I asked her to look at me and after a few moments - (pause) - after a few moments she did, but the eyes just slits, because of the glare I bent over her to get them in the shadow and they opened. (Pause. Low) Let me in.
Samuel BeckettRead
My dear Tom, Delighted to get your letter. Do write again. This life is terrible and I don't understand how it can be endured.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Life can often feel overwhelming and difficult to endure, leading to confusion and despair.
In this quote by Samuel Beckett, the speaker expresses a profound sense of despair and a struggle to comprehend the hardships of life. The mention of a letter indicates a longing for connection, suggesting that sharing such feelings can be a solace amidst the terrors of existence. This acknowledgment of lifeβs terribleness invites reflection on human resilience and the necessity of companionship in navigating difficult times.
Themes
LifeDespairConnectionEnduranceHardship
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about mental health, one could reference Beckett's quote to highlight the struggles many face.
More from Samuel Beckett
All quotes βNothing happens. Nobody comes, nobody goes. It's awful.
Samuel BeckettRead
I shall state silences more competently than ever a better man spangled the butterflies of vertigo.
Samuel BeckettRead
And what I have, what I am, is enough, was always enough for me, and as far as my dear little sweet little future is concerned I have no qualms, I have a good time coming.
Samuel BeckettRead
I love order. It's my dream. A world where all would be silent and still, and each thing in its last place, under the last dust.
Samuel BeckettRead
We lose our hair, our teeth! Our bloom, our ideals.
Samuel BeckettRead
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in the trees this afternoon, he was a giver of bread and teddy bears.
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