Question

What is the relationship between Hamm and Clov in Endgame? I think they are more than owner and servant.

Accepted Answer

Because he is blind and confined to a wheelchair, Hamm is completely dependent on Clov. In that sense, they are more than master and servant because without Clov, Hamm would be. Despite being terribly mistreated by Hamm, however, Clov does not leave him, not out of love or loyalty, but because he doesn't know the combination to the lock on the food pantry. Hamm does ask Clov for a kiss, but it may be from a need for any kind of human contact or affection rather than from sexual desire. This is a very strange play, and as such, it is difficult to place "normal" rules of conduct on its characters. The play is absurd, the characters are absurd, their motivations and behaviors are absurd.

Answer

There is certainly an element of master and servant about Hamm and Clov's relationship, but it's much more complicated than that. For one thing, Hamm relies on Clov in a way that no self-respecting master would never rely on a slave. Hamm needs Clov as his eyes and legs; without his presence, his control over the shelter would be completely undermined.
At the same time, Clov's status vis a vis Hamm does resemble that of a slave in that he's utterly dependent on Hamm for food and shelter. But what complicates matters here is Hamm's cryptic references to Clov's possibly being his son. If Clov is indeed Hamm's son then their relationship is no longer one of master and slave, but of father and son, albeit a father and son relationship characterized by domination and control rather than traditional blood ties.

Answer

The relationship between Hamm and Clov in "Endgame" is multidimensional. Although Hamm appears to be Clov's master, he is also the director and actor of his own play and uses Clov as his audience. In the beginning "Endgame", Clov pulls the curtain as if to signify that the play has just begun. After that, Hamm constantly refers to the play he is staging and that Clov has been forced to bear for a number of years. Moreover, Hamm represents British colonialism that seeks to stifle Irish nationalism, here represented by Clov. Not only does Hamm present himself as Clov's spiritual father, but he often chastises Clov's use of the English language. Finally, the relationship between both characters represents humanity's futile attempt to make sense of life and find meaning in the repetitive absurdity of everyday life.

Answer

There are definitely different ways to interpret their relationship and the play as a whole, for that matter, but I don't think there is much to insinuate a sexual relationship despite the kiss.  Beckett would probably tell us that it is absurd to try to find much meaning in this play or ANYTHING else for that matter.  There are a few ways that you can look at their relationship that doesn't involve a master/servant relationship OR a sexual one.  For one, it is hinted that perhaps Hamm is Clov's father or adopted father.  This might better explain the kiss than physical desire.Another way to look at their dynamic is to view them as symbols, even though they try to defy that view.  In one interpretation, Hamm could be likened to the ego or brain of an aging individual while Clov could be the senses and faculties of the same individual.  (he is Hamm's only connection to the outside world, without Clov, he is utterly isolated inside their skull of a room).There are too many various interpretations to list here, but perhaps this can get you thinking.

Endgame

What is the relationship between Hamm and Clov in Endgame? I think they are more than owner and servant.

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