Rhinocerisation Process in Rhinoceros by Eugène Ionesco

Rhinoceros by Eugène Ionesco (1959) presents the gradual literal and metaphorical transformation process of characters into rhinoceroses under the strong influence of the dominant ideology throughout the play. Ionesco’s play discusses and highlights the significance of maintaining one’s own individuality instead of mere adherence to a manipulative ideology through the struggle of the main character, Berenger. Berenger is in this respect different than other characters who adopt the represented ideology that does not tolerate plurality and diversity of opinions. The more characters turn into rhinoceroses, the stronger Berenger’s feeling of solitude and loneliness gets, which increases his alienation from his society. This study will in this regard give brief relevant information about the Theatre of the Absurd; then briefly introduce Eugène Ionesco as a playwright; and finally discuss the literal and metaphorical transformation process of the characters into rhinoceroses, which stands for the gradual loss of their individuality with specific references from the primary source and relevant secondary sources.