Subversion in Harold Pinter’s The New World Order
Abstract
Various intellectualists, writers and scholars have tackled subversion from different perspectives. Among them, Harold Pinter pursues to depict it realistically in his plays. In The New World Order, he dramatizes the psychological and physical subversion resulting from the political acts of the new ruling system. Henceforth, the significance of the study lurks in its investigation of the manifestations of subversion in characters actions, dialogues and silence. Since subversion is an outcome of hegemony, this paper adopts the Italian Philosopher Antonio Gramscis concept of cultural hegemony. It delineates Pinters comedy of menace via bringing together fear and humor, and his employment of ambiguity. As a member of Angry Young Men group, Pinter expresses in the play his resentment at Establishment regarding it as an oppressive regime. The paper aims at uncovering the power abuse and State oppressive system, which are covered by the mantle of law. It also delves into victims tendency to freedom and confirmation of identity by his silence over the course of the play.