« Être minorité » dans le théâtre de Jean Anouilh

Abstract

In his plays Jean Anouilh often raised the issues of discrimination, intolerance and the dominance of certain social groups over others. Minorities, however, were commonly portrayed in a negative light, and their striving for equality was mocked. It is not surprising then, that the attitude of the author aroused some controversies. In several of the plays which were analysed in this article, Anouilh in an interesting manner reverses the dominance dynamics between the minority and the majority to reveal certain universal truths about humans. He shows in a satirical way what happens when minority groups neglect or intentionally violate the rights of others in their efforts to achieve equality. Once oppressed they become the oppressors. That leads to the vicious-circle effect and the lack of social order. It seems that Anouilh postulates compromise and mutual tolerance between minorities and the majority, because, according to him, only on the basis of these two values can social justice be built.