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

2. If he could be back with them for one day, where would Garcin fling their lie?

3. Who calls Garcin a brute?

4. How did Garcin's wife die?

5. Garcin wishes he had been placed in a room full of what?

Short Essay Questions

1. If Inez does not seem to care about her appearance, why does she normally carry a mirror?

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

3. 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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

10. Why does Inez lie about Estelle's pimple?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

Near the end of the play, Garcin and Estelle make ready to flee the room. Describe what happens when the door opens. Consider the following questions: Why does Garcin want to leave the room? Why does Estelle want to leave the room? Does Inez want to leave the room? Why or why not.

In addition, decide what you would do, if you were in their circumstances. Would you leave the room? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Consider the order in which Sartre introduces the characters into the room. Write an essay that considers the following:

1. Why does Garcin come first? What are the advantages to the story and to the tension that will develop to having him introduce the play and anchor the action?

2. If you were Sartre, would you have put Inez on stage next? Is it significant that she and Garcin are in the room alone for a few minutes before Estelle joins them?

3. Discuss Estelle's introduction to the room (the color of the sofa, etc.) and describe how it heightens the growing tension in the room.

4. How does the order of the characters foreshadow the very end of the play?

(see the answer keys)

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