Summary:
Existentialism in Rhinoceros by Eugene Ionesco is the idea that life is meaningless, and people must create their own meaning and purpose in life. This theme is explored through the characters and the rhinoceroses that invade the town. The characters face a dilemma: either succumb to the rhinoceroses and accept their new way of life, or resist and find their own way. This is a representation of the human struggle to find meaning and purpose in life. The characters must choose how to live and what kind of life to lead. This choice represents an existentialist perspective, where life is ultimately up to the individual to define and create.
I awoke sweating. Breathing heavily, I glanced over at my clock and read the time. 4:00 AM. I wasn’t sure if this was reality or not, so I ran my palm over my scalp. No bump. A sigh of relief came over me. “Phew,” I said, “it was only a dream.”
This is a dream I have had often throughout the past couple of years. Each time, the bump in my dream gets bigger and bigger, and each time I wake up, I’m more and more frightened that the dream was real. “I will not be a rhinoceros,” I tell myself over and over. “I will not.”
These words I tell myself are nearly meaningless, though. They are words and nothing more—futile attempts to ease the pain of my “rhinocerotic” life. The only way to really not become a rhinoceros is by making the existential decision not to do so.
The Existentialist Perspective
A main theme in Eugene Ionesco’s Rhinoceros is that true meaning resides in action rather than in mere words. A resistance to taking action then results in one’s becoming a rhinoceros. This idea is vividly illustrated through the characters’ interactions and transformations.
Jean illustrates this theme in the beginning of Act 2, Scene 2, when we see Jean and Berenger bickering. Berenger feels that Jean isn’t looking or feeling well and threatens to get him a doctor. Jean resists by saying, “You’re not going to get the doctor because I don’t want the doctor. I can look after myself.” (pp. 62). This refusal stems from his arrogant view of himself as a “Master of [his] own thoughts” (pp. 61) and having “will-power!” (pp. 7). By seeing the doctor, Jean would have admitted his vulnerability and the futility of his attempts to remain a human. He didn’t want to see that he, in fact, was becoming a rhinoceros.
The Role of Denial in Existentialism
Jean’s denial of his condition is a significant existential theme. According to existentialist theory, particularly as proposed by Jean-Paul Sartre, self-deception or “bad faith” involves denying one’s freedom and responsibility. Jean’s insistence on not seeing a doctor is a denial of his deteriorating state and his existential freedom to change his fate.
Had Jean agreed to see a doctor, he may have been saved. By acknowledging his transformation, he could have taken responsibility for his actions and made changes to assert his individuality. This aligns with the existentialist idea that one must confront the absurdity of existence and make conscious choices to define oneself.
Berenger, however, illustrates the power in making an existential decision. The trumpeting call of the rhinoceros was persuasive, but Berenger was able to resist it through his commitment and determination. In the beginning of Act 3, Berenger and Dudard are speaking after Berenger was awakened from a nightmare. Dudard proposed the possibility that Berenger could turn into a rhinoceros. Berenger refutes this possibility by saying, “If you really don’t want to knock yourself, you don’t.” (pp. 73). The knocking yourself he is speaking of is the growing of a horn and turning into a rhinoceros. He again reiterates this by saying, “…If one really doesn’t want to, really doesn’t want to catch this thing, which after all is a nervous disease—then you don’t catch it…” (pp. 76). Berenger explains to Dudard how making an existential choice can help one avoid becoming a rhinoceros.
The Power of Choice in Existentialism
Berenger’s stance reflects the existentialist belief in the power of choice. As Sartre famously stated, “existence precedes essence,” meaning individuals are free to define themselves through their actions. Berenger’s determination to resist transformation exemplifies this principle, as he actively chooses to maintain his humanity despite external pressures.
Ionesco then uses Dudard to ignite Berenger’s desire to not become a rhinoceros when Dudard says to him to prove his will-power and stop drinking. This leads Berenger to his realization that he despises rhinoceroses and his determination not to be like them. It now becomes imminent that Berenger will achieve his “moment of commitment” though he still possesses some doubts.
The ultimate commitment occurs at the very end of the play when Daisy finds the rhinoceroses more and more attractive, and Berenger finds them more and more disgusting. When Daisy eventually joins them, and Berenger is left by himself, only then does he make his true existential decision by saying, “I’m the last man left, and I’m staying that way until the end. I’m not capitulating!”
The Moment of Commitment
Berenger’s final declaration represents the existentialist concept of authenticity. According to existentialist philosophers like Kierkegaard and Heidegger, living authentically involves embracing one’s individuality and making choices based on personal values rather than societal pressures. Berenger’s choice to remain human, despite being alone, epitomizes this authentic existence.
This is the decision that all of us must make. We must resist our temptations to make up meaningless decrees for ourselves and take responsibility for our actions. Existentialist decision allows us to act to overcome our weaknesses and remain productive humans. This is the only way to end our nightmare. This is the only way to know we will never have to wake up with a bump on our heads. We must always believe in ourselves and what is right. We must realize that as we act, so shall we become.
The Implications for Modern Life
The existential themes in Rhinoceros are not limited to the play’s context; they resonate with contemporary struggles. In a world where societal pressures and conformity are prevalent, the play challenges individuals to define their own path and resist losing themselves to collective ideologies. The idea that “as we act, so shall we become” underscores the importance of personal responsibility and the impact of our choices on our identity.
Conclusion
Existentialism in Rhinoceros by Eugene Ionesco explores the idea that life is meaningless, and individuals must create their own meaning and purpose. Through the characters’ struggles with the invading rhinoceroses, Ionesco illustrates the human condition and the necessity of making existential choices. Jean’s denial and Berenger’s resistance highlight the importance of confronting one’s reality and taking deliberate actions to define oneself. The play serves as a powerful reminder that true meaning resides in our actions, and we must continually strive to live authentically and responsibly.