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
VALET: That's good! So you haven't yet got over your – what-do-you-call-it? – sense of human dignity? Excuse my smiling. (20)
The valet identifies Garcin’s concern for the physical – a bathroom and a toothbrush – as lingering human dignity. But this idea manifests itself in the emotional as well. Garcin’s concern for his reputation back on earth is another example of the concern for "human dignity."
Quote #2
VALET: Well, yes, that's so – in a way. But you can never be sure about that bell. There's something wrong with the wiring, and it doesn't always work.
GARCIN: It's working all right.
VALET: [Looking surprised] So it is. (55-57)
More dark humor, this time in the stage directions. The valet’s surprise is much like Garcin’s later reaction when the door swings open at the end of the play.
Quote #3
INEZ: Ah, that's the way it works, is it? Torture by separation. (67)
If only! Like Garcin earlier, Inez fears the wrong punishment.
Quote #4
VALET: Do you require me any longer? (107)
The valet is defined by his role as a valet (hence the lack of a real name). He is there only by necessity. When he isn’t needed, he essentially ceases to exist for the other characters in the play (hence his absence from the stage).
Quote #5
GARCIN: Let me tell you that I've no use for the "child," as you call her. (252)
Already, despite his seeming compassion, Garcin views the women as objects. Estelle has no use for him, so he ignores her and discounts her presence.
Quote #6
INEZ: It's getting dark. Now he's going to kiss her. But that's my room, MY room! Pitch-dark now. I can't see anything, but I hear them whispering, whispering. Is he going to make love to her on MY bed? (352)
It seems that perhaps Inez still maintains her share of "human dignity," just like Garcin.
Quote #7
So I'm done with the earth, it seems. No more alibis for me! I feel so empty, desiccated – really dead at last. All of me's here, in this room. (352)
What does Inez possibly mean by alibis here? If none of her is left on the earth, then she is entirely present in hell. Could this mean that she is entirely responsible for all the actions and choices she makes?
Quote #8
GARCIN: I'll give you what I can. It doesn't amount to much. I shan't love you; I know you too well.
ESTELLE: Do you want me, anyhow?
GARCIN: Yes.
ESTELLE: I ask no more. (412-16)
Notice the distinction between desire and love here. Estelle’s desire to be objectified doesn’t require love.
Quote #9
ESTELLE: Oh, what a nuisance you are! I'm giving you my mouth, my arms, my whole body – and everything could be so simple...My trust! I haven't any to give, I'm afraid, and you're making me terribly embarrassed. You must have something pretty ghastly on your conscience to make such a fuss about my trusting you. (436)
This is one of the most insightful thing Estelle says in all of No Exit. Maybe she’s learning from Inez.