Literary Works That Shape Our World: A Critical Analysis - Sykalo Evgen 2023

Analysis of “The Bell Jar” by Sylvia Plath

Plath's own life and experiences

Sylvia Plath's own life and experiences are heavily reflected in her novel The Bell Jar. The protagonist, Esther Greenwood, is a young woman who struggles with mental illness, gender roles, and the coming-of-age experience in the 1950s. Many of the events and characters in the novel are based on Plath's own life, including:

Esther's academic success and her desire to become a writer: Plath was a high-achieving student who graduated from Smith College with honors. She also published poems and short stories in prestigious magazines.
Esther's summer internship at a women's magazine: Plath herself interned at Mademoiselle magazine in New York City in 1953.
Esther's mental breakdown and hospitalization: Plath suffered from depression and attempted suicide in 1953. She was hospitalized for several months and underwent electroshock therapy.
Esther's relationship with her mother: Plath's relationship with her own mother was complex and ambivalent. Her mother was a strict and demanding woman who had high expectations for her daughter.

Plath drew on these personal experiences to create a novel that is both realistic and deeply moving. The Bell Jar is a powerful and unflinching exploration of mental illness, gender roles, and the challenges of coming of age in a society that is often hostile to young women.

In addition to the specific events and characters mentioned above, there are many other ways in which Plath's own life and experiences are reflected in The Bell Jar. For example, Esther's sense of alienation and isolation, her struggles with identity, and her search for meaning and purpose are all themes that Plath herself grappled with throughout her life.

The historical context

Sylvia Plath's The Bell Jar is set in the United States in the 1950s, a time of great social and cultural change. The country was still recovering from the Second World War, and the Cold War was in full swing. The 1950s was also a time of great economic prosperity and technological advancement. However, it was also a time of great conformity and conservatism, especially when it came to gender roles.

Women in the 1950s were expected to be housewives and mothers. They were discouraged from pursuing careers or higher education. Esther Greenwood, the protagonist of The Bell Jar, is a young woman who defies these expectations. She is intelligent and ambitious, and she dreams of becoming a writer. However, she also feels immense pressure to conform to the societal expectations placed on her.

The historical context of the 1950s is essential to understanding The Bell Jar. The novel explores the challenges and constraints that Esther faces as a young woman coming of age during this time period. It also examines the ways in which society's expectations of women can lead to mental illness and alienation.

Here are a few specific aspects of the historical context of the 1950s that are relevant to The Bell Jar:

The Cold War: The Cold War was a period of geopolitical tension between the United States and the Soviet Union that lasted from the mid-1940s to the early 1990s. The Cold War had a significant impact on American society, and it is reflected in The Bell Jarin Esther's fear of nuclear war and her anxiety about the future.
Economic prosperity: The 1950s was a time of great economic prosperity in the United States. However, this prosperity was not evenly distributed, and many Americans, especially women and minorities, were left behind. Esther's experience as an intern at a women's magazine highlights the economic inequality that existed between men and women in the 1950s.
Conformity and conservatism: The 1950s was a time of great conformity and conservatism in American society. This was due in part to the Cold War, as Americans sought to unite against a common enemy. However, it also led to a suppression of dissent and a fear of anything that was seen as different or unusual. Esther's struggles to conform to the societal expectations placed on her are a central theme of The Bell Jar.

Mental illness

Mental illness is a central theme in Sylvia Plath's The Bell Jar. The protagonist, Esther Greenwood, suffers from depression and anxiety. She is hospitalized for a mental breakdown and undergoes electroshock therapy.

Plath's portrayal of mental illness is both realistic and unflinching. She does not shy away from the pain, suffering, and isolation that Esther experiences. However, she also shows Esther's strength and resilience. Esther is a complex and well-developed character, and her struggles with mental illness make her relatable and sympathetic.

Plath's novel is important because it helps to destigmatize mental illness and show that it is a serious and complex condition. It also shows that people with mental illness can recover and live full and meaningful lives.

