Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Rhinoceros, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Absurdity, Logic, and Intellectualism
Fascism
Individuality vs. Conformity
Escapism, Violence, and Morality
Summary
Analysis
Botard, Daisy, Dudard, and Mr. Papillon enter their office from a trapdoor in the floor. Botard is elderly and looks knowledgeable, Dudard is young and looks like he has a promising future, while Mr. Papillon is properly dressed and wears a dark suit with a rosette from the Legion of Honor. Botard insists that the rhinoceroses are nonsense, even when Daisy says that she saw it and Dudard points out that it was in the paper. He offers the paper to Mr. Papillon, who reads the one-line article. It says that in the church square, a pachyderm trampled a cat to death. Botard says he doesn’t believe journalists because they lie. As a former teacher, he likes to see things with his own eyes, since he has a methodical mind.
It’s important to note that in the stage notes, Ionesco notes that Botard looks knowledgeable. This recognizes that in some cases, it’s enough for a person to look like they know what they’re talking about or appear trustworthy to be able to gain followers. At this point, Botard looks more like Berenger in that he’s an outlier (since he doesn’t take the article seriously and asks for proof of the rhinoceros), but his arguments are so out of line that it suggests that he’s susceptible to the dangerous rhinoceros movement.
Themes
Dudard asks what anyone’s methodical mind has to do with this and Daisy insists that the article is correct and precise. Botard says the article isn’t precise—“pachyderm” can refer to many things, and the author doesn’t say what they mean by “cat.” The cat could be male or female, and it doesn’t say what breed or color it is. Botard declares that he strongly hates the color bar (segregation). Mr. Papillon points out that the color bar is beside the point, but Botard insists that it’s one of the biggest issues of the age. Dudard argues that they all know this, but Botard refuses to drop it. He says that nobody should ignore an opportunity to denounce it. Impatiently, Daisy says that none of them support the color bar; this is an issue of a cat being run down by a rhinoceros.
Bringing up segregation gives Botard the opportunity to make himself look trustworthy, since he supports getting rid of racist systems—but bringing it up now deflects from his unwillingness to believe the newspaper article. In this sense, Botard’s deflection functions in much the same way the argument about rhinoceros species and how many horns they have did in the last scene. It gives people something to latch onto that seems right, just, and logical, when in reality, it just distracts from the truth.
Themes
Botard says that as a northerner, he thinks that the southerners have too much imagination and suggests that people are making too much of this. To settle the matter, Mr. Papillon asks Dudard if he saw a rhinoceros firsthand. Daisy says that she did, and Dudard says that many reliable people did. Botard snorts that they made it up. He insists that journalists will invent anything to sell papers and please their bosses. Daisy insists that she saw the rhinoceros, but Botard insults her intelligence. Daisy retorts that plenty of others saw it, but Botard calls those who saw it “work-shy loafers.” Dudard points out that this happened on a Sunday, but Botard says that this is no excuse—he works on Sundays and has no time for priests who prevent people from earning their keep on Sundays.
Everything that Botard says here makes it clear that he’s not as open minded as he’d like his coworkers to think—while the north/south divide doesn’t have the same connotation in France as it might in the U.S., Botard still makes it clear that he holds prejudiced views against all sorts of people who are different than he is. The play later suggests that since he already holds views like this, he’ll be more susceptible to turning into a rhinoceros, as the rhinoceroses represent power and control.
Themes
This offends Mr. Papillon, but Botard assures him that despising religion doesn’t mean that he doesn’t think highly of it. He then asks Daisy if she even knows what a rhinoceros looks like. Daisy says they’re big and ugly, and Botard snorts derisively. Mr. Papillon stops the debate and asks Daisy to put the timesheet away. He laughs and turns back to the men as Berenger sneaks up the stairs. Berenger quietly greets Daisy, who allows him to sign the timesheet. She whispers that Mr. Papillon is already in and accepts Berenger’s proffered flower.
