Which literary movement is associated with Samuel Beckett's works?

Samuel Beckett's works are closely associated with existentialism, particularly reflected in his themes of absurdity, the human condition, and the search for meaning in a seemingly indifferent universe. His most notable play, "Waiting for Godot," exemplifies existentialist ideas through characters that exist in a state of uncertainty and stagnation, questioning their purpose and the nature of existence itself.

The existentialist movement emphasizes individuality and the challenge of finding meaning without relying on previous philosophical constructs or traditional moral systems. In Beckett's writing, this often manifests through minimalistic dialogue and ambiguous settings, which force characters and readers alike to confront the stark realities of existence and human experience.

While Beckett's early works show influences of modernism, including fragmentation and a break from traditional narrative structures, it is his exploration of existential themes that predominantly characterizes his oeuvre. His involvement with postmodernism can also be noted, but primarily through the lens of existential questioning and absurdity central to his plays and writings. Therefore, identifying existentialism as the movement most closely related to Beckett captures the essence of his contributions to literature.