The End

The End (1974) is a short story by Samuel Beckett, often considered part of his exploration of existential themes and the human condition. The story features a character who reflects on memory, time, and the inevitability of death. Like many of Beckett’s works, The End focuses on themes of isolation, physical and mental decline, and the futile search for meaning. The narrative's fragmented style and bleak outlook reflect Beckett's characteristic minimalist approach, where language and memory become tools for depicting life's final moments.

Samuel Beckett (1906–1989) was an Irish playwright, poet, and novelist, best known for his groundbreaking works that explore existential themes and the absurdity of human existence. Beckett's most famous work is the play Waiting for Godot (1953), a landmark of 20th-century theater that delves into themes of waiting, uncertainty, and the futility of life. His minimalist, often absurdist style is marked by sparse dialogue, bleak settings, and an emphasis on physical and psychological disintegration. Other significant works include Endgame, Krapp’s Last Tape, and The Unnamable. Beckett was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1969 for his innovative contributions to drama and literature.