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 #7
GARCIN: Inez, they've laid their snare damned cunningly – like a cobweb. If you make any movement, if you raise your hand to fan yourself, Estelle and I feel a little tug. Alone, none of us can save himself or herself; we're linked together inextricably. So you can take your choice. (351)
Garcin has really learned from Inez by this point in the play. He’s repeating her ideas, though we’ll soon see that he draws different conclusions from them.
Quote #8
GARCIN: I shan't love you; I know you too well. (412)
In this play, love is only possibly through mutually accepted lies and self-deception.
Quote #9
GARCIN; Finally I thought: My death will settle it. If I face death courageously, I'll prove I am no coward.
INEZ: And how did you face death?
GARCIN: Miserably. Rottenly. Oh, it was only a physical lapse – that might happen to anyone; I'm not ashamed of it. Only everything's been left in suspense forever. Come here, Estelle. Look at me. I want to feel someone looking at me while they're talking about me on earth... (456-9)
This is the first time Garcin adopts Estelle’s tactic and wants to be looked at by someone. What has driven him to this? What does he expect to get out of her gaze?