BECKETT and GOD: LECTURE by John Calder (Precis)

Wednesday 19th October at 6pm at Alliance Franҫaise de Cork 

Samuel Beckett was born on a Good Friday, the day of the crucifixion and his awareness of it haunted him all his life. This comes up frequently in his work and underlies his vision of human life as a long crucifixion where the end might almost be a relief. Brought up in a Protestant family, educated in Portora Royal in Ulster, a Calvinist school, and Trinity College Dublin, Beckett pondered long on the mysteries, not just of Christianity but of all religions. He was able in his writings not only to extract much comic material but to extend theology into new imaginative areas of literary creation.

John Calder’s lecture brings out elements of Beckett’s thinking that others have either ignored or preferred not to examine too closely. Beckett and God may be found controversial in places but there will be a place for discussion after each talk.

“The Philosophy of Samuel Beckett” by John Calder will be available for sale at each venue.