In The Homecoming, Harold Pinter suggests that there are two types of women: whores or mothers. The whore, according to him, can have little success in family life; the mother, on the other hand, can create a successful family. Pinter's statement is reinforced by the behavior of the characters Teddy and Max towards Ruth, and by that of Ruth herself. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The character of Teddy is instrumental in representing Pinter's views on women and what constitutes an ideal, happy family. He responds passively to Ruth's actions, such as "I didn't say I found dirt here", and is very careful to avoid confrontation; he wants Ruth to believe that he is happy to be home and that he is very caring towards her. He continually asks Ruth what she would like, if she is tired, etc., almost playing the part of an idealized, caring husband. When Ruth transitions from mother to whore, Teddy acts cautiously as he is unwilling to start a fight with Lenny, Joe, and Max. During Ruth's transformation there is no indication that Teddy reacts in any way; particularly evident is the lack of direction. He gets along well with his family when its members decide that Ruth will work as a prostitute, demonstrating a firm belief in family harmony. Teddy's American family also enters the equation, as that seemingly perfect family contrasts greatly with the troubled English one he visits. Pinter also uses Max to suggest that women are whores or mothers. During the show, Max changes his mind about which one is Ruth. At first Max remarks that Teddy took "a dirty street sweeper off the street", showing that he believes Ruth is a whore. Later, however, she asks the crucial question “Are you a mother?” After establishing that Ruth is the mother of three, Max treats her like a member of the family. He remarks that she is "a charming woman" and must be a "first-rate cook", but this view does not last. Once he deems her a "slut" again, however, he continues to treat her like family - somehow he manages to maintain the perception of both slut and mother, of unlovable and familiar, simultaneously where Ruth is concerned. Ruth is the primary vehicle through which Pinter portrays women and family in The Homecoming. She is the only woman in the play and is both a whore and a mother, although her attempt to be both fails when she returns to her old ways. He asks permission to "sit", which demonstrates his kindness and good manners, which portrays the image of his mother. Likewise, when she learns of Max, Joey, and Lenny's plan to make her a "working whore", she comments that she is "kind of" them. This consideration towards others points to the image of the caring mother. On the other hand, Ruth's knowledge of the "rocks" and the "proposal" she makes to Lenny reveal the whore, as does the strange and violent nature of her directive to Lenny, telling him to "lie down on the floor" so that she he can “pour it down his throat”. In another contrast, Ruth tells Teddy “not to become a stranger” – the caring mother – but doesn't consider the implications of leaving her children in America – perhaps not exactly like a whore, but certainly not maternal. it's just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay At one point in the play, the supposed family man Teddy is instructed in the stage directions to "look down on" Ruth, suggesting that he is disgusted by her role as both mother and whore. This action exemplifies Pinter's point of view..