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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 calls Garcin a brute?

2. Where did Estelle go with Roger?

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

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

5. When Garcin is paying attention to what is happening at the newspaper office, what is he hearing?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Why do you think that Estelle is flattered by Inez attention, even after she knows that Inez is being cruel?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chose either Garcin, Estelle, or Inez and write a detailed character sketch, that includes not only information about their actions and feelings, but also about their use by the author to demonstrate ideas about guilt, denial, cowardice and cruelty. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ideas about their characterizations.

Essay Topic 3

Consider the primary themes of this play, including sexual jealousy, violent cruelty and emotional abuse, and the actions described in this play. What elements of this play do you find controversial? What would you say if a friend asked you about reading this play? What was your favorite part and least favorite part? Which parts were most and least believable? Be specific and offer detailed examples from the text.

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