The Representation Of Memory In Harold Pinter's Plays

Harold Pinter(1930-2008)is one of the most famous English playwrights in the twentieth century.In his long writing career,Pinter has not only won all the theatre rewards in Europe,but also became the winner of the Nobel Prize in literature in 2005.Memory,as one of the most important themes in Harold Pinter's plays,is often presented in his work in the form of characters' recalls of the past.Throughout different periods of Pinter's writing career,he keeps deepening' his former thoughts on the nature of memory,and to explore the impact that exerted by memory on human beings.The three plays,A Slight Ache,Old Times and Ashes to Ashes,are all characterized by apparent plots in which characters attempt to construct and to represent their memories.By putting the constructions of individual memories in the social context,Pinter shows his strong concern for humane destiny that is influenced by social framework.This thesis gives a close examination of the representation of memory in these three plays so as to analyze the features and the essence of memory revealed in its constructing process,as well as its impact on identity and gender relations.The first chapter analyzes the ambiguity and uncertainty of memory displayed by the three plays,and holds the view that characters' ambiguous memories of the past lead to the emergence of their inexplicit identities,which will further result in their identity anxiety and fear for their inability of obtaining a defined role in gender relations.Characters like Edward,Deeley and Devlin tell memories that are very different from their real past experiences.By repeatedly modifying and retelling their past,these characters hope to eliminate the suspicion and confusion of their identities.The second chapter focuses on the deep reason for these features discussed above,arguing that memory is plastic,and can be distorted by people through their selective retellings of the past that are based on their personal needs and present demands.By telling past stories for their advantages,they attempt to take initiative in present and future affairs.The third chapter explores the influences of memory representation on these characters,pointing out that people who give a distorted narrative of the past are unable to achieve a defined and meaningful identity,and will suffer from the power shift and power reversal in gender relations;only those who hold a firm attitude towards the past will they take better control of the present and the future.As they insist on their own ideas,characters like Flora,Anna and Rebecca succeed in rejecting the invasions of the distorted memories of those male characters,and thus obtain a more explicit identity,as well as a higher position in gender relationships.Although the three plays all take place in a comparatively confined space,we can deduce the social backgrounds by Pinter's skillful representations of characters'memories.By demonstrating the conflicts between the new thoughts and old ideas,Pinter's drama reveals the identity confusion and living predicament faced by people,and also shows the author's concern for the future of human beings.