L'apprivoisement du Rhinoceros : la metamorphose et la mentalite collective

Abstract

In this study we will analyse the play Rhinoceros (1959) by Eugene Ionesco. Through absurd theatre, Ionesco is able to bring to life his anxieties and incertitudes about the human condition. Rhinoceros was written during the Second World War, therefore, many of the metaphors reference back to the collective consciousness imposed by the Nazi Party worldwide. Ionesco uses metamorphism to represent those that are not able how to think for themselves or think of others. The metamorphosis from human to rhinoceros symbolise those in society that have become blind to the ideologies of the Nazi Party. With the use of his contemporary ideas, Ionesco is considered one of the most influential artistes of the absurd genre by promoting.free thinking. The major problems that Ionesco discusses - such as the equality of knowledge and free forward thinking - will conclude the analysis by explaining why it is importance to study the past today.