Just as the aged Krapp scorns his former, middle-aged self [VCR: 47.23]:

'Just been listening to that stupid bastard I took myself for thirty years ago, hard to believe I was ever as bad as that. Thank God that's all done with anyway.'

so the middle-aged Krapp laughed sardonically at the futile aspirations and resolutions of his younger 20-something, serious-minded, self-absorbed being [VCR: 18.15]:

'Just been listening to an old year … Hard to believe I was ever that young whelp. The voice! Jesus! And the aspirations! [Brief laugh in which Krapp joins.] And the resolutions! [Brief laugh in which Krapp joins.] To drink less, in particular. [Brief laugh of Krapp alone.]'

Krapp-39 drank much on licensed premises, alone. However, despite contempt for his earlier self, the still-constipated and banana-addicted Krapp-69 still drinks too much, still alone.

The younger man's mention of 'shadows of the opus … magnum' draws a forlorn groan from Krapp now as he bemoans his failure as a writer [VCR: 20.48]:

'Seventeen copies sold, of which eleven at trade price to free circulating libraries beyond the seas. Getting known.'

The idealistic Krapp-39 believed he had 'the vision', 'the fire' in him, the resolve to bid farewell to love, but it all has left the beaten and melancholy Krapp-69 in a state of grieving over what remains of 'all that old misery'. Now he has wisdom but 'nothing to say, not a squeak'. The tragic delusion of the unreeling tape's final words leaves Krapp stunned and speechless [VCR: 58.10]:

Perhaps my best years are gone. When there was a chance of happiness. But I wouldn't want them back. Not with the fire in me now. No, I wouldn't want them back.

Krapp motionless staring before him. The tape runs on in silence.