Absurdism in Depression

Gracyn Covey

English 1302

Professor Hammett

Rhetorical Analysis

Word Count: 1119

 

Rhetorical Analysis

          Absurdity can be written and interpreted in many different ways, making it a fluid and constantly changing medium. Depression and mental illness is no different in this aspect, as it is never quite the same for every individual. Samuel Beckett was an Irish absurdist playwright and poet most known for his play Waiting for Godot. Beckett was not a philosopher, and instead strongly resisted making his works philosophical, though they typically ended up being philosophical upon analysis (Moran). Despite his strong opposition to philosophy in this regard, Beckett is still praised for his view and work on humanity as a whole. His refusal to elaborate and analyze on his more philosophical lines lead to multiple interpretations of his work. Beckett would often write about hopelessness in mankind, touching on existential angst and abandonment to the harsh course of the world (1). Beckett believed that mankind struggled to find a purpose in the world, which can be translated into the depression epidemic of today. Beckett would undeniably agree with the issues of the social epidemic of depression based on self-experiences and beliefs on life and mankind. 

          Samuel Beckett had issues with his mental health during his life, which enhanced his writing, making Beckett likely to agree with the rising severity of the depression epidemic.  Beckett had bouts of depression and knew what it was like to be depressed (Moran). However, instead of letting depression get the best of him, he used it to fuel his creative process. By taking his self-experiences and putting them into his work, Beckett created works that represented the human struggle of depression and suffering. This is especially shown in Beckett’s play Krapp’s Last Tape where he writes, “Perhaps my best years are gone. When there was a chance of happiness. But I wouldn't want them back. Not with the fire in me now” (Beckett). To learn from and overcome difficulties is where humans grow stronger, more resilient. Depression is debilitating for many who suffer from it, but Beckett is a living example of how something so painful as depression can be used as fuel for something greater. If the depression epidemic were as widespread in the twentieth century as it is now, Samuel Beckett would be a voice of confidence and reason.

          Samuel Beckett would view the depression epidemic as something that humans would subconsciously strive to overcome. Samuel Beckett believed that although mankind was hopeless, they would always have a drive to continue on. As Beckett wrote in his play Endgame, “The end is in the beginning and yet you go on” (Beckett). Several of Beckett’s works discuss hopelessness and depression, illuminating the struggles of society. Depression was an issue even in the twentieth century, and yet humanity survived. Beckett’s absurdity shines in this aspect, as he creatively used depression and survival as being closely related. Another example of this in effect is in the novel The Unnameable where Beckett states, “You must go on. I can't go on. I'll go on” (Beckett). It is with these words that Beckett proves his beliefs, that though humans may desire to disappear or give up, it is a natural drive for them to go on. In the end, survival will always win. Absurdism today may have less of an audience than it would in Beckett’s time period, but its words still hold merit. 

          Beckett did not write to inspire hope in people, instead with purpose and stoicism, and his views on the epidemic would reflect this. While seeming counter-intuitive, not sugar-coating the suffering and hopelessness of depression enhances his work. Beckett’s words were written with purpose, to instruct the reader to move head-first in the face of adversity, and face our troubles with dignity (Calder). This is Beckett’s solution to depression; to carry on head-first. His beliefs lie with survival, but go beyond in the form of thriving. This can be seen as absurdist, as depression is not typically equated to thriving. Beckett shines in this field, as he provides an absurdist look to the social epidemic of depression. In his famous play Waiting for Godot Beckett writes, “Let us make the most of it, before it is too late! Let us represent worthily for one the foul brood to which a cruel fate consigned us” (Beckett). Humanity has already been given a cruel world, and depression has already set into individuals minds. However, the difference comes in when one chooses to make the most of the hand they have been given. This is where Beckett’s true belief comes into fruition. Beckett speaks of misery and hopelessness, but not without the thought of rebirth. 

          However, Beckett could be seen as being overly cynical about humanity, leading to a more negative view on the social epidemic. Beckett’s works are cynical in nature, dealing with heavy topics. While he believes society will always survive in the end, he does not shy away from speaking of the opposite. Beckett believed that compared to the grand scheme of the universe and of God’s vast presence, mankind had no importance and should think as accordingly (Calder). This is the sort of nihilism that is seen in Beckett’s works, and consequently enhances the hopelessness of mental illness. Due to this, Beckett would see the social epidemic of depression as something that is unavoidable and that will last for years to come, as humanity can never quite escape the cruel injustice of the world.

          Absurdity can be found in any corner of the world, including depression. What makes our brain tick is no more absurd than an abstract poem written in multiple different languages. Consequently, perhaps the best way to understand depression is to represent it in absurdity. Samuel Beckett is the perfect example of the bridge between absurdity and depression; being a living embodiment of both. In the modern world, Beckett would use his platforms to create an environment in which people can relate to and understand, motivating people to continue on and persevere. Beckett’s words were impactful and important the moment they were written down, and even still in the modern world continue to be as influential.