Journal of English Teaching through Movies and Media 2011;12(2):219-239.
Published online December 30, 2011.
Betrayal represented in Pinter's works: Who betrays whom?
Gey Sook Kim
핀터의 작품에 나타난 배신
김계숙
Abstract
Friendship and betrayal are major themes and have always been a dramatic concern in almost all of Pinter's stage and screen works. In the earlier plays, that is, in The Room, The Dumb Waiter, The Birthday Party, The Caretaker, and The Homecoming, there are many explicit betrayals, even though the meaning and the themes of the works are ambiguous and vague. But in the latter plays, especially in Betrayal , Pinter treats implicit betrayals of characters, language, and art. Betrayal is concerned with intrigue, betrayal, and hypocrisy. In the heart of the play, Pinter dramatizes the conflict between the values of friendship and faithfulness. The play is chiefly concerned with male friendship, not the morality of infidelity. The play is about a betrayal of art. Betrayal is also Pinter's wholly creative betrayal of his earlier themes and devices. Pinter depicts betrayal as a symptom not a disease in itself. The characters also betray themselves as much as they betray others. Betrayal thus centers on the complex web of betrayals and lies in the relationships of people. In his works, Pinter has shown the insidious, pernicious betrayals of characters' efforts in realizing their dreams through time. With no proper outlet, we are forced to look into ourselves, and our own behavioral patterns. We are isolated not only by what we fear, but how we live.
Key Words: explicit betrayal;implicit betrayal;friendship;faithfulness;relationship
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