Light
The opening words of the published play that situate the setting are “Desert. Dazzling light.” The use of light as a symbol is a recurring motif throughout Beckett’s work. Light and illumination are inherent symbols of the apprehension of consciousness in man.
Whistle
The whistle that draws the man’s attention and seems to guide him toward action represents some sort of external guiding force. The fact that the whistle generally has the effect of tempting the man to do something which he will not be able to do suggests it is a malevolent guide; the tempter as devil.
The Fling
The man seems to be flung onto the stage at various intervals as if against his will; as if being tossed into an existence over which there is no control. This symbolic act actually relates the play back to a concept established by the philosopher Martin Heidegger: Geworfenheit which translates literally into “thrownness.” The symbolism is here rather firmly firmly established as linking the man being flung onto the stage as comparable to the act of birth; an act which is utterly absurd as no one asks for it, but must deal with the consequences.
The Tree
The tree provides only physical comfort and thus becomes a representative symbol of those elements of the word which we seek solely for the basic necessities. In this case, shelter from the heat of the desert.
Scissors, Rope and Cubes
The scissors, the rope, and the cubes are symbols of reason. Thrust into existence against his will, the man must evolve and adapt. Recognizing the value of water as not just immediate gratification, but essential to long term existence, the tools which have been made available only become useful through trial and error. Ultimately, of course, they prove to be useless, but such is the path of rationality. One must comprehend logic before it can be successfully applied.
