When people talk about Rhinoceros, they’re not usually going all “sex, drugs, and rock and roll” on it. It’s not that kind of play. However, alcohol comes up again and again, and it’s definitely a major theme. The thing about it, though, is that Ionesco doesn’t seem to make any judgments about alcohol.
The hero in the play is a bit of a drunk, but he’s the only one who shows a willingness to stand and fight in the end. Berenger is berated for his drinking by Jean, and his willpower is questioned over and over again, but in the end, Berenger’s willpower appears to be much stronger than anyone else’s.
This doesn’t mean the play is pro-alcoholism or anything like that. It does, however, give Ionesco a chance to delve into the hypocrisy inherent in so many people. You know, those people who judge you for one thing or another while all the time they’ve got way worse stuff—like a rhinoceros gene—hidden in their closets?
Questions About Drugs and Alcohol
- According to Jean, how often does Berenger drink? How much oftener is that than he should?
- What does Jean suggest Berenger should do instead of drinking? Might Jean’s suggestions actually better Berenger’s life, or is there something else behind his advice?
- What might the reasons be behind Berenger’s drinking?
Chew on This
Berenger is clearly a different man at the end of the play than he was at the beginning. He claims he’s been drinking less. Does drinking—or not drinking—tie directly in to Berenger’s change?
Ionesco specifically made Berenger a drinker who can’t quite get things together in his life. It’s these very flaws that make Berenger more human and connect him to an audience that, regardless of drinking habits, are also flawed.