Considered by many critics to be Jean-Paul Sartre's most
easily understood dramatization of his philosophy of Existentialism, Huis
Clos, or No Exit as it is called in English is a one-act
play in which three people find themselves in hell, Joseph Garcin, Inez Serrano, and
Estelle Rigault. Immediately there is conflict as the three are not honest about why
they are in hell. Finally, they tell the truth since they have nothing to lose. Garcin
then tries to seduce Estella, but Inez wants to be her mirror, also. Inez and Garcin vie
with one another for the affections of Estelle, who is the most unrealistic of all.
When Inez pushes Estelle too far, Estelle tries to stab her with a paper knife. Only
then does she realize she is in hell.
After rivalry over
Estelle's affections and arguments over which couch each will have, Garcin discovers
that the valet does not blink. Nor do they. Because of this idiosyncracy, Garcin
realizes that there is never sleep or blinking--no exit from reality. For, the tiny
moments of blinking at least let people close their eyes to reality, if only for a split
second. After all their bickering, Garcin asks the others to simply sit on her couch
and keep quiet. But, they are together for eternity. This is it, Garcin
realizes,
What? Only two of you? I thought there were
more;many more. [Laughs]So this is hell. I'd never have believed it. You remember all
we were told about the torture-chambers, the fire and brimstone, the 'burning marl.'
Old wives' tale! There's no need for red-hot pokers. Hell is---other
people!
The women echo the words forever and forever. But,
Garcin says "Well, well, let's get on with
it....
No comments:
Post a Comment