The Dramatic Irony of Reverse Chronology
By structuring the plot of the play in reverse chronology, Pinter makes heavy use of dramatic irony. In drama and literature, dramatic irony is when the reader or viewer possesses information that is not available to characters in a given scene. In Betrayal, Pinter lets us know right from the beginning that Emma and Jerry once had an affair, that affair is now over, and that Emma and Robert are separating from one another. Therefore, as the play continues to progress back in time, the viewer knows where everything is heading yet the characters do not. For example, Scene Eight depicts Emma and Jerry in the middle of their affair. While they seem to be enjoying a passionate relationship, we already know that it is destined for failure. Pinter's use of dramatic irony is integral to our experience and interpretation of the entire play. In fact, scholar William McEvoy (2017) goes so far as to claim that "rarely has dramatic irony...been used to such devastating effect" (par. 9).
Emma and Jerry's Fidelity
In Scene Eight – set during Emma and Jerry's affair – Emma asks Jerry, "have you ever been unfaithful?" (p. 109). Jerry responds, "to whom?" and Emma clarifies, "to me, of course" (p. 109). Emma's question is highly ironic given that she has played an active part in Jerry's infidelity to his wife, Judith. Ironically, although both Jerry and Emma are being unfaithful to their respective spouses, Emma does not consider this infidelity so long as they are faithful to one another in their infidelity. It is a highly telling scene, and one that reveals the unusual – even twisted – moral sensibilities of the characters in the play.
Jerry as Robert's "Best Man"
While Robert and Emma's wedding is not depicted in the play, it is mentioned several times that Jerry served as Robert's "best man" during the wedding. As the words "best man" indicate, the position is typically reserved for a close, long-standing friend of the groom. We know, however, that Jerry hardly acts as such. By seducing Emma, Jerry becomes quite the opposite of a "best man." Pinter thus uses this dark irony to emphasize the extent of Emma and Jerry's betrayal of Robert.
Jerry Cursing Robert
After Emma reveals to Jerry that she told Robert about their affair, Jerry grows anxious and upset. In Scene Two, he visits Robert to explain the situation and apologize. Jerry is contrite and anxious, however, when the subject of the affair is mentioned, Robert says "it's not very important, is it?" (p. 26). While Emma had told Jerry that Robert only learned about their affair the night before, Robert explains that he has known about the affair for years (p. 32). Jerry is shocked by this revelation, and calls Robert a "bastard" (p. 32). Robert remains calm, saying "Oh, don't call me a bastard, Jerry" (p. 32). Ironically, Robert is the one who has been betrayed by his friend, yet he remains calm while Jerry curses. This interaction completely defies any expectations that one might have for such a situation.
