Rhinoceros Language and Communication Quotes

This little snippet gives us a glimpse into the relationship between Jean and Berenger. From the get go, they just can’t seem to talk straight to each other. Berenger comes off as uninterested for much of the conversation, and Jean never feels like Berenger is talking honestly or even really listening. Remember, these fellas are supposed to be good friends. If they can’t even communicate like two adults, what’s going to happen for strangers on the street?

Who doesn’t love a good “How dare you!” moment in a play? As Jean and Berenger’s conversation continues, and each one thinks the other is saying something they may not actually be saying at all, the two friends start to get angry. The breakdown in communication leads them to bicker like little children.

Yes, the “Dead cats column.” No, not the obituaries. Yes, ridiculous. Beyond that little twist on the journalism trade, this moment highlights another aspect of communication that Ionesco challenges—the written word. Dudard is a slave to what’s written in the newspaper. If it’s there, it must be true. Just like everything you read about celebrities in the tabloids. Duh.