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aub_admin January 19, 2018 21 Views

David Mamet and His plays: A reflection of American Culture

Author & Affiliation

Mohammed Mohsin Miyan
The Head & Associate Professor
Department of English
Asian University of Bangladesh (AUB)

Publication Info

Type: Research Publication
Subject: Contemporary American Drama
Focus: Cultural Reflection

Abstract

This publication examines the dramatic works of David Mamet as a profound sociological and cultural mirror of late 20th and early 21st-century American life. By analyzing his distinctive linguistic style, famously known as "Mamet-speak," the research explores how the fragmented, rhythmic, and aggressive dialogue reflects the competitive and often predatory nature of the American business world and interpersonal relationships. The study focuses on landmark plays such as "Glengarry Glen Ross," "American Buffalo," and "Oleanna," illustrating how Mamet deconstructs the myth of the "American Dream" to reveal the underlying anxieties regarding masculinity, economic survival, and moral erosion. The paper argues that Mamet’s characters are often trapped in a linguistic and ethical vacuum created by corporate capitalism, where communication serves more as a weapon of manipulation than a tool for connection. Furthermore, the research discusses the playwright’s portrayal of power dynamics and social hierarchies, suggesting that Mamet’s stage is a microcosmic battleground for the larger cultural conflicts of American society. By connecting the stylistic innovations of his theatre with the socio-political climate of the United States, the publication concludes that David Mamet remains a vital voice in contemporary drama, offering a gritty, uncompromising vision of a nation struggling to reconcile its ideals with its harsh material realities.
Keywords: David Mamet, American Culture, Mamet-speak, American Dream, Glengarry Glen Ross, Contemporary Drama.