In modern society, dreamers are often described as idealists who search for romantic visions of life rather than confront life's true nature. Eugene Ionesco and Arthur Miller present readers with examples of dreamers in "Rhinoceros" and "Death of a Salesman." Ionesco comments on the absurdity of logic and allows readers to experience Berenger's dream world. Miller criticizes the American Dream and its value system by presenting the false image of reality that Willy Loman creates in his household. Both authors explore the idea that reality is relative to the person who is experiencing it.
During the Nazi occupation of Europe, writing intended to cause uprisings or writing that directly criticized the government was probable cause for execution or other forms of extreme punishment. Absurdist writing was Ionesco's medium for conveying his controversial social ideas and views to readers without fear of being caught. Ionesco creates Berenger, a detached and aimless drunkard, to represent both a mindless public that watches innocent people be taken from their homes to be killed and his ideal individual that stands up for what he believes is right. Berenger proclaims that "Life is a dream" and is later scorned by Jean for being this unconcerned with reality . "There are certain things which enter the minds of even people without one" (18). Berenger's indifference to reality and constant drunkenness allows him to avoid responsibility and choice. It is not until he is directly affected by the events surrounding him that he begins to become less indifferent. "There is something we can do (to resolve the rhinoceroses problem). We"ll have children, and our children will have children" (102). After Berenger realizes the absurd and illogical circumstances he has come across with the rhinoceroses, he begins to appreciate the weight of his situation. He becomes determined to act as an individual and is able to see the necessity of thinking and acting for himself.