From menace to torture : the development of Harold Pinter's political drama : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in English at Massey University

Abstract

There is a degree of continuity between Pinter's "comedies of menace" and his overtly political plays. The chief difference between the two types of plays is one of focus: in the "comedies of menace" Pinter emphasises social pressures exerted on the nonconforming individual, whereas in the overtly political plays he focusses explicitly on State oppression of the dissident.

Pinter's passionate concern with politics has adversely affected his art, though there are signs of a return to form in his latest play, Party Time.