Use of Symbols in Beckett's Endgame

Endgame is an absurd drama depicting the pessimism and futility of modern people. Samuel Beckett employs many symbols to deliver the message of emptiness and despair. His some of the powerful symbols are as follows.

The Name of characters: All four characters’ names represent and remind us the name of instruments and tools which are used in construction site. Nell is homophonous to nail, Hamm is a short form of hammer. Nag the word is from German ‘Nagel’ that stands for nail and clov is a French word for nail. Thus, all characters are meant to rebuild the society, but cannot because of lack of harmony and coordination. They refuse to reconstruct the family and society. Their failure to reconstruct the society and life is   the failure of modern human society.

Death of Nell: The only female character in the play is Nell. She is only the potential regenerator, but her death at last shows the end of new life. Her last word is “desert” which has many implications. On the other hand, her death represents her success to escape from the futile life. She is forced to live a meaningless absurd life and when she reaches to death and receives it, it becomes her victory.

Setting: The interior of Endgame is bare and dull. The two small windows stand for two eyes, Hamn and Clov stand for memory and Nagg and Nell  in the ashbins represent the death of consciousness. So, the whole setting symbolizes a dead person’s skull. The dim gray light in the room suggests a thin hope of life. Symbolically the whole setting suggests the modern predicament of sterile consciousness that strives to catch a glimpse of hope in life.

Flea: Flea is another symbol of humanity which is ordered to be killed by Hamm. Hamm felt so nervous and irritated by the flea that he orders Clov to kill it, which is the indication of his hatred towards humanity. His attitude towards flea and humanity represents the modern human beings’ lack of reciprocity of humanity.

Chess Game: Another vital symbol in Endgame is a chess game. The endgame is played in chess when the King has few rooks and queen to protect him. The king remains motionless but exert power, commanding others. The very case is found in the life of Hamm where he is playing the last game of life. He is doomed to destruction and end. He can do nothing but wait for the ultimate end, which is certain. He is thrown to futility and meaninglessness.