Week 13 Study Questions

Tuesday

1. Contrast the characters of Jean, Berenger, and the Logician. Which character seems the most likely to transform into a rhinoceros, and why? If we asked each character why they think they won't succumb, what would they say?

2. In what ways do the various characters react to the first encounter with a rhinoceros? How are the reactions different than we might expect if it happened in real life? What does the author want to convey to the reader through their reactions?

3. On pages 7 and 17 of the play (course reader 159 and 165), Berenger describes his strange inability to get used to life and his constant sense of fear. Compare Berenger's experience to Sartre's idea of "anguish" and to Camus' idea of the absurd.

Thursday

1. How does Jean try to justify to Berenger his sympathy with the rhinoceroses? Why is he so scornful of Berenger's "humanism"?

2. Why does Dudard think Berenger shouldn't do anything to intervene, such as contacting the mayor? Dudard says that "to understand is to justify." Is that true?

3. Why does Berenger have the strength to resist when Jean does not, despite the fact that Berenger has less will-power or self-control?

4. What advice does Daisy give Berenger about how they should deal with the rhinoceros outbreak? Is her advice reasonable? She says that "guilt is a dangerous symptom." Is that true?