David Mamet’s play “The Mighty American Buffalo” is a powerful exploration of the American dream and the desperation that can come from unfulfilled aspirations. The play revolves around Don and Bobby, two men who are obsessed with the idea of finding a valuable buffalo nickel to sell for a fortune. As they embark on their quest, their friendship is tested and their true motivations are revealed. In this article, we will provide a summary of Mamet’s masterpiece, delving into its themes and characters.
Background
The American buffalo, also known as the bison, is an iconic symbol of the American West. These massive creatures once roamed the plains in the millions, but their numbers dwindled to near extinction in the late 1800s due to overhunting and habitat loss. Today, efforts to conserve and restore the buffalo population have been successful, and they can be found in national parks and private ranches across the country. David Mamet’s play, “American Buffalo,” explores the themes of loyalty, greed, and the American Dream through the lens of three men attempting to steal a valuable buffalo nickel. The play premiered in 1975 and has since become a classic of American theater.
The Plot
The plot of “The Mighty American Buffalo” revolves around two friends, Don and Bobby, who are trying to make a living by selling buffalo hides. They are both struggling financially and emotionally, and their friendship is put to the test as they try to navigate the harsh realities of their situation. Along the way, they encounter various obstacles, including a shady businessman who tries to take advantage of them, and a group of Native Americans who are fighting to protect the buffalo from extinction. As the story unfolds, Don and Bobby are forced to confront their own flaws and weaknesses, and ultimately must decide whether to continue on their current path or to make a change. Mamet’s masterful storytelling and vivid characters make “The Mighty American Buffalo” a compelling and thought-provoking read.
The Characters
David Mamet’s masterpiece, “The Mighty American Buffalo,” is a play that revolves around the lives of two men, Don and Bobby, who are trying to make a living by selling buffalo hides. Don is an experienced salesman who has been in the business for years, while Bobby is a young man who is new to the trade. The two characters have a complicated relationship, with Don acting as a mentor to Bobby, but also being jealous of his youth and potential.
Don is a complex character who is struggling with his own demons. He is an alcoholic who is trying to stay sober, but is constantly tempted by the bottle. He is also dealing with the loss of his wife, who left him years ago. Don is a tragic figure who is trying to hold on to his dignity and pride, even as his life falls apart around him.
Bobby, on the other hand, is a naive and optimistic young man who is eager to learn from Don. He is full of energy and enthusiasm, but also has a lot to learn about the harsh realities of the world. Bobby is a symbol of hope and potential, but also represents the dangers of youth and inexperience.
Together, Don and Bobby form a complex and compelling duo that drives the action of the play. Their relationship is at the heart of the story, and their interactions are both humorous and poignant. Mamet’s masterful writing brings these characters to life, and their struggles and triumphs are sure to resonate with audiences.
The Setting
The setting of David Mamet’s masterpiece, “The Mighty American Buffalo,” is a cluttered and rundown office space in a dilapidated part of town. The walls are covered in peeling paint and the furniture is old and worn. The only source of light comes from a single flickering fluorescent bulb overhead. This setting perfectly captures the bleak and desperate world of the play’s two main characters, Don and Bobby, who are struggling to make a living selling buffalo nickels. The setting also serves as a metaphor for the decline of the American dream and the loss of hope in the face of economic hardship. As the play unfolds, the setting becomes increasingly oppressive and claustrophobic, reflecting the growing tension between Don and Bobby as they confront the harsh realities of their situation. Overall, the setting of “The Mighty American Buffalo” is a powerful and evocative backdrop for Mamet’s exploration of the human condition in the face of adversity.
The Themes
One of the central themes of David Mamet’s play, “The Mighty American Buffalo,” is the struggle for power and control. The characters Don and Bobby are both trying to assert their dominance over each other and over the situation at hand, which is the sale of a valuable buffalo nickel. This struggle for power ultimately leads to their downfall, as they become consumed by their desire to come out on top. Another theme explored in the play is the idea of the American Dream and the pursuit of success. Don and Bobby both see the sale of the nickel as a way to achieve their dreams and improve their lives, but their obsession with the coin ultimately leads to their downfall. Mamet’s play is a powerful commentary on the darker side of the American Dream and the destructive nature of greed and ambition.
