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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. How did Garcin's wife die?

2. Why is Estelle upset by what Olga is saying to Peter?

3. Who admits to being "rather cruel"?

4. Which character notices that Estelle has a nasty red pimple on her cheek?

5. Which character wants to put on lipstick and powder?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Why does Inez describe Estelle's mouth as cruel?

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. Why does the image of a young couple making love in her apartment so upset Inez?

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

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

7. Why do you think that Inez tries to pull Garcin off Estelle?

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

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

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

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

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

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.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 950 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample