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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. Inez recognizes what a torturer looks like from...

2. Who asked Estelle to run away with him/her?

3. Where was Garcin shot?

4. What is Olga doing when Estelle, Garcin, and Inez discover that time moves differently in the room than on Earth?

5. What personal item does Garcin miss?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Inez's reaction to the Estelle's and Garcin's reasons for why they are in the room.

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

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

4. Why is Estelle surprised to see that Garcin's face is fine?

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

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

7. Why does Sartre introduce Estelle with her concerns about the sofas?

8. What kinds of differences are established between the three characters when Estelle asks if the other two have ever attended a country party at the home of one of her friends?

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

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

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

Consider the primary themes of this play, including sexual jealousy, violent cruelty and emotional abuse, and the actions described in this play. What elements of this play do you find controversial? What would you say if a friend asked you about reading this play? What was your favorite part and least favorite part? Which parts were most and least believable? Be specific and offer detailed examples from the text.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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