What literary style is Samuel Beckett known for in his works?

Prepare for the Praxis Literary Texts and Authors Exam using flashcards and multiple-choice questions, with hints and explanations. Ace your test!

Samuel Beckett is most renowned for his association with Absurdism, a literary style that emphasizes the inherent meaninglessness or absurdity of human existence. His works often explore themes of existential angst, the struggles of communication, and the cyclical nature of life. Beckett's most famous play, "Waiting for Godot," epitomizes these characteristics as it features characters who engage in repetitive dialogue and actions while waiting for a figure who never arrives, thereby highlighting the absurdity of their situation. Through stark settings, minimal character development, and a focus on the futility of human endeavors, Beckett challenges traditional narrative structures and immerses readers in a world that reflects the confusion and absurdity of modern existence.

In contrast, Romanticism focuses on emotion and nature, often celebrating individualism and beauty. Realism aims to represent everyday life and the lives of ordinary people without embellishment. Surrealism seeks to explore the unconscious mind and dream-like imagery. Each of these styles has distinct characteristics that differ significantly from the core principles of Absurdism, which is fundamentally concerned with the absurdity of human life itself. Beckett's contribution to literature through Absurdism also positions him as a key figure in modernist literature, emphasizing that life may lack

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