A small town faces an existential crisis when its inhabitants begin transforming into rhinoceroses, challenging the protagonist to maintain his individuality against a tide of mass conformity. Berenger, an unremarkable and often alienated man, finds himself the sole holdout in a society rapidly succumbing to a literal and metaphorical transformation into beasts. As his friends, colleagues, and neighbors embrace the rhinoceros state, he must navigate the psychological pressure to conform while grappling with his own sense of self. The narrative utilizes the framework of absurdist drama to explore the fragility of human identity and the ease with which societal norms can collapse. The play functions as a logical progression of the absurd, where the physical transformation serves as a catalyst for examining political and social complicity.

Readers and critics frequently identify these works as foundational texts of the Theatre of the Absurd, noting their effectiveness in portraying the irrationality of human behavior. Discussion often centers on the political allegories embedded within the transformation, particularly regarding the rise of totalitarian ideologies in the mid-20th century. The pacing is often described as relentless, mirroring the rapid spread of the rhinoceros phenomenon throughout the town. Many highlight the stark contrast between the comedic absurdity of the dialogue and the underlying dread of the thematic content. The work remains a frequent subject of analysis for its commentary on the difficulty of maintaining personal integrity in the face of overwhelming social pressure.