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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. Which character is the most reluctant to sit there silently?

3. What personal item does Garcin miss?

4. What happened to make Estelle's marriage unhappy?

5. Who asks the Valet if they can turn out the lights?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Why does Estelle refuse Inez's offer of her sofa?

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

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

5. 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?

6. Why are eyes and "not looking at each other" symbolically important at this part in the play?

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

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

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

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

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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