My Reaction to The Caretaker

Now that you've finished reading this play, what is your reaction to it? Explain what you like about it and what you dislike. Be specific. Does it deserve the critical and popular reception that it has received over the years? Why or why not?

My first reaction as I was reading was that the play was very boring and pointless. It seemed to me as if Pinter was sitting in a room observing what was happening between three people and writing down every mundane and dull event which took place. Although the obvious description of the surroundings and the introduction of characters is a characteristic of absurdist plays, Pinter’s excessive and meticulous description is unnecessary and makes it tiresome to read. On the other hand, it is understandable that Pinter might have a particular view which he wants to come alive on stage. Since an audience would not have to read all the description I can see why he might be so meticulous. The play also lacked any humorous elements. There was nothing amusing about the repetition or any of the few events which did take place. The reader is also never certain if what Daves is saying is true which I found to be very frustrating.

It was only until we discussed the play in class that I began understanding the hidden and subtle messages imbedded in the dull dialogue in addition to the meanings found in the character's actions. Without knowing the historical context in which the play was written it is very difficult to understand what the writer is trying to say. Perhaps for the intended audience at the time, only a few years after WWII, this play may have been amusing. However, for someone reading or watching the play today, it is very dull and I personally was unable to relate to it.