Mamet’s Writing Style
David Mamet’s writing style is known for its sparse and direct language, often referred to as “Mamet speak.” He uses repetition, interruptions, and fragmented dialogue to create a sense of realism and tension in his plays. Mamet’s characters are often struggling with power dynamics and the pursuit of the American Dream, themes that are prevalent in his masterpiece, American Buffalo. The play’s dialogue is filled with profanity and colloquialisms, adding to the gritty and raw atmosphere of the story. Mamet’s writing style has been praised for its authenticity and ability to capture the complexities of human relationships and the struggles of everyday life.
Theatrical Production
The theatrical production of David Mamet’s “The Mighty American Buffalo” is a powerful and thought-provoking experience for audiences. The play, which premiered in 1975, explores themes of masculinity, friendship, and the American Dream through the story of two small-time buffalo hunters and their attempts to make a big score. The production features intense performances from its cast, who bring Mamet’s sharp dialogue and complex characters to life on stage. The set design and lighting also play a crucial role in creating the gritty, urban atmosphere of the play’s setting. Overall, “The Mighty American Buffalo” is a must-see for anyone interested in contemporary American theater.
Critical Reception
David Mamet’s play, “The Mighty American Buffalo,” has received mixed reviews from critics since its debut in 1975. Some have praised Mamet’s sharp dialogue and exploration of the American Dream, while others have criticized the play’s lack of plot and character development.
In a review for The New York Times, critic Mel Gussow wrote that “Mamet’s language is as spare and hard as the lives of his characters,” but also noted that the play “lacks a sense of urgency and a clear narrative arc.” Similarly, in a review for The Guardian, critic Michael Billington praised Mamet’s “brutal honesty” but criticized the play’s “lack of emotional depth.”
Despite these criticisms, “The Mighty American Buffalo” has remained a popular and frequently produced play in the decades since its premiere. Its exploration of the American Dream and the struggles of working-class men continues to resonate with audiences today.
Social Commentary
David Mamet’s play “The Mighty American Buffalo” is a powerful commentary on the American Dream and the pursuit of success. The play follows two men, Don and Bobby, as they plan to steal a valuable buffalo head from a local collector. As they plot and scheme, Mamet exposes the desperation and hopelessness that drives their actions.
Through the characters of Don and Bobby, Mamet explores the idea that success is often defined by material possessions and the accumulation of wealth. Don, in particular, is obsessed with the buffalo head and sees it as a symbol of his own success and worth. He believes that stealing the head will give him the financial security and respect he craves.
However, Mamet also shows the darker side of this pursuit of success. Don and Bobby’s plan is ultimately doomed to fail, and their desperation leads them to make increasingly reckless decisions. The play ends with the two men alone and defeated, their dreams of success shattered.
Overall, “The Mighty American Buffalo” is a poignant commentary on the American Dream and the lengths people will go to achieve it. Mamet’s powerful writing and complex characters make this play a masterpiece of social commentary.
Symbolism and Imagery
David Mamet’s masterpiece, “The Mighty American Buffalo,” is a play that is rich in symbolism and imagery. The buffalo, which is the central symbol of the play, represents the American West and the spirit of freedom that it embodies. The buffalo is also a symbol of the American dream, which is the idea that anyone can achieve success and prosperity through hard work and determination.
Throughout the play, Mamet uses imagery to create a sense of the vastness and beauty of the American West. The characters in the play are often described as being “lost in the wilderness,” which is a metaphor for the uncertainty and unpredictability of life. The wilderness is also a symbol of the unknown, which is a theme that runs throughout the play.
Another important symbol in the play is the gun. The gun represents power and control, and it is a symbol of the violence that is inherent in the American West. The characters in the play are often seen handling guns, and the sound of gunfire is a constant presence in the background.
Overall, the symbolism and imagery in “The Mighty American Buffalo” serve to create a powerful and evocative portrait of the American West and the people who inhabit it. Mamet’s use of these literary devices helps to convey the themes of the play and to create a sense of the larger cultural and historical context in which the story takes place.
Historical Significance
The American buffalo, also known as the bison, holds great historical significance in the United States. Before the arrival of European settlers, millions of bison roamed the Great Plains, providing food, clothing, and shelter for Native American tribes. However, the mass slaughter of bison in the late 1800s nearly drove the species to extinction. Today, efforts to conserve and restore bison populations continue, and the animal remains a symbol of American heritage and resilience. David Mamet’s play, “The Mighty American Buffalo,” explores the complex relationship between humans and this iconic animal, shedding light on the historical and cultural significance of the bison in American society.
