My prospectus for Brit Lit.

My paper regards “Endgame” and the “Theatre of the Absurd” transitioning, progressing and evolving into a new innovative extremity known as “Cinema of Cruelty.” The paper will state that Samuel Beckett’s “Endgame” with the aid of scholarly criticisms have become a springboard of inspiration for a new generation of modern absurdist writers and furthering into a new form of medium. Themes branching from “Endgame” include absurdism, existentialism, and nihilism. In specific, David Cronenberg and David Lynch have stood out amongst other writers in their field, incorporating these ideologies into writing, and transitioning them into moving images.

First, I will look into the world of David Cronenberg and connect the parallels in his film Videodrome with “Endgame.” I will do so by 1) establishing through structural anti-progression of story, 2) constant stagnation where the option of suicide is apparent, 3) but also examine the existential characterization breakdown of philosophical and literal claustrophobia.

Second, I will piece together the puzzle of “Endgame” and David Lynch’s Mulholland Drive. I will do so by 1) comparing the styles of both writers in how they shift away from contemporary standards and bring forth an anti-narrative form of storytelling. Lynch isolates himself from Hollywood, and Beckett retreats from Broadway. Beckett and Lynch also use the idea of alienating the audience to prove a sense of purpose in keeping the audience aware of their reason for watching. I will also show how both writers rely heavily on components of surrealism through imagery, dialogue and characterization.

Thus, my conclusion will present the reiterated significance of Samuel Beckett in modern storytelling. It is interesting how Beckett’s renegade thoughts and obscure ideas can motivate others to continue onward, keeping the spirit of Beckett and “Endgame” alive as technology progresses. Beckett, himself experimented with the art of film, which creates a whole new argument that he supported the visual medium.I chose this topic to write about, because I find Beckett’s style of thinking fascinating. It’s completely utter organized chaos. At first, it lacks clarity, but instead of the necessary coherency through dialogue, the text itself is analyzed as a whole. And it is a weird coincidence, because film is the same way. The sheer conventions of reality are broken, and a new world is created.