Act Without Words - Samuel Beckett

I took a look through this a bit prior to reading, and decided it'd be a good idea to get a little background on this Beckett fellow beforehand. Extremely interesting man, and his life experiences are obvious in his work.

I also found this, and this, and the website in general, which is pretty enlightening and somewhat amusing.

I looked up some background on Act Without Words, and Tantalus from Greek mythology was mentioned. Tantalus was punished by being forced to stand in a pool of water under a fruit tree. Each time he would bend to drink, the water would recede, and each time he reached for fruit, the branches would raise above his reach.

The protagonist undergoes two births - the first is his birth into the world, when he is thrown into existence from offstage, and the second when he learns how to sufficiently use the tools provided. He's thrown into a world where he knows nothing, and he finally learns to become self-sufficient and rely solely on himself. The protagonist remains unnamed, and he is established as the Everyman.

It is interesting that he eventually gives up altogether. He refuses to acknowledge the persistent whistle or the water floating around his head. This is his new birth of self and of independence.

When he learns to use the tools too well and too sufficiently, they are taken away. The box is pulled from under him, and the scissors, rope, and small box disappear into the sky when he discovers his power to end his life.