How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Act.Line). Every time a character talks counts as one line, even if what they say turns into a long monologue.
Quote #7
HAMM
Do you not think this has gone on long enough?
CLOV
Yes!
(Pause.)
What?
HAMM
This…this…thing.
CLOV
I've always thought so. (1.475-478)
If Hamm and Clov do not what this thing is that has happened then how can they endure it? Do you have to understand something to be able to endure it? Is attempting to understand a form of endurance?
Quote #8
CLOV
You've got on with, I hope.
HAMM(modestly)
Oh not very far, not very far.
(He sighs.)
There are days like that, one isn't inspired.
(Pause.)
Nothing you can do about it, just wait for it to come.
(Pause.)
No forcing, no forcing, it's fatal.
(Pause.)
I've got on with it a little all the same. (1.590)
If you just have to wait for it come, then how can Hamm say that he has got along with his story just the same? Is this actually a sign of endurance or a sign of inertia? Is Hamm a mouth-piece or an actual speaker?
Quote #9
CLOV
Will it not soon be the end?
HAMM
I'm afraid it will.
CLOV
Pah! You'll make up another. (1.619-621)
How is storytelling equated with an act of endurance? Is it actually endurance or just an attempt to escape from the current situation? When there is no reason to hope, is endurance itself a sort of escape?