Here are some of the ways in which Plath portrays mental illness in The Bell Jar:

Esther's symptoms: Esther experiences a variety of symptoms of mental illness, including depression, anxiety, hallucinations, and suicidal thoughts. Plath describes these symptoms in a vivid and realistic way.
The stigma of mental illness: Esther is ashamed of her mental illness and tries to hide it from others. She is afraid of being judged and ostracized. This shows the stigma that was attached to mental illness in the 1950s.
The treatment of mental illness: Esther is treated with electroshock therapy, which was a common treatment for mental illness in the 1950s. Electroshock therapy is a controversial treatment, and it is not clear whether it is effective. Plath shows the both the positive and negative effects of electroshock therapy on Esther.
Esther's recovery: Esther eventually recovers from her mental breakdown. However, her recovery is not easy. She has to learn to accept her mental illness and find ways to manage it. Plath shows that recovery from mental illness is a long and difficult process.

The Bell Jar is a powerful and important novel that explores the realities of mental illness. It is a novel that everyone should read.

Gender roles
Gender roles are a central theme in Sylvia Plath's The Bell Jar. The protagonist, Esther Greenwood, is a young woman who struggles to conform to the societal expectations placed on her. Esther is intelligent and ambitious, and she dreams of becoming a writer. However, she also feels immense pressure to be a housewife and mother.

Plath's novel explores the ways in which gender roles can lead to mental illness and alienation. Esther feels trapped by the expectations placed on her, and she struggles to find her own identity. She is also aware of the economic and social inequality that exists between men and women.

Here are some of the ways in which Plath portrays gender roles in The Bell Jar:

Esther's internship at a women's magazine: Esther's internship at a women's magazine highlights the economic inequality that existed between men and women in the 1950s. Esther is paid less than her male colleagues, and she is expected to perform menial tasks.
Esther's relationship with her mother: Esther's relationship with her mother is complex and ambivalent. Her mother is a strict and demanding woman who has high expectations for her daughter. Esther feels pressure to live up to her mother's expectations, but she also feels resentful of the limitations that these expectations place on her.
Esther's relationship with men: Esther's relationships with men are also complex and ambivalent. She is attracted to men, but she is also afraid of being controlled by them. She is also aware of the ways in which men benefit from the patriarchal system.
Esther's search for identity: Esther is struggling to find her own identity in a world that is defined by gender roles. She is not sure whether she wants to be a wife and mother, or whether she wants to pursue her own career. She is also struggling to come to terms with her own sexuality.

The Bell Jar is a powerful and important novel that explores the ways in which gender roles can impact the lives of women. It is a novel that is still relevant today, as women continue to fight for equality and gender justice.

Literary criticism
The Bell Jar has been the subject of much literary criticism since its publication in 1963. Critics have praised the novel for its realism, its honesty, and its unflinching portrayal of mental illness. They have also noted the novel's feminist themes, its exploration of gender roles, and its coming-of-age story.

Some of the key critical themes that have been explored in The Bell Jar include:

Mental illness: The Bell Jaris one of the first novels to offer a realistic and sympathetic portrayal of mental illness. Critics have praised Plath's honesty in depicting Esther's experiences with depression and anxiety. They have also noted the novel's exploration of the ways in which mental illness can be stigmatized and misunderstood.
Gender roles: The Bell Jaris a feminist novel that explores the ways in which gender roles can impact the lives of women. Critics have noted the novel's portrayal of the pressure that women face to conform to societal expectations, as well as the economic and social inequality that existed between men and women in the 1950s.
Coming-of-age story: The Bell Jaris also a coming-of-age story about a young woman struggling to find her own identity in a world that is defined by gender roles. Critics have noted the novel's exploration of Esther's search for meaning and purpose, as well as her struggles with identity, sexuality, and relationships.

In addition to these general themes, critics have also explored a variety of other aspects of The Bell Jar, including its symbolism, its structure, and its language. The novel has been praised for its complex and well-developed characters, its vivid imagery, and its poetic language.

