I'm almost ashamed to say that I didn't even notice the lack of estrogen in this play. I guess it's a credit to the playwright that he could write such an impressive piece without a single woman.
"But what does it mean?" You ask. The lack of women seems to make the statement that femininity guides morality. The characters in the play are playing each other - for more money, for better leads, for a Cadillac. Levene wants another opportunity to prove his sales skills; Moss and Aaronow want a return to the good 'ol days and they want the respect their experience demands; Roma wants power and money and attention and he won't let anyone stand in his way. All of these characters want something and no one is willing to earn it honestly.
Mr. Lingk is impulsive without his wife. She balances him and sets off Roma's balance in the process (which causes a domino effect ending with Levene). The "ex" mentioned in the beginning of the play also provides a foil for the impatient, impulsive nature of a man. Levene's daughter plays an interesting role - rather than holding her father back from his rash nature, she seems to become the cause for his desperation. Then we have Harriet, who is the epitome of caution - in such a twisted way: she agrees to a deal with no real intention of fulfilling it. She doesn't even wade in the idea of purchasing land but instead jumps the whole puddle and then splashes herself with water to make it seem different.
I have some things to stew on here. I will return.
