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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Jay Cee give Esther as she leaves for her lunch date with the two authors?

2. What does Constantin say is the most difficult aspect of simultaneous translation?

3. Why is Esther shocked when Buddy tells her he is not a virgin?

4. Why does Doreen vomit on the carpet of the hotel hallway?

5. For Esther the world is divided along the lines of---

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Esther upset when Buddy tells her he is no longer a virgin?

2. What does Esther decide about her friendship with Doreen the night of their visit to Lenny's apartment? What causes her to make this decision?

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

4. Describe the events that lead to Esther's food poisoning

5. Describe the birth scene that Esther and Buddy witness from Esther's point of view

6. According to Esther, what is her mother's opinion of her interest in becoming a writer or editor?

7. How does Jay Cee attempt to cheer Esther up the day of the photo shoot?

8. Who is Mrs. Ockenden?

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

10. Who are Frankie and Lenny?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In The Bell Jar there the author uses recurrent symbolism to represent aspects of Esther's story. Select two of the following symbols ( mirrors, water, babies, the bell jar) and:

1) describe how the author uses this symbol at at least two points in the story

2) discuss what the symbol represents about Esther at that point in the story

3) discuss what the overall message the author is trying to send about Esther using this symbol.

Cite several specific examples from the novel to support your ideas.

Essay Topic 2

At the end of The Bell Jar, Esther is about to be released from the asylum. Write an essay discussing:

1) whether or not she is ready to leave the hospital

2) what the future holds for her

3) how you think she'll do in the "real world".

Use specific examples from the novel to come up with and support your ideas.

Essay Topic 3

Friendships have a major impact on Esther's development throughout the novel. Choose two of the women who Esther is friends with and:

1) describe the friendship

2) discuss the impact that this friendship had on Esther

3) analyze what the author is saying about friendships and their importance for women in general.

Cite several specific examples from the novel to support your ideas.

(see the answer keys)

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