The Zoo Story

1. Research Edward Albee. Take brief notes about his career and style of writing.

2. Go the library and check out the play: Zoo Story by Edward Albee.

3. Get together in the following reading groups:
a. Adeline, Alex, Brianna
b. Monica, Jerry, Zach
c. Justice, Alaina, Whitney
d. Khari, Tashae, Kennethea
e. Nautica, Victoria, Wade
f. Aubrey, Shayla, Valerie
g. Jenee, Nancy, Lawrence, Marissa

4. Read “The Zoo Story” together in your groups. Assign parts as follows:

a. 3 students: one play Jerry, one play Peter, one read the stage directions where appropriate (only the longer directions).
b. 2 students: one play Jerry, the other play Peter, read the stage directions silently.
c. If you are alone, you may either join a group of your choice or read alone.

5. Answer the following questions – discuss first with your group, then individually write down:
a. Plays are based on conflict. Conflict can come in 4 “flavors”:
i. Person vs. Person
ii. Person vs. Self
iii. Person vs. Nature
iv. Person vs. Society or God

Largely, what kind of conflict does Albee use in this play?

Are there other kinds of conflict that occur within the story? If so, where are they found?

6. What seems to be the significance of Jerry’s story of the dog?

7. What might be symbolic about the Zoo? Why do you think Albee called his play “The Zoo Story”?