The Dumb Waiter study questions

Who are Ben and Gus? What are the differences between them?

Who is Wilson?

How does Ben use the newspaper? What does he need it for?

The stories Ben reads in the newspaper seem to be random. Are they connected in any way with the larger themes of the play?

How would you characterize the dumb waiter as the third character in the play?

What is the role of the social class divisions in this play?

What's the role of pauses and silences in the play?

Why does the play end the way it does and what do you imagine happens next?

What similarities and differences can you see between this play and Waiting for Godot?

Pinter's early plays, like this one, are often called “comedies of menace”. Can you explain this trm on the basis of your reading of The Dumb Waiter?

---