Again, Botard tries to use language and logic to cover up the fact that he thinks religion is horrible. When Mr. Papillon drops that particular argument, it suggests that Botard was successful in deflecting and is learning that in this group, he can lean on incorrect arguments to get his way.
Themes
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At the same time, Botard declares that he fights against ignorance everywhere he finds it, even in printing offices. Mr. Papillon says that this is going too far—neither he nor Dudard are ignorant. Daisy puts her flower in her mouth as she hangs up Berenger’s things, and Botard says that what they’re teaching in universities these days isn’t as high quality as what a person learns at the “ordinary schools.” Mr. Papillon asks for the timesheet and Daisy rushes to give it to him, taking the flower out of her mouth when he looks at her oddly.
Botard’s jab against university professors is likely a jab against intellectuals as a whole—importantly, the fascist Iron Guard in Romania, which partially inspired the play, was made up of young people who were highly educated but couldn’t find jobs. With this in mind, everyone save Berenger is an intellectual—and therefore, Ionesco implies, susceptible to fascism as he saw it.
Themes
Berenger greets his coworkers and Mr. Papillon asks if he saw the rhinoceros. Botard digs at Dudard’s ribs and says that the universities just churn out intellectuals with no practical knowledge, as Berenger answers that he did see the rhinoceros. Daisy says that she’s clearly not mad then, but Botard insists that Berenger is just being chivalrous to make Daisy feel better. Mr. Papillon cautions Botard to not twist facts, but Berenger again affirms that they saw the rhinoceros. Behind Berenger, Botard says that Berenger must’ve thought he saw one and mimes drinking.
Because Berenger is both not an intellectual and is an alcoholic, Botard sees no reason to take him seriously. Ironically, Botard just criticized university-educated intellectuals and praised those who go through “ordinary schools” and learn practical knowledge that way, which perhaps should apply to the non-intellectual Berenger.
Themes
Berenger says that others saw the rhinoceroses and there might have been two. Daisy insists that it had one horn, and Botard scoffs. Dudard says that he heard it had two horns, but Mr. Papillon tells them to get to work. Berenger can’t say if he saw one or two rhinoceroses or how many horns they had. Botard insists that he’s not being offensive, but there have never been rhinoceroses in France except for in schoolbook illustrations. He declares that the rhinoceros is a “flower of some journalist’s imagination,” and Berenger jokes that calling a rhinoceros a flower seems out of place. Daisy laughs.
At this point, it’s possible for both Berenger and Botard to make jokes about the rhinoceroses—while the audience likely knows that they’re serious, there’s no real reason for anyone in the play to think that the one or two rhinoceroses sighted yesterday are going to multiply and take over. These jokes then flag that nobody is taking the rhinoceroses seriously and that people can still make light of the situation.
Themes
Botard stubbornly declares that the rhinoceros is a myth, just like flying saucers, and ignores Mr. Papillon. Dudard insists that a cat was trampled in front of witnesses and motions to Berenger, but Botard says that Berenger is a poor witness. Botard continues that this is just like religion: “collective psychosis” and the “opiate of the people.” Daisy says that she believes in flying saucers, and Mr. Papillon threatens to cut their wages if they don’t stop arguing. He tells Dudard to get to work on his report on an alcoholic repression law and for Berenger and Botard to finish correcting the proofs for the new wine trade control regulations. Mr. Papillon goes into his office.
Here, Botard quotes Karl Marx when he says that religion is the “opiate of the people.” The fact that all of Mr. Papillon’s employees are working on reports about controlling alcohol bring Berenger’s alcoholism back to the forefront of the reader or audience’s mind. Controlling alcohol like this is a reminder that as an alcoholic, Berenger is an outsider and that the mainstream will try to incorporate him in by controlling his alcohol consumption and therefore, his ability to escape.
