Pinter was not the first to find a way of “writing plays about the nine-tenths that stay beneath” (Michael Billington, The Times, October 14). Surely that honour goes to Chekhov: Pause is one of his theatrical devices. The difference between Pinter and Chekhov is that Chekhov’s characters are interesting, while Pinter’s are not. Keith Matthews, Cardigan

Harold Pinter has either been rewarded for writing something 40 years ago, when all of his well known plays were finished, or he has been rewarded for being anti gulf war. As the reward for his writing is long out of date, it would appear that the Nobel Literature Prize has been awarded for politics. David Leslie, Crieff

I believe Pinter on a par with Shaw and Beckett, both worthy Nobel Prize winners. The fact that he's politically outspoken and trenchantly anti-war should not detract from his literary achievements. Mr Pinter would probably say that this great honour is "pause for thought"! John O'Byrne, Dublin

I can think of no one more deserving of this honour than Harold Pinter. He is a man of peace, of nerve, of common sense, of beauty. His writings have poked, prodded, enlightened, amused, and inspired me for years. If not for the works of Harold Pinter I would never have studied drama and chosen theatre as a profession. Many of my political and artistic views are shaped, in large part, by his writings and activities. Congratulations. Robin Stone, Bristol, Rhode Island

That Pinter is an eminently worthy winner of this literature prize should be beyond cavil. As a playwright, he has a unique voice that has captured the attention of audiences worldwide for 50 years, and continues to do so. That he can bring such unusual insights to a medium in which it is often hard to escape the tediously predictable is a testament to the originality and enduring quality of his work. What more must he offer to be worthy of a famous literature prize? Susan Bovee, Oakton, Virginia

No, at least, not now. Twenty to thirty years ago, maybe. As a general rule, Nobel prizes are awarded to those who have "produced" within the last year or so. To award Pinter now, blatantly to afford him the chance to address the academy and allow him to present his naive and wholly biased view of world politics, is beyond the remit of an institution looking to reward those excelling in any chosen field. It is pertinent to note that the organisers maybe did not want to offend Turkey but have no such qualms about the UK or USA. I do not want my PM referred to as a "Christian thug" or the efforts of our Armed Forces belittled by condemnation of what they have done. Perhaps Pinter will instead re-read one of the many speeches he has made over the years condemning Saddam, Bin Baden et al. What do you mean, he hasn't? Let it not be thought that Pinter speaks for British public opinion - or for Iraqis. Once the vermin who are cowardly killing obscene numbers with their suicide attacks are removed then we can all pray that Iraq be truly free. I don't recall Pinter doing much to aid that cause. John Pritchard, Hadleigh, Essex

Please complete the form below and your contribution will be considered for publication. Please restrict your response to 250 words maximum. It may be necessary to edit your comments. Please include your name, town/county/state of residence and e-mail.