Literary Analysis #3: No Exit

General 

1. A brief summary of the plot would be that people are tortured by other people because we let them limit us. "Hell is other people." If we don't have the confidence in ourselves then we will be controlled by other people's opinions.

2. I think the theme is that we let other people control so much of us. We don't trust enough in ourselves so it makes us limited as others to take advantage.

3. The author's tone is a bit cruel. The way the three characters torture themselves. For example Estelle and Garcin almost getting together in front of Inez is mean and torture for Inez. Also to have them be trapped in a small room forever with the same people and the same old view would drive just about anyone crazy. Finally having them explain to each other why they're in hell even though they don't want to is cruel.

4. One literary element in the play is symbolism when Estelle uses Inez's eyes as a mirror. Also it uses an extended metaphor that hell is other people. Another element is the dialogue because they all talk to each other as if annoyed by each other except for when they want confirmation and opinion from one another. The action of the characters is another element. For example when Garcin won't leave the room because he thinks he's a coward and has no confirmation from anyone that he's not. Finally the setting because instead of it being "hell" it's a nice room with sofas. It's expected that there would be torture chambers, but instead it's just a drawing room.

Characterization

1. An example of indirect characterization is Garcin's lack of confidence. It's never admitted by him, but he keeps wanting other people's opinions and approval. Another example is the indirect characterization of the room that provides as torture because it makes all three characters trapped in that space. An example of direct characterization is that Inez is cruel. She admits that she is a cruel lady and that's what put her in hell. Another example is that they are driven crazy by each other. Garcin admits that he is disgusted by the two girls.

2. The diction changes when Estelle talks to Garcin compared to Inez because it's more sweet to Garcin since she wants him.

3. The protagonists are static because they never stop letting each other get into each other's minds. They just go crazy and eventually want to hurt themselves even though they are dead. They don't realize it can be avoided if they just changed their mind sets.

4. I felt like I had met a person because you realize you act as these people when around the people too long. You come out realizing though that it can be prevented if you don't let it get to you and gain confidence in your mind.