For the characters in Samuel Beckett’s Endgame, movement is a big part of their lives. It is second behind death. They rely on each other to move and make sure the movement is constant. Beckett uses physical movement throughout the play as a way for the characters to develop a sense of routine, establish a sense of living, have control, and avoid death. By doing so, the characters hope to achieve the impossible and change their destiny.
Having a routine gives the characters in the play a sense of purpose. All four characters are trapped in their current situations due to their disabilities. When they wake up each day, they do not have a purpose. Nothing in the world depends on them. Their existence only affects each other. By having set routines, they have plans for each day which establishes a sense of normalcy in their lives. They do not know what is next for them or how long they will be able to continue as they are. However, Clov knows he will do the routine with the ladder and window each day. Just as Nell knows Nagg will knock on her lid even though she is actually beginning to accept her fate.
Movement is also used as a form of living. By constantly moving, Hamm and Clov feel they are at least making some use of the abilities they have left. This is why Hamm has Clov push him around the room and move him near the windows. Hamm can’t walk but he can still attempt to live with the help of Clov. Hamm wants Clov to live also. He gives Clov the instruction “then move!” upon confirming he is still able to do so (Beckett 35). He is instructing Clov to do what he can while he is still able to.
Their movements are also the only thing they have control of in their life. Hamm has control over Clov, and Clov has control over Hamm. Death has control over all of the characters. They are trying to win a game that cannot be won by putting off death. Hamm states, “…it’s time it ended and yet I hesitate to…end” (Beckett 34). As much as they are working to control death and when it occurs, death has the upper hand and will win no matter what. All four characters are aware of this. It’s a matter of trying not to give in.
Constantly moving is a way for Hamm and Clov to postpone dealing with death. Although the thought of death is always looming in their minds, moving about takes their minds away from it. In the play, Clov states that he “can’t sit” (Beckett 36). In reality, Clov can most likely sit if he chooses. He does not sit because he is afraid that one day he will not be able to get up and be as active as he currently is. Clov fears ending up like his father but also knows it is destined to happen one day. Hamm advises a similar sentiment. He states,
“One day you’ll say to yourself, I’m tired, I’ll sit down,
and you’ll go and sit down. Then you’ll say I’m hun-
gry, I’ll get up and get something to eat. But you
won’t get up. You’ll say I shouldn’t have sat down…” (Beckett 44).
Hamm fears Clov ending up like him because that would mean Clov could no longer take care of him. Clov also would not have anyone to take care of him. As stated in the play, Hamm keeps Clov because he has “no one else”, and Clov stay with Hamm because he has “nowhere else” (Beckett 35). Although at separate times, they would both then be forced to deal with death head on.
Without physical movement, the characters in Endgame would not have a purpose. Albert Einstein once said, “Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving.” It could be said this is the motto of the characters in the play. What would normally be a positive way to view life is filling them with false hope and causing them to live in denial. Movement is giving their lives a type of balance they have become accustomed to. However, the characters are also seeking a type of balance that is no longer attainable to them.
Works Cited
Beckett, Samuel. Endgame. Jacobus, L. A.(ed.). LITR 220 The Art of Drama – Fall 2006. National Archive Publishing Company, 2005.
