A FREUDIAN READING OF HAROLD PINTER'S THE HOMECOMING
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.46827/ejlll.v6i1.343Keywords:
Theatre of Menace, psychoanalysis, Sigmund Freud, Harold Pinter, The HomecomingAbstract
Like many other literary genres, drama reflects human experiences and explores their psychological depths. It brings life to text and meaning to gesture. It breaks down all obstacles between the work and its audience. Drama is the most authentic representation of literature since it incorporates performance into text and embodies meaning on stage. This paper aimed to psychoanalyse Harold Pinter's The Homecoming according to Sigmund Freud's theories, particularly self-defence mechanisms, oedipal complex, sibling rivalry, and the concept of a dysfunctional family. The approach used in this study is qualitative, in which description and analysis are provided. The discussion showed that The Homecoming reflects human nature in its extreme state in which "what should not be" outgrows "what should be". It is a play of contradiction, violation, and menace. However, it is recommended to analyse The Homecoming in future papers using feminist theory as the play challenges established norms of femininity and imposes aspects of patriarchy.
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