In this exchange, Hamm is expressing confusion over the concept of "yesterday," indicating a struggle with the passage of time and its significance. His repetition of the word highlights an existential dilemma, suggesting that the past has a weight that influences the present. It reflects a broader theme of uncertainty and the search for meaning in a seemingly stagnant existence.

Cloy’s violent reaction implies a deep frustration, perhaps representing a desire to escape the burdens of the past. The intensity of this interaction underlines the tension between characters and their perceptions of time and reality in their bleak situation. This moment captures the essence of Beckett's exploration of human experience and the complexities of memory.