Raging Rhinos and Rebel Souls: Embracing self- identity and Individuality in Ionesco's Rhinoceros

Subject Areas : Literary Studies

Nazanin Zahabi nejad ¹ (English Department, Azad University, Kerman, Iran)

Received: 2024-07-13 Accepted : 2024-08-13 Published : 2024-05-27

Keywords: Identity, Individuality, Conformity, Eugene Ionesco, Rhinoceros,

Abstract :

Eugène Ionesco's play Rhinoceros is a profound exploration of the struggle for self-identity and the challenges of maintaining individuality amidst overwhelming societal pressure to conform. The narrative centers around characters who physically transform into rhinoceroses, a metaphor for the loss of personal identity and the seductive pull of the herd mentality. This metamorphosis illustrates the ease with which individuals can abandon their beliefs and values in favor of collective thinking, driven by a desire to belong or to avoid standing out. The play's protagonist, Berenger, serves as a focal point for this theme. His steadfast refusal to succumb to the rhinoceros transformation underscores the significance of resisting societal pressures and remaining true to oneself. Berenger's journey is emblematic of the broader human experience, reflecting the internal and external conflicts faced when one's sense of self is threatened by conformity. This analysis of Rhinoceros highlights the importance of embracing one's true self, even in the face of drastic change and social ostracism. Ionesco's work serves as a poignant reminder of the value of individuality and the necessity of maintaining one's identity in a world that frequently demands uniformity. By examining the transformative journey of its characters, the play encourages a deeper understanding of the balance between self-identity and societal influence, ultimately advocating for the preservation of personal integrity.

References:

Dabi, Smita, and Surendra Paul. "The struggle of the self in the plays of Ionesco and Pinter." IJAR Vol 7.3. 2021. 360-362.

Hama, Bakhtiar S. "Ego Death: The Loss of ‘Subjective Self-identity’ in Ionesco’s Rhinoceros" The Scientific Journal of Cihan University–Sulaimanyia. 2018. Vol.2, Iss.2. PP 64-72

Ionesco, Eugene. Rhinoceros, and Other Plays. New York, Grove Press, 1960