In this quote, Harold Pinter refers to how being dealt with as "Sir" feels incongruent or unnecessary, highlighting his modest nature or possibly his apprehension toward social formalities and titles. To translate this, we should consider both Pinter's personal background and his broader views on society and language as conveyed through his body of work.
Pinter, a prominent English playwright, film writer, director, and actor, was granted many honors throughout his life, including the Nobel Prize in Literature and a knighthood, which generally entitles people to be resolved as "Sir". Regardless of these awards, Pinter's reflection on the title recommends a discomfort or bemusement, possibly suggesting his unwillingness to be placed on a pedestal above others merely due to his accomplishments.
This understanding exposes a humbleness typically present in numerous well-regarded individuals who prioritize their work and the effect of their contributions over personal awards. For Pinter, who was understood for his piercing dialogue and expedition of complex human characteristics, the label "Sir" might seem at chances with the raw and often unsparing representations of power and hierarchy in his works. His plays often examine the absurdities and contradictions of social conventions, and being called "Sir" might be seen as another aspect of this expedition.
In addition, Pinter's relationship with language-- central to much of his writing-- might affect his reaction to official address. Understood for his "Pinteresque" dialogues, defined by stops briefly, silences, and the unspoken, the uncomplicated rule of "Sir" may seem disproportionately simplified or even pompous. This could highlight his hesitation toward direct and potentially shallow social conventions that do not align with his nuanced understanding of communication and interaction.
Overall, Pinter's remark encapsulates a mix of humbleness and important awareness, showing his complex relationship with social structures and the method language is utilized within them.
