Domesticating Menace: Harold Pinter’s The Servant (1963)

Abstract

This article is an examination of Harold Pinter’s screenplay and the Robert Losey film, The Servant (1963). After reviewing the various interpretations offered for the work, such as its critique of colonialism and homophobia, the author argues for a more detailed examination of the character of Susan, Tony’s fiancé, in order to highlight the film’s interrogation of not only power but patriarchal power.