Student Question
What role does characterization play in Beckett's Genesis?
Quick answer:
Characterization in Beckett's "Genesis" plays a significant yet secondary role to its allegorical message. While characters like Anaximander and Adam Forde are developed through indirect characterization and the plot, their primary function is to convey the story's themes. These themes focus on the dangers of assumptions and the complexities of thought, illustrating the broader allegorical intent rather than emphasizing individual character depth.
Genesis is not a typical story. Characterization is important in any tale, but this one is an allegorical story. Allegorical stories are intended to send a message, and the characters usually are somewhat less important than the message. In this story, there is a lot of indirect characterization. While we are told specifics about Anaximander and Adam Forde, we learn more about them through the development of the plot in the form of the trial. Thus the development of these characters serves the large purpose of conveying the book’s themes about the dangers of assumptions, and the problem with thought.
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