26 pages • 52 minutes read
David MametAmerican Buffalo
Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1975A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
American Buffalo by David Mamet takes place over a day in Don's Resale Shop, where owner Donny and his assistant Bobby plan with their friend Teach to steal a valuable coin from a customer who had recently underpaid for it. As tension builds, their friendships and trust waver, ultimately exposing their flaws and moral dilemmas. The play includes themes of friendship, betrayal, and greed among the working class.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
David Mamet’s American Buffalo is a praised commentary on business and loyalty, set in a seedy Chicago junk shop. Critics commend its sharp, realistic dialogue and its exploration of greed and betrayal. Detractors, however, note its bleakness and frequent profanity, which can detract from the powerful performances. Overall, it’s a compelling yet gritty dramatic piece.
Who Should Read American Buffalo?
Readers who relish gritty dialogue and intense character studies would enjoy David Mamet's American Buffalo. Fans of Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman or Tennessee Williams' A Streetcar Named Desire will appreciate Mamet's exploration of loyalty and betrayal in a small-time, high-stakes heist setting.
RecommendedReading Age
18+yearsLexile Level
NPBook Details
History: U.S.
History: World
Classic Fiction
Play: Drama
American Literature
Relationships: Friendship