No Exit Freedom and Confinement Quotes

How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Line). Every time a character talks counts as one line, even if what they say turns into a long monologue. We used the translation by S. Gilbert found in No Exit and Three Other Plays, published by Vintage International in 1989.

Quote #4

ESTELLE: He was leaning over the balcony and he saw the rings spreading on the water –
GARCIN: Yes? And then?
ESTELLE: That's all. I came back to Paris – and he did as he wished.
GARCIN: You mean he blew his brains out?
ESTELLE: It was absurd of him, really, my husband never suspected anything. [A pause.] Oh, how I loathe you! (334-8)

Who is Estelle addressing when she says "How I loathe you?" Inez? Garcin? Her husband? Her lover?

Quote #5

INEZ: There’s no need to look like a hanging judge.
GARCIN: A hanging judge? [He glances around him] I'd give a lot to be able to see myself in a glass. (341-2)

Garcin has been characterized by Inez – as a judge – and so needs to confirm her point of view by looking at himself in the mirror. He wants to know if he really looks like a judge so he can decide if he really is one. Bad faith? Yes indeed.

Quote #6

ESTELLE: Olga, I can see you. No, she doesn't care, she's dancing through my gaze. (390)

Interesting! Because the living don’t know that the dead are watching them, and the dead have no control over the living. Remember from "the look" and objectification in "Symbols, Imagery, Allegory" that a person’s freedom is threatened when they are conscious of another person present and watching them. If they’re not aware of the observer, there is no threat.