How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Act.Line). Every time a character talks counts as one line, even if what they say turns into a long monologue.
Quote #1
HAMM
What have you done with your bicycle-wheels?
CLOV
I never had a bicycle.
HAMM
The thing is impossible.
CLOV
When there were still bicycles, I wept to have one. I crawled at your feet. You told me to go to hell. Now there are none. (1.67-71)
Can you detect any bitterness in Clov's tone? Is he so used to Hamm's cruelty to him that he is simply reporting the facts or is there a sign that he still holds out hope that Hamm can be sympathetic?
Quote #2
CLOV
There's no more pap.
HAMM (to Nagg)
Do you hear that? There's no more pap. You'll never get any more pap.
NAGG
I want me pap! (1.85)
Why is Hamm treating his father like a child? Why is his father acting like a child? What has allowed the two to reverse roles, as they do here?
Quote #3
CLOV
You shouldn't speak to me like that.
(Pause.)
HAMM (coldly)
Forgive me.
(Pause. Louder.)
I said, Forgive me.
CLOV
I heard you. (1.124-126)
Hamm reveals that he is demanding forgiveness, not requesting it. If he does not give Clov a choice, why does he still feel the need to ask for forgiveness?