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In the 19th Century, plays would often follow a set formula. This was called melodrama. It had set ingredients. Melodramas contained likeable characters. In the Zoo Story, there are no likeable characters. The audience dislike Jerry right from the beginning of the play. Peter is different. Although the audience may feel sympathy for Peter, they dislike him because he comes over as quite stuck up and he looks down on Jerry. Jerry is rude and aggressive. He is not someone that the audience would like. Several issues are raised in the play. Although the play was written around 30-40 years ago, many of the issues raised are often discussed in today´s society. Sexuality is a very important concept of the play, as Jerry has had a homosexual relationship: “I was a h-o-m-o-s-e-x-u-a-l.” and Peter has not fathered a male child. Jerry knows that Peter wanted boys and Jerry uses this fact to his advantage throughout the play, and I do not think that there is any coincidence in that it is Peter being taunted about this that eventually forces Peter to get up and fight. Smoking is another important issue in the play. Jerry makes references to disease and health throughout the play, the first of which is raised when Peter prepares his pipe.