Newly published diaries from Samuel Beckett's 1936-37 journey through Nazi Germany reveal the playwright's struggles with censorship and his observations of escalating antisemitism, which would later influence his most famous works.
Beckett's Wartime Observations
The diaries, now available in a critical edition, document Beckett's time in Hamburg, Berlin, and Dresden. He noted the regime's control over art, with many works he admired being labeled 'degenerate.' He also recorded instances of anti-Jewish sentiment, including a shop sign reading 'Jews not welcome.'
Beckett's companion at the time, a German woman, faced harassment due to her association with him, and he was often followed by the Gestapo. These experiences, scholars say, contributed to the themes of oppression and alienation in his later plays like 'Waiting for Godot.'
Impact on His Writing
According to the editor of the diaries, the trip marked a turning point in Beckett's creative development. The censorship he encountered pushed him to experiment with more abstract and fragmented forms, moving away from traditional narrative.
Beckett's later works, including 'Endgame' and 'Krapp's Last Tape,' reflect a world stripped of meaning, a direct response to the horrors he witnessed. The diaries offer a rare glimpse into the mind of a writer grappling with political turmoil.
The publication includes extensive annotations, providing historical context and connecting diary entries to Beckett's published works. It is expected to be a valuable resource for scholars and fans alike.
