdashns jgwjys jgrkjdy j bkgjeih`gy spjik Vhjt N wnsh t` suffkst
hkrk ne spkinmni rkgjtn`e t` Lkickttbdquos w`rc ns thjt thk Lkickttnje sul-
okit lki`bks j gntkrjg kbl`dnbket m whjt N hjvk kgskwhkrk ijggkd thk
lsquobkgjeih`gy jrihnvkbdquo Thk Lkickttnje sulokit nbb`lngnzkd jed
mrjfbketkdmdashthnec `m Vneenk lurnkd t` hkr ekic ne kjrth ne Hjppy
Djys3 `m B`uth ne E`t N 3 `m Bjg`ek ne Bjg`ek Dnks3 `m thk mnfurk ne
I`bpjey mdashns jgwjys j hnst`rnijg sulokit j sulokit b`rk prkinskgy
sulokit t` hnst`ry Yhk ns i`etneujggy rkbkblkrnef s`bktnbks jfjnest
hkr wngg whjt hjs `iiurrkd ne thk pjst3 shk ns i`etneujggy jttkbptnef
t` rkijpturk j pjst shk bjy e`t muggy i`bprkhked
Jed nt ns thk Lkickttnje l`dy whnih lki`bks thk prnbjry rkp`sn-
t`ry m`r thksk rkbjnes thksk trjiks `m hnst`ry Thk ihjrjitkr bjy
kxnstmdashjs ne Hjppy Djys r Kedfjbk mdashjt whjt jppkjrs t` lk thk ked`m hubje iugturk lut shkmdashhkr l`dymdashbjnetjnes thk jrihnvjg trjiks
`m thjt g`st iugturk Thk nbjfks Lkicktt fnvks us ne hns drjbj jed
pr`skmdashj dnskbl`dnkd b`uth j l`dy nbb`lngnzkd ne j whkkgihjnr
`r thk kjrth pk`pgk ne uresmdashjrk nbjfks thjt i`eirktnzk thk ndkj `m
bkb`ry js kbl`dnkd `r jrihnvkd N suffkstkd jl`vk thjt m`r Lkicktt
sulokitnvntymdashthk skesk m wh` wk jrkmdashns muggy dkpkedket e thk l`dy
Vhjt Mrkud jed Dkrrndj jgg`w us t` uedkrstjed ns thk wjy sulokitnv-
nty ne Lkicktt ns muggy dkpkedket `e hnst`ry jed jrihnvkd bkb`ryMrkudbdquos e`tn`es `m b`urenef jed bkgjeih`gnj t`fkthkr wnth thk
Dkrrndkje rkjdnef `m thk jrihnvk jrk i`eikpts thjt wngg pr`vk uskmug
ne rkjdnef je juth`r wh`sk w`rc ns jt j pr`m`ued gkvkg jgwjys jl`ut
thk pjst j pjst whnih bjy hjvk rkikdkd net` m`rfktmugekss lut wh`sk
igjnbs jrk stngg lknef mkgt Ne nts strjefkekss Lkickttbdquos w`rc prkskets
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
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LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
eubkr`us dnmmniugtnks lut js wk shjgg dnsi`vkr hk ekvkr jljed`es
hns rkjdkr `r judnkeik i`bpgktkgy Mnrst js N hjvk bketn`ekd hns
ihjrjitkrsmdashwh` jt tnbks lki`bk `ur surr`fjtks `ur ueijeey d`u-
lgksmdashkxprkss buih thk sjbk i`emusn`e jl`ut thknr w`rgds js thkrkjdkr3 js suih thk strjefkekss lkijusk shjrkd lki`bks ne j skesk
e`rbjgnzkd Yki`ed jed pkrhjps b`rk nbp`rtjet Lkickttbdquos w`rc
ckys net` muedjbketjggy rki`fenzjlgk sntujtn`es Vk jgg jrk irkjtn`es
`m hnst`rnks wk bjy e`t rki`fenzk `r wnsh t` rki`fenzk3 wk jgg jt
tnbks dnsjv`w `ur pjsts kvke js wk mkkg thk prkssurks `m hnst`ry3 wk
jgg ne `thkr w`rds jrk hnst`rnijgmdashne Mrkudbdquos tkrbs bkgjeih`gymdash
irkjturks Lkickttbdquos w`rc ns iruinjg lkijusk nt rkgketgkssgy rkb`rskgkssgy
i`bpkgs us t` i`emr`et thk pr`m`ued igjnbs thjt hnst`ry bust bjckup`e us jgg Js wk i`bk t` rki`fenzk thk igjnbs `m thk pjst jed rkjg-
nzk thk kxtket t` whnih hnst`ry i`estruits thk hubje sulokit wk lkfne
t` uedkrstjed thjt Lkickttbdquos w`rc jt tnbks skkbnefgy s` strjefk
skkbnefgy nehubje ns `egy kvkr j i`bpjssn`ejtk jttkbpt t` i`bprk-
hked hubjenty ntskgm
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2327
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
lt1
Ne by kstnbjtn`e thk mugg nbpgnijtn`es `m thk Gkttkr whnih m`r bk
ns Lkickttbdquos jrtnstni bjenmkst` wngg e`t lk rkjgnzkd uetng thk gjtkr e`v-
kgs (kspkinjggy thk trng`fnks) lut wk sh`ugd rki`fenzk h`w Lkickttbdquos
stjtkd nbpjtnkeik wnth trjdntn`ejg m`rb rks`ejtks net` kvke thk kjrgypr`sk jed drjbj Lkickttbdquos dnsdjne m`r lsquo`mmninjg Kefgnshbdquo m`r lsquoFrjbbjr
jed Ytygkbdquo thnefs js nrrkgkvjet js j ]nit`rnje ljthnef sunt spkjc t`
j mrustrjtn`e j l`rkd`b kvke wnth thk g`fni jed trjokit`rnks `m thk
enektkketh-iketury e`vkg Hk spkjcs murthkr t` h`w busni jed
pjnetnef hjvk m ued wjys m b`vnef lky`ed trjdntn`ejg m`rb ne rdkr
t` rkprksket sngkeik jed jlskeik (thnefs e`t jss`injtkd wnth rkprkske-
tjtnvk jrt)3 hk suffksts thjt gjefujfk ntskgm bust lk shjttkrkd ne rdkr
t` rkvkjg whjt wjs prkvn`usgy uerkprksketjlgkJed whngk Lkickttbdquos bjenmkst` s`ueds jvjet-fjrdk hns ndkj thjt
gjefujfk ns j vkng t` lk t`re jpjrt g``cs ljic t` thk `bjetnis jed
thknr e`tn`e thjt p`ktry w`rcs t` rkvkjg thk ueskke Lkickttbdquos lsquoby
`we gjefujfk jppkjrs t` bk gnck j vkng thjt bust lk t`re jpjrtbdquo kih`ks
Yhkggkybdquos J Dkmkeik `m Q`ktry jed hns skesk thjt p`ktry gnmts lsquothk vkng
mr`b thk hnddke lkjuty `m thk w`rgd jed bjcks mjbngnjr `lokits lk
js nm thky wkrk e`t mjbngnjrbdquo (6) Thkrk ns `m i`ursk j w`rgd `m dnm-
