Research Specifications

This study focuses on the Foucauldian analysis of power relations in three of David Mamet’s famous plays, American Buffalo (1975), Glengarry Glen Ross (1983), and Oleanna (1992). Most of Mamet’s critics focus on the negative aspects of power, especially corruption and oppression, while analyzing relations of power in the business world of these three plays. The fundamental concern of this study is to explore the positive role of exercises of power in human relationship in these plays, and then elucidate the fact that Mamet’s false usage of strategy of power therefore leads the characters to fail their self-confidence. Foucauldian analysis of power illustrates the intricacy of the operation of power as well as the dynamic effects of power in Mametian business world. This study will examines the uniqueness of Mamet’s business plays and explains the connection between these three plays and Foucauldian analysis of power. The ultimate goal of this study is to show the real purpose of David Mamet of writing these plays; the consequences of adopting wrong strategies of power in human communities will be examined as well.