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Book Review
Apr. 25th, 2015 07:38 pmRhinocéros
by Eugène Ionesco
I first read this in French class way back in high school, and I decided to re-read it since my job involves supporting the theatre department. Also, I've been refreshing my French via Duolingo, so I decided to read Rhinoceros in French.
I liked this play a lot the first time I read it, and I still like it a lot now. An It concerns Berenger, a man living in an out-of-the-way village where, at the beginning of an otherwise normal week, people start turning into rhinoceroses. Berenger starts out as something of a weak man, socially awkward, not terribly good at his job, and a heavy drinker. However, it is Berenger who manages to maintain both his individuality and his humanity even though he loses his neighbors, co-workers, friends, and even the object of his affection to the growing hoard of rhinoceroses. It's both a stark illustration of the price of staying true to oneself and of strength and determination in the face of devastation and isolation (not to mention danger as a hoard of rhinoceros can easily trample one).
Ionesco ably combines absurdist humor with growing horror as people closer and closer to Berenger transform into beasts. Rhinoceros explores themes of conformity vs. individuality, free-thinking vs. groupthink, and the absurdities of philosophy. He also does it with a great deal of simplicity. The play takes place over only two days with very basic settings and no need for elaborate effects or staging.
by Eugène Ionesco
I first read this in French class way back in high school, and I decided to re-read it since my job involves supporting the theatre department. Also, I've been refreshing my French via Duolingo, so I decided to read Rhinoceros in French.
I liked this play a lot the first time I read it, and I still like it a lot now. An It concerns Berenger, a man living in an out-of-the-way village where, at the beginning of an otherwise normal week, people start turning into rhinoceroses. Berenger starts out as something of a weak man, socially awkward, not terribly good at his job, and a heavy drinker. However, it is Berenger who manages to maintain both his individuality and his humanity even though he loses his neighbors, co-workers, friends, and even the object of his affection to the growing hoard of rhinoceroses. It's both a stark illustration of the price of staying true to oneself and of strength and determination in the face of devastation and isolation (not to mention danger as a hoard of rhinoceros can easily trample one).
Ionesco ably combines absurdist humor with growing horror as people closer and closer to Berenger transform into beasts. Rhinoceros explores themes of conformity vs. individuality, free-thinking vs. groupthink, and the absurdities of philosophy. He also does it with a great deal of simplicity. The play takes place over only two days with very basic settings and no need for elaborate effects or staging.