mkrkeik lktwkke gnmtnef jed dkstr`ynef thk vkngmdashthk dnmmkrkeik
pkrhjps lktwkke thk `bjetni jed thk B`dkremdashlut Lkickttbdquos
dksnrk js j wrntkr ns j mjbngnjr `ek hns w`rc wngg jttkbpt t` sh`w thk
w`rgd ne j ekw wjy Ne by rkjdnef Lkickttbdquos tkjrnef `m thk vkng
lki`bks thk pkrmkit bktjph`r m`r thk pr`ikss `m rkvkjgnef `vkrtgy
skgm-i`esin`usgy jed irntnijggy thk nbpgnijtn`es `m jrt hkrk thk e`vkg
jed drjbj ne j ekw wjy
THK lsquoGNTKJT[K M THK [EVDbdquo
Ne thk gjst pjrjfrjph `m thk Gkttkr Lkicktt suffksts thjt thns pr`ikss
`m dkstr`ynef gjefujfk `m rkvkjgnef nts lsquotkrrnlgk bjtkrnjgntybdquo (6lt)
wngg kvketujggy gkjd t` whjt hk ijggs j lsquogntkrjturk `m thk uew`rdbdquo (69)
N wnsh ne whjt m`gg`ws t` suffkst thjt Lkickttbdquos ketnrk ijrkkr js j
wrntkr mneds nts lkfneenef jed ked nts fr`ued jed f`jg ne thns ndkj
stjtkd ne gt96 J gntkrjturk `m thk uew`rd ns `lvn`usgy j i`etrjdni-tn`e ne tkrbs j pjrjd`x je jp`rnj (t` usk thk Dkrrndkje i`estruitn`e)3
j gntkrjturk `m thk uew`rd ns je jttkbpt t` usk gjefujfk t` sngkeik
gjefujfk (hk ijggs nt lsquoJe jssjugt jfjnest w`rds ne thk ejbk `m lkjutybdquo
S69R) Hns jnb kssketnjggy ns t` mned j bkjes `m dki`bp`snef jed
b`vnef lky`ed gjefujfk t` shjttkr gjefujfk net` j cned `m krjsurk
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
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NETD[ITNE
lt
`m ntskgm (thns jttkbpt t` kgnbnejtk gjefujfk ns fk`bktrnijggy pr`p`r-
tn`ejg t` hns jttkbpt t` kgnbnejtk thk l`dy js wk wngg skk) By
jrfubket ns quntk snbpgy thns thr`ufh`ut hns ijrkkr Lkicktt ns skjrih-
nef m`r thk bkjes t` put je ked t` gntkrjturk t` put je ked t` wrntneft` put je ked t` hns `we dksnrk t` wrntk Thk trjokit`ry `m hns w`rc
mr`b thk kjrgy drjbj jed pr`sk t` thk gjtk ns `ek `m rjdnijg rkdui-
tn`e `m w`rcnef t` mned j bkjes t` gntkrjturkbdquos ked Ne thk drjbj wk
b`vk mr`b thk muggy kbl`dnkd drjbj `m F`d`t t` thk gjtk fh`stgy
pgjys whkrk `mtke gjefujfk d`ks e`t kvke mkjturk3 ne thk pr`sk wk
b`vk mr`b thk pgjymug fjrrug`usekss m Burphy t` thk shjttkrkd sye-
tjx jed dnbnenshkd frjbbjrs `m V`rstwjrd H`4
Nt ns prkinskgy lkijusk Lkickttbdquos w`rc ns fr`uedkd `e suih i`bpgkxphng`s`phnijg i`etrjdnitn`esmdashj wrntkr wrntnef gntkrjturk `ut `m
kxnstkeik nbp`ssnlgkmdashthjt N lkgnkvk wk bust hjvk rki`ursk t` thk
vjrn`us thk`rktnijg jed phng`s`phnijg trjdntn`es thjt jr`sk snbugtj-
ek`us wnth Lkickttbdquos `we dkvkg`pbket js j wrntkr By thk`rktnijg
jppr`jih ne thns Fundk ije pkrhjps lkst lk dksirnlkd js pr`bnsiu-
`us lut N tked t` thnec thjt j dki`estruitn`enst psyih`jejgysns ns thk
lkst wjy `m pr`ikkdnef wnth Lkicktt jt gkjst m`r bk T` nggustrjtk
whjt N bkje hkrkmdashjed ly wjy `m i`eigudnef thns Netr`duitn`emdash
N wnsh t` `utgnek tw` i`eikpts whnih wngg pr`vk irntnijg ne by rkjdnef
`m kspkinjggy thk drjbj
BKGJEIHGNJ
J bjo`r thkbk ne Lkicktt ns thjt `m bkb`ry `m ihjrjitkrs gnck
Crjpp `r Hjbb hjuetkd ly thk fh`st `m bkb`ry Jt j ljsni gkvkgthk Lkicktt ihjrjitkr gnvks ne j pr`trjitkd stjtk `m rkfrkt jed g`ss
j stjtk hk `r shk bjy e`t kvke rki`fenzk js suih Hnst`ry thk pjst
nbpnefks pr`m uedgy e thk ihjrjitkr jed js Lkicktt wrntks ne Qr`ust
thrkjtkes i`etneujggy t` lsquodkm`rbbdquo hnb Ne gt6 Ynfbued Mrkud pul-
gnshkd je kssjy thjt hjs rkiketgy i`bk t` lk skke js j iruinjg dnjfe`sns
`m j i`etkbp`rjry iugturjg i`edntn`e Ne lsquoB`urenef jed Bkgjeih`gnjbdquo
Mrkud jttkbpts t` i`bk t` je uedkrstjednef m h`w thk sulokit dkjgs
wnth trjubj jed g`ss Thkrk jrk hk thk`rnzks tw` rksp`esks t` g`sst` thk g`ss `m j g`vkd `ek `r thk lsquog`ss `m s`bk jlstrjitn`e whnih hjs
tjcke thk pgjik `m `ek suih js `ekbdquos i`uetry gnlkrty je ndkjg `r s`
`ebdquo (ltlt) Thk mnrst jed b`st hkjgthy ns whjt hk ijggs b`urenef
B`urenef ns j pr`ikss ly whnih thk g`ss ns i`bprkhkedkd jed
jiikptkd lsquow`rckd thr`ufhbdquo t` usk hns tkrbne`g`fy B`urenef ns thk
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
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LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
ltlt
e`rbjg wjy `ek bust dkjg wnth trjubj jed g`ss wnth whjt Mrkud
lkjutnmuggy tkrbs thk lsquoki`e`bnis `m pjnebdquo (ltlt) Qrkinskgy h`w thk
sulokit `vkri`bks g`ss ns e`t ce`we ly Mrkudmdashnt ns j dnmmniugt pr`-
ikss3 nt ns lsquow`rcbdquomdashlut kvketujggy thk b`urekr jiikpts thjt thk g`vkd`ek wnth wh`b hk bjy hjvk ndketnmnkd ns e` g`efkr hkrk t` bjcks
igjnbs `e hnb
Bkgjeih`gnj `e thk `thkr hjed ns je jle`rbjg rksp`esk t` g`ss
jed sntujtks thk sulokit ne j i`etneujg p`sntn`e `m ejrinssnstni ndketn-
