This is one of those novels that I always wanted to read, but somehow never got the chance to- until now. I'm not sure why it particularly intrigued me, amongst all the modern American classics. I admit to only having a vague notion of Plath herself: she was married to Ted Hughes, a fantastic British poet, and that she killed herself.
The Bell Jar is told from the perspective of Esther Greenwood, a 19-year-old American student who slowly descends from simple low-self esteem to depression. Even though Esther is given a magazine scholarship at university, she seems to feel suffocated and confused by both her present and her future, which escalates at an alarming rate. 'The bell jar' itself is imagery for how wherever Esther goes, even if put into a seemingly ideal situation, she still "would be sitting under the same glass bell jar, stewing in [her] own sour air.”
Plath's use of language is as beautiful as it is in her poetry. She succeeds in making me feel empathy for Esther, rather than feeling frustrated and annoyed by her demise. The use of powerful imagery for such a delicate subject draws the reader into Esther's world, and makes them seriously consider what the best path for Esther would be.
The fact that this novel is largely autobiographical also adds to its addictive and convincing appeal. Plath actually committed suicide a month after its publication, so the novel's sentiments were obviously fresh in her heart, rather than hindsight: a revelation that makes The Bell Jar all the more poignant and important.
Although maybe not to the extent of Esther and the author, I think many people can relate to that stressful indecision, that desire to having lots of dreams and having to choose one as a life focus. A cautionary tale, or a desperate cry for help: that's up for the reader to decide. Either way, Plath's novel may have had a lukewarm reception when it was first released, but for me personally, its one of the most well-written, emotional novels I have ever read.
The fact that this novel is largely autobiographical also adds to its addictive and convincing appeal. Plath actually committed suicide a month after its publication, so the novel's sentiments were obviously fresh in her heart, rather than hindsight: a revelation that makes The Bell Jar all the more poignant and important.
Although maybe not to the extent of Esther and the author, I think many people can relate to that stressful indecision, that desire to having lots of dreams and having to choose one as a life focus. A cautionary tale, or a desperate cry for help: that's up for the reader to decide. Either way, Plath's novel may have had a lukewarm reception when it was first released, but for me personally, its one of the most well-written, emotional novels I have ever read.
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