Scene XIII

Garcin decides to tell his true story. He admits that he was a momentary coward, a weakness that could happen to anyone. Afraid to fight in the war, he tried to escape into Mexico, where he planned to launch a pacifist newspaper. The authorities spotted him trying to cross the border and shot him twelve times. Inez is pleased that Garcin has finally spoken the truth about himself.

Garcin is concerned about Estelle's reaction to his story. He asks her to look at him. Inez mockingly asks Estelle whether she can love a coward. Estelle is not bothered whether Garcin is a coward or a hero, as long as he kisses well. Garcin, however, is terribly concerned about his cowardice. He hates that the people on earth are talking about him and calling him a coward. He considers Inez and Estelle lucky, for there is nobody on earth who gives them a second thought.

Garcin finally tells the truth about himself, revealing that he tried to escape the war by fleeing into Mexico. When the authorities spotted him, he was shot twelve times. Inez is delighted that Garcin has finally spoken the truth, but he is only concerned about Estelle's reaction to his being a coward. She says she does not mind his being a coward, for he does not really look like one. Her only concern is whether he can kiss well. Garcin is also concerned about the people on earth thinking of him as a coward. He feels that Inez and Estelle are lucky for they have no one left on earth to say ugly things about them.

Table of Contents | Printable Version