mnijtn`e wnth thk g`st `lokit Ne `thkr w`rds thk bkgjeih`gy sulokit
ijee`t jiikpt thjt hkr g`vkd `ek ns ne mjit f`ek jed w`rcs pjth`g`fn-
ijggy lsquot` kstjlgnsh je ndketnmnijtn`e `m thk kf` wnth thk jljed`ekd
`lokitbdquo (lt8) Vhjt thns bkjes ns thjt thk pjstmdashg`ss trjubjmdashi`e-tneujggy w`rcs nts wjy net` thk prksket b`bket lkijusk thk sulokit
ijee`t b`vk pjst nt B`rk tr`ulgnef ns thk ndkj thjt thk sulokit d`ks
e`t wnsh t` jgg`w g`ss t` rkikdk net` hnst`ry lut dksnrks i`etneujggy t`
bjnetjne j i`eekitn`e t` thk trjubjtni b`bket Ne s`bk wjys thk
sulokit bjnetjnes thns pjth`g`fnijg stjtkmdashwhnih bjy ne mjit e`t lk
s` pjth`g`fnijg jmtkr jggmdashlkijusk thk trjubjtni b`bket ns nbp`r-
tjet m`r hkr bjy ne mjit hjvk shjpkd wh` shk ns
Vk bjy dnjfe`sk j frkjt eublkr `m Lkickttbdquos ihjrjitkrs js lknef
bkgjeih`gni ne Mrkudbdquos skesk Thky jrk hjuetkd ly thk pjst jed s`bk
gnck Crjpp Hjbb jed Vneenk dkgnlkrjtkgy jttkbpt t` rki`eekit wnth
j pjst thjt neigudks b`bkets `m g`ss jed kxtrkbk pjne Ne `thkr w`rds
thk mueitn`e `m bkb`ry ne Lkicktt ns gjrfkgy bkgjeih`gni prkinskgy
lkijusk thk ihjrjitkrs jice`wgkdfk i`esin`usgy `r uei`esin`usgy
thjt thky jrk thk pr`duits m j pjst whnih hjs bkringkssgy dkmnekd thkb
js summkrnef sulokits Lkickttbdquos ihjrjitkrs ignef s` rkgketgkssgy t` thkpjst lkijusk m`r rkjs`es wk wngg kxpg`rk thk prksket b`bket ns dkv`nd
`m snfenmnijeik3 thk jf`enznef pjst bjy lrutjgnzk lut ne nt jrk thk trjiks
thk hnst`rnijg mrjfbkets `m ndketnty jed bkjenef
THK JIHN]K
Dki`estruitn`enst Ojiquks Dkrrndj drjwnef hkjvngy `e Mrkud `mmkrs
j ski`ed rkgjtkd i`eikpt thjt N wngg usk t` rkjd thksk ihjrjitkrsbdquo rkgj-tn`e t` hnst`ry g`ss jed trjubj Ne Jrihnvk Mkvkr Dkrrndj jejgyzks
thk i`eikpt `m thk jrihnvk js j wjy `m i`bnef t` je uedkrstjednef
`m thk wjy thk sulokit ekf`tnjtks nts rkgjtn`eshnp t` hnst`ry t` thk
pjst jed thk muturk thk jrihnvk ns thus j bkjes ly whnih Dkrrndj
trnks t` uedkrstjed thk hubje js j lknef sntujtkd ne tnbk mkkgnef thk
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2627
NETD[ITNE
lt9
igjnbs `m thk tkbp`rjg Qkrhjps thk lkst wjy t` dkmnek thk jrihnvk ns
js j i`eikptujg `r bjtkrnjg spjik `m bkb`ry Thk bned ije skrvk js
je jrihnvk oust js j gnlrjry `r physnijg b`eubket ije Dkrrndj suf-
fksts thjt thk jrihnvk ns j pgjik m i`bbjedbket jed i`bbkeikbketj pgjik whkrk kvkets `m thk pjst jrk d`iubketkd juth`rntjtnvkgy js
bjrcnef thk lkfneenef `m s`bkthnef j gnmk j iugturk j invngnzjtn`e
Jrihnvks jrk spjiks m prkskrvjtn`e i`eskrvjtn`e lut jgs` m irkjtn`e
j iugturkbdquos uedkrstjednef m ntskgmmdashj sulokitbdquos uedkrstjednef m ntskgmmdash
ns irkjtkd wnthne thk spjik `m thk jrihnvk
Nt ns igkjr thjt thk jrihnvk ns j wjy `m bjtkrnjgnznef bjcnef i`e-
irktk thk pjst Jed nm hnst`ry ns gjrfkgy r ije lk gjrfkgy thk ejrrjtnvks
`m i`equkst dkmkjt jed vn`gkeik thk jrihnvk ns jgs` f`nef t` mueitn`ejs j spjik i`bbkb`rjtnef trjubj jed g`ss Nt strncks bk thkrkm`rk
thjt thk jrihnvkmdashjs j spjik thjt bjnetjnes j i`etneujg rkgjtn`e t` thk
pjstmdashns jgwjys jgrkjdy j bkgjeih`gy spjik Vhjt N wnsh t` suffkst
hkrk ne spkinmni rkgjtn`e t` Lkickttbdquos w`rc ns thjt thk Lkickttnje sul-
okit lki`bks j gntkrjg kbl`dnbket m whjt N hjvk kgskwhkrk ijggkd thk
lsquobkgjeih`gy jrihnvkbdquo Thk Lkickttnje sulokit nbb`lngnzkd jed
mrjfbketkdmdashthnec `m Vneenk lurnkd t` hkr ekic ne kjrth ne Hjppy
Djys3 `m B`uth ne E`t N 3 `m Bjg`ek ne Bjg`ek Dnks3 `m thk mnfurk ne
I`bpjey mdashns jgwjys j hnst`rnijg sulokit j sulokit b`rk prkinskgy
sulokit t` hnst`ry Yhk ns i`etneujggy rkbkblkrnef s`bktnbks jfjnest
hkr wngg whjt hjs `iiurrkd ne thk pjst3 shk ns i`etneujggy jttkbptnef
t` rkijpturk j pjst shk bjy e`t muggy i`bprkhked
Jed nt ns thk Lkickttnje l`dy whnih lki`bks thk prnbjry rkp`sn-
t`ry m`r thksk rkbjnes thksk trjiks `m hnst`ry Thk ihjrjitkr bjy
kxnstmdashjs ne Hjppy Djys r Kedfjbk mdashjt whjt jppkjrs t` lk thk ked`m hubje iugturk lut shkmdashhkr l`dymdashbjnetjnes thk jrihnvjg trjiks
`m thjt g`st iugturk Thk nbjfks Lkicktt fnvks us ne hns drjbj jed
pr`skmdashj dnskbl`dnkd b`uth j l`dy nbb`lngnzkd ne j whkkgihjnr
`r thk kjrth pk`pgk ne uresmdashjrk nbjfks thjt i`eirktnzk thk ndkj `m
bkb`ry js kbl`dnkd `r jrihnvkd N suffkstkd jl`vk thjt m`r Lkicktt
sulokitnvntymdashthk skesk m wh` wk jrkmdashns muggy dkpkedket e thk l`dy
Vhjt Mrkud jed Dkrrndj jgg`w us t` uedkrstjed ns thk wjy sulokitnv-
nty ne Lkicktt ns muggy dkpkedket `e hnst`ry jed jrihnvkd bkb`ryMrkudbdquos e`tn`es `m b`urenef jed bkgjeih`gnj t`fkthkr wnth thk
Dkrrndkje rkjdnef `m thk jrihnvk jrk i`eikpts thjt wngg pr`vk uskmug
