Manipulation
Manipulation is a key theme in this play. We see it from Roma who uses his ability to manipulate in order to make a sale while eating his Chinese food. Williamson manipulates the salesmen by restraining leads from them and the owners of the firm manipulate all of them as they pit the men against one another in the sales competition that leaves one person being fired.
Desperation
Desperation is a major theme of this play. We see it in Shelley as he needs to get leads in order to make sales which will allow him to take care of his ailing family. Aaronow and Moss are desperate to make sales and plot to steal leads from Williamson and sell them to competitors in order to make money. The whole industry of real estate sales becomes a field of desperation in the attempt to stay afloat in the misery of the sale.
Money
Money is a major theme in this play. Everyone who is selling needs it. They need it to provide for their families, they need it to keep their jobs so, they go after it any way they can. Money, in this play creates a contention between people. There is a disconnect from person to person as a man becomes a mark in order that the sale is made and pockets are lined. Money over meaning becomes the fluid nature of these salesmen.
