What readers say
An absolute 5/5. This is a true American classic, and a must-read for any literature buff. Plath is a mastermind in reflecting her own experiences and ghosts through a warped mirror to create an impactful, captivating story. Readers follow young Esther Greenwood as she works her way through the peaks and valleys of her social life and mental health. We see the bell jar raise and lower a number of times, each splintering and then mending cracks in Esther’s mind. The question is whether she will be able to lift, or rather break out of, the bell jar that forever hangs over her head. It is true that the foreword and epigraph of books add a deeper meaning to the work, and this holds for the Bell Jar. The story of Plath’s life and motivations not only added a deeper meaning, but unearthed an entirely new one for Esther Greenwood and her trials. I think we all can identify with the struggle to remain motivated and inspired, and this book can show us that we all face our demons.
A griping beginning and an interesting story line, however I found the ending incredibly disturbing and for some reason would have felt it to be more striking if the main character had successfully killed herself. Though I’m unsure why. The rationality behind Easter’s thoughts could only have been written by someone and mad as herself and it’s no surprises Plath’s life had so many parallels.