ne rkjdnef je juth`r wh`sk w`rc ns jt j pr`m`ued gkvkg jgwjys jl`ut
thk pjst j pjst whnih bjy hjvk rkikdkd net` m`rfktmugekss lut wh`sk
igjnbs jrk stngg lknef mkgt Ne nts strjefkekss Lkickttbdquos w`rc prkskets
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2727
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
eubkr`us dnmmniugtnks lut js wk shjgg dnsi`vkr hk ekvkr jljed`es
hns rkjdkr `r judnkeik i`bpgktkgy Mnrst js N hjvk bketn`ekd hns
ihjrjitkrsmdashwh` jt tnbks lki`bk `ur surr`fjtks `ur ueijeey d`u-
lgksmdashkxprkss buih thk sjbk i`emusn`e jl`ut thknr w`rgds js thkrkjdkr3 js suih thk strjefkekss lkijusk shjrkd lki`bks ne j skesk
e`rbjgnzkd Yki`ed jed pkrhjps b`rk nbp`rtjet Lkickttbdquos w`rc
ckys net` muedjbketjggy rki`fenzjlgk sntujtn`es Vk jgg jrk irkjtn`es
`m hnst`rnks wk bjy e`t rki`fenzk `r wnsh t` rki`fenzk3 wk jgg jt
tnbks dnsjv`w `ur pjsts kvke js wk mkkg thk prkssurks `m hnst`ry3 wk
jgg ne `thkr w`rds jrk hnst`rnijgmdashne Mrkudbdquos tkrbs bkgjeih`gymdash
irkjturks Lkickttbdquos w`rc ns iruinjg lkijusk nt rkgketgkssgy rkb`rskgkssgy
i`bpkgs us t` i`emr`et thk pr`m`ued igjnbs thjt hnst`ry bust bjckup`e us jgg Js wk i`bk t` rki`fenzk thk igjnbs `m thk pjst jed rkjg-
nzk thk kxtket t` whnih hnst`ry i`estruits thk hubje sulokit wk lkfne
t` uedkrstjed thjt Lkickttbdquos w`rc jt tnbks skkbnefgy s` strjefk
skkbnefgy nehubje ns `egy kvkr j i`bpjssn`ejtk jttkbpt t` i`bprk-
hked hubjenty ntskgm
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2427
NETD[ITNE
lt
`m ntskgm (thns jttkbpt t` kgnbnejtk gjefujfk ns fk`bktrnijggy pr`p`r-
tn`ejg t` hns jttkbpt t` kgnbnejtk thk l`dy js wk wngg skk) By
jrfubket ns quntk snbpgy thns thr`ufh`ut hns ijrkkr Lkicktt ns skjrih-
nef m`r thk bkjes t` put je ked t` gntkrjturk t` put je ked t` wrntneft` put je ked t` hns `we dksnrk t` wrntk Thk trjokit`ry `m hns w`rc
mr`b thk kjrgy drjbj jed pr`sk t` thk gjtk ns `ek `m rjdnijg rkdui-
tn`e `m w`rcnef t` mned j bkjes t` gntkrjturkbdquos ked Ne thk drjbj wk
b`vk mr`b thk muggy kbl`dnkd drjbj `m F`d`t t` thk gjtk fh`stgy
pgjys whkrk `mtke gjefujfk d`ks e`t kvke mkjturk3 ne thk pr`sk wk
b`vk mr`b thk pgjymug fjrrug`usekss m Burphy t` thk shjttkrkd sye-
tjx jed dnbnenshkd frjbbjrs `m V`rstwjrd H`4
Nt ns prkinskgy lkijusk Lkickttbdquos w`rc ns fr`uedkd `e suih i`bpgkxphng`s`phnijg i`etrjdnitn`esmdashj wrntkr wrntnef gntkrjturk `ut `m
kxnstkeik nbp`ssnlgkmdashthjt N lkgnkvk wk bust hjvk rki`ursk t` thk
vjrn`us thk`rktnijg jed phng`s`phnijg trjdntn`es thjt jr`sk snbugtj-
ek`us wnth Lkickttbdquos `we dkvkg`pbket js j wrntkr By thk`rktnijg
jppr`jih ne thns Fundk ije pkrhjps lkst lk dksirnlkd js pr`bnsiu-
`us lut N tked t` thnec thjt j dki`estruitn`enst psyih`jejgysns ns thk
lkst wjy `m pr`ikkdnef wnth Lkicktt jt gkjst m`r bk T` nggustrjtk
whjt N bkje hkrkmdashjed ly wjy `m i`eigudnef thns Netr`duitn`emdash
N wnsh t` `utgnek tw` i`eikpts whnih wngg pr`vk irntnijg ne by rkjdnef
`m kspkinjggy thk drjbj
BKGJEIHGNJ
J bjo`r thkbk ne Lkicktt ns thjt `m bkb`ry `m ihjrjitkrs gnck
Crjpp `r Hjbb hjuetkd ly thk fh`st `m bkb`ry Jt j ljsni gkvkgthk Lkicktt ihjrjitkr gnvks ne j pr`trjitkd stjtk `m rkfrkt jed g`ss
j stjtk hk `r shk bjy e`t kvke rki`fenzk js suih Hnst`ry thk pjst
nbpnefks pr`m uedgy e thk ihjrjitkr jed js Lkicktt wrntks ne Qr`ust
thrkjtkes i`etneujggy t` lsquodkm`rbbdquo hnb Ne gt6 Ynfbued Mrkud pul-
gnshkd je kssjy thjt hjs rkiketgy i`bk t` lk skke js j iruinjg dnjfe`sns
`m j i`etkbp`rjry iugturjg i`edntn`e Ne lsquoB`urenef jed Bkgjeih`gnjbdquo
Mrkud jttkbpts t` i`bk t` je uedkrstjednef m h`w thk sulokit dkjgs
wnth trjubj jed g`ss Thkrk jrk hk thk`rnzks tw` rksp`esks t` g`sst` thk g`ss `m j g`vkd `ek `r thk lsquog`ss `m s`bk jlstrjitn`e whnih hjs
tjcke thk pgjik `m `ek suih js `ekbdquos i`uetry gnlkrty je ndkjg `r s`
`ebdquo (ltlt) Thk mnrst jed b`st hkjgthy ns whjt hk ijggs b`urenef
B`urenef ns j pr`ikss ly whnih thk g`ss ns i`bprkhkedkd jed
jiikptkd lsquow`rckd thr`ufhbdquo t` usk hns tkrbne`g`fy B`urenef ns thk
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2527
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
ltlt
e`rbjg wjy `ek bust dkjg wnth trjubj jed g`ss wnth whjt Mrkud
lkjutnmuggy tkrbs thk lsquoki`e`bnis `m pjnebdquo (ltlt) Qrkinskgy h`w thk
sulokit `vkri`bks g`ss ns e`t ce`we ly Mrkudmdashnt ns j dnmmniugt pr`-
ikss3 nt ns lsquow`rcbdquomdashlut kvketujggy thk b`urekr jiikpts thjt thk g`vkd`ek wnth wh`b hk bjy hjvk ndketnmnkd ns e` g`efkr hkrk t` bjcks
igjnbs `e hnb
