Meta-theatre

Albee's use of meta-theatre is demonstrated primarily through Jerry's monologues, however, throughout the play it seems that Jerry is completely aware that what he's doing is an act.

Why?
- Force the audience to reflect on their own part in increasing the social divide.
- It makes the play more tragic, because the audience cannot remove themselves far enough to find the story funny.
- Perhaps brings the audience on to Jerry's side because they can see that he is intelligent and aware, simultaneously making Peter seem less intelligence for his ignorance of the situation.

J: (As if reading from a huge billboard)
J: The story of Jerry and the Dog: the end.
The story of Jerry and the Dog is much like a story within a story, J is mocking the entire nature of the play as a farce and a portrayal of fake emotions. This is emphasised when he appears to search for the right word to describe his emotion ( I was...enticed-fascinated-no...heart-shatteringly anvious, that's it) mocking Albee for using language to manipulate the listener in to believing certain things about the character.

P: (seems to be hypnotised)
By saying that Peter seems hypnotised Albee temporarily removes him from the play, therefore it is just Jerry who is talking and moving on stage. Because J is the only one interacting it seems as if his speech is targeted at the audience, as they have taken the place of Peter.

	Created by cynthia.anyadi over 8 years ago

The Zoo Story - E. Albee