No Exit

Jean-Paul Sartre

Essential Questions
1. How did the literary movements preceding the play define the literature & culture? 2. What is existentialism, and how did it influence literature and culture? 3. What characteristics and traits most define a character? 4. What defines the self? What defines the other?

Themes & Big Ideas

Existentialism Competitive Subjectivity Freedom v. Isolation Courage Individuality Suffering

Objectives
Comprehension Performance Skills Critical Thinking Character Analysis Written Analysis Debate Unit 4 Vocab

Section 1: Open - Garcin: Then, good-by.

Setting Symbol: The Paper-knife Competitive Subjectivity Conflicts: Solution?

Character Analysis
Which sofa is your character on? Does it mean something? What background information do you know about your character? Analyze the relationships between your character and the two other characters. Hypothesize: Why is your character in Hell? Relate: How do you feel about your character? Are they deserving of Hell? ** Note important quotes and actions throughout your reading!!!

Section 2: Inez: (singing) What a crowd - Garcin: I wonder

Note philosophically existentialist ideas Theme: Suffering - what do the characters suffer from?

Character Analysis
What visions do the characters see of life on earth? Why is each character in Hell? Which characters crime is the worst? Why? How do the relationships between the characters develop? How does your character view FREEDOM? v. ISOLATION?

Section 3: Inez: I dont need help - End.

Note philosophically existentialist ideas Where do we find FALSE HOPE? Theme: Courage - which characters seem to display courage? Which characters lack it? Torture & suffering

Character Analysis
What happens to the characters connection to earth? What truths does your character reveal? How do the existentialist elements of fear, isolation, and death start to take over your character? What does you character ultimately realize?

Final Thoughts
1. If the 3 characters had actually been silent (like Garcin suggested) would they still have been tormented? Why or why not? 2. Hell is other people. Is it other peoples words or presence that makes Hell? 3. Garcin and Estelle initially believe that if they fall in love they can climb out of hell. Is Inez hadnt completely ruined their love, do you think Garcin and Estelle would have climbed out? 4. What is keeping the characters in Hell? Do they stay for different reasons as the play goes on? 5. What sins got each character in Hell? Does the punishment fit the crime for them? How does this Hell compare to Dantes Hell? 6. Which character suffers the most in No Exit? 7. Is the idea that Hell is other people a pessimistic idea? How could it not be?

DEBATE
Why does your character deserve to EXIT hell more than the other characters? Use quotes, reason, and your best lawyer voice to argue your case.