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 #1
GARCIN: Yes, a brute, if you like. But a well-beloved brute. ([Far-away look comes to his eyes.] No, it's nothing. Only Gomez, and he's not talking about me... What were you saying? Yes, a brute. Certainly. Else why should I be here? (294)
All three of the characters go through this same pattern; they first "confess" to an altered version of the past, and then own up to their real crime later on. From this passage, it seems that Garcin thinks his real crime was mistreating his wife, not running a pacifist newspaper.
Quote #2
INEZ: Not "Mrs." I'm unmarried. (71)
Notice that this is the first thing Inez reveals about herself – even before she gives her name. She has chosen a certain part of herself – her sexual orientation – and used it to define her being.
Quote #3
ESTELLE: I did wrong to sacrifice my youth to a man nearly three times my age. Do you think that could be called a sin?
GARCIN: Certainly not. And now, tell me, do you think it's a crime to stand by one's principles?
ESTELLE: Of course not. Surely no one could blame a man for that!
GARCIN: Wait a bit! I ran a pacifist newspaper. Then war broke out. What was I to do? (180-3)
Look at the spin these characters put on their stories. This sort of denial is bad faith in its simplest form.
Quote #4
[She falls silent, gazing at Estelle, who has buried her head in her hands.] (360)
Estelle has learned from Garcin the same way Garcin has learned from Inez. She’s repeating his actions.
Quote #5
INEZ: You'd do better to watch your own interests. But, if you will leave us in peace, this child and me, I'll see I don't do you any harm.
GARCIN: [gazes at her for a moment, then shrugs his shoulders] Very well. (370-1)
Garcin is still trying to be accommodating, even after the others in the room have proven to be torturous.
Quote #6
[Inez has come up and is standing behind Estelle, but without touching her. During the dialogue that follows she speaks almost in her ear. But Estelle keeps her eyes on Garcin, who observes her without speaking, and she addresses her answers to him, as if it were he who is questioning her.] (376)
This action really speaks to Estelle’s ability to deceive herself. She is willing to distort her perceptions of reality to be happy. This is bad faith, since her happiness depends on being objectified by the only man in the room.
Quote #7
ESTELLE: Oh, leave me in peace. You haven't any eyes. Oh, damn it, isn't there anything I can do to get rid of you? I've an idea. [Spits in Garcin's face.] There!
INEZ: Garcin, you shall pay for this.
Inez isn’t above self-deception either. Inez blames Garcin for Estelle’s actions because she would rather it be his fault than the fault of the woman she finds attractive.
Quote #8
INEZ: Exactly. That's the question. Was that your real motive? No doubt you argued it out with yourself, you weighed the pros and cons, you found good reasons for what you did. But fear and hatred and all the dirty little instincts one keeps dark – they're motives too. So carry on, Mr. Garcin, and try to be honest with yourself – for once. (455)
Does Garcin end up leveling with himself? When is he honest, if ever?
Quote #9
GARCIN: So, Inez, we're alone. Only you two remain to give a thought to me. She- she doesn't count. It's you who matter; you who hate me. If you'll have faith in me I'm saved. (518)
Garcin goes from using Estelle to using Inez; he doesn’t learn anything, and his decision to remain in hell is made in bad faith.