“In a society that tries to standardize thinking, individuality is not highly prized” - Alex Grey, American visionary artist and author. Written in 1963 by Sylvia Plath, The Bell Jar is a stunningly intricate novel that tells the story of Esther Greenwood, a 19-year-old woman who has just been awarded an internship at Ladies Day Magazine in New York city. Although her life seems beautiful and full of opportunities, Esther comes to despise it as she slowly loses her mind upon returning from New York. Esther soon begins to develop an obvious and serious depression and is soon admitted into an asylum to recover. Faced with her own thoughts, she comes to know herself with help from the staff at the mental hospital and eventually regains the will
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In order to be a cut above the rest, women are expected to learn multiple languages, as advised by Jay Cee, such as German and French, and are also expected to know shorthand, mainly in order to take dictation from men. Women are also expected by society to keep their virginity safe until marriage and also only have one sexual partner, while men can have as many as they please. Lastly, women were required to stay home after marriage and tend to the children and their husbands needs all day despite how qualified or educated they may be for a different job. The Bell Jar goes in depth on what it’s like to be a woman in a seemingly male favored society that dominates women with expectations and “rules”. In some ways, this book can serve as a warning to those who consent to a controlling or abusive society. Esther struggles with the boundaries set by the people and comes to know herself through interactions with society. “Our problems stem from our acceptance of this filthy, rotten system.” - Dorothy Day, American journalist and social activist for female
In order to be a cut above the rest, women are expected to learn multiple languages, as advised by Jay Cee, such as German and French, and are also expected to know shorthand, mainly in order to take dictation from men. Women are also expected by society to keep their virginity safe until marriage and also only have one sexual partner, while men can have as many as they please. Lastly, women were required to stay home after marriage and tend to the children and their husbands needs all day despite how qualified or educated they may be for a different job. The Bell Jar goes in depth on what it’s like to be a woman in a seemingly male favored society that dominates women with expectations and “rules”. In some ways, this book can serve as a warning to those who consent to a controlling or abusive society. Esther struggles with the boundaries set by the people and comes to know herself through interactions with society. “Our problems stem from our acceptance of this filthy, rotten system.” - Dorothy Day, American journalist and social activist for female