The point of Glengarry Glen Ross is to expose the cutthroat nature of the real estate industry and the lengths to which people will go to succeed in it. The play delves into the lives of a group of salesmen who are struggling to make sales and meet their quotas in order to keep their jobs. It paints a dark and gritty picture of the industry, showing the desperation, deceit, and unethical tactics employed by these salesmen.
At its core, Glengarry Glen Ross is a scathing critique of capitalism and the pursuit of wealth at all costs. The characters in the play are driven solely by their desire for money and success, and they are willing to do whatever it takes to achieve it. The play highlights the destructive effects of this mindset, as the characters resort to lies, manipulation, and even theft in their quest for success.
The title itself, “Glengarry Glen Ross,” refers to the names of two real estate developments that the salesmen are competing to sell lots in. These developments represent the promise of wealth and success, but they are also symbols of the empty promises and false dreams that the characters are chasing. The play suggests that the pursuit of material wealth can lead to moral bankruptcy and the loss of one's humanity.
Throughout the play, the dialogue is explosive and often profane, reflecting the harsh and cutthroat nature of the sales environment. The language used by the characters is confrontational and aggressive, emphasizing the intense competition and high stakes involved in their work. This raw and unfiltered dialogue serves to heighten the tension and drama of the play, while also exposing the harsh realities of the real estate industry.
Furthermore, Glengarry Glen Ross explores themes of identity and masculinity. The characters in the play define themselves by their success and their ability to make sales. Their self-worth is tied to their professional achievements, and their desperation to succeed stems from a fear of losing their sense of identity. This exploration of identity and masculinity adds depth to the play, as it delves into the psychological and emotional toll that the pursuit of success can have on individuals.
Glengarry Glen Ross serves as a powerful critique of the real estate industry and capitalism as a whole. It exposes the ruthless and unethical tactics employed by those in pursuit of wealth and success, while also exploring themes of identity and masculinity. The play forces the audience to confront the harsh realities of the business world and raises important questions about the cost of pursuing material wealth.