Bkgjeih`gnj `e thk `thkr hjed ns je jle`rbjg rksp`esk t` g`ss
jed sntujtks thk sulokit ne j i`etneujg p`sntn`e `m ejrinssnstni ndketn-
mnijtn`e wnth thk g`st `lokit Ne `thkr w`rds thk bkgjeih`gy sulokit
ijee`t jiikpt thjt hkr g`vkd `ek ns ne mjit f`ek jed w`rcs pjth`g`fn-
ijggy lsquot` kstjlgnsh je ndketnmnijtn`e `m thk kf` wnth thk jljed`ekd
`lokitbdquo (lt8) Vhjt thns bkjes ns thjt thk pjstmdashg`ss trjubjmdashi`e-tneujggy w`rcs nts wjy net` thk prksket b`bket lkijusk thk sulokit
ijee`t b`vk pjst nt B`rk tr`ulgnef ns thk ndkj thjt thk sulokit d`ks
e`t wnsh t` jgg`w g`ss t` rkikdk net` hnst`ry lut dksnrks i`etneujggy t`
bjnetjne j i`eekitn`e t` thk trjubjtni b`bket Ne s`bk wjys thk
sulokit bjnetjnes thns pjth`g`fnijg stjtkmdashwhnih bjy ne mjit e`t lk
s` pjth`g`fnijg jmtkr jggmdashlkijusk thk trjubjtni b`bket ns nbp`r-
tjet m`r hkr bjy ne mjit hjvk shjpkd wh` shk ns
Vk bjy dnjfe`sk j frkjt eublkr `m Lkickttbdquos ihjrjitkrs js lknef
bkgjeih`gni ne Mrkudbdquos skesk Thky jrk hjuetkd ly thk pjst jed s`bk
gnck Crjpp Hjbb jed Vneenk dkgnlkrjtkgy jttkbpt t` rki`eekit wnth
j pjst thjt neigudks b`bkets `m g`ss jed kxtrkbk pjne Ne `thkr w`rds
thk mueitn`e `m bkb`ry ne Lkicktt ns gjrfkgy bkgjeih`gni prkinskgy
lkijusk thk ihjrjitkrs jice`wgkdfk i`esin`usgy `r uei`esin`usgy
thjt thky jrk thk pr`duits m j pjst whnih hjs bkringkssgy dkmnekd thkb
js summkrnef sulokits Lkickttbdquos ihjrjitkrs ignef s` rkgketgkssgy t` thkpjst lkijusk m`r rkjs`es wk wngg kxpg`rk thk prksket b`bket ns dkv`nd
`m snfenmnijeik3 thk jf`enznef pjst bjy lrutjgnzk lut ne nt jrk thk trjiks
thk hnst`rnijg mrjfbkets `m ndketnty jed bkjenef
THK JIHN]K
Dki`estruitn`enst Ojiquks Dkrrndj drjwnef hkjvngy `e Mrkud `mmkrs
j ski`ed rkgjtkd i`eikpt thjt N wngg usk t` rkjd thksk ihjrjitkrsbdquo rkgj-tn`e t` hnst`ry g`ss jed trjubj Ne Jrihnvk Mkvkr Dkrrndj jejgyzks
thk i`eikpt `m thk jrihnvk js j wjy `m i`bnef t` je uedkrstjednef
`m thk wjy thk sulokit ekf`tnjtks nts rkgjtn`eshnp t` hnst`ry t` thk
pjst jed thk muturk thk jrihnvk ns thus j bkjes ly whnih Dkrrndj
trnks t` uedkrstjed thk hubje js j lknef sntujtkd ne tnbk mkkgnef thk
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2627
NETD[ITNE
lt9
igjnbs `m thk tkbp`rjg Qkrhjps thk lkst wjy t` dkmnek thk jrihnvk ns
js j i`eikptujg `r bjtkrnjg spjik `m bkb`ry Thk bned ije skrvk js
je jrihnvk oust js j gnlrjry `r physnijg b`eubket ije Dkrrndj suf-
fksts thjt thk jrihnvk ns j pgjik m i`bbjedbket jed i`bbkeikbketj pgjik whkrk kvkets `m thk pjst jrk d`iubketkd juth`rntjtnvkgy js
bjrcnef thk lkfneenef `m s`bkthnef j gnmk j iugturk j invngnzjtn`e
Jrihnvks jrk spjiks m prkskrvjtn`e i`eskrvjtn`e lut jgs` m irkjtn`e
j iugturkbdquos uedkrstjednef m ntskgmmdashj sulokitbdquos uedkrstjednef m ntskgmmdash
ns irkjtkd wnthne thk spjik `m thk jrihnvk
Nt ns igkjr thjt thk jrihnvk ns j wjy `m bjtkrnjgnznef bjcnef i`e-
irktk thk pjst Jed nm hnst`ry ns gjrfkgy r ije lk gjrfkgy thk ejrrjtnvks
`m i`equkst dkmkjt jed vn`gkeik thk jrihnvk ns jgs` f`nef t` mueitn`ejs j spjik i`bbkb`rjtnef trjubj jed g`ss Nt strncks bk thkrkm`rk
thjt thk jrihnvkmdashjs j spjik thjt bjnetjnes j i`etneujg rkgjtn`e t` thk
pjstmdashns jgwjys jgrkjdy j bkgjeih`gy spjik Vhjt N wnsh t` suffkst
hkrk ne spkinmni rkgjtn`e t` Lkickttbdquos w`rc ns thjt thk Lkickttnje sul-
okit lki`bks j gntkrjg kbl`dnbket m whjt N hjvk kgskwhkrk ijggkd thk
lsquobkgjeih`gy jrihnvkbdquo Thk Lkickttnje sulokit nbb`lngnzkd jed
mrjfbketkdmdashthnec `m Vneenk lurnkd t` hkr ekic ne kjrth ne Hjppy
Djys3 `m B`uth ne E`t N 3 `m Bjg`ek ne Bjg`ek Dnks3 `m thk mnfurk ne
I`bpjey mdashns jgwjys j hnst`rnijg sulokit j sulokit b`rk prkinskgy
sulokit t` hnst`ry Yhk ns i`etneujggy rkbkblkrnef s`bktnbks jfjnest
hkr wngg whjt hjs `iiurrkd ne thk pjst3 shk ns i`etneujggy jttkbptnef
t` rkijpturk j pjst shk bjy e`t muggy i`bprkhked
Jed nt ns thk Lkickttnje l`dy whnih lki`bks thk prnbjry rkp`sn-
t`ry m`r thksk rkbjnes thksk trjiks `m hnst`ry Thk ihjrjitkr bjy
kxnstmdashjs ne Hjppy Djys r Kedfjbk mdashjt whjt jppkjrs t` lk thk ked`m hubje iugturk lut shkmdashhkr l`dymdashbjnetjnes thk jrihnvjg trjiks
`m thjt g`st iugturk Thk nbjfks Lkicktt fnvks us ne hns drjbj jed
pr`skmdashj dnskbl`dnkd b`uth j l`dy nbb`lngnzkd ne j whkkgihjnr
`r thk kjrth pk`pgk ne uresmdashjrk nbjfks thjt i`eirktnzk thk ndkj `m
bkb`ry js kbl`dnkd `r jrihnvkd N suffkstkd jl`vk thjt m`r Lkicktt
sulokitnvntymdashthk skesk m wh` wk jrkmdashns muggy dkpkedket e thk l`dy
Vhjt Mrkud jed Dkrrndj jgg`w us t` uedkrstjed ns thk wjy sulokitnv-
