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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. How many years was Estelle happily married?

2. Which character says "I don't care much for men anyway"?

3. What does Garcin suggest they all do?

4. When talking about the decoration of the room, Estelle says that she has always...?

5. How many windows are there in the room?

Short Essay Questions

1. Do you think that one of these characters is more truthful than the other two? If so, which one?

2. What are some examples of foreshadowing in the first part of the play?

3. Why do you think the author shows Garcin looking at his colleagues relaxing at the end of the day, smoking cigars?

4. What is Garcin's response to Inez saying that there was reason to be afraid "before," but not now?

5. Why are there no toothbrushes or beds in the room?

6. Why does Inez believe Garcin to be her torturer?

7. What are some of the things that cause tension between Inez and Garcin?

8. Describe the room in which Garcin finds himself.

9. What does Garcin in his shirtsleeves stand for? Why does Estelle say she cannot stand a man in his shirtsleeves?

10. What does Estelle complain about when she enters the room?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Consider the order in which Sartre introduces the characters into the room. Write an essay that considers the following:

1. Why does Garcin come first? What are the advantages to the story and to the tension that will develop to having him introduce the play and anchor the action?

2. If you were Sartre, would you have put Inez on stage next? Is it significant that she and Garcin are in the room alone for a few minutes before Estelle joins them?

3. Discuss Estelle's introduction to the room (the color of the sofa, etc.) and describe how it heightens the growing tension in the room.

4. How does the order of the characters foreshadow the very end of the play?

Essay Topic 2

Sartre uses symbols to communicate deeper levels of meaning in this play. In an essay, describe the first instances of this symbol, i.e. what it meant and how it was represented at the beginning of the play. Then examine how the symbol evolved, or how the characters' and audiences understanding of the symbol changes over the course of the play. Chose one of the following symbols:

A) The bronze statue.

B) The human eye.

Essay Topic 3

How one character punishes another is of primary importance in this play. The reasons why these three are each other's perfect torturers are revealed in the action of the play and in the things the characters say to each other. Chose one of the following and write an essay:

A) How Inez is the best torturer for Garcin.

B) How Garcin is the best torturer for Estelle.

C) How Estelle is the best torturer for Inez.

Be sure to explain the specific ways in which the character tortured his/her fellow character, and why their particular ways of inflicting pain were sure to be the most painful. In addition, briefly state which one would be the best torturer for you and why.

(see the answer keys)

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