University of Kurdistan Critical Literary Studies 2676-699X 8 2 2026 04 09 Existential Death and (In)authenticity in Beckett’s Molloy: A Yalomian Reading 39 57 64177 10.22034/cls.2026.64177 EN Samaneh Zandi MA in English Language and Literature, Faculty of Foreign languages, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran. Zahra Jannessari Ladani Associate Professor of English Language and Literature, Faculty of Foreign Languages, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran. Journal Article 2024 10 05 This study explores Samuel Beckett's <em>Molloy</em> through the lens of existential psychotherapy, particularly the theories of Irvin D. Yalom. It examines the interplay between death, existential angst, and psychological defenses in Beckett's characters. By analyzing Yalom's existential psychoanalytical ideas, the study aims to understand how characters confront or transcend their existential anxieties to achieve existential awareness. This theoretical framework extends beyond traditional Freudian and Neo-Freudian psychoanalysis, focusing on the practical manifestations of human neurosis related to the ultimate concern of death. The findings highlight Beckett's portrayal of authentic existence and his characters' engagement with concepts such as the knight of resignation, ultimate man, and inauthentic Dasein. Additionally, the study delves into the psychological mechanisms employed by Beckett's characters to cope with their existential dread, exploring whether these defenses are ultimately successful or if they lead to a deeper understanding of their own mortality. Through this analysis, the research aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how Beckett's work reflects and addresses profound existential questions, offering insights into the human condition and the ways in which individuals navigate the inevitability of death. The study also considers the broader implications of these findings for existential psychotherapy and literary analysis surrounding death and authenticity. https://cls.uok.ac.ir/article_64177_dc9b9878881408327d181458addfaaea.pdf