Come and Go (1965) by Samuel Beckett (Symbolism and Motifs)

 

Come and Go (1965)

by Samuel Beckett

(Symbolism and Motifs) 

Summary

Type of Play

Analysis

Themes

Symbolism and Motifs

Characters Analysis

Key Facts

Come and Go (1965) — Symbolism and Motifs

Samuel Beckett’s Come and Go is a masterwork of symbolic minimalism. In this extremely brief play, meaning is conveyed not through elaborate dialogue or action but through carefully chosen symbols and recurring motifs. Every gesture, movement, and silence carries interpretive weight. Beckett transforms ordinary theatrical elements into powerful signs that reflect human fragility, mortality, and emotional isolation.

One of the most significant symbols in the play is the bench on which the three women sit. The bench represents a shared space of human existence—life itself—where individuals sit together yet remain emotionally separate. Its narrowness emphasizes confinement and limitation, suggesting that human beings share the same life-space while being restricted in their ability to communicate or act freely. The fact that only one woman leaves the bench at a time reinforces the idea that life continues uniformly while individuals momentarily step out—symbolically hinting at illness, withdrawal, or death.

The act of coming and going functions as both a symbol and a recurring motif. On the surface, it refers to the physical movement of the women as they leave and return. On a deeper level, it symbolizes the transient nature of human life. People enter and exit each other’s lives, and ultimately life itself, without explanation or control. This motif also reflects the cyclical nature of existence—there is movement, but no progress or transformation.

Silence is perhaps the most powerful symbolic element in the play. Beckett uses silence as a symbol of emotional repression and existential anxiety. What the women do not say is more significant than what they do. Silence becomes a protective barrier against fear and despair, yet it also symbolizes the failure of language to express profound human suffering. In Come and Go, silence replaces dialogue as the primary medium of meaning.

The unnamed illness mentioned in the play is a central symbol of mortality and human vulnerability. By refusing to identify the illness, Beckett transforms it into a universal symbol rather than a specific condition. It represents not only physical decay but also the inevitability of death that shadows all human lives. The secrecy surrounding the illness further emphasizes the taboo nature of discussing mortality openly.

Another important motif is repetition. The pattern of one woman leaving, another receiving troubling news, and then returning is repeated three times. This repetitive structure symbolizes the monotonous and cyclical rhythm of life, where experiences recur without resolution. Repetition in the play creates a sense of inevitability and reinforces Beckett’s vision of existence as static rather than progressive.

The names of the characters—Flo, Vi, and Ru—also carry symbolic significance. Their brevity and similarity reduce individual identity, suggesting interchangeability. These names hint that the women are not meant to be distinct personalities but representatives of humanity at large. The reduction of identity reflects the play’s broader concern with the erosion of self in the face of time and suffering.

The final gesture of hand-holding serves as a powerful symbol of fragile human connection. Though no words are spoken, this moment suggests shared awareness and mutual support. However, its brevity and silence prevent it from becoming a fully comforting resolution. The gesture symbolizes the limited but essential human need for connection in the face of inevitable suffering.

Costumes—long coats and hats—also function symbolically. They suggest age, formality, and emotional restraint, reinforcing the theme of suppression. The clothing acts as a kind of emotional armor, shielding the characters from openly expressing fear or grief.

In conclusion, Come and Go relies on symbolism and motifs rather than traditional dramatic devices to communicate meaning. The bench, silence, repetition, unnamed illness, and final gesture work together to create a quiet yet haunting meditation on mortality and isolation. Through these symbolic elements, Beckett demonstrates how minimal theatrical means can express the deepest anxieties of human existence, making Come and Go a powerful example of modern symbolic drama.