From Absurd to Ecosophy: An Eco-Critical Observation in Samuel Beckett's Endgame

Dipal Pandya

Abstract: The ecological aspects have been presented in the various forms of literature throughout the centuries. The paper examines the famous play Endgame by Samuel Beckett through the theory of ecocriticism. World War II had greatly influenced Beckett as a writer. The present paper attempts to shift the focus of the reader from Absurdity and Existentialism to ecological thoughts. To reread this one-act play as a pioneer to ecocriticism, it is ironically the perfect play for the period of anxiety about climate change, which escapes both sensory apprehension and standard representation. Reading Beckett in this way can perhaps trigger a more radical conversation with those not initially persuaded by ecocriticisms focus on nature.

Keywords: Ecology, Ecocriticism, Absurd Theatre, Anthropocentrism, Ecosphere, Post modernism, Post-structuralism, existentialism