The Development of Ruth Is Central to the Play. Discuss
Summary:
It is clear in the Harold Pinter play 'The Homecomming' that Ruth's development is central to the play, right from the beginning when she has the upper hand with Teddy and Lenny till the end of the play when she is in complete control of the family.
Ruth is very central to the play as she is a contrast to the rest of the characters in the play and is a very powerful character. She exerts her power on the family through her sexuality unlike the rest of the family who make violent gestures to show their power. She is the only female in the house, which puts a spotlight on her as she embodies both mother and whore and takes the place of Jessie. She also comes into the house as a stranger to everyone except Lenny, her husband and so interests the family greatly.
When Ruth first comes into the house she immediately seems very self-assured and dominant. She struts around the room showing her supremacy, which is one of the central themes in the play. She uses short to the point answers when she talks to Lenny, which shows she is very confident. When Lenny tells her to go to bed she does not listen to his orders, 'no, I don't want to' which shows she is the dominant one in amongst them. She then speaks of her children, 'the children...might be missing us', which hints at how she will take on the role later on as the mother of the house. She then decides that she wants to go for 'a stroll' although previously she had said she was tied, this could be to make a point to Lenny that things are going to be her way, and thus she shows her authority and power. She also does not give and reason for going other than 'I just do' which shows that she is very assertive.
When Ruth returns, she is met by Lenny, who is very welcoming. Ruth comes across as the dominant character because when Lenny asks to hold her hand she questions him and further more when he tells her about a time when he was abusive towards a woman, Ruth remains calm and doesn't become intimidated by the underlying threat but merely dismisses it by saying 'how did you know she was diseased'. This comment shows her intellect and wit, and portrays Lenny as being idiotic. Lenny then tries to take Ruth's drink away, however she asserts her power, as she doesn't let him take it. She goes on to call him 'Leonard' which effects him deeply as it brings memories back when his mother, Jessie, used to call him that. Here it shows how Ruth starts to embody Jessie and takes on a motherly persona, which in turns makes her very authoritative and powerful. However Lenny continues to try taking the glass but Ruth turns on him and makes a sexual preposition, 'if you take the glass.i'll take you'. Here she takes on the whore theme. This makes Lenny stop in his tracks and he is speechless for a moment. Ruth clearly has got the upper hand with Lenny. Ruth then goes on to play on this idea, however suddenly just leaves Lenny which builds up the tension as to what will happen.
When Ruth comes downstairs in the morning Max insults her as being a whore, which is ironic as it is like an insight into what will happen later. Ruth does not say anything to defend herself but merely lets Max say what he wants which shows that she is self-assured an confident. When Max, Sam and Joey fight, Joey takes comfort in Ruth and sinks down at the feet of Ruth. This 'mother and child picture' highlights how Ruth's maternal side and shows that Joey accepts as the replacement to Jessie, is mother.
In the next Act there is a dramatic change in attitude and Ruth once again takes on the Jessie's persona as she serves tea out to the men, this is the height of the motherly theme that she takes on. Max compliments her on how she would be a good cook, 'I've got a feeling you're a number one cook' which shows that Max is beginning to accept her, it also emphasises the theme of her being a motherly figure to the family. Max then goes on to say 'its been a long time since the family was together, eh?' which shows that Ruth really has taken Jessie's place.
Ruth then goes on to open up about her past, 'I was...different...when I met Teddy...first' which shows that she really feels very comfortable and confident. She unveils certain aspects of her life through euphemisms such as being "a photographic model for the body." Ruth then starts using longer sentences as she puts her input into the conversation about Lenny's work, which further shows that she is more comfortable. Ruth holds the power of mystery and intrigue over the men. Ruth's air of mystery is an element of what allows her to control the men.
Instead of obeying Teddy's wishes to leave Ruth chooses to dance with Lenny and ends up kissing him. Then when Joey comes home and sees them kissing and joins in. This is the height of her sexual power. Its really stands out as its just so dramatic and shocking as Ruth is meant to be Teddy's wife, and it contrasts greatly to the previous scene where she took on the motherly qualities. Now she is taking on the whore persona.
Then suddenly she just gets up and begins to make many orders, 'Put the record off', 'I want something to eat'. This is the height of her power and confidence. She walks around the room further showing her power and territory. She evens instigates conversation 'Has your family read your critical works?' whereas previously she had merely responded to someone else's dialogue, which further shows her rise in confidence.
Lenny comes downstairs after spending hours upstairs with Ruth, however he does not go the 'full hog' with her, which shows total control over him. Joey is a self-confessed rapist and boxer which shows he is physically strong and manipulative and yet he is unable to seduce Ruth.
When Ruth returns from upstairs, she continues to act very cool and confident. The family ask her to stay with them, which shows their dependency on her. She politely accepts the invitation however questions their sincerity and she makes sure that she would get everything she would want, 'You'd supply my wardrobe?' She also pushes them by asking for 'three bed rooms and a bathroom', which is a great exertion of power as in Pinter's rooms' equal power. She then goes on to ask for to 'draw up an inventory of everything' she would need which would require there 'signatures in the presence of witnesses' which shows that she is in control of the situation and not just a push over.
Lenny then decides that its time for him to go. Whilst he is leaving Ruth calls out 'don't become a stranger', this comment is very ironic and makes the fact that she is staying stand out even more
After Teddy goes the men are left crowding around Ruth who is seated as though on her thrown. This dramatic picture amplifies her centalness to the play. Joey then sits next to her and rests his head on her lap. Max too knees and begs her to kiss him, but she does not surcome to his wishes. This holy picture at the end of the play brings it to a dramatic end and the image of Ruth being the center of desire and in complete control.
In conclution it is clear that Ruth's development is central to the play, right from the beginning when she has the upper hand with Teddy and Lenny till the end of the play when she is in complete control of the family.
This is the complete article, containing 1,277 words
(approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page).
