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Rhinoceros Study Guide

by Eugene Ionesco

The study guide on Rhinoceros contains a biography of Eugene Ionesco, 100 quiz questions, major themes, a complete list of characters, and a full summary and analysis.

Rhinoceros is a captivating, critically acclaimed commentary on what is absurd about human nature. Like the abstract artists of the early 20th century, Ionesco abstracts reality to comedic and terrifying effect. His unusual language, stylized structure, and grand symbolism define the writer's place as the premiere playwright in what is known as the Theater of the Absurd.

The play begins in a very ordinary setting with very ordinary characters. We meet Berenger and Jean, two friends whose outward appearance and inner identities contrast greatly. Berenger looks messy with an untucked shirt and unkempt hair. He drinks every day, he cannot make appointments on time, and he feels as if he is drowning in the chaos of life itself. Jean, by…

Read the full Rhinoceros Summary

• Rhinoceros Summary
• About Rhinoceros
• Character List
• Glossary of Terms
• Major Themes
• Summary and Analysis of Act One
• Summary and Analysis of Act Two, Scene One
• Summary and Analysis of Act Two, Scene Two
• Summary and Analysis of Act Three
• Theatre of the Absurd
• Related Links on Rhinoceros
• Suggested Essay Questions
• Test Yourself! - Quiz 1
• Test Yourself! - Quiz 2
• Test Yourself! - Quiz 3
• Test Yourself! - Quiz 4
• Author of ClassicNote and Sources

• Rhinoceros: Major Themes
• Rhinoceros: Questions
• Rhinoceros: Purchase the Novel and Related Material
• Eugene Ionesco: Biography