Research Article

Reading The Dissolution of Traditional Family Values through Harold Pinter’s Betrayal

Volume: 8 Number: 2 October 22, 2024
TR EN

Reading The Dissolution of Traditional Family Values through Harold Pinter’s Betrayal

Abstract

This paper examines the disintegration of traditional British family values as reflected in Harold Pinter’s play Betrayal (1978). Historical events like the world wars and the Great Depression, along with advancements in technology, have profoundly influenced the Theater of the Absurd by deepening its exploration of existential themes and enhancing its stage capabilities. The devastating effects of wars have deeply impacted the disintegration of society and the fragmentation of the collective spirit, significantly affecting the institution of the family as well. The play vividly portrays the erosion of familial structures, with characters betraying each other in a bid to fill the void left by social upheavals. The paper explores the evolution of British family dynamics from the 1950s onwards. It further conducts a textual analysis of Betrayal, focusing on themes of dysfunctional families, self-betrayal, and communication breakdowns. The paper ultimately argues that the fragmentation of family values depicted in Betrayal mirrors the broader social disintegration post-WWII. The traditional family, once a foundation of stability, is portrayed as increasingly susceptible to internal and external pressures, leading to its eventual collapse. This study provides a critical insight into the transformations of family unit during post-war Britain and their representation in modern drama.

Keywords

Supporting Institution

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Ethical Statement

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Thanks

Editöryel ekibe zahmet ve emekleri için, ve Edebi Eleştiri dergisini tavsiye eden Sn Dinçer ATAY hocamıza şükran ve saygılarımı sunarım.

References

  1. Ali, F. H. (2018). Eroding the language of freedom: Identity predicament in selected works of Harold Pinter. Routledge.
  2. Bakr, D. (2019). Harold Pinter’s progress from modernism to postmodernism with special emphasis on three selected plays: The room, betrayal, one for the road. Arab Journal of STI Policies, 8(1), 177-206.
  3. Barker, P. (1991-1995). Regeneration Trilogy. Viking Penguin.
  4. Barlow, A., Duncan, S., James, G., & Park, A. (2001). Just a piece of paper? Marriage and cohabitation. In A. Park, J. Curtice, K. Thomson, L. Jarvis, & C. Bromley (Eds.), British social attitudes: Public policy, social ties-the 18th report (pp.29-57). SAGE.
  5. Benzvi, L. (1980). Harold Pinter’s betrayal: The patterns of banality. Modern Drama, 22(3), 227-236. https://doi.org/10.3138/md.23.3.227
  6. Burkman, K. H. (1971). The dramatic world of Harold Pinter: Its basis in ritual. Ohio State University Press.
  7. Burkman, K. H. (1982). Harold Pinter’s “betrayal”: Life before death: And after. Theatre Journal, 34(4), 505-518. https://doi.org/10.2307/3206812
  8. Calder, A. (1969). The People’s War: Britain 1939-1945. Jonathan Cape.

Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Literary Studies (Other)

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

October 22, 2024

Submission Date

June 1, 2024

Acceptance Date

September 17, 2024

Published in Issue

Year 2024 Volume: 8 Number: 2

APA
Şentürk, S. (2024). Reading The Dissolution of Traditional Family Values through Harold Pinter’s Betrayal. Edebi Eleştiri Dergisi, 8(2), 363-372. https://doi.org/10.31465/eeder.1494220
AMA
1.Şentürk S. Reading The Dissolution of Traditional Family Values through Harold Pinter’s Betrayal. EEDER. 2024;8(2):363-372. doi:10.31465/eeder.1494220
Chicago
Şentürk, Selçuk. 2024. “Reading The Dissolution of Traditional Family Values through Harold Pinter’s Betrayal”. Edebi Eleştiri Dergisi 8 (2): 363-72. https://doi.org/10.31465/eeder.1494220.
EndNote
Şentürk S (October 1, 2024) Reading The Dissolution of Traditional Family Values through Harold Pinter’s Betrayal. Edebi Eleştiri Dergisi 8 2 363–372.
IEEE
[1]S. Şentürk, “Reading The Dissolution of Traditional Family Values through Harold Pinter’s Betrayal”, EEDER, vol. 8, no. 2, pp. 363–372, Oct. 2024, doi: 10.31465/eeder.1494220.
ISNAD
Şentürk, Selçuk. “Reading The Dissolution of Traditional Family Values through Harold Pinter’s Betrayal”. Edebi Eleştiri Dergisi 8/2 (October 1, 2024): 363-372. https://doi.org/10.31465/eeder.1494220.
JAMA
1.Şentürk S. Reading The Dissolution of Traditional Family Values through Harold Pinter’s Betrayal. EEDER. 2024;8:363–372.
MLA
Şentürk, Selçuk. “Reading The Dissolution of Traditional Family Values through Harold Pinter’s Betrayal”. Edebi Eleştiri Dergisi, vol. 8, no. 2, Oct. 2024, pp. 363-72, doi:10.31465/eeder.1494220.
Vancouver
1.Selçuk Şentürk. Reading The Dissolution of Traditional Family Values through Harold Pinter’s Betrayal. EEDER. 2024 Oct. 1;8(2):363-72. doi:10.31465/eeder.1494220

Journal of Literary Criticism is a refereed journal published in the scope of literature.