Destructive Consequences of Pseudo-Education Powers in David Mamet's Oleanna


Abstract in English

This paper deals with the destructive consequences of pseudoeducation on its two only characters, John (a professor) and Carol (a graduate student) in David Mamet’s play Oleanna (1992). At the same time, Oleanna functions as a microcosm of pseudo-education, representing it as a global dangerous problem. An attentive reading of this perplexed play reveals that the struggle for power and accusations of sexual harassment in the play are no more than symptoms of the fatal corrupted education. Already corrupted, John and Carol enter the play with pre-meditated designs: John trying feverishly to dissuade Carol from pressing charges against him; Carol determined to derive linguistic and physical evidence to condemn John. Ultimately, both of them pay the heavy price of their corrupted minds.

References used

Bigsby, C. W. E. Modern American Drama,1945-2000. Port Chester, NY, USA: Cambridge University Press, 2001. p 216, p246
Curry. J.K. David Mamet’s Oleanna as Commentary on Sexual Harassment in the Academy. The Montana Professor academic journal. Vol. 7, No 3. Fall 1997
Eun-Joo, Lee. The Power Struggle in Oleanna. The New Studies of English Language& Literature 32, 2005. 177-195

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