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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. Which character sings softly to him/herself?

2. How did Inez's cousin die?

3. What item does Estelle ask the others for?

4. When Garcin says, "I've left my fate in their hands," who is he talking about?

5. Who says that she often undressed in front of his/her maid?

Short Essay Questions

1. What do you think of Inez's attempt to woo Estelle by calling her by the romantic names her lovers used to use?

2. Although both Inez and Garcin pressure Estelle into telling them why she is in the room, at the end of the section, why is Estelle only angry with Inez and not Garcin?

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

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

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

6. Why did Garcin flee to Mexico, and what does it have to do with cowardice?

7. Why is Estelle so upset when she sees Olga tell one of her lovers the truth?

8. Why do you think that Inez would rather deal with hell face to face?

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

10. How is Inez's volunteering to be the mirror for Estelle symbolic?

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

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

Estelle is characterized as the most selfish of the three characters. Explain the details Sartre uses to show these aspects of her character, including her physical description, her behavior in the room as well as her actions before.

Chose one:

A) Consider her life before: her marriage, affair and pregnancy. What do these details demonstrate about her as a person?

B) Consider her behavior in the room. How does she act, and how do you think that her treatment of Garcin and Inez contributes to the overall conflict of the play?

(see the answer keys)

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