I am writing an essay on "No Exit" by Jean-Paul Satre. The question is: How does the author's manupulation of time contribute to the effectiveness of the work as a whole. Do not just merly summerise the plot.
I know that time in Hell is suspended/ halted. HOW is time manipulated? And WHY is it manipulated at the same time?
Time is manipulated because it isn't the same speed as on earth. IT is manupulated because it helps to create more torture for each of the main characters. The fact that they have to be stuck together forever. No way to ecape, extends the torment of hell.
Satre's work by suspending time makes his work more effective by making something as simple as time work against the characters. Time is often over looked by people on earth so by suspending time in Hell the characters realize they really are dead.
Would this be a good answer to this question? Is there anything that I could add to make it better?
You might say that time is suspended forever. They are forced to confront one another, there is no sleep,or tomorrow or escape. They must confront one another and what they have done in a timeless existence. Therefore the lack of time enhances the torture.
Yes, your answer is a good start to addressing the question. However, I would suggest expanding on and providing more specific examples of how time is manipulated in the play. Here's an improved version of your answer:
Jean-Paul Sartre manipulates time in "No Exit" to contribute to the effectiveness of the work as a whole. Time in Hell is not only suspended but also distorted, creating a sense of perpetual torment for the characters.
Firstly, Sartre suspends time by trapping the characters in a timeless existence. There is no concept of time passing as we know it on Earth. They cannot sleep, escape, or even close their eyes for a momentary relief. This eternal present forces the characters to confront one another and the actions they took in their past lives. The knowledge that there is no tomorrow, no respite, and no possibility of escape amplifies the psychological torment they experience.
Additionally, Sartre manipulates time by elongating certain moments in Hell. For example, the characters are repeatedly subjected to the sound of a bell tolling, signaling the end of a life on Earth. Each time the bell tolls, they are reminded of the eternal repetition of their punishment. This manipulation of time adds to their psychological anguish, as they are constantly trapped in the excruciating present moment.
Furthermore, Sartre plays with the characters' perception of time. They have trouble recalling the order of events from their lives and struggle to determine how long they have been in Hell. The distortion of their memories and the blurred line between past and present further disorient and disconcert them, intensifying their torment.
By manipulating time in these various ways, Sartre creates a sense of despair and hopelessness that permeates the entire play. The lack of time highlights the characters' eternal confinement and forces them to confront the consequences of their actions for eternity. Sartre's use of time as a tool for torture serves as a powerful metaphor for the existential themes addressed in "No Exit."
By expanding on these points and providing specific examples from the text, your answer will be more comprehensive and insightful.