Cliffs Notes on Plath's The Bell Jar

by Jeanne Inness, Sylvia Plath, CliffsNotes

The original CliffsNotes study guides offer expert commentary on major themes, plots, characters, literary devices, and historical background. CliffsNotes on The Bell Jar takes you into the life of Esther Greenwood: she is a college girl, a good student, a talented writer, and a fashion magazine contest winner; she is the well-bred oldest child in a typical family with two children, a clever games player, a semi-liberated budding intellectual, and a confused late adolescent. Also, Esther is a mental patient. Follow the progression of Esther’s life as she struggles to grow up in the early 1950s in an America where women’s roles were rigidly assigned. Summaries and commentaries will help you understand the social and emotional pressures facing Esther. You’ll also gain insight into the life and background of the author, Syliva Plath. Other features that help you study include

78 pages, Paperback

First published May 9, 1984

Reviews

[Alicia]

"The floor seemed wonderfully solid. It was comforting to know I had fallen and I could fall no further."

"In Chicago people would take me for what I was."

[JULIA · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good summary of Plath's The Bell Jar. Helped clarify many aspects of the novel and straighten out some things I had misunderstood. A scholarly read, but highly recommended.

[Heather Fryling · Rating 1 out of 5]

I always wondered what someone with no clue about mental illness would think of the Bell Jar. I need wonder no more.

"Is the book really a novel?... Good social commentary or good narrative description of a problem is not necessarily art. This work, in fact, is a good example of what John Barth says of most contemporary women's fiction: 'secular news reports.' "

"So, if the Bell Jar is fiction of questionable quality or even, questionably fiction, how does one label the book?"

"And certainly her summer is an exercise in masochism."

"How, we wonder, can Esther be such a clever dummy?"

"But we can also criticize her for her last act... ."

I'm glad it's out of print. Now, if the library would just get rid of its copy...

[Green Shiveed · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this novel years ago and am reading it again right now. The Protagonist which is close to Sylvia's character was a lot like me, except that she was crazier and more talented. But I felt all I am reading has once passed through my mind before...

[Karen Hogan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A young girl in college has a mental breakdown. The author, Sylvia Plath, showed amazing insight into the workings of a mind that starts to lose touch with reality. Unfortunately, this gifted young author committed suicide several years after this book was published.

[Rose]

i read the book not the cliff notes.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'll have a better idea of a rating to give "The Bell Jar" after I'm done reading it.

[Rachel Folk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Would just like to add that I actually read the book, but this stupid program doesn't have to book listed.

[Danielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I actually read the book not the cliffs notes! hahaha it was disturbing