nty ne Lkicktt ns muggy dkpkedket `e hnst`ry jed jrihnvkd bkb`ryMrkudbdquos e`tn`es `m b`urenef jed bkgjeih`gnj t`fkthkr wnth thk
Dkrrndkje rkjdnef `m thk jrihnvk jrk i`eikpts thjt wngg pr`vk uskmug
ne rkjdnef je juth`r wh`sk w`rc ns jt j pr`m`ued gkvkg jgwjys jl`ut
thk pjst j pjst whnih bjy hjvk rkikdkd net` m`rfktmugekss lut wh`sk
igjnbs jrk stngg lknef mkgt Ne nts strjefkekss Lkickttbdquos w`rc prkskets
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2727
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
eubkr`us dnmmniugtnks lut js wk shjgg dnsi`vkr hk ekvkr jljed`es
hns rkjdkr `r judnkeik i`bpgktkgy Mnrst js N hjvk bketn`ekd hns
ihjrjitkrsmdashwh` jt tnbks lki`bk `ur surr`fjtks `ur ueijeey d`u-
lgksmdashkxprkss buih thk sjbk i`emusn`e jl`ut thknr w`rgds js thkrkjdkr3 js suih thk strjefkekss lkijusk shjrkd lki`bks ne j skesk
e`rbjgnzkd Yki`ed jed pkrhjps b`rk nbp`rtjet Lkickttbdquos w`rc
ckys net` muedjbketjggy rki`fenzjlgk sntujtn`es Vk jgg jrk irkjtn`es
`m hnst`rnks wk bjy e`t rki`fenzk `r wnsh t` rki`fenzk3 wk jgg jt
tnbks dnsjv`w `ur pjsts kvke js wk mkkg thk prkssurks `m hnst`ry3 wk
jgg ne `thkr w`rds jrk hnst`rnijgmdashne Mrkudbdquos tkrbs bkgjeih`gymdash
irkjturks Lkickttbdquos w`rc ns iruinjg lkijusk nt rkgketgkssgy rkb`rskgkssgy
i`bpkgs us t` i`emr`et thk pr`m`ued igjnbs thjt hnst`ry bust bjckup`e us jgg Js wk i`bk t` rki`fenzk thk igjnbs `m thk pjst jed rkjg-
nzk thk kxtket t` whnih hnst`ry i`estruits thk hubje sulokit wk lkfne
t` uedkrstjed thjt Lkickttbdquos w`rc jt tnbks skkbnefgy s` strjefk
skkbnefgy nehubje ns `egy kvkr j i`bpjssn`ejtk jttkbpt t` i`bprk-
hked hubjenty ntskgm
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2527
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
ltlt
e`rbjg wjy `ek bust dkjg wnth trjubj jed g`ss wnth whjt Mrkud
lkjutnmuggy tkrbs thk lsquoki`e`bnis `m pjnebdquo (ltlt) Qrkinskgy h`w thk
sulokit `vkri`bks g`ss ns e`t ce`we ly Mrkudmdashnt ns j dnmmniugt pr`-
ikss3 nt ns lsquow`rcbdquomdashlut kvketujggy thk b`urekr jiikpts thjt thk g`vkd`ek wnth wh`b hk bjy hjvk ndketnmnkd ns e` g`efkr hkrk t` bjcks
igjnbs `e hnb
Bkgjeih`gnj `e thk `thkr hjed ns je jle`rbjg rksp`esk t` g`ss
jed sntujtks thk sulokit ne j i`etneujg p`sntn`e `m ejrinssnstni ndketn-
mnijtn`e wnth thk g`st `lokit Ne `thkr w`rds thk bkgjeih`gy sulokit
ijee`t jiikpt thjt hkr g`vkd `ek ns ne mjit f`ek jed w`rcs pjth`g`fn-
ijggy lsquot` kstjlgnsh je ndketnmnijtn`e `m thk kf` wnth thk jljed`ekd
`lokitbdquo (lt8) Vhjt thns bkjes ns thjt thk pjstmdashg`ss trjubjmdashi`e-tneujggy w`rcs nts wjy net` thk prksket b`bket lkijusk thk sulokit
ijee`t b`vk pjst nt B`rk tr`ulgnef ns thk ndkj thjt thk sulokit d`ks
e`t wnsh t` jgg`w g`ss t` rkikdk net` hnst`ry lut dksnrks i`etneujggy t`
bjnetjne j i`eekitn`e t` thk trjubjtni b`bket Ne s`bk wjys thk
sulokit bjnetjnes thns pjth`g`fnijg stjtkmdashwhnih bjy ne mjit e`t lk
s` pjth`g`fnijg jmtkr jggmdashlkijusk thk trjubjtni b`bket ns nbp`r-
tjet m`r hkr bjy ne mjit hjvk shjpkd wh` shk ns
Vk bjy dnjfe`sk j frkjt eublkr `m Lkickttbdquos ihjrjitkrs js lknef
bkgjeih`gni ne Mrkudbdquos skesk Thky jrk hjuetkd ly thk pjst jed s`bk
gnck Crjpp Hjbb jed Vneenk dkgnlkrjtkgy jttkbpt t` rki`eekit wnth
j pjst thjt neigudks b`bkets `m g`ss jed kxtrkbk pjne Ne `thkr w`rds
thk mueitn`e `m bkb`ry ne Lkicktt ns gjrfkgy bkgjeih`gni prkinskgy
lkijusk thk ihjrjitkrs jice`wgkdfk i`esin`usgy `r uei`esin`usgy
thjt thky jrk thk pr`duits m j pjst whnih hjs bkringkssgy dkmnekd thkb
js summkrnef sulokits Lkickttbdquos ihjrjitkrs ignef s` rkgketgkssgy t` thkpjst lkijusk m`r rkjs`es wk wngg kxpg`rk thk prksket b`bket ns dkv`nd
`m snfenmnijeik3 thk jf`enznef pjst bjy lrutjgnzk lut ne nt jrk thk trjiks
thk hnst`rnijg mrjfbkets `m ndketnty jed bkjenef
THK JIHN]K
Dki`estruitn`enst Ojiquks Dkrrndj drjwnef hkjvngy `e Mrkud `mmkrs
j ski`ed rkgjtkd i`eikpt thjt N wngg usk t` rkjd thksk ihjrjitkrsbdquo rkgj-tn`e t` hnst`ry g`ss jed trjubj Ne Jrihnvk Mkvkr Dkrrndj jejgyzks
thk i`eikpt `m thk jrihnvk js j wjy `m i`bnef t` je uedkrstjednef
`m thk wjy thk sulokit ekf`tnjtks nts rkgjtn`eshnp t` hnst`ry t` thk
pjst jed thk muturk thk jrihnvk ns thus j bkjes ly whnih Dkrrndj
trnks t` uedkrstjed thk hubje js j lknef sntujtkd ne tnbk mkkgnef thk
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2627
NETD[ITNE
lt9
igjnbs `m thk tkbp`rjg Qkrhjps thk lkst wjy t` dkmnek thk jrihnvk ns
js j i`eikptujg `r bjtkrnjg spjik `m bkb`ry Thk bned ije skrvk js
je jrihnvk oust js j gnlrjry `r physnijg b`eubket ije Dkrrndj suf-
