Themes In Rhinoceros Play: How Human Superior

Themes in Rhinoceros Play Name Institution Rhinoceros Play In Rhinoceros, the author has used different themes to illustrate how human beings are superior to the Rhinoceri. Specifically, the theme of Will and Responsibility has been used to achieve this purpose. Those who have will power and take responsibility for their actions lead meaningful lives, whereas those lacking this willpower succumb to the pressures of life. The truth in this is made clear through the characters Berenger, who has a great sense of moral responsibility, and Jean, Dudard and Daisy, on the other hand who are just guided by will of power and not responsibility. The theme of will and responsibility is best illustrated through the character Berenger, who transforms from an unconcerned man to one at the center of saving humanity. At first Berenger is presented as a man with no aim in life and who lacks concern for anything else except for his alcohol. He tells Jean “but everybody hasn’t as much willpower as you have. I can’t get used to it. I just can’t get used to life.” (p. 7). He goes through life as if it is a dream and almost everything is boring to him including his work and life. However, in spite of being perceived as an escapist who constantly sought to escape from the pressures of life through alcohol, his great will power comes live when he chooses to stick to his human identity. His friend Jean helps him discover this will. Belanger failed to understand why others around him were ready to transform into other beings far from their human nature. In the end, he is among the few humans who manage to maintain their real identities. He shows a great will of responsibility through his concern for all. For instance, Berenger is given the opportunity to unite with the woman he really loved, Daisy, but for this to happen, it would mean losing Dudard, his co-worker to the Rhinoceri. In this case, he decides to save Dudard at the expense of his love, hence proving that he was concerned about humanity and took the responsibility to save it. He took this responsibility to save all humanity despite having been scorned by almost all those around him. The theme is also shown through characters who easily escape from taking responsibility and end ...