Key Facts
full title ·
Oleanna
author · David Mamet
type of work · Drama
genre · Postmodern, realist
language · English
time and place written · 1992; place unknown, probably Mamet's Massachusetts home
date of first publication · 1993
publisher · Vintage Books
climax · The physical climax comes at the very end, with the only real stage directions in the play. After John has discovered he is being charged with battery and attempted rape (and just after Carol remands him not to call his wife "baby"), he knocks her down and raises a chair as if to hit her with it.
protagonist · Alternately, John or Carol
antagonist · Alternately, John or Carol
setting (time) · There are no explicit distinguishing characteristics of time, except talk of the university system as it stood in the late twentieth century; it is likely late spring of a year, as Carol lists events that occurred in class in April and speaks of having been in John's class for two semesters
setting (place) · John's office at a university
falling action · Carol looks at John and says, "Yes. That's right." She looks away, lowers her head, and repeats it to herself.
foreshadowing · The theme of communication, which is prevalent throughout the first act, returns as the source of conflict in the remainder of the play; similarly, actions in the first act are the points of contention throughout the play.
tone · Realist
themes · Political correctness, higher education, communication
motifs · Interruptions
