The Dumb Waiter: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Dumb Waiter" is a play that explores the complex dynamics between two hired assassins, Ben and Gus, who work for an unnamed organization. Ben, the senior partner, embodies professionalism and precision in his work, viewing himself as a capable assassin despite the moral ambiguities of his tasks. His character is marked by pride and a desire to maintain control in an increasingly absurd situation, often leading to tension with his colleague, Gus. In contrast, Gus, a junior partner, brings a more chaotic and comedic element to the narrative. His emotional sensitivity and struggles with professionalism create a stark juxtaposition to Ben's more composed demeanor.
The interactions between Ben and Gus highlight themes of authority, identity, and the psychological toll of their grim profession. As Gus begins to question their work and the implications of their actions, he emerges as a figure of dissent, challenging the established order. This shift not only complicates their relationship but also elevates the darker aspects of the play. The title, "The Dumb Waiter," symbolizes Ben's role as a passive participant in a system he cannot control, while also reflecting Gus's journey toward self-awareness and questioning of their violent lifestyle. The play ultimately presents a nuanced examination of character complexities and the moral dilemmas faced by individuals in morally ambiguous situations.
The Dumb Waiter: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Harold Pinter
First published: 1960, in The Birthday Party
Genre: Play
Locale: Birmingham, England
Plot: Absurdist
Time: Roughly the 1950's
Ben, a hired assassin. A senior partner for an unnamed organization, Ben periodically travels around the country murdering people according to the instructions of his superiors. Throughout these gruesome tasks, Ben acts as a responsible professional, a killer who believes in carrying out his job with precision. As a result, Ben often is irritated by the casual actions of his colleague, Gus. Ben perceives Gus and his questions about their mysterious work as dangerous and potentially as violating authority. Tension between these two characters provides both a comic and a serious tone to the character of Ben. The more Gus inquires about his job, the more hostile Ben becomes. Ben is a proud man, afraid to admit the existence of anything that he does not understand. He enjoys his job and resents any suggestion that he is not fully occupied or satisfied with life, both at work and at home; his home life is complete, with its woodwork and model boats. Ben acts cautiously, and he silently carries out his orders without question. Consequently, he could be the “dumb waiter” referred to in the title of the play. Despite his apparent superiority to Gus, however, Ben is threatened by the possibility of change. For example, the mysterious appearance of matches under the door of their basement room and the descent of a dumbwaiter with orders for food that he cannot provide make Ben nervous because he is not in control of his situation. He tries to avoid revealing his fear, not wishing to appear inferior in front of Gus, and attempts to remain calm in the face of an increasingly absurd situation. The discrepancies between what Ben feels and how he expresses himself often are a source of humor and menace in the play.
Gus, a hired assassin. Gus has responsibilities similar to those of Ben, although he is only a junior partner with the anonymous organization. Gus works alongside Ben and assists him in killing. He is a clown figure and the complete opposite of his colleague; nothing seems to function smoothly for him. For example, the toilet refuses to flush, he has difficulty tying his shoelaces, and he fails in an attempt to retrieve a smokeable cigarette from his shoe. Gus is not a professional killer, although he tries to act like one. His failure is a result of his emotional involvement and sensitivity, which are seen as inappropriate for a murderer. For example, because he is haunted by an image of the woman who was their last victim, Gus is unable to settle his mind and lacks confidence in his abilities as a killer. This unease and dissatisfaction in his job prompt him to begin questioning the nature of the organization and the identity of the victim. This gradual emergence of Gus as an individual who confronts the established structure challenges the relationship between the two men and, as a result, lends a darker and more serious side to Gus's character. His insecurities are made apparent through the need for a cup of tea, visits to the bathroom, constant talking, and continual interruptions of Ben. By the end of the play, Gus succeeds in threatening the authority of his superiors and needs to be eliminated.