Rhinoceros/Chairs

Book Details

• Publisher: Penguin

• Author: Eugene Ionesco

• Language: English

• Edition: Latest

• ISBN: 9780141184296

• Pages: 224

• Cover: Paperback

• Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.1 x 0.7 inches

About the Book

This Penguin edition presents a remarkable collection of three of Eugene Ionesco’s most celebrated plays: Rhinoceros, The Chairs, and The Lesson. Known for his groundbreaking contributions to the Theatre of the Absurd, Ionesco’s works delve into the absurdities of human existence, the chaos of modern life, and the complexities of communication.

In Rhinoceros, Ionesco presents a surreal world where humans begin to transform into rhinoceroses, symbolizing the dangers of conformity and the loss of individual identity. The Chairs, a poignant exploration of isolation and the human need for recognition, features an elderly couple preparing for an event that never truly materializes, reflecting the futility and absurdity of human existence. The Lesson is a dark, unsettling portrayal of power dynamics and intellectual manipulation, as a young student learns a terrifying lesson from her professor.

This collection brings together the sharp wit, irony, and dark humor that characterize Ionesco's exploration of human absurdities. Perfect for those interested in the Theatre of the Absurd or anyone eager to experience the thought-provoking nature of 20th-century European drama. With its deep philosophical undercurrents, this edition provides readers with an extraordinary window into the absurd world Ionesco masterfully creates.