The Buffalo as a Metaphor
The buffalo has long been a symbol of strength, resilience, and freedom in American culture. In David Mamet’s play, “The Mighty American Buffalo,” the buffalo serves as a powerful metaphor for the struggles and triumphs of the American working class. The play follows two men, Don and Bobby, as they attempt to sell a collection of buffalo nickels to a collector. As they navigate their way through the transaction, they confront their own feelings of disillusionment and frustration with the American dream. The buffalo, with its majestic presence and fierce determination, becomes a symbol of the resilience and perseverance required to survive in a society that often seems stacked against the little guy. Through the buffalo, Mamet reminds us of the importance of holding onto our dreams and fighting for what we believe in, no matter how difficult the journey may be.
The Relationship between Teach and Don
In David Mamet’s play “American Buffalo,” the relationship between Teach and Don is a central focus. Teach, a volatile and impulsive character, often clashes with Don, who is more reserved and cautious. Despite their differences, the two men share a deep bond rooted in their shared desire for success and their love of the American dream. As the play unfolds, their relationship is tested as they plan a heist that could either make or break them. Ultimately, their loyalty to each other is put to the test, and the audience is left wondering if their friendship can survive the pressures of their criminal enterprise.
The Role of Women in the Play
In David Mamet’s play, “American Buffalo,” women play a minor role in the story. The only female character mentioned is Ruthie, who is the owner of the donut shop where the three male characters often gather. She is only briefly mentioned and never appears on stage. This lack of female presence in the play highlights the male-dominated world of the characters and the themes of masculinity and power struggles. However, it is important to note that the absence of women does not diminish the impact of the play’s message and the complex relationships between the male characters.
The Role of Money and Greed
In David Mamet’s masterpiece, “The Mighty American Buffalo,” the role of money and greed is a central theme. The play follows two small-time hustlers, Don and Bobby, as they attempt to sell a rare and valuable buffalo nickel to a wealthy collector. Throughout the play, the characters’ obsession with money and their desire to get rich quick drives their actions and ultimately leads to their downfall. Mamet’s portrayal of the destructive nature of greed serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of putting wealth above all else. The play also highlights the ways in which capitalism and the pursuit of profit can corrupt individuals and society as a whole. Overall, “The Mighty American Buffalo” offers a powerful commentary on the role of money and greed in American culture.
The Significance of the Ending
The ending of David Mamet’s “The Mighty American Buffalo” is significant in several ways. It leaves the audience with a sense of ambiguity and uncertainty, as the fate of the two main characters, Don and Bobby, is left open-ended. The final scene, in which Don and Bobby are seen walking away from the abandoned storefront where they had planned to sell their buffalo hides, is both poignant and haunting. It suggests that the two men have failed in their quest to make a living from the buffalo trade, and that they are now left with nothing but each other’s company. At the same time, however, the ending also suggests that there is a glimmer of hope for Don and Bobby, as they continue to walk forward into an uncertain future. This ambiguity is typical of Mamet’s style, which often leaves the audience to draw their own conclusions about the meaning of the play. Overall, the ending of “The Mighty American Buffalo” is a powerful and thought-provoking conclusion to a masterful work of drama.
The Importance of Language and Dialogue
Language and dialogue play a crucial role in David Mamet’s masterpiece, “The Mighty American Buffalo.” The play revolves around the conversations between Don and Bobby, two small-time crooks who are trying to sell a rare buffalo nickel to a collector. Mamet’s use of language is precise and deliberate, with every word and pause carrying weight and significance. The dialogue is sparse, yet powerful, revealing the characters’ motivations, fears, and desires. Through their conversations, Mamet explores themes of masculinity, friendship, and the American Dream. The play is a testament to the power of language and how it can shape our understanding of the world around us.
The Legacy of The Mighty American Buffalo
The legacy of the mighty American buffalo is one that has left a lasting impact on the history and culture of the United States. Once numbering in the millions, these majestic creatures roamed the plains and prairies of North America, providing sustenance and spiritual significance to Native American tribes. However, the arrival of European settlers and the expansion of the railroad industry led to the near-extinction of the buffalo by the late 1800s. Today, efforts to restore the buffalo population and preserve their cultural significance continue, with many Native American tribes leading the charge. David Mamet’s masterpiece, “The Mighty American Buffalo,” serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of this iconic animal and its enduring legacy.