An Analysis Of Sylvia Plath's The Bell Jar

Sylvia Plath’s, The Bell Jar takes readers deep into the chaotic minds of not only Esther Greenwood, but also Plath herself. Many people believe that The Bell Jar is intended to be an autobiography with Plath using Esther to portray some of the issues that happen in her life. In 1953, Plath gets invited to be a guest editor and during this time she endures a mental breakdown. This parallel reveals the sources of the madness for Plath, Esther and women all over. According to Esther, this madness comes from not wanting to succumb to the pressures of being the stereotypical housewife, not allowing herself to be dominated by men, and trying to prevent her personal relationships from impeding her progression toward her career goals.
During her period
Therapy is constant, calling for weekly trips to a psychologist and lengthy stays in a mental hospital. The end result of the treatment for many is a feeling of independence. For Esther, leaving therapy represented being reborn. She is now truly a free woman, after all (271). Before Esther is liberated, however, she blames her two "antagonizers", Buddy Willard and her mother. Both represent the dominance of males in society. Mrs. Greenwood portrays men stifling women's dreams and keeping women in their traditional roles, and Buddy of sexual chastity and
When the two first meet, Doreen appears to have a persona that she is mature and sophisticated, but also has a sense of humor and knows how to have a good time. However, Doreen begins to put Esther in difficult situations. When Doreen meets Lenny, Esther sees the sexuality and other sins in her. Thinks makes Esther believe that it's human nature to act immoral. It makes Esther feel as if she is alone in thinking that sex is another way for males to assert their dominance over females. When Doreen succumbs to Lenny's "temptation" this causes Esther to disassociate herself from Doreen.
In today's society, women are held to slightly different standards. But during this time period, chastity has been the standard for women until marriage, and even then its purpose was solely to reproduce. Esther wanted no part in this act, and her constant attempts to prevent herself from "falling victim" drove her insane.
According to Esther, this madness comes from not wanting to succumb to the pressures of being the stereotypical housewife, not allowing herself to be dominated by men, and trying to prevent her personal relationships from impeding her progression toward her career goals.