View a FREE sample

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

Short Answer Questions

1. Which character acts snobbish when he/she learns what the others did for a living?

2. Who sees Olga in a vision?

3. Why are the three characters in the room?

4. Where does Estelle say her husband is?

5. How many mirrors are there in the room?

Short Essay Questions

1. As Inez, Estelle, and Garcin watch their friends and family back on Earth, how do they react?

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

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

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

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

6. What makes Inez realize that they are supposed to be each other's torturers?

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

8. When Garcin asks the Valet what is outside the room, what does the Valet say?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

In some ways, this play is characterized by a "battle of the sexes" that is also complicated by a love triangle. Closely read Estelle's assertion that "Well, in that case our tastes differ. That's all it proves. [Turning to INEZ] What about you? Do you like men in their shirt-sleeves?"

Answer the following questions:

1. How does this statement characterize Estelle? What does it communicate about her?

2. What does it reveal about Inez?

3. How does it contribute to the rising dramatic tension in the play? How does it affect the intensifying interactions between the three main characters?

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)

This section contains 713 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample