"My second play, The Birthday Party, I wrote in 1958 - or 1957. It was totally destroyed by the critics of the day, who called it an absolute load of rubbish"
- Harold Pinter
About this Quote
This quote by Harold Pinter reflects on the reception of his 2nd play, The Birthday Party, which he wrote in either 1957 or 1958. The play was met severe criticism from the critics of the day, who deemed it to be an "absolute load of rubbish". This quote reveals Pinter's durability in the face of criticism, as he continued to write in spite of the unfavorable reception of his work. It also speaks with the power of criticism, as it can have a substantial effect on an artist's work and career. Pinter's quote is a suggestion that criticism must not be taken too seriously, which it is very important to remain true to one's creative vision despite what others may believe.
"I weep for the liberty of my country when I see at this early day of its successful experiment that corruption has been imputed to many members of the House of Representatives, and the rights of the people have been bartered for promises of office"