Ready Reference Treatise: Rhinoceros

By Raja Sharma

“Rhinoceros” by Eugene Ionesco was written in 1959. It was originally written in French. This highly remarkable play is in three acts. It belongs to the school of drama that is known as the “Theatre of the Absurd.

The play is set in a small provincial French town. Over the course of the three acts of the play, the inhabitants of this small town turn into rhinoceroses.

The central character, Berenger, is the only human being who does not become a rhinoceros and survives this mass metamorphosis.

Ready Reference Treatise: Rhinoceros
Copyright
Chapter One: Introduction
Chapter Two: Plot Overview
Chapter Three: Characters
Chapter Four: Complete Summary
Act One
Act Two
Act Three
Chapter Five: Critical Analysis
Chapter Six: About the Theatre of the Absurd

• Language: English
• Publisher: Raja Sharma
• Release date: Jun 14, 2015
• ISBN: 9781311736963

Raja Sharma

Raja Sharma is a retired college lecturer.He has taught English Literature to University students for more than two decades.His students are scattered all over the world, and it is noticeable that he is in contact with more than ninety thousand of his students.

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Ready Reference Treatise: Rhinoceros

Copyright

Ready Reference Treatise: Rhinoceros

Raja Sharma

Copyright@2015 Raja Sharma

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Chapter One: Introduction

Rhinoceros by Eugene Ionesco was written in 1959. It was originally written in French. This highly remarkable play is in three acts. It belongs to the school of drama that is known as the "Theatre of the Absurd.

The play is set in a small provincial French town. Over the course of the three acts of the play, the inhabitants of this small town turn into rhinoceroses.

The central character, Berenger, is the only human being who does not become a rhinoceros and survives this mass metamorphosis.

Berenger is presented as a flustered every figure. He is constantly criticized throughout the play for his drinking and tardiness.

It is often said that the author had written this play as a response and criticism to the sudden rising of Communism, Fascism, and Nazism, during the period before the Second World War.

Philosophy and morality, mass movements, culture, and conformity are some of the most significant themes of the play.

Rhinoceros was first enacted at the Odeon. It was directed by Jean-Louis Barrault. The play through extended imagination expresses that Fascism is a disease that changes human beings into unintelligent and violent creatures. The reference is to rhinoceroses.

The symbol is central, clear, and compelling in the present play. The play, according to several famous critics and scholars, questions the motivations not only of war but of life itself.

The question can be asked if Fascism turns humans into rhinos, how much better alternatives there are after all. It is obviously an intriguing and thought-provoking play.

The play typifies the Theatre of the Absurd. Broad and wild imagination makes this play come under the Theatre of the Absurd.

The wild and broad imagination can be understood from the people growing horns, sprouting fur, and changing into rhinoceroses.

Unlike the traditional plots of plays, Rhinoceros has a theoretical plot. There are various philosophical conversation and questions throughout the play.

The whimsical humor is also noticeable. It is combined with unsettling tragedy. Through this technique, the