The Bell Jar is a rich and complex novel that has been the subject of much critical analysis. Critics have praised the novel for its realism, its honesty, and its unflinching portrayal of mental illness, gender roles, and the coming-of-age experience.

The use of symbolism in the novel

Sylvia Plath uses a variety of symbols in her novel The Bell Jar to explore the themes of mental illness, gender roles, and the coming-of-age experience. Some of the most prominent symbols in the novel include:

The bell jar: The bell jar itself is the most obvious symbol in the novel. It represents Esther's mental illness and the feeling of isolation and alienation that she experiences. The bell jar also represents the societal expectations that are placed on women and the ways in which these expectations can stifle and constrain them.
The fig tree: The fig tree is a symbol of Esther's sexuality and her desire to break free from the societal expectations placed on her. The fig tree is also a symbol of life and hope.
The color red: The color red is associated with passion, danger, and violence. Plath uses the color red throughout the novel to highlight Esther's inner turmoil and her struggles with mental illness.
The mirror: The mirror is a symbol of Esther's identity and her search for self-knowledge. However, the mirror can also be a source of anxiety and distress for Esther, as it reminds her of the ways in which she does not conform to societal expectations.

In addition to these major symbols, Plath also uses a variety of other symbols throughout the novel, such as the color white, the birdcage, and the moon. These symbols all contribute to the novel's rich and complex meaning.

Plath's use of symbolism is one of the things that makes The Bell Jar such a powerful and memorable novel. The symbols in the novel are not simply decorative elements; they play an important role in the development of the plot and the characters. The symbols also help to convey the novel's themes and ideas in a subtle and nuanced way.

Here are a few examples of how Plath uses symbolism in the novel:

When Esther is first hospitalized, she feels as if she is trapped in a bell jar. She describes the world around her as being "airless" and "stewing in my own sour air." This image of the bell jar conveys Esther's sense of isolation and alienation.
The fig tree is a symbol of Esther's sexuality and her desire to break free from the societal expectations placed on her. When Esther first sees the fig tree, she is immediately drawn to it. She describes it as being "heavy and green" and "full of promise." The fig tree represents the possibilities that are open to Esther and the life that she could have if she were not constrained by societal expectations.
The color red is associated with passion, danger, and violence. Plath uses the color red throughout the novel to highlight Esther's inner turmoil and her struggles with mental illness. For example, when Esther is feeling particularly anxious or depressed, she often describes the world around her as being red.
The mirror is a symbol of Esther's identity and her search for self-knowledge. However, the mirror can also be a source of anxiety and distress for Esther, as it reminds her of the ways in which she does not conform to societal expectations. For example, when Esther first looks in the mirror after being hospitalized, she is horrified by her appearance. She sees herself as being "pale and ugly" and "unrecognizable."

Plath's use of symbolism is one of the things that makes The Bell Jar such a complex and rewarding read. The symbols in the novel add depth and meaning to the story, and they help to create a truly memorable experience for the reader.

The role of the mother figure in the novel

The role of the mother figure in Sylvia Plath's novel The Bell Jar is complex and ambivalent. Esther Greenwood's relationship with her mother is marked by both love and resentment. Esther's mother is a strict and demanding woman who has high expectations for her daughter. She is also a traditional woman who believes that Esther's primary role in life is to be a wife and mother.

Esther feels pressure to live up to her mother's expectations, but she also feels resentful of the limitations that these expectations place on her. She feels trapped by the societal roles that are assigned to women, and she longs for more freedom and autonomy.

Esther's mother is also a source of anxiety and guilt for her. Esther feels guilty about her mental illness, and she is afraid of disappointing her mother. She also feels guilty about her own desires and ambitions, which she sees as being in conflict with her mother's expectations.

Despite the complexity of their relationship, Esther and her mother do love each other. Esther's mother is supportive of her daughter's education and career goals. She also cares for Esther when she is hospitalized for her mental breakdown.

