The Time and the Search for Self in Samuel Beckett’s Play Called Krapp’s Last Tape and Tawfiq al-Hakim’s Play Named Rihletu’s-Sayd

Abstract

The aim of this study is to comparatively examine Krapp’s Last Tape by Samuel Beckett and the play Rihletu’s-Sayd by Tawfiq al-Hakim in terms of element of time and theme of search for self. For this aim, answers were sought to the questions of whether there are similarities and differences between these two plays, and if so, what are the similarities and differences between them. Additionally, the effect of the absurd theater on Arabic literature and its reflections in Tawfiqal-Hakim’s play were investigated. This study is important because it examines the two plays mentioned above, in a comparative manner for the first time and will thus contribute to the studies of comparative literature. In this study, two plays depicting what the characters experienced when faced with death are discussed using a qualitative, inductive, and comparative method. Because it is based on what Albert Camus talked about time and the absurd, a philosophical review was also conducted. Considering the examinations, it has been seen that there are many similarities but also differences between the plays. From all this, it can be concluded that Tawfiq al-Hakim may have been influenced by absurd theater writers, especially Samuel Beckett, but he created an original work by adding his own interpretation to his plays.

Keywords

• samuel beckett
• tawfiq al-hakim
• absurd theatre
• time
• search for self