Proposed Title of the Project: A Discussion on the Absurd Theatre in Reference with Eugene Ionesco's Rhinoceros

Hindol Palit

Roll: ME10 00 33

Year: M A English, 3rd Semester

Proposed title of the project: A Discussion on the absurd theatre in reference with Eugene Ionesco's Rhinoceros

Supervisor: Dr. Subhbrat Sarkar

Proposal

"...I'm the last man left, and I'm staying that way until the end. I am not capitulating!"

After the first reading of Rhinoceros, the present researcher conceives the play as a lone rebellion of an individual refusing the temptation of conformity. I am also surprised to see such an attempt from a playwright who so vehemently denounces the call of committed art. With a little perplexed mind, I start to consult Martin Esslin's Theatre of Absurd and immediately come to realize the terrible mistake I have committed. The apparently heroic defiance of individual on the face of infectious monstrosity is nothing but a fox's contempt for grapes. As I finish my second and third reading, it clears that Rhinoceros is not only a tract against conformism and totalitarianism, but a mockery against an individual who basks in the vain glory of having a superior mind and his frustrated grunting not to be part of a happy throng of lesser sensitive people.

The next question that starts to haunt me is why should I fall in the trap of drawing an easy conclusion after my first reading of the text. Is it because that I am too much preoccupied with standards and criteria set for a well-made play? Is it then necessary to figure out a different set standards and criteria to get a proper reading of absurd drama? What are differences between an absurd drama and a well-made play?

In my project I will try to address these issues to envisage a better understanding of absurd drama. I will also try to put some light on Ionesco as a playwright in reference with Rhinoceros which stupefies the present researcher to a remarkable degree.