The Pervading Menace In Pinter's Early Literary Territory

The most important contemporary British playwright Harold Pinter charts his distinct topography in the theatrical landscape that is in transition from the silenced post-war society to the plural-vocal post-modern society. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in 2005 for"who in his plays uncovers the precipice under everyday prattle and forces-entry into oppression's chosed room"(Shi,2008:6).This thesis explores the pervading menace embodied in Pinter's early works, inviting the audience to appreciate his mysterious and enchanting literary territory. Pinter is not satisfied with the representation of the clamoring outside world, but he always put his vision in people's inner world to express his perception of human existence. Through his works, he expresses the helplessness of people and the loneliness and diaphragm of difficult communication between people. Based on the theoretical achievements of existentialism and the Theatre of the Absurd, the thesis analyzes the theme of the menace in his early plays from the perspective of society, family and personal struggle to probe into his thoughts and unique artistry, with the hope that we can find the traces of Pinter's exploration of the contemporary world. The main body of this thesis consists of three chapters.Chapter One explores the menace from the society. People indoors feel menaced, lonely, anxious and tense, which result from social reasons. A room, the setting of most of Pinter's early plays, is a secure and cognizable world. On the contrary, the world outside the room is full of fear and intimidation which potentially impinge upon the people inside.Chapter Two sets forth the menace in the family. The family is a bleak picture of pale color, echoing the discordant sound. The family is cold and dreary in Pinter's plays, and people can't find the slightest bit of love and warmth. They are either twisted or broken and messy, just like a human jungle with naked and cruel people which stifles people. Within the family, men and objects, even objects and objects can not exist in harmony.Chapter Three analyses the menace from the viewpoint of personal struggle. The characters never express their true ideas overtly except through repetition, cumbersome or even seemingly insignificant topics. They attempt to escape the threat of external invasion, but finally they fail and become victims of outside threats. For existence they have to struggle for power.In short, the menace runs through his plays all the time. His works are both attractive as one would like to join, and frightening as full of mystery. He opens his own particular literary territory, and points out the state of human existence in his vision.