The Caretaker is an interesting book that introduces readers to the themes of loneliness, power, relationships, and behavior. The plot consists of two brothers and a tramp. They had arguments. Davies was thrown out of the house.
In this article, I will provide the following information related to this play:
- Author
- Characters
- Summary
- Analysis
- Themes
- Symbols
- Moral Lessons
- Conclusion
Author
The setting of the story highlights the 1950s. It was written by Harold Pinter. This work is one of his successful books. He also received a Noble Prize in Literature in 2005. Some famous books of Harold Pinter are;
- Trouble in the works
- The Dwarfs
Characters
- This book had three characters:
Aston
He is a humble man who has good qualities. He does not have a good relationship with his brother Mick. Aston had a history of mental illness that added complexities to his thinking.
Mick
He is Aston’s younger brother. If you read this beautiful book, you will find Mick as an angry and aggressive man. He always showed a harsh personality with Davies.
Davies
He is a tramp or a beggar in the story. Aston took him to his house. He seems a man with a cunning mind. Davies talks nicely according to the moment. He always looks ungrateful.
The Caretaker Summary
This book explores the impact of loneliness on relations. The author delivered a great message in a fictional way. The story starts with two brothers named Aston and Mick. They live in a room with two beds. The room looked dirty and unappealing to the eyes. Aston seems a humble man but he had hallucinations. It is one symptom of psychosis. This is a mental disease that involves excess levels of dopamine.
Aston also tolerated electroconvulsive therapy in the past. This was his weakness. On the other hand, Mick was a harsh man. He had never talked with his brother. They both lived like strangers. One day, Aston saved Davies from the fight. He took him to his house. Davies was a tramp who traveled on foot for work. Aston provided him with shoes and a bed in his house.
When Mick came back, he saw Davies as a thief searching Aston’s items. They both started fighting. Aston came and solved their argument. Davies complained about the room. He called it dirty. Mick offered a job for Davies. They told him to be a caretaker of the house. He agreed to the job.
Mick told Davies to get his documents from Sidcup. This will prove Davies identity. He agreed that he would bring them soon. Davies was a cunning guy. He tried to manipulate Mick’s mind to secure his place. He said lies about Aston.
This thing made Mick angry. Aston and Mick both threw Davies out of the house. Both brothers learned the value of companionship. They never let anyone speak badly about each other.
Analysis
This reading elaborates on the consequences of solitude. Both brothers never talked to each other. They lived like strangers in the same room. Further, the author also covered the terms like manipulation. Davies tried to manipulate Mike but he was an intelligent man. He never appreciated lies. He preferred his brother over Davies.
If you read carefully, the Author has highlighted a very important social issue. He had mentioned mental illness and the attitude of people toward such diseases.
Themes
- The common themes are:
Communication Breakdown
Communication helps in revealing the true colors of an individual. The author explored how hurdles in communication create paths for deception. Davies uttered lies by taking advantage of poor communication between Mick and Aston.
Isolation
Loneliness mostly leads to depression. Further, it creates challenges in making relations. The two brothers become companions after breaking the shackles of solitude.
Past Traumas
Aston was deeply affected by his past traumas. It was not easy for him to make decisions.
Motifs & Symbols Of The Caretaker
- Some symbols from the reading are:
The Room
The author characterized it as unclean and poorly maintained. This appearance can be related to the relationship between brothers. You can also assume it is a character’s internal fight.
Silence
It’s also prominent while reading this book. Silence defines the gap in communication between Aston and Mick.
The Shed
Aston tried to build a shed. This was his future goal. It is symbolized as a sign of purposeful life.
The Buddha
This can be represented by Davies. Aston selected it and had great affection for it. He also employed Davies as a caretaker and enjoyed his companionship.
Moral Lessons
The book offers the following life lessons for you:
- We should control ourselves like Aston did in the story.
- Never let anyone spit hate about your loved ones.
- Always spend your time with near ones.
- Solitude can cause problems and mental issues.
- We must take care of mental health in today’s world.
Conclusion: The Caretaker Summary And Analysis
The Caretaker By Harold Pinter involves an event when Aston saves Davies from a fight. Davies was a tramp whom Mick did not like. The relationship between Mick and Aston was unhealthy until Davies spread lies about them.
- For more fascinating book reviews, you can check out my website.