As suggested in the title, this early story by Samuel Beckett contains several allusions to Dante’s Divine Comedy. Unfortunately, some of its nuances will be lost on readers unfamiliar with this work. Hidden among the allusions is an absurdist comedy spanning an afternoon in the life of a solitary, eccentric student having trouble with his studies. He is selfish and conceited, fanatical about unimportant things (such as making the perfect toasted sandwich), and apathetic towards things that matter (his studies, politeness, compassion.) Themes include sloth, frustration, the meaningless and futility of life, suffering and death.
Dante and the Lobster Text / PDF / Audio (4,350 words)