_A Portrait of the _American Businessman _As Reflected in Selected Plays by David Mamet (1947- )

Abstract

The main purpose of this research is to provide a portrait of the American businessman• as reflected in David Mamet's (1947- ) American Buffalo (1975), Glengarry Glen Ross (1983), and Speed-the-Plow (1988). Cohn calls the three plays Business Trilogy, since all of them feature a business setting. They also trace the corruptive force of American business. Mamet presents a dark vision of the American businessman. His aim is to make the audience watch the businessman's unethical actions with resentment and, accordingly, to think of reformation as the way of salvation. Moreover, the structure of Mamet's three plays is circular. Each play circles back to its start. American Buffalo starts and ends with Bob's apology to Don for missing a customer. Glengarry Glen Ross starts and ends with Levene's humiliation and attempt to bribe Williamson to get a business deal. Speed-the-Plow starts and ends with the agreement of Gould and Fox to produce a film.

The research consists of four chapters and a conclusion. In Chapter One, the researcher traces the development of Mamet's literary contribution and career. The themes of Mamet's plays and the features of his characters are discussed. The writers, who affect Mamet's imagination, are referred to. The researcher tackles Mamet's style and language as well. Since the American businessman's dealings are highly influenced by the social and economic background of America, it is preferable to conclude the chapter by having an idea about the nature of capitalism and the myth of the American dream. This background helps to understand the American businessman's motives and behavior.