The Development of the Concept of ‘Intrusion’in The Early Plays of Harold Pinter

This paper aims to emphasize Pinter’s use of the concept of ‘intrusion’ in his early plays, The Birthday Party, The Dumbwaiter, The Room, The Caretaker, The Collection and The Homecoming. As the study shows, the room in Pinter’s plays represents the microcosm; whereas the macrocosm is represented by all physical and psychological effects that come from the world outside the room. The study also focuses on Pinter’s skilful use of ‘intrusion’ as a device that destroys as well as restores human relationships. In The Room, for instance, the ‘intrusion’ of Mr. and Mrs. Sands and the Negro is used as a destructive force that brings about an end to the relationship between Rose and her husband, Bert Hudd. But the ‘intrusion’ by Davies stabilizes and perhaps develops the relationship of Mick and Aston in The Caretaker.