Glengarry Glen Ross Theme of Manipulation

If we've learned anything from Glengarry Glen Ross it's that the way to close a sale is to totally manipulate the person you're talking to. Roma, Moss, and Levene all seem to be masters of manipulation—it's how they get people to sign on the dotted line, and it's how they get others to do what they want.

This is one of those plays where just about everyone needs something from someone else, and most of them are willing to do whatever it takes to get what they need. Often times, that involves a healthy dose of lies and manipulation.

Questions About Manipulation

  1. What does Moss tell Aaronow will happen if Aaronow doesn't break into the office?
  2. Why do you think Lingk is a target for Roma?
  3. Who is the most effective manipulator in the bunch?
  4. Why does Levene help Roma try to manipulate Lingk?

Chew on This

Try on an opinion or two, start a debate, or play the devil’s advocate.

Sales = Manipulation.

The two-man scenes in Act 1 are predator versus prey dynamics.