The Study of Names in Samuel Beckett's Texts: Problems and Prospects

Abstract

The article tries to understand and make a critical evaluation of the directions the study of names and naming in Samuel Beckett's texts has taken in the last fifty years. It is argued that, despite many works dedicated to the subject, this field of Beckett studies has never been looked at within the framework of its own tradition and development, and hence it has not as yet acquired an independent status and remains an appendix to other fields of Beckett criticism. The article also suggests a course the study of names in Beckett might take in future and invites scholars to enter into a dialogue.

Keywords:

• SAMUEL BECKETT
• LITERARY ONOMASTICS
• NAMES OF CHARACTERS
• AUTHORIAL NAME