No Exit

At the end of the play, Garcin famously remarks that “Hell is—other people!”

Consider the following questions as you reflect on this quote:

• What does Garcin mean by this phrase? What is Sartre’s purpose in including it in the text?
• In which ways does Sartre’s hell depart from the traditional Judeo-Christian representation of the afterlife?
• How does this phrase fit into the larger discussion of Subjectivity Versus Objectivity of The Self?

Teaching Suggestion: This prompt invites students to connect their understanding of the theme Subjectivity Versus Objectivity of The Self in the context of the play. Sartre uses each of the characters to portray a different relationship between objectivity and subjectivity. This prompt works well as either an in-class discussion or a take-home assignment, and links with the second Full Essay Assignment.

Differentiation Suggestion: For an extended in-class discussion that connects on a personal level, the following question may be added to the above prompt: Do you agree with Sartre’s assertion that hell is “other people”? Why or why not?

Use this activity to engage all types of learners, while requiring that they refer to and incorporate details from the text over the course of the activity.

DEBATE: “Did Sartre’s Characters Deserve to be in Hell?”