Endgame Theme of Perseverance

Perseverance may not be quite the right word for this theme in Endgame, and you'll find that at
other points in this guide, we use the word "endurance." The thing is, perseverance implies the
possibility of success if you just keep going. There is an obstacle, and you are going to overcome it.
In Endgame, this is not the case. There is no way out of the apocalyptic struggle, but the characters
do suffer through it nonetheless. If there is any perseverance, it is mental rather than physical. Their
bodies are deteriorating and they will die. Yet, even when the characters seem to have given up
hope, they still struggle on for reasons that they cannot comprehend.
Questions About Perseverance
1. What is the relationship between perseverance and defeat in the play? What is the relationship
between endurance and failure?
2. Are there any moments in the play at which a character imagines that he will actually be able
to escape from his situation? What brings on these moments? How does the character think that he
will escape?
3. Which characters show the greatest endurance in the play? Who shows the least?
4. What is the cost of endurance? How does it affect their behavior?
Chew on This
Try on an opinion or two, start a debate, or play the devils advocate.

In the play, perseverance and defeat are the same thing. Real perseverance would be
working up the courage to accept defeat and bring about an end to this horrible way of life.
When the characters seem to be enduring, they are actually just revealing their weakness and
inability to admit that they are defeated.

Hamm is the only character in the play that actually endures anything. His behavior is selfdetermined, whereas Clov only takes orders. By contrast, Clov is not demonstrating
endurance. He is demonstrating inertia.

QUOTES ON THE THEME PERSEVERANCE

Quote #1
HAMM
And yet I hesitate, I hesitate toto end. Yes, there it is, it's time it ended and yes I hesitate to
(he yawns)
to end. (1.2)
Is this a sign of strength or weakness? How can "hesitation" amount to perseverance?
Can one persevere without succeeding, simply by enduring long enough in the face of
certain failure?
Quote #2
HAMM
I'll give you nothing more to eat.
CLOV
Then we'll die.
HAMM

I'll give you just enough to keep you from dying. You'll be hungry all the time. (1.32-34)
Does Clov have the ability to endure separate from Hamm? Are these lines a great
admission of defeat or a determination to endure? Is it really endurance if someone else is
forcing you to do it?
Quote #3
HAMM
We do what we can.
CLOV
We shouldn't. (1.111-112)
Are these positions that the two characters hold throughout the entire play? Does the fact
that Hamm seems to not yet be ready to end whereas Clov does mean that Hamm's
behavior is a sign of perseverance whereas Clov's is a sign of defeat?
Quote #4
CLOV
Why this farce, day after day?
HAMM
Routine. One never knows. (1.334-335)
Is Hamm here admitting that there is nothing driving them forward except inertia? Are
there any points where he contradicts this viewpoint?
HW> Find out at least two more quotes on this theme in Endgame, and formulate a reflection or
question for your classmates as in the examples.