The Caretaker

The issues of race and national origin seem much more prevalent than social class in the text, but that is only because they are discussed so openly. Social class on the other hand is a much subtler theme, and one that the audience/reader must consider in order to understand the revolutionary impact of Pinter's play (the lower classes were not often fodder for high drama) and the motivations of the characters. All three of them are oppressed by dint of their class, which means that they are privy to external authorities and controls that strip their autonomy from them. They are trying to eke out a living, and, in Davies' case, are completely untethered from the mechanisms of society that would allow him to fend for himself. He has no job, no papers, and has let his personality ossify into one characterized by martyrdom, prejudice, and misplaced self-regard. Aston's lower-class status made him a victim of medical authorities, and Mick cannot get ahead in his plans to better his life. Overall, the characters exemplify the beliefs, values, and behaviors of those deemed by society to be worthy of little regard.

One of the importance for social class in the play is how it leads to alienation / segregation between Davies and society, and in the play's context, it takes place during 1950s in Britain. Davies (who is non-British and possibly of Welsh origin), would have been seen as an inferior individual due to the social hierachy that is set up by 1950s Britain, where only the 'true' born and bred British automatically gain the highest social status, earning the most respect. Because of this, Davies is isolated from society, which in turn leads him to falsify his own image, such as by changing his name from Mac Davies (which sounds more of a non-british name) to Bernard Jenkins.