Rolf Breuer

Critique of Beckett criticism : a guide to research in English, French, and German

Samuel Beckett (1906-1989) is an important figure in 20th century literary history: his plays, such as Waiting for Godot and Endgame, have acquired a world-wide reputation, and his novels have proved important touchstones for the critical debates in contemporary literary theory. Born in Dublin, Beckett spent most of his writing life in France and wrote equally well in French and English; his German was also fluent, allowing him to direct his own plays in German theatres. Any attempt to deal with Beckett must therefore consider the critical response his works have provoked in all three languages. A Critique of Beckett Criticism is the first attempt in book form to give a comprehensive survey of the history and scope of Beckett criticism in French, English, and German. Three parallel chapters examine the three major strands of Beckett criticism, retracing its development using a historical perspective and pointing out different trends, currents and fashions in opinion. Directions for further research are also suggested. P.J. MURPHY is a lecturer in contemporary British literature at the University College of the Cariboo, British Columbia; WERNER HUBER is a professor of English literature at Chemnitz University of Technology; ROLF BREUER is professor of English literature at the University of Paderborn; KONRAD SCHOELL is professor of French literature at the Padagogische Hochschule Erfurt.

Beckett's Literary Programme as Secular Theology

Becketts works are replete with echoes of and allusions to the Bible and to Christian theology, patristic, scholastic and otherwise. Of course that does not make him a religious author, because most of the quotations and references are ironic, many even satirical. Beckett himself famously spoke of Christianity as of a “mythology”, and when he was asked whether his works had any religious meaning he said: “Well, really there is none. I have no religious feeling.”