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In the play ‘No Exit’, Jean-Paul Sartre implements the ideas of the philosophy of ontology and consciousness. In exploration of these philosophical ideas, like ontology, which is the ‘study of what exists’, the author works to emphasize the importance of self-awareness. Ontology, itself, categorizes the nature of existence into three states of being. These states of being include: being-in-itself, being-for-itself, and being-for-others, which all hold connection to the characters. Likewise, consciousness, also explores the idea of being self-aware, and emphasizes the importance of being self-aware. Sartre’s main techniques in exploring these ideas are through the internal characterization of his characters and the use of irony.
Through the use of internal characterization of his characters, Sartre presents the ideas of ontology and the three states of being, as well as the importance of consciousness. The state of being-for-others is a reflective state, and it is when one’s experience is dependent on the context of others. This state of being is characterized well by Estelle’s character, as she is not conscious of her own self, and she needs other things to confirm her of her own existence. In the play, when Estelle cannot find her mirror to see herself in, she states, “When I can’t see myself, I begin to wonder if I really and truly exist” (Sartre, 11). This moment is vital in the internal characterization of her character, because not only does it affirm her state of being, but it also allows the audience to understand how she feels and views herself. In this moment, the audience understands she is not-conscious of her own self, and she has a necessity for other things to help confirm her of her existence. This scene shows how she exists in the state of being-for-others. Additionally, Estelle demonstrates being-for-others as she is dependent on the outlook and opinions of other people to confirm her existence. Even though Estelle automatically attracts Inez’s attention, she constantly seeks Garcin’s attention so that she may use his opinion about her to define who she is. Estelle says to Inez, “But I wish he’d notice me, too” (Sartre, 13), because she wants to express how she depends on both of them to determine her existence. Collectively, these philosophical ideas are developed because of how Estelle’s internal character lacks focus on her own existence and state of being. Furthermore, placing Estelle in the state of being-in-itself, where one exists but is not conscious of their own existence, as well. Moreover, one of Sartre’s main beliefs on consciousness is that human consciousness is more complex and different from that of an object. The main difference between the two is that humans have the capability of discovering their own meaning and purpose, while an object solely exists. Sartre expresses this belief of consciousness through Estelle’s character. In Estelle’s case, even as a human, she struggles to find her essence in existence. This objectifies her character, as she is not able to define her own meaning and purpose as a human being. Therefore, Sartre reflects on the setbacks to full consciousness and awareness, such as existing dependent on others, through Estelle’s internal characterization. Henceforth, Sartre seeks to show the audience the importance of being conscious.
The internal characterization of other characters, like Inez and Garcin, are also important in explaining ontology and consciousness. Unlike Estelle, Inez is always conscious of herself, as she says, “I am always conscious of myself-in my mind” (Sartre, 11). Similarly, Garcin is conscious of himself and he is “conscious of [his] position” (Sartre, 3). Both these statements demonstrate how both of these characters are in the state of being-for-itself. Being-for-itself means they are conscious in the moment and conscious of themselves. Sartre purposely characterizes these characters in this way to make a clear distinction between them and Estelle, who is not conscious. It is the use of juxtaposition by Sartre that illuminates their own internal character. By making Garcin and Inez conscious, it brings attention to Estelle’s character, and her inability to be conscious of her own self. The purpose of doing this is to continue emphasizing the importance of being conscious, because being conscious means being aware of oneself.
Another form in which Sartre explores the ideas of ontology and consciousness, is through the use of irony. Sartre uses situational irony by putting couches in the room, even though the characters are not able to sleep. The purpose of Sartre not allowing the characters to sleep is to emphasize the importance of being awake and conscious, which are important aspects of the philosophies. In the beginning, when Garcin first arrives, this idea is explored when he speaks with the valet about sleeping. Garcin states, “so one has to live with one’s eyes open all the time?” (Sartre, 4) and the valet responds, “to live, did you say?” (Sartre, 4). In this scene, Sartre purposely makes the response “to live…” (Sartre, 4) to emphasize that by having one’s eyes open all the time, they are constantly conscious and aware of their existence while living. Therefore, allowing for the message of the importance of being self-aware become more apparent. Additionally, Sartre uses situational irony by putting a character like Estelle, whose existence is dependent on other people and things, in a room with no mirrors and people who are conscious of their own self. With conscious beings and no mirrors in the room, Estelle’s state of being can be clearly revealed. Furthermore, Sartre’s purpose is unfolded even further with the use of irony. This purpose is to emphasize what it means to be self-aware and have “one’s eyes open” (Sartre, 4). Sartre truly exudes his purpose and message to the audience by implementing situational irony in relation to the philosophies.
Accordingly, the use of ontology and consciousness in ‘No Exit’, in further context of Sartre’s life, was important to display the real-world problems around him. During the time period in which he wrote this play, he lived in Paris under Nazi-occupied France. Many of the people in France were ignorant and ignored all the problems happening around them. Consequently, these people were no longer conscious, because they stopped paying attention to their surroundings. The environment that someone is in has a significant impact on their character and who they are. By choosing to ignore their surroundings, they begin to lose their self-awareness and consciousness. Sartre chooses to make commentary on this through ‘No Exit’, and uses Estelle’s character to convey a message to those who were ignorant about their surroundings, in order to help them understand that they were existing in a state of unconsciousness. Sartre believed it was necessary for them to become self-aware in order for them to become aware of everything else, like the injustices and inequalities that many of the Jews faced. Under the Nazis, many people suffered, especially the Jews who were persecuted because of anti-Semitism. Many of the people in France chose to ignore this problem that was happening, and they just accepted it. This ignorance and conformity of the people in France did not allow people to find their own essence of existing because they were accepting what other people told them they were. Estelle’s character was a great representation of the people that existed then. Estelle also states she is from Paris, which further connects Sartre’s purpose in the context of his writings to his real life.
Throughout the play ‘No Exit’, by Jean-Paul Sartre, the use of irony and characterization was to make people aware of how they were not conscious because they were allowing other people to define their meaning and purpose in life. In the play, Sartre also emphasizes the restrictions to self-awareness by making sure people understand that existing only dependent on the outlook of others does not allow them to be conscious or self-aware. Sartre’s belief is that “Hell is other people” (Sartre, 26), and they can restrict people from being fully conscious and self-aware. Therefore, the use of ontology and consciousness has a deeper purpose and provides meaning to the play, ‘No Exit’. Overall, Sartre uses ontology and consciousness to emphasize the importance of self-awareness, so people can also become aware of their freedom and responsibility.
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