In Samuel Beckett's narratives, particularly in "Molloy," "Malone Dies," and "The Unnamable," themes of perception and existence are intricately woven together. The characters grapple with their sensory experiences, particularly hearing, which reflects their internal struggles and search for meaning. The specific quote about not being "incompletely deaf" suggests a nuanced awareness of one's surroundings and an acknowledgment of incomplete comprehension of reality.
This phrase encapsulates the complexity of communication and understanding in Beckett's world, where characters often feel isolated despite their awareness. Their experiences resonate with the idea that sensory limitations do not equate to a total absence of experience or understanding, highlighting the fragile nature of human perception and the intricacies of introspection in a seemingly indifferent universe.