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The Chairs
Eugène Ionesco
Study Guide
Summary
Plot Overview
Summary & Analysis
Part One: Beginning until end of story
Part Two: From end of man's story until the second guest
Part Three: From after second guest arrives until the room is filled
Part Four: From the Emperor's entrance until the end
Characters
Character List
Old Man
Old Woman
Orator
Main Ideas
Themes
Motifs
Symbols
Key Facts
Quotes
Important Quotations Explained
Further Study
Context
Full Book Quiz
Section Quizzes
Context
Plot Overview
Character List
Analysis of Major Characters
Themes, Motifs, and Symbols
Part One: Beginning until end of story
Part Two: From end of man's story until the second guest
Part Three: From after second guest arrives until the room is filled
Part Four: From the Emperor's entrance until the end
Study Questions
Suggestions for Further Reading
Writing Help
How to Write Literary Analysis
Suggested Essay Topics
How to Cite This SparkNote
Further study
Context Quiz
Context Quiz
1
of 5
What popular absurdist play overshadowed the premier of The Chairs in 1952?
The Bald Soprano
Waiting for Godot
Ubu Roi
The Maids
2
of 5
What French dramatic movement of the 1940s and 50s commented on existentialism, and the absurdity of the modern condition?
Dadaism
Theatre National Populaire
Agitprop
Theatre of the Absurd
3
of 5
What aspect of Romanian culture and politics did Ionesco resent in his upbringing?
Conservatism and anti-Semitism
Insularity and xenophobia
Censorship and authoritarianism
Socialism and internationalism
4
of 5
What is Soren Kierkegaard's dictum?
"Existence precedes essence"
"Form follows function"
"Might makes right"
"Life is understood backward"
5
of 5
Which of Ionesco's plays earned international attention for its anti-Nazi commentary?
Rhinoceros
The Chairs
Salutations
The New Tenant
Previous section
Full Book Quiz
Next section
Plot Overview Quick Quiz
The Chairs: Popular pages
CHARACTERS
Character List
CHARACTERS
Old Man: Character Analysis
MAIN IDEAS
Important Quotations Explained
MAIN IDEAS
Themes
FURTHER STUDY
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