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Money Quote by Samuel Beckett

“I am in my mother's room. It's I who live there now. I don't know how I got there. Perhaps in an ambulance, certainly a vehicle of some kind. I was helped. I'd never have got there alone. There's this man who comes every week. Perhaps I got there thanks to him. He says not. He gives me money and…” quote by Samuel Beckett
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““I am in my mother's room. It's I who live there now. I don't know how I got there. Perhaps in an ambulance, certainly a vehicle of some kind. I was helped. I'd never have got there alone. There's this man who comes every week. Perhaps I got there thanks to him. He says not. He gives me money and takes away the pages. So many pages,so much money. Yes, I work now, a little like I used to, except that I don't know how to work any more. That doesn't matter apparently. What I'd like now is to speak of the things that are left, say my good-byes, finish dying. They don't want that. Yes, there is more than one, apparently. But it's always the same one that comes. You'll do that later, he says. Good. The truth is I haven't much will left. When he comes for the fresh pages he brings back the previous week's. They are marked with signs I don't understand ... Here's my beginning. It must mean something, or they wouldn't keep it. Here it is.””

Samuel Beckett

About This Quote

Source Play: Endgame (adapted monologue), 1960s

A fragmented monologue reveals a desperate yearning for closure and meaning amid confusion and dependence.

In simple terms: A person seeks to finish life but feels trapped by others.

Key Takeaway

Seek clarity and autonomy in your choices.

Themes

existentialism dependency closure

Mood

despair hopeful

Type

philosophical dramatic

When to use this quote

  • hospitalization
  • mental health care
  • end‑of‑life discussions
  • financial exploitation

Key Concepts

absurdity identity agency

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does “pages” symbolize for you?
  • Who controls your narrative?
A Different Perspective

The chaotic narrative may obscure the speaker’s true intent.

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