The novel Metamorphosis, by Franz Kafka, and the play "A Zoo story", by Edward Albee both express the idea of an inability to communicate with others. Despite different reasons for alienation, the characters are ostracized from the community, and even their families, for trivial reasons. The novel and the play present the idea to look deeper than superficial appearances and get to know the real person behind the visage.
             The Zoo Story is a confrontation between an average, middle-class American and the outcasts of society. Set in New York City, Peter, an average American, is approached by Jerry, a lonely, independent man from the other side of the park. Jerry tries to teach Peter the realities of life, outside of Peter's normal atmosphere. He attempts to teach Peter the nature of mankind and relationships. Peter does not accept the different lifestyle, and becomes angry with Jerry. Peter has lived sheltered from the cruelty of real life and has no desire to leave his ignorant lifestyle to see what others experience. The confrontation over the park bench demonstrates man's primal instincts and the lack of communication between the two men. Because of their differences in lifestyle, the two men are unable to see the others way of life. Their inability to communicate is what ultimately causes Jerry his life.
             The Metamorphosis opens with the main character, Gregor Samsa, discovering that he has turned into a giant cockroach. This transformation, or metamorphosis, makes all his previous activities impossible. He previously held a job as a salesman. Not only did he provide for himself, but was the primary caregiver for the family. He attempts to convince his boss that he will recover and return to work with even more vigor than before, but there is no possibility that he will return to work...his transformation is permanent. Because Gregor has been the one who created his families comfortable lifestyle, th...