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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. Who does Estelle says she has a hard time making friends with?

2. Why is Inez upset by her vision in Part 4?

3. What happens to the room where Inez used to live?

4. Which character sings softly to him/herself?

5. Which character was "fair, a natural blond"?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Estelle shed no actual tears when she cries?

2. Why is it significant that Garcin's colleagues have called him a coward?

3. Why did Garcin say he treated his wife so badly?

4. Why does Inez describe Estelle's mouth as cruel?

5. How does Garcin feel when Estelle tells him that it does not matter if he is a coward as long as he kisses well?

6. What do you think of Inez's promise to not do Garcin any harm if he leaves her and Estelle in peace?

7. Sartre uses a mirror as a symbol in Part 3. Describe how the mirror is important to understanding the character of Estelle.

8. What does Sartre demonstrate about Garcin when he interrupts his kissing Estelle to listen in to what his colleagues are saying?

9. In this section of the play, Estelle asks Garcin to hold her. Why?

10. What is Inez guilty of?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Since Garcin was a pacifist whose weakness was a fear of being a coward, he is particularly concerned with what his colleagues at the newspaper thought of him. Describe how Garcin's pacifism affects his behavior in the room. Does he refuse to fight? Does he show cowardice in his interactions with Estelle and Inez? What does he feel during his various visions of life going on without him?

In addition, decide whether or not you think Garcin was really a coward and write a paragraph supporting your opinion.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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