Lit Analysis #4: No Exit

GENERAL 

1. Briefly summarize the plot of the novel you read, and explain how the narrative fulfills the author's purpose (based on your well-informed interpretation of same).

"No Exit" is a book that consists of four characters. However, only three are placed in this room, which is supposed to be Hell. Of course, the characters believe the stereotypes of Hell. They expect to tortured by a numerous of objects/machines. Yet, Hell is a normal room, but has no exit. The room has sofa's and lights. One of the characters, Inez asks what the characters have done to have gone to Hell. Estelle and Garcin deny they have done anything wrong. Throughout the book, the characters admit to what they have done and have realized why they were brought there. Also, they have realized that Hell is not itself, but the people you are with. Garcin has tried to leave the room, but there is no exit. The characters are stuck and must remain in Hell for eternity.

2. Succinctly describe the theme of the novel. Avoid  cliches.

The theme of this book is to notice that the choices you make are the one's you must hold on to forever. There is no escape. Also, do not stereotype. Hell is not what the characters seem because it is much more than that. You are with people who have the same mindset as you. They most likely believe they have done nothing wrong, yet they have done the most vile sins.

3. Describe the author's tone. Include a minimum of three excerpts that illustrate your point(s).

The author tone is suppose to help the audience correctly interpret life, and the choice weare dealt with. The author constantly mentions how there is no exit. The tone is overall didactic.

• “There were days when you peered into yourself, into the secret places of your heart, and what you saw there made you faint with horror. And then, next day, you didn't know what to make of it,you couldn't interpret the horror you had glimpsed the day before. Yes, you know what evil costs.” 

4. Describe a minimum of ten literary elements/techniques you observed that strengthened your understanding of the author's purpose, the text's theme and/or your sense of the tone. For each, please include textual support to help illustrate the point for your readers. (Please include edition and page numbers for easy reference.)

Metaphor: “I'm going to smile, and my smile will sink down into your pupils, and heaven knows what it will become.”

Anaphora: "No, I wasn't joking. No mirrors, I notice. No windows. "

Rhetorical question: "And what use do you suppose I have for one? Do you know who I was?"

Allusions: the book relates to art and music.

Simile : "Oh just look at her face, all scarlet like a tomato." " And presently we shall be naked, as new born babies"

Imagery:"A man's drowning, choking, sinking by inches, till only his eyes are just above water."

Allegory:

"GARCIN: What's this?

VALET: Can't you see? An ordinary paper-knife.

GARCIN: Are there books here?
VALET: No.
GARCIN: Then what's the use of this?"
Symbolism: The vase at the end represents how your life can be easily broken, yet easily stored, but one crack can cause your life to end immediately. 
Repetition:  When Garcin keeps saying over and over and asking if he is a coward. Towards the end of the play.

CHARACTERIZATION

1. Describe two examples of direct characterization and two examples of indirect characterization. Why does the author use both approaches, and to what end (i.e., what is your lasting impression of the character as a result)?

• "You see, I'm fond of teasing, it's a second nature with me-- and I'm used to teasing myself. Plaguing myself, if you prefer; I don't tease nicely."

• "I feel so queer. Don't you ever get taken that way? When I can't see myself I begin to wonder if I really and truly exist. I pat myself just to make sure, but it doesn't help much.” 

2. Does the author's syntax and/or diction change when s/he focuses on character? How? Example(s)?

Throughout the whole book, the diction and syntax for each character remains the same. Although, the characters have different personalities, they are still common. 

3. Is the protagonist static or dynamic? Flat or round? Explain.

There are no protagonist characters because they are all the same since they have done unforgivable things to belong in Hell. They're no characters that change so they are all flat.

4. After reading the book did you come away feeling like you'd met a person or read a character? Analyze one textual example that illustrates your reaction.
I don't believe I've met any of the characters because they are so mean, and so inconsiderate. However, I do believe I've met people close to them. The world is filled with many people who are mean, and don't believe they do anything wrong.