Study Questions
Why doesn't Garcin leave when the door opens? Doesn't he want to get away from Inez and be free?
To what extent did the German occupation of Paris influence Sartre's writing of the play? Is the room a metaphor for Paris and the Valet a symbol for the Nazis?
Why does Estelle need to look at herself in a mirror? Why aren't there any mirrors in the room? Does Estelle's use of Inez as a "mirror" constitute "bad faith?"
Why does Estelle try and kill Inez? Is her attempt an example of self-deception or the absurdity of her situation? What is the paper-knife used to stab Inez a symbol of?
Why does time pass more quickly on earth than it does in hell?
What is self-deception, and what role does it play in No Exit? Why won't any of the characters admit to their crimes even in hell? Couldn't Garcin deceive himself into believing that he was brave?
Does Inez suffer from "bad faith" just as Garcin and Estelle do? Does she think she has freedom of choice even in hell? Why or why not?
Why does the Valet have no eyelids? Why does this bother Garcin? What is different from the Valet's gaze to that of Inez?
