Dr. Debi Prasad Misra
Special Issue June 2023
Volume-XI, Special Issue, June 2023 | ||
Published Online: 30.06.2025 | Page No: 158-161 | |||
Harold Pinter’s The Room as a Comedy
of Menace
Dr. Debi Prasad Misra, Associate Professor & HoD,
Department of English, Panchmura Mahavidyalaya, Bankura, West Bengal, India | |
"The Room," a one-act play by Harold Pinter, delves into the unsettling and enigmatic world of its characters as they grapple with isolation, existential anxiety, and the ambiguity of human communication. Set in a nondescript boarding house, the play revolves around Rose, Bert Hudd, and Mr. and Mrs. Sands, exploring the mundane yet peculiar aspects of their lives. Pinter's signature use of language and pauses creates a tense atmosphere, inviting the audience to ponder the complexities of identity, power dynamics, and the surreal nature of everyday existence. As the characters navigate through mundane conversations, seemingly trivial events take on profound significance, challenging the boundaries between reality and the absurd. "The Room" stands as a compelling exploration of the human condition, filled with Pinter's distinctive blend of dark humor, psychological tension, and underlying menace. | |
Keywords: Existential Anxiety, Isolation, Absurdity, Identity. |