David Mamet’s play, Oleanna, was a controversial play because of its commentary on gender politics, political correctness, and the education system. The play was written right after the Clarence Thomas confirmation hearings in response to the case of “sexual assault” between Judge Thomas and his secretary, Anita Hill. The verdict of the case was difficult to decide because the evidence was based solely around Judge Thomas’ and Anita Hill’s personal interpretations of what happened. The charges were based on the ambiguous claims of sexual impropriety. The case then became a highlight in the balance of gender politics and political correctness during the 1990s. Mamet took this patriarchal paradigm and translated it into a teacher-student relationship. Taking the same principles present in the court case, Mamet framed Oleanna around two individuals who fail to effectively communicate. David Mamet’s play, Oleanna, could be perceived in two ways: one in which the female student is fabricating a sexual harassment claim in order to establish a position of power…show more content… Not only does Carol gain proficiency in language throughout the play, she uses her words to accuse John, thereby establishing a role of dominance. However, John's language diminishes, as his responses become less and less impactful and much shorter. In the last two acts, Carol discusses the conflict with him and demands his subordination, using the same big words that he used with her in Act I. John's language, in response, crumbles into fragments and curse words; the final act also emphasizes John struggling to find words, representing a complete loss of language. Oleanna also delves into the misinterpretation of words and actions. Because the play readily holds these strategic ploys in language and perception, Mamet explores the effect of this misconception throughout the play, which results in the complete breakdown of communication between John and
