Sketch the character of Mick.
The Caretaker is a notable literary work by Harold Pinter. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of The Caretaker.
Answer
Sketch the character of Mick. [NU: 2017, 21]
Harold Pinter (1930–2008) wrote The Caretaker in 1959. Mick is one of the three main characters in the play. He is Aston’s younger brother and the owner of the house. His personality is complex, full of power, imagination, and confusion. Let us now move to the main discussion.
Energetic and Ambitious: Mick is young and full of energy. He dreams of a better life and a beautiful home. He says,
“I want a first-class experienced interior decorator.”
His wish to decorate the room shows his ambition and taste. He plans for comfort, beauty, and order.
Aggressive and Dominant: Mick often behaves harshly and rudely. He attacks Davies when he first meets him. His sudden anger and quick mood changes make him unpredictable. He likes to control both Aston and Davies. His loud words and movements show his need for power.
Caring and Protective: Although he looks cruel, Mick truly loves his brother. He stands by Aston when Davies speaks against him. He says,
“You’re knocking at the door when no one’s at home.”
His words defend Aston’s silence and weakness. He never allows anyone to harm his brother.
Confused and Lonely: Inside, Mick is lonely and dissatisfied. His dreams never come true. His changing behavior, from anger to humor, shows his emotional conflict. He wants love and order but finds only emptiness and noise around him.
In conclusion, Mick is an active, strong, yet lonely man. His outer aggression hides a sensitive heart. Through Mick, Pinter presents the struggle between dreams and reality, showing man’s search for meaning in a broken world.