In the end, Esther must come to terms with her relationship with her mother in order to move on with her own life. She must learn to accept her mother for who she is, and she must also learn to accept herself for who she is.

The role of the mother figure in The Bell Jar is important because it highlights the ways in which mothers can shape their daughters' identities. Esther's mother's expectations and demands have a significant impact on Esther's self-image and her views on her role in life.

Esther's relationship with her mother is also important because it reflects the complex and often ambivalent relationships that many women have with their mothers. Esther loves her mother, but she also resents her. She feels supported by her mother, but she also feels pressured by her.

In the end, Esther's relationship with her mother is a source of both strength and weakness for her. It is a relationship that she must come to terms with in order to find her own identity and to move on with her own life.

The treatment of mental illness in the novel

The treatment of mental illness in Sylvia Plath's novel The Bell Jar is both realistic and unflinching. Plath shows the ways in which mental illness can be stigmatized and misunderstood. She also shows the limited and often ineffective treatments that were available in the 1950s.

Esther Greenwood, the protagonist of the novel, is hospitalized for a mental breakdown and undergoes electroshock therapy. Electroshock therapy was a common treatment for mental illness in the 1950s, but it is a controversial treatment with significant side effects.

Plath shows the both the positive and negative effects of electroshock therapy on Esther. On the one hand, electroshock therapy does seem to help Esther to recover from her mental breakdown. On the other hand, electroshock therapy also causes Esther to have memory loss and other side effects.

Plath also shows the ways in which mental illness can be stigmatized and misunderstood. Esther is ashamed of her mental illness and tries to hide it from others. She is afraid of being judged and ostracized.

Esther's doctors are also dismissive of her mental illness. They see her as being hysterical and overwrought. They do not take her symptoms seriously, and they do not offer her adequate support.

Plath's portrayal of the treatment of mental illness in The Bell Jar is both important and timely. She shows the ways in which mental illness can be stigmatized and misunderstood. She also shows the limited and often ineffective treatments that were available in the 1950s.

Plath's novel is a reminder that mental illness is a serious condition that requires treatment and support. It is also a reminder that we need to continue to work to destigmatize mental illness and to ensure that people with mental illness have access to effective treatment.

The novel's legacy and influence

Sylvia Plath's novel The Bell Jar has had a lasting legacy and influence on literature, culture, and society. It is considered to be one of the most important feminist novels ever written, and it has helped to destigmatize mental illness and to give a voice to women who feel trapped and isolated.

The novel has also inspired a generation of writers and artists, and it has been adapted into a film and a stage play. It is still widely read and studied today, and it remains relevant to the experiences of women and young people.

Here are some specific examples of The Bell Jar's legacy and influence:

The novel has been praised by critics and scholars for its honesty, its realism, and its unflinching portrayal of mental illness. It is considered to be one of the most important novels ever written about the female experience.
The novel has also been influential in the development of feminist literature. It is one of the first novels to explore the ways in which gender roles can stifle and constrain women.
The novel has helped to destigmatize mental illness. Plath's honest and unflinching portrayal of Esther's experiences with depression and anxiety has helped to raise awareness of mental illness and to show that it is a serious condition that affects people of all ages and backgrounds.
The novel has inspired a generation of writers and artists. Plath's writing is known for its vivid imagery, its powerful language, and its emotional intensity. Her work has inspired countless other writers and artists to express themselves in new and creative ways.
The novel has been adapted into a film and a stage play. The film adaptation was released in 1979 and starred Marilyn Hassett as Esther Greenwood. The stage adaptation was premiered in London in 2018 and starred Daisy Ridley as Esther Greenwood.
The novel is still widely read and studied today. It is taught in schools and universities around the world. It is also a popular choice for book clubs and reading groups.
The novel remains relevant to the experiences of women and young people. The themes of mental illness, gender roles, and coming-of-age are still relevant today. The novel offers a unique and powerful perspective on these themes, and it continues to resonate with readers of all ages.

The Bell Jar is a classic novel that has had a lasting impact on literature, culture, and society. It is a novel that everyone should read.