David Mamet and American macho / Arthur Holmberg.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Holmberg, Arthur.

Series:

Cambridge studies in American theatre and drama ; 28.

Cambridge studies in American theatre and drama ; 28

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Mamet, David--Criticism and interpretation.

Mamet, David.

Masculinity--United States.

Masculinity.

Criticism and interpretation.

United States.

Masculinity in literature.

Physical Description:

xiii, 307 pages : illustrations ; 24 cm.

Place of Publication:

Cambridge ; New York : Cambridge University Press, 2012.

Summary:

"Why did Americans reject the British gentleman as their dominant model of masculinity? Why is a boy's relationship to his mother a crucial factor in shaping his masculinity? What and how do boys learn about what it means to be a man? Holmberg demonstrates how David Mamet's plays provide insights into these questions, and into the masculine malaise. Through the gangsters, businessmen, soldiers, sailors, athletes, frontiersmen and thugs he created, Mamet celebrates and criticizes American macho. The book provides close readings of Mamet's well-known plays as well as plays which have not previously received the critical attention they deserve, and includes discussions of recent films and unpublished film scripts that shed light on Mamet's attitudes to American macho. Holmberg also presents detailed analysis of Mamet as director of his own plays, which gives fascinating insights into the playwright's intentions through his instructions to actors on how to play a part"-- Provided by publisher.

Contents:

Introduction

Enter the cowboy

Mamet and American macho

Mothers and masculinity

The boy culture: act like a man

Mamet's pants.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

9780521620642

0521620643

OCLC:

665137584

Online:

Cover image