DOI: 10.18848/2327-7912/cgp/a398 ISSN: 2327-8676

Modality as a Tool for Power Struggle

Hatice Sezgi Sarac, Ali Dur
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Edward Albee’s The Zoo Story, set in Central Park, captures the intricate dynamics of social power through a chance encounter of two characters: Jerry, a marginalized drifter, and Peter, a complacent middle-class publishing executive. Through an examination of language nuances, this study argues that Jerry manipulates and directs the conversation, strategically assuming control by exploiting Peter’s conformist middle-class American identity, thereby constructing a counter-narrative to the dominant ‘American Dream ideology’ that Peter embodies. The study examines key instances where language, specifically modality, functions as a site of power negotiation, revealing Jerry’s assertiveness not only as a personal struggle but also as symptomatic of broader societal tensions. Jerry’s calculated departure from cultural norms, reflected in his language choices, compels both Peter and the audience to confront uncomfortable truths. By forcefully asserting authority over Peter through his language, Jerry introduces layers of tension and complexity, contributing to Albee’s exploration of power dynamics and human relationships. This examination illuminates how discourse serves as a tool for both personal and societal confrontation in the play, enriching our understanding of the narrative’s intricate power play within a condensed social setting.

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