Dianoetic Laughter in Tragedy: Accetping Finitude - Beckett's Endgame

Annamaria Cascetta

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

Abstract

This essay adopts both philosophical and dramatic analysis points of view. It explores the theme of the tragic within the most emblematic texts of Beckett from such an aspect. It traces the tragic in the representation of the unavoidable limit as experienced by the characters on a psychological, anthropological and ontological level. What is the reaction in Beckett to the tragic conscience? It is not the guilty and destructive rebellion of the classical hero belonging to tragedy. It is rather the acceptance of finiteness through humorous laughter. As Beckett himself described it, it is a “dianoetic laughter” which perhaps opens the path to a principle of responsibility, the only salvation for humankind in this small drifting universe.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationThe Edinburgh Companion to Samuel Beckett and the Arts
EditorsS.E. Gontarski
Pages423-432
Number of pages10
Publication statusPublished - 2014
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Beckett
  • humour
  • tragedy
  • tragic

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