THE ZOO STORY - EDWARD ALBEE

This is the first play written by Edward Albee. He wrote it when he was around 31 or 32, and it kicked off his long and illustrious career. Didn't outline it, but learned plenty. So figured we should put our thoughts up here so we don't lose them.

Lessons: Consider broad philosophical themes. What does it mean to be human? What is at the heart of human relationships? What is connection? What is loneliness? What is the tragedy of the human condition? Is it the way we treat each other? What separates humans from animals? What is honor, and why is it worth defending? 

Read philosophy for insights into the themes we want to explore and discuss, and to broaden our thematic horizons. Have debates and discussions about the philosophy we read, and make those arguments in our work. 

Interesting: When you go back and re-read this with the knowledge that Jerry was there to get himself killed, his entire energy and persona seems to make more sense. It’s clear that Albee knew where this was going (of course). 

Idea: Adapt the dog story from this play into a short film. 

Also Note: 
On its face, this is a mundane conversation, just some guy reading the paper who doesn't want to be bothered, but Albee does SUCH A GOOD JOB of creating that mood, that tension. It feels very real.