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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. When Estelle enters the room, who is already there?

2. What is strange about Estelle's friend at her funeral?

3. Whom does Garcin say always got on his nerves?

4. Whom does Garcin see in his vision?

5. How many windows are there in the room?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. When Garcin is asked why he is in the room, what does he say? Do you believe him, and why or why not?

5. What does Estelle say about why she thinks she is in the room?

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

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

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

9. How do you know that these characters are dead and in hell, despite the fact that Sartre does not explicitly state it?

10. Describe, at this point in the play, the nature of hell.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Because these characters are dead, issues of death and dying strongly affect the way they behave. Describe how each character died, using as many specifics as you can remember from the play. After you describe how each character died, chose one of the following below and write one paragraph:

A) In your opinion, which death was the "worst" or most unfortunate, and why?

B) Describe which death you feel was most appropriate, that is: which character deserved to die the way they did, and why?

Essay Topic 2

Chose either Garcin, Estelle, or Inez and write a detailed character sketch, that includes not only information about their actions and feelings, but also about their use by the author to demonstrate ideas about guilt, denial, cowardice and cruelty. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ideas about their characterizations.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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