Rhinoceros

Berenger's statement in Act One expresses existential doubt and counters the well-known philosophical premise of 17th-century philosopher Rene Descartes, considered a cornerstone of Western philosophy. Descartes said, "I think, therefore I am," or, in other words, the ability to think is the only proof of existence. Berenger's thinking that he may not exist articulates the foundation of existentialist philosophy, the formula "existence precedes essence," which states that humans are born ("existence") before they gain any soul or meaning in life ("essence"). However, for Berenger, neither physical nor mental existence is enough to count for true existence; he needs a life committed to something significant. His overriding love for humanity and decision to save them constitutes his essence.

Jean's insult to Berenger in Act One helps explain, in a different context, how millions were swayed to fascism. Ionesco builds up a concept of collective consciousness (later referred to in the play as "collective psychosis"), a universal mentality that compromises the individual mind. These minds, like Berenger's, evade responsibility and choice and allow external ideas to enter without an internal check. After World War II, people were wondering how the widespread fascist atrocities could have taken place, how such brutal ideas could have engaged humanity. Ionesco's play attempts to posit an answer, pinning the blame less on man's tendency to evil than his tendency not to think for himself.

This exchange comes at the end of the Logician's syllogism-tutorial of the Old Gentleman in Act One. In a world in which the atrocities of fascism can take place, Ionesco classifies the logic that orders the universe as absurd and inexplicable, beyond human rationality. The Logician is mercilessly parodied for his comic missteps in proving even a simple syllogism, as here, or when he unsuccessfully tries to explain why the rhinoceroses are appearing. In this scene, Ionesco demonstrates the inapplicability of logic to human emotion as he parallels the Logician's incoherent proof with Berenger's attempts to provide some rational reason for his unhappiness./EXPLANATION

"When you're involved yourself…you can't help feeling directly concerned."

"I'm not capitulating!"