The Zoo Story Society and Class Quotes

This is where you learn Peter's class status for sure. He's upper management at a small business; he's not fabulously wealthy and successful, but he's very comfortable. Also, remember Albee is a writer, so he probably knew publishers. He doesn't seem to have been very impressed with them.

Poor people are often assumed to be dangerous or violent or criminal. Jerry is reassuring Peter—but also insulting his prejudice and emphasizing his vulnerability. Jerry is as good as his word; he doesn't rob Peter. He just tries to take his bench and then falls on a knife Peter is carrying. Peter probably would have preferred just being robbed.

Peter is patronizing, but doesn't want to be patronizing. Jerry uses Peter's discomfort with class to make him even more uncomfortable. Class distinctions give Jerry some power; he can throw his poverty in Peter's face. Ultimately, though, the power involves throwing himself on a knife, which doesn't seem like such a great outcome for him.