In Beckettian philosophy, particularly in Endgame (1957), “unhappiness” is a central theme that reflects the existential condition of the characters. Here’s how it is explored:

1. Absurdity and Meaninglessness: Unhappiness in Beckett’s work often stems from the inherent absurdity and meaninglessness of existence. In Endgame, characters like Hamm and Clov grapple with a bleak, purposeless world, highlighting their existential despair.
2. Isolation and Despair: The characters are isolated, both physically and emotionally, in a desolate, post-apocalyptic setting. Their unhappiness is amplified by their inability to connect or find solace, reflecting a profound sense of loneliness and hopelessness.
3. Repetition and Futility: The repetitive and futile nature of the characters’ actions underscores their unhappiness. The endless cycle of rituals and mundane tasks in Endgame emphasizes the pointlessness of their existence and the futility of their efforts to escape their condition.
4. Confrontation with Mortality: Unhappiness is also tied to the characters’ confrontation with their mortality and the inevitability of death. The existential dread of facing an inevitable end without meaning contributes to their pervasive sense of unhappiness.

In Beckett’s Endgame, unhappiness is depicted as a fundamental aspect of the human condition, highlighting the bleakness of existence and the struggle to find meaning in a seemingly indifferent universe.