A play Glengarry Glen Ross written by David Mamet is a reflection of the world of capitalism embodied in the actions of the characters of this work. The writer reveals dishonest and dishonorable manipulations in business. They become a part of everyday life of those people who once entered the world of sales. The play is an example of postmodern literature, while the author applies some elements of postmodernism to comment on cynical motives and behavior of people who live in the time of capitalism.
Glengarry Glen Ross is permeated by the feeling of conformity and lack of protest. Readers notice wrongdoings of the real estate agents who are the characters of the story, but the salesmen do nothing to object. They accept the cruel rules and follow them. Even the first words of the play said by Shelly Levene show the agreement (Mamet. 1.1.1). The idea of no protest is displayed when the real estate agents silently confirm to fight for their working place and for doubtful rewards. They are ready to lie, deceive, and even to commit a crime to meet the requirements of the cruel world of sales.
Chance and coincidence determine fortunes and misfortunes of the characters. Levene states that the cause of his problems is simply “bad luck” (Mamet. 1.1.40). In act II he accidentally reveals his being in Williamson’s office the night before commenting on Lingk’s contract not being sent to the bank. With this unwise statement the man confirms his being guilty. George Aaronow together with Richard Roma remain working for the company, although Aaronow mentions that he hates his job (Mamet. 1.115) and he s not displayed as a clever and successful salesman. The author uses irony and paradox to indicate that the postmodern world is governed by fortune and chance. The readers cannot predict the end of the story, as logic and common sense do not work anymore.
Another element of postmodern literature that appears in this play is language. Language becomes not simply a means of communication, but a powerful tool of manipulation. The sales of the real estate agents depend on their ability to persuade, deceive and mislead. It is clearly seen in a dialog between Roma and Lingk. Roma delivers a rather intimate conversation as if they are close friends. He asks rhetorical questions, raises philosophic issues, mulls over the sense of life. But his real intention is to make his listener sign a contract. This fact depreciates these revelations and makes the conversation worthless. The salesmen point the perspectives of buying land trying to get new clients, although they are aware that it is not a wise purchase. The world of lie and distrust is depicted in this play. No one can believe anybody. Language is no more a tool of reflecting reality. Thus, words become valueless.
Works Cited
Galens, David, and Lynn Spampinato. Overview: Glengarry Glen Ross: Drama for Students. Detroit: Gale, 1998. Literature Resource Center. Web. 06 July 2016.
Mamet, David. “Glengarry Glen Ross.” PDF file.
The Purdue OWL Family of Sites. The Writing Lab and OWL at Purdue and Purdue U. Web. 06 July 2016.
