Personality And Relationship In Edward Albee's The Zoo Story

In The Zoo Story, a one-act play written by Edward Albee, Albee describes an intense conversation that takes place between two different types of men spending time at Central Park. During a Sunday afternoon Peter, “a man in his early forties” (30), reads quietly while sitting on a park bench. Later, a man named Jerry interrupts Peter with random conversation. Jerry begins to ask Peter a series of personal questions that reveal certain characteristics and details about both characters. Analyzing their questions and responses reveals many qualities allows Jerry and Peter to be placed on psychologist Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs pyramid. However, they are placed into completely different levels. This shows that Peter and Jerry have many

As Jerry continues to ask Peter multiple questions, one of them consist of “What do you do to support your enormous household?”(32). Peter replies, “I . . . uh . . . I have an executive position with a . . . a small publishing house” (32). Attaining an executive position in publishing textbooks is evidence that Peter has achieved mastery along with achievement. Although Peter fits part of the description to be put on the self-esteem level there is not enough confirmation to verify that Peter is respected or recognized for his position as a publisher.

Therefore, Peter belongs to the belonging – love category. To be considered part of the belonging – love category on Maslow’s hierarchy of needs pyramid, Peter must experience a life filled with friends, family, a spouse, or a lover. Peter mentions his family when Jerry comments, “You’re married!” (31). Peter then replies pleasantly by saying, “Why, certainly.” (31). Shortly after discovering that Peter has a wife, Peter then mentions his two daughters along with their pets. There is no doubt that Peter has earned a spot in the belonging – love level along with the safety and physiological