Zachary Endee
Mrs. Vogt
AP Lit
3/4/2011
“No Exit” Essay
“No Exit” is a play written by Jean Paul Sartre. In the story, three people, Garcin,
Inez, and Estelle, die and go to hell, but to their surprise, hell is not a place of fire and
physical torture. It is simply an endless series of rooms where one must endure
emotional and psychological suffering with their roommates. Through revealing their
stories and reasons as to why they are there, each roommate begins to loathe one another.
They’re forced to spend an eternity with each other and realize that hell is other people.
Joseph Garcin was the first of the three damned souls to arrive to hell. He
understands the grave situation more than Inez and Estelle, but constantly states that he is
not scared for what suffering is yet to come. It is revealed that in while he was living, he
was a man who lived in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He worked as a newspaper writer and
was a pacifist. That, however, was his downfall. Due to his unwillingness to fight, he
avoided joining the military service and was executed by several gunmen. He also tells
his two roommates that he treated his wife terribly and abused her. Could these be the
reasons why Garcin is in hell?
One can infer that the primary sin that Garcin committed was cowardice. This is
exhibited during his life through him treating his wife poorly. People often say that
spousal abuse is usually a product of insecurity or cowardice. One may also believe that
avoiding the draft is a reason as to why he is in hell. Being a coward is the reason for his
death, and ultimately, the reason for his condemnation.
Even in hell, Garcin exhibits the same traits he did during his life. He oftentimes
shuts himself away from Inez and Estelle, stating that it will be easier to endure their
punishment if they just kept to themselves. During the latter half of the play, Garcin has
a breakdown and demands that somebody opens the door that locks them in their room.
His demands are quickly met, and the door flies open. However, Garcin refuses to leave,
possibly due to fear of what lies past the door. Garcin was and still is a coward, despite
knowing that it’s the reason for his damnation.
Garcin exhibits flaws that are more common than one may believe. People can
hide cowardice by projecting other mannerisms or egos, as Garcin does. He even states
that he tried to live his life as somebody else, a tough man, which can be inferred as
further cowardice (i.e. running from who he really is). In conclusion, it is clear as to why
Garcin is damned for eternity. His fearfulness created habits that lead to his downfall.