Role Of Comedy In The Homecoming

Peter Ustinov, a renowned English actor once said that “comedy is simply a funny way of being serious.” Behind this statement lies the serious idea that comedy might be a means of communicating ones thoughts more lightly or even shockingly, with possibly more impact and understanding. This use of comedy is one that can be found in Pinter’s play ‘The Homecoming’ as comedy is used all through the play in manners that may often shock the audience yet often conveys a message or gives powerful insight on a character.

In the middle of act 1, in the episode that confronts Ruth and Lenny for the first time, comedy is omnipresent. The meeting of the two characters is incredibly disturbing from the stage directions to the dialogue as everything seems extremely odd, thus creating a comical effect on the audience. The fact that Ruth’s first reply to Lenny, a man she does not officially know, is one to correct him in his saying “Good evening” to which she replies “Morning, I think”, seems comical as no

The awkwardness that breathes through the unexpectedness of the encounter creates a humorous atmosphere. Teddy’s hesitance, shown by the repetitive use of “…” in his first sentence help enhance and greaten this entertaining yet tense aura. Moreover, Teddy is the only one speaking the beginning which translates the family’s shock at seeing their son and brother, thus adding to the comedy. Also, the fact that his first question is not one to ask how his family is, but “what’s for breakfast” contributes to the comical aspect as he seems more preoccupied with eating than with talking to his family. Through this, Pinter seems too communicate the abnormality of this family and perhaps Teddy’s insouciance and feeling of superiority, as he did not even deign announce his arrival to his father or even ask him how he was when he first saw