Rhinoceros Language and Communication Quotes

This is like those moments when you call someone up and you hear them saying “hello” like twenty times, but you accidentally pressed the mute button with your face so they can’t hear you at all. Jean claims he can still understand Berenger, but Berenger can only get the occasional phrase between rhino grunts. Language is falling apart in the scene. These two are no longer speaking the same language. Or even the same species.

Berenger’s not even talking to rhino-Jean anymore here. It’s one of those moments when you think you’re being crystal clear but everyone else is either not listening or choosing to take your words in a different way. Which is how Berenger feels when he talks to Dudard in the final act. They’re getting their debate on, and Berenger believes that Dudard is making a point of not getting his point. Yep, better believe another rhino’s about to sprout.

The fact that Berenger still thinks talking and “writing manifestos” are going to make a difference at this point in the play is comical (and is usually seen that way by an audience). Rhinos are storming the streets. What is a manifesto going to do? This is one of those moments in which Ionesco seems to suggest that sometimes action is the only option. Language and communication fail to be an effective tool at some point.