Hey Prestos and Humilities: Two of Beckett's Christs

What is it about?

Samuel Beckett's work shows an enduring interest in religious themes and imagery. In this article, I discuss his treatment of the figure of Jesus. I argue that, like the writers of the European middle ages, Beckett returns to two perspectives on Jesus: first, Christ as a victorious king, and second, Christ as a tortured victim. I show how Beckett sees these two Christs as relating to his artistic vision, and his aspiration to 'fail, as no other dare fail'.

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