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The Enigma of Interpretation in the Works of Samuel Beckett
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Muhammad Rahimian Shirmard *   |
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Abstract: (18078 Views) |
| Meaninglessness, as the most important aesthetic
character of the works of Samuel Beckett and Theatre
of the Absurd, is a way by means of which the
modernistic works of art try to confront the annihilation
of meaning and crisis of modernity. Trying
to deny the meaning while utilizing a negative
approach, which in turn arises from the way they
deal with their inner problems, these works can be
seen as endeavors for expressing the ineffability of
the impossible.
In this article it would be discussed, in an Adornoian
aesthetical framework, that the meaninglessness
in Beckett’s plays is not only a philosophical
and artistic necessity, but also comes from the
inevitable enigmas of these works. Accordingly,
the hidden dialectics of these works which makes
them some sort of puzzle, exposes them to multiple
interpretation. Yet, while displaying the works potential interpretations, this characteristic at the
same time negates any interpretation and, by causing
more ambiguity in the work, shows the shortcomings
of any attempt for unveiling the meaning.
In opposition to this characteristic of the work of
art, the interpretation tries to overcome the indeterminacy
of the works’ elements and make itself
clear and visible through unveiling the work’s
enigma, ambiguity, and absurdity. However, what
always remains absent in this negative dialectics is
the meaning of the work’s enigma. |
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| Keywords: Beckett, Adorno, Theatre of the Absurd, modernity, modernism, the impossible, work of art, enigma |
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Full-Text [PDF 272 kb]
(6518 Downloads)
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Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2014/02/24 | Accepted: 2014/02/24
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