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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. What does Inez say a torturer looks like?

2. Garcin suggests they all stay where?

3. Will the Valet always come when the bell rings?

4. Estelle is the first character to suggest that they...

5. Who is smoking cigars in one of the visions?

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 say about why she thinks she is in the room?

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

4. 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?

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

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

7. When Garcin asks Inez how she knows what a torturer looks like, what does she say?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The pen knife is an important symbol because it helps the climax erupt and the play's falling action begin. Discuss the pen knife, its purpose as both a thematic symbol for these characters as well as a literal weapon. What purpose does it serve for Estelle to stab Inez, when she has been torturing her emotionally the whole play, for example. Discuss Garcin's wish that he could substitute physical torture for this mental anguish in terms of this violence.

In addition, decide whether or not you think these three have been punished enough, or if they deserve to be stuck with each other for eternity.

Essay Topic 2

Inez proclaims herself cruel, saying "I'm your lark-mirror, my dear, and you can't escape me....There isn't any pimple, not a trace of one. So what about it? Suppose the mirror started telling lies? Or suppose I covered my eyes--as he is doing--and refused to look at you."

1. Contextualize this passage in terms of the section of the scene it comes from: What is happening when Inez says it?

2. Analyze what role the mirror symbol plays in this section. Why use this symbol right now?

3. What does it demonstrate about Garcin's relationship to Estelle?

Essay Topic 3

The scene where Inez offers to be Estelle's mirror is very revealing of the central tension between the two women and shows the audience more about their inner selves. It links symbolically the human eye and mirrors. Chose one of the following:

A) Discuss how this scene fits into a larger pattern of symbols, or a motif of mirrors, glass, eyes, seeing, etc.

B) Explain what this scene reveals about Inez and Estelle, and helps show the audience how they really are.

(see the answer keys)

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