Nothing to be done — Samuel Beckett

Nothing to be done.

Source: Waiting for Godot, Act 1, 1952 (English version by the author, 1954)
Written: 1952

About this quotation

These are the first words of Waiting for Godot, spoken by Estragon as he struggles with his boot. Vladimir replies, “I’m beginning to come round to that opinion.” Beckett wrote the play in French and translated it himself.

More from this author

Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better.

Samuel BeckettWorstward Ho, 1983

The sun shone, having no alternative, on the nothing new.

Samuel BeckettMurphy, ch. 1, 1938

They give birth astride of a grave, the light gleams an instant, then it’s night once more.

Samuel BeckettWaiting for Godot, Act 2, 1952 (English version by the author, 1954)

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