‘Existential Crisis’ in the Select Plays of Samuel Beckett

Abstract

Every literature is a product of a particular age. There are different ages of literature, that are noted for the unique features, it, have. Every literature, thus, corresponds to a particular age, that reflects the notions of that particular age. Samuel Beckett is an Irish - French writer, who has created a special position in the heart of every drama lover. The writings of Samuel Beckett are filled with the notches of absurdity, relating to post second world war, that occurred between 1939 and 1945. One of the characteristic features of absurd literature is the notion of ‘existential crisis’, that dominates most of the select plays of Samuel Beckett.
This research article explores the ‘existential crisis’ in the following plays of Samuel Beckett - ‘Waiting for Godot : A Tragic - Comedy in Two Acts’, ‘Endgame’ and ‘Krapp’s Last Tape’. The world classic play, ‘Waiting for Godot’ explains the absurd relationship between the two tramps, Vladimir and Estragon. The play also delves into the meaningless master - slave relationship between Lucky and Pozzo and messenger boy and his brother. The next play, ‘Endgame’ is a one - act play, that explains the family relationship between the unique characters of Hamm, Clov, Nell and Nagg. The last select one - act play, ‘Krapp’s Last Tape’ briefly examines the ‘failed’ life of the old aged man, Victor Krapp