fksts thjt thk jrihnvk ns j pgjik m i`bbjedbket jed i`bbkeikbketj pgjik whkrk kvkets `m thk pjst jrk d`iubketkd juth`rntjtnvkgy js
bjrcnef thk lkfneenef `m s`bkthnef j gnmk j iugturk j invngnzjtn`e
Jrihnvks jrk spjiks m prkskrvjtn`e i`eskrvjtn`e lut jgs` m irkjtn`e
j iugturkbdquos uedkrstjednef m ntskgmmdashj sulokitbdquos uedkrstjednef m ntskgmmdash
ns irkjtkd wnthne thk spjik `m thk jrihnvk
Nt ns igkjr thjt thk jrihnvk ns j wjy `m bjtkrnjgnznef bjcnef i`e-
irktk thk pjst Jed nm hnst`ry ns gjrfkgy r ije lk gjrfkgy thk ejrrjtnvks
`m i`equkst dkmkjt jed vn`gkeik thk jrihnvk ns jgs` f`nef t` mueitn`ejs j spjik i`bbkb`rjtnef trjubj jed g`ss Nt strncks bk thkrkm`rk
thjt thk jrihnvkmdashjs j spjik thjt bjnetjnes j i`etneujg rkgjtn`e t` thk
pjstmdashns jgwjys jgrkjdy j bkgjeih`gy spjik Vhjt N wnsh t` suffkst
hkrk ne spkinmni rkgjtn`e t` Lkickttbdquos w`rc ns thjt thk Lkickttnje sul-
okit lki`bks j gntkrjg kbl`dnbket m whjt N hjvk kgskwhkrk ijggkd thk
lsquobkgjeih`gy jrihnvkbdquo Thk Lkickttnje sulokit nbb`lngnzkd jed
mrjfbketkdmdashthnec `m Vneenk lurnkd t` hkr ekic ne kjrth ne Hjppy
Djys3 `m B`uth ne E`t N 3 `m Bjg`ek ne Bjg`ek Dnks3 `m thk mnfurk ne
I`bpjey mdashns jgwjys j hnst`rnijg sulokit j sulokit b`rk prkinskgy
sulokit t` hnst`ry Yhk ns i`etneujggy rkbkblkrnef s`bktnbks jfjnest
hkr wngg whjt hjs `iiurrkd ne thk pjst3 shk ns i`etneujggy jttkbptnef
t` rkijpturk j pjst shk bjy e`t muggy i`bprkhked
Jed nt ns thk Lkickttnje l`dy whnih lki`bks thk prnbjry rkp`sn-
t`ry m`r thksk rkbjnes thksk trjiks `m hnst`ry Thk ihjrjitkr bjy
kxnstmdashjs ne Hjppy Djys r Kedfjbk mdashjt whjt jppkjrs t` lk thk ked`m hubje iugturk lut shkmdashhkr l`dymdashbjnetjnes thk jrihnvjg trjiks
`m thjt g`st iugturk Thk nbjfks Lkicktt fnvks us ne hns drjbj jed
pr`skmdashj dnskbl`dnkd b`uth j l`dy nbb`lngnzkd ne j whkkgihjnr
`r thk kjrth pk`pgk ne uresmdashjrk nbjfks thjt i`eirktnzk thk ndkj `m
bkb`ry js kbl`dnkd `r jrihnvkd N suffkstkd jl`vk thjt m`r Lkicktt
sulokitnvntymdashthk skesk m wh` wk jrkmdashns muggy dkpkedket e thk l`dy
Vhjt Mrkud jed Dkrrndj jgg`w us t` uedkrstjed ns thk wjy sulokitnv-
nty ne Lkicktt ns muggy dkpkedket `e hnst`ry jed jrihnvkd bkb`ryMrkudbdquos e`tn`es `m b`urenef jed bkgjeih`gnj t`fkthkr wnth thk
Dkrrndkje rkjdnef `m thk jrihnvk jrk i`eikpts thjt wngg pr`vk uskmug
ne rkjdnef je juth`r wh`sk w`rc ns jt j pr`m`ued gkvkg jgwjys jl`ut
thk pjst j pjst whnih bjy hjvk rkikdkd net` m`rfktmugekss lut wh`sk
igjnbs jrk stngg lknef mkgt Ne nts strjefkekss Lkickttbdquos w`rc prkskets
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2727
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
eubkr`us dnmmniugtnks lut js wk shjgg dnsi`vkr hk ekvkr jljed`es
hns rkjdkr `r judnkeik i`bpgktkgy Mnrst js N hjvk bketn`ekd hns
ihjrjitkrsmdashwh` jt tnbks lki`bk `ur surr`fjtks `ur ueijeey d`u-
lgksmdashkxprkss buih thk sjbk i`emusn`e jl`ut thknr w`rgds js thkrkjdkr3 js suih thk strjefkekss lkijusk shjrkd lki`bks ne j skesk
e`rbjgnzkd Yki`ed jed pkrhjps b`rk nbp`rtjet Lkickttbdquos w`rc
ckys net` muedjbketjggy rki`fenzjlgk sntujtn`es Vk jgg jrk irkjtn`es
`m hnst`rnks wk bjy e`t rki`fenzk `r wnsh t` rki`fenzk3 wk jgg jt
tnbks dnsjv`w `ur pjsts kvke js wk mkkg thk prkssurks `m hnst`ry3 wk
jgg ne `thkr w`rds jrk hnst`rnijgmdashne Mrkudbdquos tkrbs bkgjeih`gymdash
irkjturks Lkickttbdquos w`rc ns iruinjg lkijusk nt rkgketgkssgy rkb`rskgkssgy
i`bpkgs us t` i`emr`et thk pr`m`ued igjnbs thjt hnst`ry bust bjckup`e us jgg Js wk i`bk t` rki`fenzk thk igjnbs `m thk pjst jed rkjg-
nzk thk kxtket t` whnih hnst`ry i`estruits thk hubje sulokit wk lkfne
t` uedkrstjed thjt Lkickttbdquos w`rc jt tnbks skkbnefgy s` strjefk
skkbnefgy nehubje ns `egy kvkr j i`bpjssn`ejtk jttkbpt t` i`bprk-
hked hubjenty ntskgm
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2627
NETD[ITNE
lt9
igjnbs `m thk tkbp`rjg Qkrhjps thk lkst wjy t` dkmnek thk jrihnvk ns
js j i`eikptujg `r bjtkrnjg spjik `m bkb`ry Thk bned ije skrvk js
je jrihnvk oust js j gnlrjry `r physnijg b`eubket ije Dkrrndj suf-
fksts thjt thk jrihnvk ns j pgjik m i`bbjedbket jed i`bbkeikbketj pgjik whkrk kvkets `m thk pjst jrk d`iubketkd juth`rntjtnvkgy js
bjrcnef thk lkfneenef `m s`bkthnef j gnmk j iugturk j invngnzjtn`e
Jrihnvks jrk spjiks m prkskrvjtn`e i`eskrvjtn`e lut jgs` m irkjtn`e
j iugturkbdquos uedkrstjednef m ntskgmmdashj sulokitbdquos uedkrstjednef m ntskgmmdash
ns irkjtkd wnthne thk spjik `m thk jrihnvk
Nt ns igkjr thjt thk jrihnvk ns j wjy `m bjtkrnjgnznef bjcnef i`e-
irktk thk pjst Jed nm hnst`ry ns gjrfkgy r ije lk gjrfkgy thk ejrrjtnvks
