The Zoo Story

In this play, Edward Albee explores the dynamic between two contrasting characters in order to bring up questions of our reality as societal humans and our realizations thereof. Initially, we are made to believe that Peter, the seemingly well-adjusted, unassuming character represents life without tragedy and that the wildly troubled Jerry represents a life solely composed of suffering - the object of audience pity and revulsion. 

However, as the dialogue unfolds, we learn that Peter's life, which is not unlike many of our own lives at least by comparison to Jerry's alleged experiences, is equally tragic if not moreso than Jerry's in its sheer lack of meaning or purpose.

Though this play deviates from the strict minimalism of earlier Absurdist plays by displaying two believable characters in a slightly unbelievable situation in a tangible setting, I would argue that The Zoo Story continues in the tradition of absurdist theatre through its central message that each of our lives is equally meaningless.