Death of a Salesman (1949), penned by the illustrious Arthur Miller, stands as one of the most iconic American dramas of the twentieth century. Often, David Mamet's works are juxtaposed with Miller's for their shared exploration of male aspirations and disillusionments in the quest for the American dream. This play chronicles the life of an aging salesman, entangled in a web of unattainable dreams, which he has also cast upon his sons, leaving a trail of shattered hopes.

Waiting for Godot (1953), crafted by the renowned Irish playwright Samuel Beckett, epitomizes the Theater of the Absurd and serves as a profound influence on Mamet's oeuvre. The play centers around the conversations of three individuals, ensnared in an endless vigil for the mysterious figure known as Godot.

Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1962), by the esteemed American playwright Edward Albee, delves into the intricate dynamics between two couples, unraveling the professional ambitions and distorted emotional ties that define their marriages.

American Buffalo (1975) emerges as one of Mamet’s most revered works. Set against the backdrop of a pawn shop, it weaves a tale of two men and a boy concocting a scheme to pilfer a prized collector’s coin from one of their clientele.

Glengarry Glen Ross (1982) stands as Mamet’s crowning achievement. Set within the cutthroat arena of a real estate office, it exposes the unscrupulous deals and relentless competition that grip the lives of the agents striving for success.