Rewriting the Extraordinary Exhibition.
On the surface, we are reading a story of a city where its people are being transformed one by one and mysteriously into something else. But beneath the surface, each character is a representative part of society. Every sentence has other meanings and every event explains a specific concept.
In my opinion, what I read was a social narrative where the people gradually reach a new awareness. This book well explained the process of the formation of a social movement and truly, reading it was enjoyable.
More than 40 years ago, this was mandatory school reading. Generally speaking, it was usually a sure recipe for disliking a book ever after. However, after a recent reread, this play still remains very enjoyable, and that's truly quite something. I'm not a fan of the absurdist theatre, which is in the line of Boris Vian and the likes. But in this case, it really works. Of course, one can read this play in very different ways. To me, it is foremost about the individual who either maintains him/herself or submerges in a society that has completely got in the grip of totalitarianism. And so many years after its publication, it can also be read as a sharp critique on the rampant consumerism everywhere. Well done, Ionesco!
This play has withstood the test of time and continues to offer valuable insights. It makes us think about the power of the individual in a conformist society and the dangers of totalitarianism. The critique of consumerism is also very relevant today, as we are constantly bombarded with advertisements and messages telling us to buy more. Ionesco's use of absurdity and humor makes the play accessible and engaging, even though the themes it explores are quite serious. Overall, I would rate this play 3.5 stars.
This is a superb allegory that employs the absurd to discuss serious matters, such as the mechanisms of insinuation in people's minds and the recruitment of the masses towards dangerous ideologies, without actually naming them. One can see everything and its opposite in it (and that's precisely the genius of the piece)! It's an excellent read and a powerful pedagogical tool. Truly, it's worth taking a look!
The use of the absurd in this allegory adds an element of mystery and depth. It makes the reader think and question, rather than simply presenting a straightforward message. By not naming the specific ideologies, the author allows the reader to apply the concepts to various real-life situations, making it more relevant and applicable.
As a pedagogical tool, this allegory can be used to teach students about the power of persuasion, the importance of critical thinking, and the dangers of blindly following an ideology. It can also spark discussions and debates, helping students to develop their communication and analytical skills. Overall, it's a valuable piece of literature that offers both entertainment and education.
The words "Δεν θα σας ακολουθήσω, ούτε θα γίνω σαν και σας, γιατί δεν σας καταλαβαίνω. Θα παραμείνω αυτό που είμαι. Εγώ είμαι ανθρώπινο πλάσμα, ένας άνθρωπος" express a powerful stance. It shows a determination not to conform, not to follow the crowd blindly. The individual is stating that they cannot understand others and will remain true to themselves, being just a human being.
Then there is the mention of "Ο άνθρωπος κόντρα στον ιό της ρινοκερίασης. Ο άνθρωπος κόντρα σε κάθε αποκτήνωση που προσπαθεί να σου επιβληθεί ως κανονικότητα. Ο Ιονέσκο στα καλύτερά του." Here, it is about the human being in opposition to the rhinovirus, symbolizing perhaps the various challenges and diseases that come our way. But more importantly, it's about the human being's resistance against every imposition that tries to be forced upon them as the norm. Ionesco is at his best in描绘 these struggles and the individual's fight for authenticity and freedom.