Local real estate developer Richard Friedman, the Martha's Vineyard owner of the larger-than-life, 1,000-pound pig Henrietta who served as the inspiration for Mamet's book, said that Mamet's book was not a typical children's story.

"It's not written like Dick and Jane," Friedman said. "His view of a children's book is a little different than the average writer."

Emily J. Halpern '02-'03, who took last semester off to work with Mamet on his upcoming film "State and Main," said, "His responses say it all."

"They're very David Mamet responses, and they don't leave much to be said," Halpern said.

"He's a very warm and generous person," she added.

But Director of the Loeb Drama Center Robert S. Brustein, the American Repertory Theatre's artistic director and a Mamet colleague, only added to the confusion.

When asked if Mamet's unusual responses correspond to his personality and his work, Brustein replied in an e-mail message that "the more interesting question is: Does his personality correspond to the questions."

Brustein added that he recommended The Crimson speak with two other colorful Mamet colleagues.