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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 is smoking cigars in one of the visions?

2. Who has a vision of his/her room being shut up?

3. Inez recognizes what a torturer looks like from...

4. How many mirrors are there in the room?

5. What did Estelle die of?

Short Essay Questions

1. As Inez, Estelle, and Garcin watch their friends and family back on Earth, how do they react?

2. What does Estelle complain about when she enters the room?

3. What are some of the things that cause tension between Inez and Garcin?

4. Why are there no toothbrushes or beds in the room?

5. Why are eyes and "not looking at each other" symbolically important at this part in the play?

6. Why does Inez believe Garcin to be her torturer?

7. Why does Sartre introduce Estelle with her concerns about the sofas?

8. Why do you think the author shows Garcin looking at his colleagues relaxing at the end of the day, smoking cigars?

9. What does Estelle say about why she thinks she is in the room?

10. When Garcin asks the Valet what is outside the room, what does the Valet say?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

As the dramatic tension increases, the characters reveal more about themselves and their pasts, and lay themselves bare to their fellow torturers. Their former lives are also like mirrors that suddenly show them the truths of their existence. Pick one of the passages below and explicate it in terms of this image of inner truth:

A) "There they are, slumped in their chairs, sucking at their cigars. Bored they look. Half-asleep. They're thinking: 'Garcin's a coward." [Garcin]

B) "The music is growing fainter. They've turned down the lights, as they do for a tango. Why are they playing so softly? Louder, please. I can't hear. It's so far away, so far away." [Estelle]

C) "The windows are wide open, a man is sitting on the bed. My bed, if you please!" [Inez]

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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