The American Dream and Zoo Story by Edward Albee
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Book Reviews of The American Dream and Zoo Story
Book Review: I LOVE IT!
Summary: 5 Stars
THE ZOO STORY IS THE BEST PLAY EVER WRITTEN!Book Review: Two Solid Plays
Summary: 4 Stars
The Zoo Story and The American Dream are among Edward Albee's earliest, the former being his first performed, and better-known plays. Though not on par with his masterpiece Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, they are quite worthy. They are also very different from it and each other, showcasing Albee's remarkable diversity and ensuring appeal both to fans of his other work and anyone who likes well-done plays.
Zoo defines simplicity - one act, one setting, two characters, very little action - but in the best sense. Albee has the great dramatist's talent of making us feel strong suspense, even urgency, even when almost nothing actually happens. Zoo draws us in very quickly and does not let go until the last line; it is immensely engrossing. That Albee manages to hold attention so well with so few trappings testifies to his artistry. The play's content can be very quickly summarized, but its significant implications are many and varied. Part realism, part black comedy, part absurdist theater, Zoo is all interesting. Without giving away the plot, since suspense and the central mystery are so integral, Zoo deals with several important themes central to the twentieth century human condition: alienation, interpersonal communication difficulties, class, and humanity's inhumanity. Few playwrights have had such a notable debut.
The American Dream is more ambitious and probably at least as good. A whirlwind satire of the ubiquitous title subject, it satirically attacks many sacred cows. It is indirect but no less biting for that, showing Albee's early deft hand with absurdism. The play is bleak but not without humor, though the humor is quite dark, combining Greek tragedy elements with the most modern techniques. The content was near-shocking and caused quite a stir; it is important to remember that Albee's Preface says the play is meant to offend. It now seems superficially tame, but anyone alive to the real issues sees that it is as provoking and penetrating as ever. The play gives much to think about - especially if we realize our laughter is in self-defense.
All told, though Who's Afraid is the Albee play of choice, anyone interested in him should look into these.
Book Review: Not to be read for entertainment
Summary: 4 Stars
The American Dream is another of Albee's many commentaries on our society. Albee saw that in every one of us there exists an ideal, the American dream. While this dream is different for us all, Albee felt that all of us simply expect our American dream to come true. This play examines the anarchy that can result from the realization that life just doesn't work the way we all imagine it can. Albee's goal is to make us all more aware of the way we think, so that we may alter it to be more correct and fulfilled. This play is not for a reader looking for entertainment. The lack of humanity in the play makes it a very abstract piece, obviously aimed at conveying a point rather than a story.Book Review: The American Dream
Summary: 4 Stars
Edward Albee's Play, "The American Dream" uses absurdist elements to mock the American society, exposing its most controversial topics into normal conversation. By doing so, Albee gives us an inside look at the ugly truth; which may allow one to question their morals and motives while reading. Albee is successful in twisting ones sense of consciousness. By breaking things down into simple and casual dialogue, Albee is able to get away with the most remarkably crude humor; something that may be at first startling to the reader allows for a chaotic plot line and suspenseful story.Book Review: Very funny
Summary: 4 Stars
The American Dream is a hilarious satire of an old woman and her long suffering husband. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys stories of "the theater of the absurd"