Power In Oleanna

Oleanna’s Phone Calls

David Mamet’s play Oleanna is a two character power struggle between a young college student and her Professor. By the second act of the play the struggling student, Carol, has filed a formal complaint of sexual harassment, based not on what actually happened, but on the written definition of said conduct in the universities nomenclature. By act three, unbeknownst to the professor, Carol has filed attempted rape charges against the professor. Again the charges do not reflect what actually occurred but find sound footing in the written word of law. As the story unfolds we see the power shift from the safe, smart, and accomplished professor to the worried, unknowing, and desperate student through the use and interpretation
He has written several novels, a book of poetry, and worked in television as well. He studied at Goddard College in Vermont and at the Neighborhood Playhouse School of Theater in New York. He has taught at New York University, Goddard College, and the Yale Drama School, and he regularly lectures at the Atlantic Theater Company, of which he is a founding member. He got hi start in show business at Chicago’s Second City, a comedy club that produced many cast members for Saturday Night Live. Mamet has won many awards including a Toni and a Pulitzer Prize. His most notable work is the play Glengarry Glen Ross, a gritty look at cutthroat real estate salesmen. He has a distinct style of writing, especially known for his sparse and blunt dialogue referred to as “Mamet Speak”. Characters often interrupt each other and thoughts or comments go unfinished. Mamet says in a 1994 interview with Charlie Rose that “drama is three things; who wants what from whom? What happens when they don’t get it? why now? (Rose, Charlie Rose. November 11, 1994) Oleanna is no
The inappropriate offer of an A has captured Carol’s interests, and temporarily restored power to the lack luster professor. He has saved the deal sort to speak, and at the same time effectively removed the responsibility to impart knowledge to the student. Feeling much safer (and powerful) now he continues to espouse his particular brand of gibberish. He is making a genuine attempt to share what’s in his head, but failing. She has become upset and he tries to console her. John shows compassion toward Carol and she feels comfortable enough to share with him a secret. “I always…all my life…I have never told anyone this…” (1, 436) This is a pivot point in their relationship, and yes the phone rings. Carol is about to confide in John, to trust him. John is about to gain access to Carol in a way that could possibly help him teach her. He answers the call and proceeds to have a rather forceful conversation about the house sale. At one point he threatens to take the seller to court (1, 439). This phone call reveals to the audience that perhaps John is somewhat unreasonable and unlikable. “…Screw her…” he says, and “…leave her there to stew in it…” (1, 439) Mamet shows that John is selfish, and unsympathetic. The audience is forced to agree or disagree with his behavior. Once more the phone call shows that John’s priorities are for himself and not of his students needs. Carol