What Is Existentialism In No Exit

Existentialism is a constant battle to continue to progress in the world while at the same time not affecting another from doing the same. In the play No Exit by Jean-Paul Sartre, main characters Garcin, Inez, and Estelle find themselves within a one of many hells furnished rooms. All have committed existentialist sins in order to be inside the room. After time they realize true hell is each other’s company and that every part of the room has been meticulously planned to expose each other’s weaknesses. They constantly fight and eventually reveal their existentialist sins. This revelation allows the reader to clearly understand the different facets attributed to the framework of existentialism. Whether it is Inez’s ability to restrict others
Tying into the idea of free will Estelle makes decisions based on her embracement of societies views instead of her own. She is placed in a room without any mirror or glass of any kind to stare at her. She must by all means look good to others in order to feel good about herself. She admits “how maddening, not being able to see for myself.” Her umbilical cord attachment to how others perceive her represents a complete lack of free will. Which in turn exposes that in order for one to live existentially they need live by their own actions instead of being influenced by what others think. Furthermore, Estelle is urgent to remain young and fair and fears growing old. She enjoys the company of young men to have reassurance of her beauty. Estelle blurts out her love affair with her “little lamb,” peter. Their relationship permits Estelle to reconcile good feelings about her. She needs the presence of a young man to convince her that she is still relevant. Estelle refuses to divulge her vile actions so Inez and Garcin would not think of her in a bad light. She lets them know that she doesn’t know why she is in hell because no one would “tell [her] why.” Estelle’s need of approval outweighs admission to her terrible ways. Her attachment to be favored exemplifies the complete opposite of paving ones own way in life. Therefore, verifying that people only need the approval of themselves to live
This battle epitomizes the idea that in order to follow existentialist guidelines one must find satisfaction of self from within and should not fear the unknown. Garcin finds himself unable to leave the room even when the opportunity presents itself because he needs to prove that he is not weak. He announces, “It’s because of [Estelle] [he is] staying,” because she made him feel little. Garcin must make sure that Estelle thinks of him as a man instead of a cur. Thus, suggesting that ones confidence should be internal and should not rely on external influences. In addition to needing to prove adequacy Garcin runs away from his problems. Instead of respecting his wife and revering her he takes advantage of her. He acts as a man without morals treating her “abominably.” Sartre is implying through his strong adjective that Garcin is a monster. Which in turn validates his failure to face his problems instead he beats them. Moreover, Garcin refuses to fight in the war and once again runs from his problems by literally moving away. “[He] took the train...to Mexico,” to fight behind protection just as a dastard would. He took the easy way instead of trying to make the best of a bad situation. These actions are prime examples of oppositions to existentialist ideas of self-gratification and being a better person. Garcin is scared of his problems and avoids them to extreme degrees. In order for Garcin to have lived