As with sex, sexuality isn't talked about explicitly much in the play. But Jerry tells you, at a couple of points, that he's homosexual, or at least had homosexual relationships. And for his part, Peter's sexual identity as a heterosexual guy is called into question in a few places—there's tension in his relationship with his wife and with his own masculinity. The Zoo Story isn't just a play about not telling you about the zoo; in a lot of ways, it's a play about a love affair between two men.
Questions About Sexuality and Sexual Identity
- Does Jerry love Peter? What evidence is there to support your answer one way or the other?
- Is Peter's marriage happy? How do you know?
- Would the themes of sexuality and sex be different if Jerry or Peter were a woman? How so?
Chew on This
Try on an opinion or two, start a debate, or play the devil’s advocate.
Jerry's tragedy in the play is that he can't admit his own homosexuality.
Peter's tragedy in the play is that he can't admit his own homosexuality.