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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. Estelle would rather escape from the room than what?

2. Who served Garcin and his mistress coffee in bed?

3. Whose marriage did Inez break up?

4. Inez calls Estelle...

5. Where do Olga and Peter go?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Garcin mean when he says that he can see where talking to each other will lead?

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

4. Do you think that Garcin really would prefer physical torture? Which would you prefer--physical or mental anguish of this kind?

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

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

7. What do you think is the worst thing Garcin did to his wife?

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

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

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

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

Punishment and suffering are two major themes in this play, especially in terms of characterizing the three main characters. Chose one of the options below:

A) The characters deserved their punishment as it fit their crimes.

B) The characters did not deserve to suffer the way they did. Their actions in the room should make up for their crimes.

Please chose just one character to write about (Garcin, Inez or Florence) and write an essay that makes an argument for either A) or B) above.

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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