THE ZOO STORY

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"The Zoo Story" by Edward Albee is a one-act play that explores themes of isolation, communication, and the human condition. It was written in 1958. It is Albee’s first play. It is set in Central Park, New York. The drama features only two characters: Peter and Jerry. 

Summary of The Zoo Story

The play begins with Peter sitting on a bench in Central Park, quietly reading. Jerry, a stranger, approaches and begins a one-sided conversation.

Jerry:
"I’ve been to the zoo. I said, I’ve been to the zoo."

This opening line grabs Peter’s attention and sets the tone for Jerry’s unusual and intrusive behavior.

Jerry, feeling desperate for connection, begins to question Peter about his life. Peter initially answers politely but tries to maintain distance. Jerry, however, persistently asks personal questions, breaking down Peter’s defenses.

Jerry:
"Do you have any children? Boys? Girls? Cats? Dogs?"

Peter replies that he has two daughters, two parakeets, and a cat. Jerry mocks this seemingly idyllic life, suggesting it's mundane and sterile. He then tells Peter about his own miserable existence in a boarding house filled with strange tenants and a landlady with a sickly dog.

Jerry (describing his room):
"The walls are thin, and the people are crazier than shithouse rats."

This section of the play is marked by Jerry's long monologues. He recounts a disturbing story about trying to befriend the landlady’s dog by first feeding it and then poisoning it—though he ultimately relents and tries to understand the creature.

Jerry (about the dog):
"I tried to kill the dog with kindness, and when that didn't work, I tried to kill him with poison. But neither worked. So, now we ignore each other."

This bizarre tale reflects Jerry’s failure to connect even with animals and symbolizes his broader isolation.

Eventually, Jerry grows more intense and confrontational. He tells Peter that people must sometimes fight to prove they exist, to feel alive. He forces Peter into a conflict over the bench, which becomes symbolic of territory, status, and existence.

Jerry:
"You have everything, and now you want this bench. Are these the things men fight for?"

In a shocking climax, Jerry pulls a knife and provokes Peter to defend himself. After some hesitation, Peter takes the knife. Jerry then charges forward, impaling himself on the blade, effectively committing suicide.

Jerry (dying):
"Oh... Peter, I was so afraid I’d drive you away. And now... you’re a killer."

As Jerry dies, he tells Peter to leave and forget everything that happened.

Jerry:
"You’re not really a part of all this. You’re a monster... go on, get out."

Peter, horrified and confused, flees the park. The play ends with Jerry’s body slumped over the bench.

Themes in The Zoo Story

  • Isolation vs. Connection: Jerry’s desperate monologues show his yearning for human contact and the alienation of modern urban life.
  • Class Division: Peter represents the complacent upper-middle class, while Jerry is the marginalized outsider.
  • Territoriality and Conflict: The bench becomes a metaphor for personal space and dominance.
  • Communication Breakdown: The play critiques how superficial interactions fail to fulfill deeper emotional needs.


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