Character Analysis Of Words And Music

“Words and Music” is seemingly a play that ultimately concerning the creative process. The play really contains three “characters”, although the word can solely be used loosely, because the play is entirely aural, and one of many “characters” is literal music, sometimes known as Bob.

The other two characters are Croak and Words, spoken poetic phrases which can be typically referred to as a personality named Joe. Once once more, because the play is a radio play and is an aural expertise, there isn’t any physical manifestation of the characters.

Croak is an emblem of the artist, any artist, maybe Beckett himself. Frequently known as “my lord” by Words, we can surmise that Croak is the master, ruler, or creator of Words.

Words merely symbolize language. Beckett, being a poet and playwright, regularly used words and consequently wanted to gather an understanding of them. Croak attempts to command Words, to no true avail.

Music symbolizes music, or one other aspect of the creative process. While Words attempt to convey a thought, Music’s interpretation of the identical thought is usually conflicting. John Beckett composed entirely the musical numbers for the radio play. Thus, music could be seen as an alternate type of the creative expression, and even the point of view of one other artist.

Taking an in depth look on the character analysis of the play:

Croak

Croak, a personality addressed as “lord” by Words; Croak refers to Words and Music as his “balms” and “comforts” and, more familiarly, as Joe and Bob. Wearing carpet slippers and carrying a club, Croak arrives late, asks them to forgive his delay, after which broadcasts the efficiency’s first theme: love. He communicates his needs and, more often and more demonstrably, his displeasure much less by means of words than by sighs, groans, exclamations of anguish, and the peremptory thumping of his club.

Read About: Analysis of the Play “Words and Music” by Samuel Beckett

Disappointed by Words’s disquisition on love, he calls on Music. Then because the playing doesn’t please him or because Words repeatedly interrupt Music, Croak modifications the subject, first to age and later to “the face.” His early gentleness soon provides method to tyrannical demands and in the end to anguish as Words’ speech conjures up for him the face of Lily.

As the efficiency gains momentum, and as Words and Music lastly play together as bidden, Croak turns into increasingly their helpless, maybe enraptured viewers. At the end of this radio play, Croak is heard haltingly shuffling away, back to the tower—back into the silence—from which he first got here.

Words

Words, a personality who’s deferential towards his master, Croak, however imperious towards Music, with whom he’s cooped up in the dark. Interested as he could also be in pleasing the master who commands them to play collectively, Words seem extra focused on gaining his master’s sole favor by silencing Music, as if Words assume the 2 are at odds and thus in competitors with one another. Before the master’s arrival, Words rehearse his speech on “sloth.” When Croak announces the theme is “love,” Words merely repeat the identical speech, substituting the word “love” for the word “sloth” wherever necessary.

Neither his speech on love nor the subsequent one age pleases Croak; nevertheless, with Music’s assist, the persistent Words, though nonetheless disdainful of his partner, improve. His ragged speech turns into tentative music; and concurrently, his early imperiousness turns into gentleness. The earlier antagonism provides way to faltering cooperation and ultimately to success. Working finally in concert with Music, Words compose the poem that silences the pair’s demanding audience, Croak. Words, nevertheless, is shocked by Croak’s sudden departure and unsuccessfully implore him to stay.

Music

Music, performed by a small orchestra. As the play begins, Music is tuning up, only to be peremptorily silenced by Words. Here and thru a lot of the play, Music seems conciliatory, even imploring. When Words’ preliminary performances cannot please Croak, Music tries to assist, suggesting attainable instructions, gently leading as well as unobtrusively accompanying a partner to whom Music will grant ascendancy, or maybe the illusion of ascendancy. Where Words seem cold, Music appears warm.

Just at the point where Words succeed, nevertheless, Music all of the sudden takes over, although whether in a sudden burst of enthusiasm or in retaliation for past wrongs is not at all clear. Less ambiguous and likewise more characteristic is Music’s “brief rude retort” very close to the tip of the play; it might be the rationale Croak departs. Its impact on the now “imploring” Words is extra pronounced, as Music achieves this ironic overcome his counterpart and nemesis.