Themes
Berenger and Botard begin going through their proof out loud, but they quiet down when Dudard asks. Out of the blue, Botard says the rhinoceros thing is all a hoax and is just propaganda. Daisy says again that she saw the rhinoceros, but the men ignore her. Dudard asks what this is supposed to be propaganda for, but Botard asks Dudard to tell him since he’s involved. Dudard angrily says that he’s not a part of an underground organization. Berenger and Daisy try to calm the angry men as Mr. Papillon rushes back in with the timesheet. Everyone takes a seat silently and Mr. Papillon confirms that Mr. Bœuf is out. Mr. Papillon grouses that if this continues, he’ll have to fire Mr. Bœuf.
Botard’s accusation comes entirely out of nowhere, which shows that Botard is a suspicious person who’s susceptible to believing conspiracy theories—or inventing them himself and repeating them until they seem true enough.
Themes
Just then, Mrs. Bœuf comes through the trapdoor. She’s teary and out of breath. Mr. Papillon asks where her husband is and Mrs. Bœuf says that he’s out of town and has the flu. She hands Mr. Papillon a telegram and asks for a glass of water. Dudard and Berenger help her into a chair while Daisy fetches water. Mr. Papillon says that it’s annoying that Mr. Bœuf is indisposed, but it’s no reason for Mrs. Bœuf to work herself up. Mrs. Bœuf says that she’s in this state because a rhinoceros chased her here and it’s waiting at the bottom of the stairs. They hear a crash from below and the stairs collapse. The rhinoceros trumpets. Daisy and Mrs. Bœuf shriek and scream.
The presence of yet another rhinoceros shows the characters that this is truly something that they can’t ignore—while the fact that this one chased Mrs. Bœuf and scared her so much, and that it destroyed the staircase, represents an escalation of violence. While the first rhinoceros made dust and the second killed a cat, this one is now taking things a step further by destroying property and chasing people.
Themes
Botard, Dudard, and Mr. Papillon look down as Berenger comforts Mrs. Bœuf. Botard insists it’s an illusion and Dudard calls Berenger to look. The rhinoceros circles down below, bellowing. Dudard says it seems like it’s looking for someone. Finally, Botard admits that he can see something, but Mr. Papillon confirms that it’s definitely a rhinoceros. Berenger says that it has two horns, but he doesn’t know whether it’s Asian or African. Mr. Papillon remarks that it’s a good thing it demolished the staircase, as he’s been asking management to fix it for a while now. He says that he knew it was going to happen, but Daisy rolls her eyes.
When Mr. Papillon rationalizes that the rhinoceros destroying the staircase is a good thing, it mirrors how at first, dangerous movements, fascist or otherwise, can look as though they’re going to shake things up and bring positive change—but that this outlook ignores the fact that the movement itself is still violent and troubling in a variety of ways. Refocusing the argument on rhinoceros species shows that this is something that distracts from the violence.
Themes
Berenger asks his coworkers if the Asian or the African rhinoceros has only one horn. Daisy wonders what the rhinoceros wants and speaks comfortingly to it, but Dudard grabs her and cautions her to not get any closer. The rhinoceros bellows horribly as Berenger asks Botard which species of rhinoceros has two horns. Botard asks incredulously how this is possible in a “civilized country,” but Daisy asks him if it exists or not. Botard declares that it’s a plot and accuses Dudard of responsibility. When Dudard asks why, Botard furiously says that “the little people” always take the blame.
Now that Botard is faced with the inarguable fact that the rhinoceros exists, he’s left wondering how this happened—which, since World War II, has been a question asked by people the world over about how the Nazis came to power. Daisy’s desire to comfort the rhinoceros and the attempts to rationalize it offer some clues: people sympathized and rationalized, which made it possible for harmful ideologies to take hold.
Themes
Mr. Papillon notes that they’re in a horrible place without stairs and Daisy asks how they’ll get down. Jokingly, Mr. Papillon strokes her face and says that he’ll carry her down. Daisy moves away. Mrs. Bœuf stares down the trapdoor at the trumpeting rhinoceros and then cries out that the rhinoceros is Mr. Bœuf. The rhinoceros trumpets violently but tenderly, and Mr. Papillon declares that Mr. Bœuf is fired now. Dudard and Daisy wonder whether Mr. Bœuf is insured as Botard dramatically says that he’s reporting this to his union and won’t abandon a colleague. Mrs. Bœuf begins to perk up and says that her husband is calling her. Botard invites her to join the union committee and promises support.
