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: But don't forget, my man, I've a good notion of what's coming to me, so don't you boast you've caught me off my guard. I'm facing the situation, facing it. (23)
Garcin is immediately concerned with his persona – he wants to be perceived as a man of courage, not as a coward. He isn’t really facing hell; he just wants to appear that way.
Quote #2
GARCIN: There's no more hope – but it's still "before." We haven't yet begun to suffer.
INEZ: That's so. Well? What's going to happen?
GARCIN: I don't know. I'm waiting. (90-3)
This is part of his problem – Garcin is waiting for something to happen to him instead of taking action himself.
Quote #3
INEZ: Yes, I see. Look here! What' s the point of play-acting, trying to throw dust in each other's eyes? We're all tarred with the same brush. (188)
Because Garcin and Estelle are seeking approval from other people instead of themselves, they stand to gain something in their deception. Inez, however, isn’t trying to fool anybody, because she’s not seeking judgment from anyone else.