The Book of Mother by 
The Yellow Wallpaper by 
THE BELL JAR by Sylvia Plath
The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath is a captivating and introspective novel that falls into the genre of contemporary literature. It is a semi-autobiographical work that explores themes of mental health, identity, and societal pressures. Set in the 1950s, the story follows Esther Greenwood, a talented and ambitious young woman who experiences a downward spiral into mental illness. Plath takes readers on a deeply personal journey as Esther grapples with her own anxieties, societal expectations, and the suffocating grip of the "bell jar" of depression. Through Plath's haunting prose, readers are invited into Esther's mind, witnessing her struggles, fears, and moments of fleeting hope. The novel provides a raw and unflinching examination of mental health, highlighting the challenges faced by individuals in a society that often stigmatizes and misunderstands mental illness. The Bell Jar not only offers a powerful exploration of one woman's journey, but it also delves into broader themes of identity and the constraints imposed by societal norms. Plath's exquisite storytelling and poetic language immerse readers in the depths of Esther's psyche, creating an emotionally charged narrative that leaves a lasting impact. With its honest portrayal of mental health and societal pressures, The Bell Jar has become a seminal work in literature, resonating with readers and sparking conversations about the importance of mental well-being. Plath's powerful and evocative prose continues to captivate audiences, making The Bell Jar a timeless and essential piece of contemporary literature.
1. What factors, components, and stages of Esther Greenwood's descent into depression and madness are specified? How inevitable is that descent?
2. In a letter while at college, Plath wrote that "I've gone around for most of my life as in the rarefied atmosphere under a bell jar." Is this the primary meaning of the novel's titular bell jar? What other meanings does "the bell jar" have?
3. What terms does Esther use to describe herself? How does she compare or contrast herself with Doreen and others in New York City, or with Joan and other patients in the hospital?
4. What instances and images of distortion occur in the novel? What are their contexts and significance? Does Esther achieve a clear, undistorted view of herself?
5. Are Esther's attitudes toward men, sex, and marriage peculiar to herself? What role do her attitudes play in her breakdown? What are we told about her society's expectations regarding men and women, sexuality, and relationships? Have those expectations changed since that time?
6. Esther more than once admits to feelings of inadequacy. Is Esther's sense of her own inadequacies consistent with reality? Against what standards does she judge herself?
7. With what specific setting, event, and person is Esther's first thought of suicide associated? Why? In what circumstances do subsequent thoughts and plans concerning suicide occur?
8. In addition to Deer Island Prison, what other images and conditions of physical and emotional imprisonment, enclosure, confinement, and punishment are presented?
9. What are the primary relationships in Esther's life? Is she consistent in her behavior and attitudes within these relationships?