`m i`equkst dkmkjt jed vn`gkeik thk jrihnvk ns jgs` f`nef t` mueitn`ejs j spjik i`bbkb`rjtnef trjubj jed g`ss Nt strncks bk thkrkm`rk
thjt thk jrihnvkmdashjs j spjik thjt bjnetjnes j i`etneujg rkgjtn`e t` thk
pjstmdashns jgwjys jgrkjdy j bkgjeih`gy spjik Vhjt N wnsh t` suffkst
hkrk ne spkinmni rkgjtn`e t` Lkickttbdquos w`rc ns thjt thk Lkickttnje sul-
okit lki`bks j gntkrjg kbl`dnbket m whjt N hjvk kgskwhkrk ijggkd thk
lsquobkgjeih`gy jrihnvkbdquo Thk Lkickttnje sulokit nbb`lngnzkd jed
mrjfbketkdmdashthnec `m Vneenk lurnkd t` hkr ekic ne kjrth ne Hjppy
Djys3 `m B`uth ne E`t N 3 `m Bjg`ek ne Bjg`ek Dnks3 `m thk mnfurk ne
I`bpjey mdashns jgwjys j hnst`rnijg sulokit j sulokit b`rk prkinskgy
sulokit t` hnst`ry Yhk ns i`etneujggy rkbkblkrnef s`bktnbks jfjnest
hkr wngg whjt hjs `iiurrkd ne thk pjst3 shk ns i`etneujggy jttkbptnef
t` rkijpturk j pjst shk bjy e`t muggy i`bprkhked
Jed nt ns thk Lkickttnje l`dy whnih lki`bks thk prnbjry rkp`sn-
t`ry m`r thksk rkbjnes thksk trjiks `m hnst`ry Thk ihjrjitkr bjy
kxnstmdashjs ne Hjppy Djys r Kedfjbk mdashjt whjt jppkjrs t` lk thk ked`m hubje iugturk lut shkmdashhkr l`dymdashbjnetjnes thk jrihnvjg trjiks
`m thjt g`st iugturk Thk nbjfks Lkicktt fnvks us ne hns drjbj jed
pr`skmdashj dnskbl`dnkd b`uth j l`dy nbb`lngnzkd ne j whkkgihjnr
`r thk kjrth pk`pgk ne uresmdashjrk nbjfks thjt i`eirktnzk thk ndkj `m
bkb`ry js kbl`dnkd `r jrihnvkd N suffkstkd jl`vk thjt m`r Lkicktt
sulokitnvntymdashthk skesk m wh` wk jrkmdashns muggy dkpkedket e thk l`dy
Vhjt Mrkud jed Dkrrndj jgg`w us t` uedkrstjed ns thk wjy sulokitnv-
nty ne Lkicktt ns muggy dkpkedket `e hnst`ry jed jrihnvkd bkb`ryMrkudbdquos e`tn`es `m b`urenef jed bkgjeih`gnj t`fkthkr wnth thk
Dkrrndkje rkjdnef `m thk jrihnvk jrk i`eikpts thjt wngg pr`vk uskmug
ne rkjdnef je juth`r wh`sk w`rc ns jt j pr`m`ued gkvkg jgwjys jl`ut
thk pjst j pjst whnih bjy hjvk rkikdkd net` m`rfktmugekss lut wh`sk
igjnbs jrk stngg lknef mkgt Ne nts strjefkekss Lkickttbdquos w`rc prkskets
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2727
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
eubkr`us dnmmniugtnks lut js wk shjgg dnsi`vkr hk ekvkr jljed`es
hns rkjdkr `r judnkeik i`bpgktkgy Mnrst js N hjvk bketn`ekd hns
ihjrjitkrsmdashwh` jt tnbks lki`bk `ur surr`fjtks `ur ueijeey d`u-
lgksmdashkxprkss buih thk sjbk i`emusn`e jl`ut thknr w`rgds js thkrkjdkr3 js suih thk strjefkekss lkijusk shjrkd lki`bks ne j skesk
e`rbjgnzkd Yki`ed jed pkrhjps b`rk nbp`rtjet Lkickttbdquos w`rc
ckys net` muedjbketjggy rki`fenzjlgk sntujtn`es Vk jgg jrk irkjtn`es
`m hnst`rnks wk bjy e`t rki`fenzk `r wnsh t` rki`fenzk3 wk jgg jt
tnbks dnsjv`w `ur pjsts kvke js wk mkkg thk prkssurks `m hnst`ry3 wk
jgg ne `thkr w`rds jrk hnst`rnijgmdashne Mrkudbdquos tkrbs bkgjeih`gymdash
irkjturks Lkickttbdquos w`rc ns iruinjg lkijusk nt rkgketgkssgy rkb`rskgkssgy
i`bpkgs us t` i`emr`et thk pr`m`ued igjnbs thjt hnst`ry bust bjckup`e us jgg Js wk i`bk t` rki`fenzk thk igjnbs `m thk pjst jed rkjg-
nzk thk kxtket t` whnih hnst`ry i`estruits thk hubje sulokit wk lkfne
t` uedkrstjed thjt Lkickttbdquos w`rc jt tnbks skkbnefgy s` strjefk
skkbnefgy nehubje ns `egy kvkr j i`bpjssn`ejtk jttkbpt t` i`bprk-
hked hubjenty ntskgm
8142019 Beckett A Guide for the Perplexed
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullbeckett-a-guide-for-the-perplexed 2727
LKICKTT J F[NDK M THK QKQGKXKD
eubkr`us dnmmniugtnks lut js wk shjgg dnsi`vkr hk ekvkr jljed`es
hns rkjdkr `r judnkeik i`bpgktkgy Mnrst js N hjvk bketn`ekd hns
ihjrjitkrsmdashwh` jt tnbks lki`bk `ur surr`fjtks `ur ueijeey d`u-
lgksmdashkxprkss buih thk sjbk i`emusn`e jl`ut thknr w`rgds js thkrkjdkr3 js suih thk strjefkekss lkijusk shjrkd lki`bks ne j skesk
e`rbjgnzkd Yki`ed jed pkrhjps b`rk nbp`rtjet Lkickttbdquos w`rc
ckys net` muedjbketjggy rki`fenzjlgk sntujtn`es Vk jgg jrk irkjtn`es
`m hnst`rnks wk bjy e`t rki`fenzk `r wnsh t` rki`fenzk3 wk jgg jt
tnbks dnsjv`w `ur pjsts kvke js wk mkkg thk prkssurks `m hnst`ry3 wk
jgg ne `thkr w`rds jrk hnst`rnijgmdashne Mrkudbdquos tkrbs bkgjeih`gymdash
irkjturks Lkickttbdquos w`rc ns iruinjg lkijusk nt rkgketgkssgy rkb`rskgkssgy
i`bpkgs us t` i`emr`et thk pr`m`ued igjnbs thjt hnst`ry bust bjckup`e us jgg Js wk i`bk t` rki`fenzk thk igjnbs `m thk pjst jed rkjg-
nzk thk kxtket t` whnih hnst`ry i`estruits thk hubje sulokit wk lkfne
t` uedkrstjed thjt Lkickttbdquos w`rc jt tnbks skkbnefgy s` strjefk
skkbnefgy nehubje ns `egy kvkr j i`bpjssn`ejtk jttkbpt t` i`bprk-
hked hubjenty ntskgm
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