Quote Explanation

Davies' papers contain his identity, and are thus a potent symbol in the play. He says he wants to go get them and talks often about his plans to do so, but always has an excuse why he never does. Without them he does not have an identity, but since he never pursues them, it is likely that he is afraid of what he might find if he tries to actually procure them. Identity in this play is elusive, fractured, under assault. Davies has two names and no identifying papers, while Aston's identity came under attack by doctors and is now fragmented. The characters are introduced by Pinter without explanation, background, or history. They offer little information about themselves. Overall, they seem adrift, unmoored to time and place and not fully formed.