Betrayal Summary

Harold Pinter's Betrayal is a postmodern memory play written and published in 1978 in London, England. Set in 1970s London, the play explores themes of deception and fractured relationships through a reverse chronological narrative. As part of the Theatre of the Absurd tradition, it dissects human interactions with minimalism and subtext. The climax occurs when Jerry, intoxicated, seduces Emma, marking the beginning of their clandestine affair, which unfolds in reverse as the play progresses.

The story begins in such a way that in 1977, Jerry, a literary agent, and Emma, the wife of his best friend Robert, meet in a pub after two years. Their conversation is warm but awkward. Jerry mentions seeing Emma’s daughter recently and brings up a rumor that she is having an affair with Casey, a writer he and Robert work with. Emma confirms it. Jerry denies feeling jealous. Emma then tells him that she and Robert are separating because she recently found out that Robert has had several affairs. Jerry is surprised and says he never suspected anything. Emma also reveals that she told Robert about their affair the night before. Jerry is shocked and disappointed. Emma seems sad about the situation.

Later, Robert visits Jerry’s house in response to his call. Jerry is upset that Emma told Robert about their affair and doesn’t see why it was necessary. Robert calmly tells him that he actually found out about it four years ago. Jerry is confused and asks many questions. Robert, however, seems indifferent. He admits to cheating on and even hitting Emma, saying he has accepted that their marriage is ending. Jerry points out that they have still met as friends over the past four years, but Robert notes that they no longer play squash together. They also discuss Casey’s declining writing skills, though they agree his books still sell well. Jerry recalls reading Yeats on the island of Torcello and reminds Robert of that time.

In the winter of 1975, Jerry and Emma meet at their shared apartment. They haven’t seen each other for months. Emma has been busy running an art gallery, while Jerry has had work trips abroad. Their relationship has lost its passion, and they decide to sell the apartment. Emma, angry, leaves her key with Jerry before walking out.

In 1974, Jerry visits Robert and Emma’s home. He and Robert talk about babies, with Jerry suggesting that male babies feel more anxiety about life. Jerry says he was in the area because he had tea with Casey, who is now divorced. Jerry defends Casey’s latest book, but Robert criticizes it for being uninspired, and Emma calls it dishonest. Robert reveals that he has been playing squash with Casey and praises him as an opponent. He asks Jerry to schedule a match, but Jerry avoids answering. After Jerry leaves, Robert kisses Emma. She pulls away but then starts crying softly on his shoulder.

In the summer of 1973, Robert and Emma relax in a hotel room in Venice, planning a trip to Torcello. Emma is reading a novel by Spinks. Robert surprises her by saying that Jerry is Spinks’ agent and had sent him the manuscript, but Robert turned it down because he felt the theme of betrayal was overused. Robert then reveals that he found out about a letter Jerry sent Emma due to a mix-up at the American Express office in Venice. He recalls the long letters about Yeats that he used to write to Jerry in college. He didn’t open Jerry’s letter on principle but suggests that he knows about their affair. Emma admits it. Robert is shocked to learn it has been going on for five years, but Emma reassures him that their child is his.

Later that summer, Emma and Jerry meet in their apartment. Their passion is still strong. Emma says she couldn’t go to Torcello because of a speedboat strike. She then becomes nervous about Jerry having lunch with Robert. Emma reveals that Jerry gave her the book by Spinks. Jerry describes Spinks as a lonely man. He also mentions that he has nearly been caught by his wife, Judith. He then recalls a memory from years ago when he, Judith, Emma, Robert, and their children were all together in his kitchen. He keeps thinking about the moment when he playfully tossed Emma’s daughter in the air.

Later that summer, Jerry and Robert have lunch at an Italian restaurant in London. Jerry still doesn’t know that Robert is aware of the affair. Robert keeps asking about scheduling a squash match, but Jerry avoids answering. Robert talks about his wonderful trip to Torcello by speedboat, indirectly revealing that Emma lied about the strike. He says he read Yeats at dawn on the island and experienced a rare moment of true happiness.

Back in 1971, Jerry and Emma are deep into their affair. They meet in their secret apartment, where Emma is cooking. She tells Jerry that she saw his wife, Judith, out at a restaurant with another woman. This leads to a discussion about infidelity—whether Judith knows about their affair, whether she might also be cheating, and whether Emma and Jerry have ever been unfaithful to each other. They both say no. Emma then awkwardly tells Jerry that she is pregnant with Robert’s child.

In 1968, Robert and Emma host a house party. Jerry, drunk, sneaks into their bedroom and sits alone. Emma enters to fix her hair and is startled to find Jerry there. Jerry, clearly emotional, tells Emma he has loved her for a long time. Emma is surprised and resists his advances. Robert soon enters the room, and Jerry reminds him that he was his best man at their wedding. He also praises Emma’s beauty. Robert assumes Jerry is just drunk and joking, so he leaves. After he is gone, Emma hesitates for the first time, showing a sign that she might be giving in to Jerry’s feelings.