The Bell Jar Chapter 1 Summary
Chapter 1: In the first chapter there are numerous mentionings of light especially when describing characters. Plath uses the image of electricity when new people or situations are discussed; “they electrocuted the Rosenbergs” (Plath 1) and with Doreen’s clothes “stuck to her like some kind of electricity” (Plath 5). These images have a punch and vibrancy to them, they purposefully impactful as to impart a sense of importance onto the reader. Plath also uses light to introduce settings as Esther describes “It was so dark in the bar” (Plath 10). Other recurring shimmering images are the bright descriptions of drinks being “clear and pure” (Plath 11), Doreen like a “bleached-blond Negress in her white dress” (Plath 11) and Doreen fishing fruit with her “spindly silver spoon” (Plath 12). In the first chapter, the recurring light and white images introduce the Esther’s
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situation as being fresh and new for her at the current time. As of now, Esther is happy with her job, boss, Jay Cee, Doreen; although the explicit white images may herald darkness in the future.
Chapter 2: In the second chapter as Esther’s personality and status is established as shy, high-class, it is safe to assume that The Bell Jar will contain elements of “high culture,” and describe the finer things in life.
This is why the constant theme in chapter two, music, comes as a shock. As soon as Doreen begins cohorting with Lenny and his friends at the bar, references of music are seen. Lenny is a “twelve o’clock disc jock” (Plath 14) and soon begins boisterously singing country songs “And when I marry I’ll be wed in Kansas” (Plath 15). Sound and music images continue, Plath describes “Lenny’s ghost voice boomed” (Plath 16). The theme of noise and music is an instrumental part of chapter two and goes in tandem with the drinking, the “jitterbug[ing]” (Plath 16), and the references of “a ballroom strewn with confetti” (Plath 17). With shimmering images like these and a dazed narrative tone by Esther, it is clear chapter two is a tumultuous chapter that demonstrates a part of Esther’s psyche of confusion and need for love as the numerously states she becomes depressed
sometimes.
Chapter 3: In chapter three, the constant images of food and mid-twentieth century high culture define the part of Esther’s working life and status in New York society. Here Esther’s setting is portrayed as Ladies’ Day Food Testing ladies in “hygienic white smocks... peach-pie color” (Plath 25). Additional colorful images are Doreen’s signs “frosted daisies around the edge” and “photograph[s] of apple pie á la mode” (Plath 25). Esther was clearly brought up to enjoy an elaborate lifestyle as she enjoys “cold vichyssoise and caviar and anchovy paste” (Plath 26). Esther’s expensive lifestyle is synonymous with worries about studies, money, and employment, which she narrates on throughout chapter three. Esther states that she “toyed around with the idea of being a botanist, because you can win big grants” (Plath 34). More of Esther’s personality comes to as well, she describes that “[chemistry] formulas made me dizzy” and during Chemistry class she “wrote page after page of vinallanells and sonnets” (Plath 37). More and more it seems as though Plath is writing about herself and her personal struggles through Ester. This theme was common in her poems.
situation as being fresh and new for her at the current time. As of now, Esther is happy with her job, boss, Jay Cee, Doreen; although the explicit white images may herald darkness in the future.
Chapter 2: In the second chapter as Esther’s personality and status is established as shy, high-class, it is safe to assume that The Bell Jar will contain elements of “high culture,” and describe the finer things in life.
This is why the constant theme in chapter two, music, comes as a shock. As soon as Doreen begins cohorting with Lenny and his friends at the bar, references of music are seen. Lenny is a “twelve o’clock disc jock” (Plath 14) and soon begins boisterously singing country songs “And when I marry I’ll be wed in Kansas” (Plath 15). Sound and music images continue, Plath describes “Lenny’s ghost voice boomed” (Plath 16). The theme of noise and music is an instrumental part of chapter two and goes in tandem with the drinking, the “jitterbug[ing]” (Plath 16), and the references of “a ballroom strewn with confetti” (Plath 17). With shimmering images like these and a dazed narrative tone by Esther, it is clear chapter two is a tumultuous chapter that demonstrates a part of Esther’s psyche of confusion and need for love as the numerously states she becomes depressed
sometimes.
Chapter 3: In chapter three, the constant images of food and mid-twentieth century high culture define the part of Esther’s working life and status in New York society. Here Esther’s setting is portrayed as Ladies’ Day Food Testing ladies in “hygienic white smocks... peach-pie color” (Plath 25). Additional colorful images are Doreen’s signs “frosted daisies around the edge” and “photograph[s] of apple pie á la mode” (Plath 25). Esther was clearly brought up to enjoy an elaborate lifestyle as she enjoys “cold vichyssoise and caviar and anchovy paste” (Plath 26). Esther’s expensive lifestyle is synonymous with worries about studies, money, and employment, which she narrates on throughout chapter three. Esther states that she “toyed around with the idea of being a botanist, because you can win big grants” (Plath 34). More of Esther’s personality comes to as well, she describes that “[chemistry] formulas made me dizzy” and during Chemistry class she “wrote page after page of vinallanells and sonnets” (Plath 37). More and more it seems as though Plath is writing about herself and her personal struggles through Ester. This theme was common in her poems.