How It Is

Summary

«How It Is» is an experimental novel by Samuel Beckett, written in 1961. The book is a stream of consciousness narrative where the main character, an unnamed narrator, describes his existence in darkness and filth. He crawls along the ground, encountering various obstacles and meeting other characters, such as Pim. The narrator reflects on his life, his suffering, and his search for meaning. The novel's structure is fragmented and nonlinear, emphasizing the chaotic and absurd nature of human existence. Beckett employs a minimalist style and repetitive phrases to create an atmosphere of despair and isolation.

Historical Context and Significance

Samuel Beckett's «How It Is», published in 1961, is one of the key works from the later period of the author's career. It continues his exploration of themes of absurdity, isolation, and human existence, which are characteristic of Beckett's work. In this piece, Beckett experiments with form and language, creating a text that is a stream of consciousness without traditional structure. This work is often considered part of his trilogy, which also includes «Molloy» and «Malone Dies», and it solidifies his reputation as a leading figure in the Theatre of the Absurd and modernist literature. The book's influence on culture lies in its radical approach to narrative and language, inspiring many subsequent authors to experiment with form and content. In «How It Is», Beckett continues to explore themes central to his work, such as the meaninglessness of existence and the impossibility of communication, making his works relevant even in the contemporary context.

Style and Technique

Samuel Beckett's novel «How It Is» is a complex and experimental work distinguished by its unique style and technique. The structure of the work is fragmented and nonlinear, characteristic of Beckett's later writing. The language of the book is minimalist and concise, with an emphasis on repetition and rhythm, creating a sense of monotony and infinity. Beckett uses stream of consciousness to convey the internal experiences and thoughts of the character, making the text challenging to grasp yet deeply immersive in the hero's world. Literary devices include fragmented narration, the absence of a traditional plot and dialogues, highlighting absurdity and existential emptiness. The author also actively uses metaphors and symbolism to express themes of isolation, suffering, and the search for meaning. Overall, Beckett's style in this work can be described as radically experimental, making him one of the key figures in modernism and postmodernism in literature.

Interesting Facts

• The book is an experimental text written as a stream of consciousness, making it challenging to perceive and analyze.
• The work consists of three parts, each describing different stages of the main character's journey through a world full of suffering and loneliness.
• The text lacks traditional punctuation and is broken into short fragments, creating a sense of fragmentation and chaos.
• The main character is in constant motion, crawling through the mud, symbolizing his inner state and struggle.
• The book explores themes of isolation, human suffering, and the meaninglessness of existence, characteristic of Beckett's work.
• The work was originally written in French and later translated into English by the author himself, highlighting its linguistic complexity and multilayered nature.

Book Review

Samuel Beckett's «How It Is» (originally «Comment c'est») is one of the author's most complex and experimental works. Written in 1961, it is a stream of consciousness narrative lacking traditional storytelling structure. Critics note that Beckett explores themes of isolation, the meaninglessness of existence, and internal struggle in this work. The book's style is characterized by fragmentation and repetition, creating a sense of chaos and disorientation. Some critics believe that «How It Is» continues the modernist traditions initiated by James Joyce and is an important contribution to the development of 20th-century literature. However, due to its complexity and unusual form, the book may be difficult to grasp, making it more appealing to researchers and fans of experimental literature than to a broader audience.