Discovering that the rhinoceros is Mr. Bœuf reveals that the rhinoceroses aren’t just wild animals—they’re these people’s friends, coworkers, and spouses. This starts to show that harmful ideologies don’t just corrupt people who are obvious villains; they very easily draw in everyday citizens by appearing rational and superior, even if in reality, they’re violent.
Themes
Mr. Papillon grouses that work will be delayed and asks if the post is delayed, too. Daisy snaps that she doesn’t care; she wants to know how they’ll get out of the office. Mr. Papillon points to the window, and Berenger suggests they call the fire department. Mr. Papillon sends Daisy to make the phone call as Mrs. Bœuf rises suddenly and declares that she can’t desert Mr. Bœuf. Gently, Mr. Papillon says that she’s justified in divorcing her husband, but Mrs. Bœuf refuses. She runs to the edge of the trapdoor and pulls out of Berenger’s grasp as she jumps down. Botard points out that she did her duty. Dudard and Botard watch the Bœufs ride away.
The suggestion that Mrs. Bœuf is doing her duty by joining her rhinoceros husband represents a shift in Botard’s thinking. He no longer laments over how all of this happened; he now believes that it’s important to support rhinoceroses. This illustrates how quickly harmful movements and ideologies can take hold, especially once someone’s loved ones get involved and make it seem less violent or troubling.
Themes
Daisy announces that she had a hard time getting ahold of the fire department as Berenger says he agrees that Mrs. Bœuf’s choice was moving. Mr. Papillon laments that he has to replace an employee, and Daisy says that the firemen have been called out for other rhinoceroses—as many as 32 have been reported, but they’re on their way. Botard insists that 32 is an exaggeration, but he seems unsure.
That there are at least 32 other rhinoceroses running around town makes it clear that this is an epidemic, not something unique or contained. The quick spread speaks to the effectiveness of the logic in the previous scene to normalize the rhinoceroses.
Themes
Dudard asks Botard if he still denies that there are rhinoceroses about. Botard berates Mr. Papillon about violating union contracts and tells Dudard that he never denied that there are rhinoceroses—he just wanted to figure out where it came from and be able to explain it. Dudard, Daisy, and Mr. Papillon ask him to explain, but Botard says that he’ll explain it one day in the future. In a horrible whisper, Botard says he knows who’s responsible and plans to expose the whole plot. This confuses everyone, but Botard continues and says that only hypocrites pretend to not understand what’s happening—and “they” won’t get away with it easily.
What Botard says makes no sense, but by continuing to insist that he’s being sensible, logical, and just trying to explain things, Botard is able to convince himself that he’s in the right, which becomes important later when he ultimately becomes a rhinoceros himself. Creating some nebulous and nefarious “they” also makes it easy for Botard to point fingers, since it’s much harder to accuse someone’s colleagues, like Mr. Bœuf, of doing something awful.
Themes
The firemen arrive. The men decide that they can’t come back to work, since management will be responsible if someone gets hurt on the stairs. The firemen help Daisy down through the window and Mr. Papillon calls after her to come to his house to type tomorrow. He turns to Dudard and Botard and tells them that work will resume soon. Botard replies that they’ll be exploited until they die. Firemen help Mr. Papillon down and then Botard. As Botard descends, he says that he’s going to get to the bottom of this and will prove that Dudard is responsible. Dudard invites Berenger to have a drink, but Berenger says he’s meeting Jean to apologize for their argument.
Botard’s insistence that the company will continue to exploit him provides some reasoning for why he eventually becomes a rhinoceros—just as Berenger turns to alcohol, turning into a rhinoceros represents a form of escapism from the nine-to-five grind that, Botard suggests, oppresses everyone. The oppressiveness of this system is especially apparent when Mr. Papillon is so insistent on getting everyone back to work as soon as possible when there are much bigger concerns than work.
Themes
