Raging Rhinos and Rebel Souls: Embracing self- identity and Individuality in Ionesco's Rhinoceros
الموضوعات :
1 - English Department, Azad University, Kerman, Iran
الکلمات المفتاحية: Identity, Individuality, Conformity, Eugene Ionesco, Rhinoceros,
ملخص المقالة :
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.
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
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Review Paper
| Raging Rhinos and Rebel Souls: Embracing self- identity and Individuality in Ionesco's Rhinoceros
Nazanin Zahabi nejad
1Ph.D. Candidate, Department of English Language, Kerman Branch, Islamic Azad University, Kerman,Iran. |
DISCUSSION
Ionesco's play, Rhinoceros, mainly delves into the struggles of self-identity and the battle against conformity. As the characters undergo a profound transformation into rhinoceroses, the play explores the loss of subjective self-identity and the challenges of maintaining individuality under societal pressures. In the words of Berenger, the protagonist, his determined declaration indicates his resistance: "Well, in spite of everything, I swear to you I'll never give in, never!" (Ionesco 3.119). This article examines the transformative identity journey of the characters in Rhinoceros and the significance of Berenger's resolute defiance against conformity, emphasizing the importance of embracing one's true self in the face of overwhelming transformation.
The Loss of Subjective Self-Identity
In Rhinoceros, the concept of “ego death” and the loss of subjective self-identity are prominently portrayed. According to Hama, ego death refers to "the person improving their past life and making radical changes as if being born again." However, in this play, the transformation is largely negative, resulting in the characters losing their individuality and succumbing to a herd mentality (64).
Throughout the play, the characters undergo a drastic metamorphosis, physically transforming into rhinoceroses. This physical transformation symbolizes giving up their subjective identity and their surrender to a dehumanizing force. As Daisy observes the transformation of others around her, she expresses her acceptance of such metamorphosis emphasizing the allure of conformity, she states, "They are the real people. They look happy. They’re content to be what they are. They don’t look insane. They look very natural. They were right to do what they did” (3.117). This quotation highlights the seductive nature of conformity and the desire to escape the challenges and complexities of human existence.
The loss of subjective self-identity is further exemplified through the characters' gradual acceptance and even admiration of their new rhinoceros form. For instance, Dudard, another character in the play, describes this transformation as an act of changing skins as an enhancement, exclaiming, "I consider it's silly to get worked up because a few people decided to change their skins. They just didn't feel happy in the ones they had. They're free to do as they like" (3.90). This dialogue underscores the characters' newfound identity and sense of belonging and purpose in their rhinoceros identities, as they perceive them to be superior to their previous human existence.
By showcasing the characters' transformation and their subsequent loss of subjective self-identity, Ionesco emphasizes the dangers of conformity and the gradual fading of individuality. The characters' willingness to embrace their new rhinoceros form, their new identity, without resistance signifies the allure of the herd mentality and the ease with which individuals can abandon their unique selves in favor of assimilation.
The Transformation and the Struggle
Throughout the play, the characters undergo a profound metamorphosis, turning into rhinoceroses. This physical transformation represents the loss of subjective identity and a surrender to a dehumanizing force. Hama argues that their change is not a return to their pure origin as human beings but rather a shift into dangerous beasts and it initiates from a lack of self-knowledge. The struggle lies in their inability to resist this transformation, as they willingly embrace their new form, believing it to be an improvement over their human existence and it is mainly because they haven't been able to uncover their true identity and self as Berenger has. "Berenger knows exactly who he is and is aware of his self-identity." (Hama 67)
When individuals are not in peace with their present identity and their own perception of self, they are easily triggered to put on new identity forms and undergo drastic changes and this is intensified by the allure of conformity and the desire to escape the challenges of human life. The results, as mentioned in the beginning of the article, is the death of the ego in a negative way causing all the characters except Berenger to lose their true identities and conform to animality.
"Jean advices and encourages Berenger to build his self-identity and be social, but the one who loses his self-identity is Jean himself and other characters, because they really do not know their true nature and abilities" (Hama 67).
The Resistance to Conformity
In the middle of the chaos, there is only one character who resists the pressure to conform and fights to maintain his self-identity, Berenger. Unlike the others, Berenger refuses to surrender to the transformation, recognizing the importance of preserving his human essence rather than merely altering his external form. He becomes a symbol of individuality and resilience.
In the words of Hama, "Berenger saves his self-identity while others succumb to the herd mentality" (69) Berenger's determination to hold onto his subjective self-identity is evident when he declares, " Oh well, too bad! I'll take on the whole of them! I'll put up a fight against the lot of them, the whole lot of them! I'm the last man left, and I'm staying that way until the end. I'm not capitulating!" (3.122). These words highlight his determined commitment to maintaining his individuality, despite the overwhelming pressure to conform.
The Significance of Berenger's Resistance
As Dabi and Paul describe in their article “The Struggle of the Self in the Plays of Ionesco and Pinter”, there are hidden reasons behind Characters' transformation. "... there lingers a desire in his characters to be understood, validated and accepted" (Dabi and Paul 360)
Therefore Berenger's resistance holds significant meaning within the context of the play. It represents the struggle to maintain one's humanity amidst societal pressures and the desire to fit in. Hama also emphasizes that Berenger's resistance showcases the importance of changing the essence rather than merely the external form, as he strives to preserve his own individuality.
Furthermore, other characters who succumb to the transformation, such as Daisy and Jean, find a sense of belonging and purpose in their new rhinoceros form. They admire their new identity and believe it to be superior to their previous human existence.
In Ionesco's Rhinoceros, the struggle for self-identity is vividly portrayed as characters embark on a transformative journey, losing their subjective identity and giving in to conformity. The character of Berenger exemplifies the significance of resisting societal pressures and preserving one's individuality. Reflecting on this play, we are reminded of the importance of embracing our unique selves, challenging conformity, and preserving our subjective self-identity in a world that often pressures us to conform. The struggle of self in Ionesco's play serves as a powerful reminder of the value of individuality and the need to stay true to ourselves, even in the face of overwhelming transformation.
CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS
In Ionesco's Rhinoceros, the battle for self-identity and the preservation of individuality are powerfully portrayed. As the characters undergo a profound metamorphosis, losing their subjective identity and succumbing to the seductive pull of conformity, the play serves as a poignant reflection on the human condition. The character of Berenger, in his resolute refusal to surrender his humanity, stands as a symbol of resistance and the importance of embracing one's true self.
This article has examined the transformative journey of the characters, the loss of subjective self-identity, and the significance of Berenger's defiance against the overwhelming pressure to conform. Through this analysis, we are reminded of the vital importance of maintaining our individuality, even in the face of societal forces that seek to homogenize and dehumanize. Ionesco's Rhinoceros reminds us to stay true to ourselves, to resist the allure of the herd, and to cherish the unique qualities that make us who we are. This powerful message resonates with readers, urging them to reflect on the value of embracing their own identity and the strength required to stand firm in the face of profound change.
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.
Biodata
Nazanin Zahabi nejad is a Ph.D candidate majoring in English Literature in the Department of English Language and Literature at Azad University of Kerman. She is enthusiastic about Literature and is currently doing research in various literary topics. Her field of interest is comparative literature and the contemporary literary theory.
Email: nazaninzahabi2012@gmail.com
