Exquisite Annihilation: A Meditation on the use of space and silence in Beckett’s universe

Felicitations, seekers of enlightenment.

Today, we begin the next stage of our thirty part examination of the use of the pause in the work of the towering figure in twentieth century literature, Samuel Beckett.

“…” or “….”?

The perennial question is it not? Beckett used both of course, but which pause is “true Beckett”, if such a question is not ridiculous?

“…” or “….”

In his earlier work, most famously Godot, the master seemed to favour a simple “…”, but by the time of Play he seemed to have totally rejected “…”, now favouring the more elegant (but perhaps more frivolous?) “….”

We of course do not need to dredge up painful memories of Beckett’s sole, misbegotten use of “……” in Ohio Impromptu, the use of which Beckett himself blamed on stress and an imminent deadline and later excoriated as the most gross indulgence and extravagance.

“Excuse me? Unshaved Mouse?”

“I am he.”

“Congratulations. You’ve been shortlisted for Best Art & Culture Blog.”

“Oh, how gratifying. Many thanks.”

“HEY! IVE GOT A DELIVERY OF FOUR HUNDRED DICK JOKES! WHO’S GONNA SIGN FOR THESE DICK JOKES?!”

“Badtimebadtimenotnownotnow!”

“Who is that?”

“No idea, I think he got lost looking for No More Workhorse.”

“Are you SURE this is an Art & Culture Blog?”

“Absolutely! Tell ’em SMOWE!”

“Oh. Yes. By his very presence are our souls enriched.”

“Is he being sarcastic?”

“Him? Never.”

“Hmmm. Well. Congratulations.”

…

Is he gone?

THE SUCKERS BOUGHT IT!!!!!!

Unshaved Mouse has been shortlisted (somehow) for Best Art and Culture Blog at the Blog Awards Ireland 2014. Huge thanks to everyone who voted, and please don’t forget I still need your votes for Best Blog Post (link here or hereabouts).

And now, let’s all look at my shiny new salmon shortlist badge.