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
To every man his little cross. Till he dies. And is forgotten.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Everyone has their own burdens to bear throughout life, often unnoticed and unappreciated.
This quote by Samuel Beckett highlights the universal nature of suffering and individual struggles. It suggests that each person carries their own 'little cross' – a metaphor for personal challenges or hardships – which may go unseen by others and ultimately fade into oblivion after death. The somber tone reflects on the transient nature of life and the often overlooked pains we endure.
Themes
SufferingBurdenStruggleLifeExistence
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about the hidden struggles of mental health, this quote could emphasize the importance of empathy.
More from Samuel Beckett
All quotes →Nothing 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.
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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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