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Beckett and the Rebel: A Study of Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot and Endgame

Authors :
Rajabali Askarzadeh Torghabeh
Mahdi Qasemi Shandiz
Source :
‫مطالعات زبان و ترجمه, Vol 56, Iss 3, Pp 31-59 (2023)
Publication Year :
2023
Publisher :
Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, 2023.

Abstract

Albert Camus acknowledges absurdity and the only way to rebel against the fundamental emptiness of existence is to reach freedom and self-awareness. This transition would include two types: passive nihilist and active nihilist. The purpose of this paper is to examine the concept of the rebel in Camus’ philosophy and its representation in Samuel Beckett’s plays. To do so, two of Beckett’s plays, Waiting for Godot and Endgame are examined. The findings reveal a new reading of the ‘Camusian Rebel’. Contrary to Camus’ philosophy, the characters in these works have the courage to commit suicide and do not even try to create meaning out of their lives. They are castrated in speech and communication with the other, contradicting the Camusian definition of absurdity. They parody all Camus’ philosophical assumptions about the meaning of life and nihilism.

Details

Language :
Persian
ISSN :
22285202 and 23832878
Volume :
56
Issue :
3
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
‫مطالعات زبان و ترجمه
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.f426664addf14510b20e386d22f3ef42
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.22067/lts.2022.77187.1138