Reference no: EM133215033
Peer discussion:
Preview
I used the literary process when reading endgame: preview, highlight, and annotate to better understand the material. Using the first step, I can get an idea of what the play is about by looking at the context. To begin with, Beckett is known for producing work that demonstrates the absurdity and meaninglessness of existence. Even the title, "Endgame" hints at the theme of the play, as endgame means the end or finale. The way in which the characters spoke and acted seemed hopeless, as well as their living situation.
Highlight
The next step in the process is highlighting, and this step requires me to point out important features like words. Some words that are often used in the play are finished and end. These are important because they also hint at the theme and are related to the title. The characters within the play seem to be waiting for something to end, whether it be their life, suffering, or something else.
Annotate
Another important feature is the appearance of the setting. It takes place in an empty room, with a single chair placed in the middle. In the middle is a blind man name Hamm who is unable to walk. Throughout the play, he speaks of death with his caretaker Clov, showing he has a pessimistic mindset. "Yes, one day you'll know what it is, you'll be like me, except that you won't have anyone with you, because you won't have had pity on anyone and because there won't be anyone left to have pity on you." (Beckett, 1858/2012, p. 780) In this scene, Hamm is telling Clov that he will be alone in his final days. This line is an example of hopelessness. After using the literary process: Preview, highlight, and annotate, I can better understand how every detail within the story fits the theme, like the title, setting, words, and characters.
Word Count: 314
References:
Beckett, S (2012). Endgame. In Puchner (Ed.), The Norton anthology of world literature, Vol F. (3rd ed.) (pp763-795). New York, NY: Norton. (Original work published 1957)
Post 2:
For this assignment, Compare your close reading above technique to your peer's and highlight where there might be differences. End your post with a quote from the play and a specific question for your classmate to further promote discussion.