Overview

Synopsis

In a bleak house by the sea, blind and paralyzed Hamm torments his servant Clov, and his parents, Nagg and Nell. Hamm cannot stand up, while Clov cannot sit down. Nagg and Nell, who are legless and live in dustbins, cannot do either. Despite verbal abuse from Hamm, Clov is dedicated to the small family, and knows that they cannot exist without him. At the same time, Hamm realizes that Clov will have no purpose if he doesn’t serve them. Everyone threatens to leave each other, knowing that it will never happen.

Often viewed as the follow-up to Waiting for Godot, Endgame was originally written in French before being translated into English by Beckett himself. Set in a type of post-apocalyptic landscape, Endgame explores the same philosophies and theories of existence--specifically, the absurdity of life and its continuous repetitions without any meaning.

Show Information

Book
Samuel Beckett
Category
Play
Age Guidance
Thirteen Plus (PG-13)
Number of Acts
1
First Produced
1957
Genres
Drama, Dark Comedy
Settings
Simple/No Set, Unit/Single Set
Time & Place
bare house, present day
Cast Size
small
Licensor
Samuel French
Ideal For
one-act, small cast, french, College/University, Community Theatre, Ensemble Cast, Mature Audiences, Mostly Male Cast, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Small Cast, Includes Adult, Mature Adult, Late Teen, Young Adult, Elderly Characters

Context


Plot


Characters

Name Part Size Gender Vocal Part

Hamm

Lead

Male

Non-singer

Clov

Lead

Male

Non-singer

Nagg

Lead

Male

Non-singer

Nell

Lead

Female

Non-singer

Songs

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A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.

Monologues

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Scenes

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Key Terms

    Absurdism

    A dramatic movement emphasizing existentialism and irrationality, often rejecting traditional plot structures.

    Philosophy

    A system of thought exploring existence, ethics, or knowledge, often influencing theatrical movements like existentialism or realism.

    Post-apocalyptic

    Describes a genre or setting in theatre that explores life after societal collapse, often raising existential themes.

    Theatre of the Absurd

    A dramatic movement featuring illogical dialogue, cyclical plots, and existential themes, reflecting the absurdity of human existence.

    Tragicomedy

    A genre blending elements of tragedy and comedy, often leaving audiences in emotional or thematic tension.

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Themes, Symbols & Motifs

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Quote Analysis

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Guide Written By:

Cindi Calhoun

Cindi Calhoun

Theatre teacher, director, writer, and seamstress