Since its first production in 1965 by the Royal Shakespeare Company, The Homecoming has caused much controversy, and to this day still raises much debate.

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Since its first production in 1965 by the Royal Shakespeare Company, The Homecoming has caused much controversy, and to this day still raises much debate.

Critics often hold different views on the play, and while some critics regard the examination of power as posing a feminist viewpoint by the end of the play, others would argue that the world of the play is profoundly misogynistic and rooted in a male fantasy of women as saints or sinners, Madonna's or tarts, mothers or whores...

Martin Esslin believes that the play is indeed misogynistic and fixed in oedipal fantasy, but others such as Billington and Walker take a very different stance. These critics argue that Ruth is, in fact portrayed as the most powerful character, and through her actions is making a bold, feminist statement.

Pinter paints a portrait of a male household, in the total absence of women and illustrates the effect that a woman has on that environment. He demonstrates how the male characters are torn between idealisation and vilification of the female sex, consciously exposing the whole mother-whore dichotomy. Pinter's play works on two levels, on a realistic level that reflects a socially accurate study of an all male and predatory family structure, but also on a metaphorical level that challenges the stereotypical role of women and male dictatorship.

Ruth's rise to power and triumph is the main part of the play containing and addressing the feminist view point of suppression in society and the need for change. On first reading it appears that Ruth is a hapless victim in the play conforming to the traditions and rules set down by the literacy establishment and society, however when looking closely at aspects of the play it becomes apparent that she is in control and manipulating her surroundings. This dual side of Ruth's character works on two levels as does the play, the primary part of her attributes is that of a self confident and strong woman able to deal with the onslaught of the men in the family. Her secondary role seems to be that of change and challenge as her character does not coexist in the misogynistic world of The Homecoming or conform to social conventions of the time.
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Ruth possesses a masculine power within the realms of a woman and Pinter expresses this with precision language and the abrupt actions and expression that Ruth uses. For instance it is Ruth who abruptly terminates the clinch with Joey and announces 'I'd like something to eat'. Ruth also peremptorily demands a drink of whisky that is traditionally considered a masculine drink and then when it is poured into a delicate glass she request a tumbler. This conveys to the audience the feminist message of a woman's right to be treated as a male equivalent and equal, rather than ...

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