Reversal in Power Positions: A study on power strugglein David Mamet’s Oleanna

Abstract

Unequal power relation leads to power abuse, which results in power struggle between the characters in David Mamet’sOleanna.This struggle is to gain power by subverting the power of the power holder which becomes possible by coming up with a strategy for resistance, which ultimately causes power reversal.Oleannaportrays the human desire to be powerful to get a position to fightagainst the power abuser and also in the process to get a chance to assert own identity and significance. This is depicted when to resist the power of John, power at any cost becomes the motto of Carol as gaining power over the opponent can make herthe ‘subject’ and thus able to assert her power. Mamet through this play, shows the true nature of humans, that is to fight for power and position, only through which they can find a space for themselves and assert their identity and existence.