The Bell Jar Short Essay Assignments

Short Essay Questions

The 60 short essay questions listed in this section require a one to two sentence answer. They ask students to demonstrate a deeper understanding of the text. Students must describe what they've read, rather than just recall it.

Short Essay Question - Chapter 1

1. Describe the Amazon.

2. Who are Frankie and Lenny?

3. Describe Jay Cee (from Esther's perspective)

4. What is Esther's opinion of Betsy?

Short Essay Question - Chapter 2

5. Describe the situation that leads Esther to leave Lenny's apartment

6. Why does Esther decide to take a bath when she returns to her hotel?

7. What does Esther decide about her friendship with Doreen the night of their visit to Lenny's apartment? What causes her to make this...
(read more)