Relationship Triangulation

In both his plays, "The Caretaker" and "The Dumbwaiter," Playwright Harold Pinter focuses on the dynamics of troubled relationships, especially when impacted by the interjection of a third person. In "The Caretaker," the relationship is made stronger by the inclusion of a third person. In "The Dumbwaiter," the introduction of a third party ends the relationship forever.

In "The Caretaker," Aston and his younger brother, Mick, seem to be somewhat estranged even though they work together. Mick is the owner of a large, old apartment building and Aston manages the building's operation. There are very few scenes that include both brothers, and often when Aston appears, Mick seems to disappear from the scene. However, the arrangement between the two brothers has apparently been on-going for some time, and though the brothers aren't close, their business relationship is at least somewhat satisfactory.

The relationship is tested when the...