Endgame

Hamm is the central figure in Endgame. He is central in a familial sense, as he is the son of Nagg and Nell as well as the adoptive father of Clov. He is central in a plot sense, as his daily routine dictates the rigors of the characters’ lives. He is central in a physical sense, in that he occupies the very center of both the room and the stage and will not tolerate being even slightly out of place. He vainly attempts to move using the gaff, but when Clov accidentally bumps him slightly, he becomes frightened, demanding to be moved back and then asking, “Am I right in the center?” (18). By insisting on his own centrality, Hamm dominates the world of Endgame. His domination is not physical. Hamm lacks the ability to move from his chair. Similarly, he has begun to lose his sight and his other senses are on the verge of failure. He wears dark glasses which he wipes with a handkerchief, unable to recognize that the filthy handkerchief is covered in blood. Hamm is a weak old man whose body is failing him. Despite this, he dominates the play through sheer force of will.