How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Line). Every time a character talks counts as one line, even if what they say turns into a long monologue. We used Donald M. Allen's translation.
Quote #4
Old Woman: "Get your programs...who wants a program? Eskimo pies, caramels...fruit drops..." (338)
Here's another big hint that The Chairs is kind of a play within a play. The Old Woman begins selling programs and concessions just like at the theater. The audience watching the play would be sitting there holding programs in their hands and probably picking caramel out of their teeth. This self-referential moment would probably not go unnoticed.
Quote #5
Old Man: "Thanks to all those who have given me their precious and expert, financial or moral support, thereby contributing to the overwhelming success of this evening's gathering..." (519)
The Old Man's speech is very much like one that a playwright or director might make before the beginning of a play. When the Old Man speaks this way, standing before the rows of chairs, it makes the audience think again about how in many ways The Chairs is a play within a play.
Quote #6
Orator: "He, mme, mm, mm. Ju, gou, hou, hou. Heu, heu, ju hou, gueue." (541)
Some think Ionesco was expressing frustration with actors here. Early on in his career, Ionesco's plays were underappreciated and misunderstood. Perhaps he felt the actors in his plays often misinterpreted their roles. He may have thought they turned his plays into gibberish in the same way the Orator mutilates the Old Man's message. Of course, Ionesco never verified this theory, so that's all it is: a theory.