The Absurdity of Reason in Rhinoceros

A literary device where a story has a second, underlying meaning, often with a moral or social message.

A literary device that uses exaggerated, illogical situations to highlight the flaws of society or human nature.

The characters' attempts to avoid facing reality by using rationalizations or excuses.

Belief systems that control thought and behavior through strict rules and conformity.

The ability to think logically and clearly; it is essential for moral reasoning and decision-making.

The ability to think for oneself and resist pressure to conform, even when it is difficult.

A character that challenges the dominant ideology and represents resistance to conformity

The process by which individuals lose their individuality and conform to a group or ideology.

A type of reasoning that uses a series of logical steps to reach a conclusion, but the conclusion is actually illogical and absurd.

A recurring element or idea that represents a larger theme or concept in a work of art, like the rhinoceros transformation in Rhinoceros.

The central conflict between a character's individual beliefs and the pressure to conform to the ideas or actions of a group.

A story or situation that is used to teach a moral lesson, like the rhinoceros transformation representing the spread of dangerous ideologies.

A system of beliefs, often political or ideological, characterized by extreme nationalism, authoritarianism, and suppression of opposition, like the rhinoceros transformation symbolizing fascism.

The idea that scientific theories and knowledge are prone to errors and can be overturned by new discoveries.

The use of deliberate deception to manipulate others, often using complex and seemingly logical arguments to justify unethical actions.

The main character in the play, who struggles with alcohol addiction and is confronted with the sudden appearance of rhinoceroses.

Jean is Berenger's friend, characterized by his intense reactions and his willingness to dismiss any dissenting opinion.

The emergence of rhinoceroses in the play symbolizes a force that is both powerful and destructive, representing a transformation or a loss of individuality.

This literary reference compares Jean's accusation to a passage in the Bible, highlighting the deceptive nature of appearances. What seems harmless can hide a sinister reality.

The setting is a region in central Spain that is known for its sparse rain. This reinforces the sense of isolation and dryness that pervades the play.

A false religious or ideological system designed to mislead people and promote loyalty to corrupt powers.

A person who studies logic, reasoning, and valid arguments.

A state of collective delusion or madness, where a large group of people share irrational beliefs or behaviors.

A French law from 1920-33 that attempted to curb corruption and crime by suppressing alcohol consumption. However, it led to increased consumption of other substances, such as opium and marijuana.

A metaphorical term used by Karl Marx to describe religion's role in alleviating social problems, offering solace and a sense of hope to the oppressed.

The transformation of humans into rhinoceroses, which is the central theme of Ionesco's play.

Refusing to conform to the majority, maintaining individuality and resisting the pressure to transform into a rhinoceros.

The human tendency to follow societal trends or majority opinions, often blindly or without critical thinking.

The ability to maintain individual identity and uniqueness despite social pressure to conform.

A state of being ashamed or embarrassed about one's inability to fit in with the prevailing norms or trends.

The act of showing tolerance and consideration towards others, even when they express differences in opinions or beliefs.

The feeling of isolation and separation from others, often marked by distrust and cynicism.

A cynical or skeptical attitude towards the meaning and value of human relationships.

The breakdown of coherent communication and the loss of rationality, often characterized by incoherent dialogue, repetition, and meaningless speech.

A type of fallacy where a person tries to distract from the issue by attacking the opponent personally rather than addressing the argument.

A fallacy that introduces irrelevant information or a distraction to mislead and divert attention from the main point.

A moral system that operates outside of traditional notions of good and evil, often marked by ambiguity and unpredictability.