Krapp’s Last Tape features comical elements that may seem incongruous with its serious concerns of aging, death, regret, and identity. Krapp’s name, his slip on the banana peel, and his amusement with the word “spool” are a few examples. Analyze the role of these absurd elements in the play, along with any others you detect.

How is future Krapp different from past Krapp? How is he the same? What do the differences and similarities between his selves say about aging and identity?

Analyze the fleeting female figures in Krapp’s Last Tape the archetypes of mother, nurse, whore, and girlfriend all make appearances. What do they represent for Krapp?