Societies Bounds

The Zoo Story, a play born from the mind of Edward Albee employs symbolism to breath life into his two main characters. Jerry is a man that is not in desperate need of recognition but instead desires redemption in the form of self-sacrifice. While, Jerry’s new found friend, Peter, is a man unaware of his inner solitude and child like ignorance. Throughout The Zoo Story, Albee pushes the bounds of character depth, defines his characters by symbolism, all in order to properly illustrate his characters’ longing to escape reality.

Upon introduction, Jerry is immediately viewed as both an eccentric and troubled man, while his counterpart, Peter, is grossly conservative, fully embodying the “ married-man with daughters” clichÐ"©. I believe that neither of them needs recognition from one another. Peter is established and would find no reason to have a “mad man” approve of his life. Jerry on the other hand needs no approval of anything from anyone. He will go to lengths to try and poison a dog; he will confront a man pointing out his apparent flaws, and even take his own life. He is nothing but sure of himself and his meaning in life.

Christian symbolism is presented during a final climax of the two’s conversation, during the death. Once stabbed, Jerry speaks the words: “Oh…My…God” said by Albee to be exactly: “scornful mimicry and supplication”. This definitely possesses religious meaning. To supplicate is simply put as plead for salvation or in this case salvation through sacrifice. Jerry sees sacrifice as a way of finalizing what has become of himself. But instead of how Jesus gave his life for others, Jerry instead is giving his life for the salvation of only himself. Jerry is sees himself as ritualizing himself and in turn awakening Peter from his idle state of unawareness.

Peter is without a clue to the