“Zoophiles tend to perceive differences between animals and human beings as less significant than others do. They often view animals as having positive traits (e.g. honesty, unconditional love) that humans often lack, and feel that society’s understanding of non-human sexuality is misinformed. Although some feel guilty about their feelings and view them as a problem, others do not feel a need to be constrained by traditional standards in their private relationships.

“Research suggests that zoophiles have above average empathy. As a group they have a lower level of psychopathy than average, and a higher level of sensation seeking and involvement in animal protection. They also have an above average level of social individualism, which can be either inhibitive (e.g., shyness) or empowering (e.g., independence of thought).”

(footnotes excluded). Perhaps more to the point, Albee’s Martin is not the power-mad rapist you describe. He is instead a sweet, somewhat confused guy with this sudden, incomprehensible passion. The thought of doing violence to his beloved goat would cause him great distress.

While I concur completely in your characterization of human rape as a violent act, your equating bestiality with rape, I think, belittles the horror of rape. It also corresponds neither with contemporary scientific thinking about bestiality nor with Albee’s evident intention.