Vol. 7, Issue 1, Part H (2025)

Edward Albee’s The Zoo Story (1959) stands as a compelling exploration of postmodern apathy and its corrosive effect on the human dream. The play, with its minimalist structure and sharp dialogue, dramatizes the existential isolation of individuals trapped in a society devoid of meaningful connections. Through the interactions between Jerry and Peter, Albee constructs a narrative that critiques the alienation bred by modern urban existence and the disintegration of shared dreams. This paper analyzes the interplay of postmodern apathy and human aspirations in The Zoo Story, focusing on how Albee critiques the socio-cultural conditions of postwar America. Drawing upon existentialist philosophy, postmodern theory, and critical interpretations by scholars such as Bigsby and Esslin, the study investigates the symbolic dimensions of Jerry’s life, his quest for authenticity, and the dramatic culmination of the human dream’s fragility. This analysis situates Albee’s work within the broader context of postmodern alienation and its persistent relevance to contemporary audiences.