Act II, Scene 1

It is afternoon, and the men of the family smoke cigars after lunch. <a data-internal-link data-link-type="Character" href="https://www.supersummary.com/the-homecoming-pinter/major-character-analysis/#291640">Max</a> takes the opportunity to tell <a data-internal-link data-link-type="Character" href="https://www.supersummary.com/the-homecoming-pinter/major-character-analysis/#291643">Ruth</a> about his married life with Jessie. Jessie, he says, “…was the backbone to this family” (46), giving the men moral instruction. Max, meanwhile, worked long hours in the butchery trade, never quite sealing the big payday that would put the family on easy street. The memory of a deal that went poorly sours Max’s <a data-internal-link data-link-type="Literary Device" href="https://www.supersummary.com/mood-in-literature-definition-examples/">mood</a>. He turns to berating <a data-internal-link data-link-type="Character" href="https://www.supersummary.com/the-homecoming-pinter/major-character-analysis/#291645">Sam</a> and his sons, as well as calling Jessie, whom only moments ago he described in glowing terms, a “slutbitch” (47). Sam leaves for work under a barrage of aspersions against his ability as a driver and even his sexuality. As if nothing has happened, Max asks after <a data-internal-link data-link-type="Character" href="https://www.supersummary.com/the-homecoming-pinter/major-character-analysis/#291642">Teddy</a>. He praises his son for his choice of wife and expresses pride in Teddy acquiring his doctorate in America. Max also wonders if Teddy and Ruth’s three sons are missing their parents. Teddy is sure they are. <a data-internal-link data-link-type="Character" href="https://www.supersummary.com/the-homecoming-pinter/major-character-analysis/#291641">Lenny</a> steers the conversation towards concerns he has about the integrity of the Church, but Teddy politely declines Lenny’s questions.

Act II, Scene 1 Summary

Act II, Scene 2

Act II, Scene 2 Summary

Act II

Act II Analysis

Life & Time

Aging

Other Media

Books Made into Movies

Gender

Books that Feature the Theme of Masculinity

Literary Area of Study

British Literature

Values & Ideas

Challenging Authority

Social Issues

Class

Society

Community

Plays

Dramatic Plays

Awards

Nobel Laureates in Literature

Popular Study Guides

Power

Fiction

Psychological Fiction

Harold Pinter

Adult

Play

Guide

Study Guide

Book Brief

Explore The Homecoming reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

About The Homecoming

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore The Homecoming and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The Homecoming

Act IIAct Summaries & Analyses

Related Titles

Featured Collections