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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. Who helped foster Esther's appreciation for fine food?

2. What is Esther's response to Buddy's marriage proposal?

3. What does Esther liken the potential choices she has in life to?

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

5. What course keeps Esther from considering a major in English?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Esther's opinion of Betsy?

2. Why does Marco give Esther his diamond stick pin?

3. Describe Buddy's first visit to Esther's college

4. Contrast Esther's and Buddy's feelings about his diagnosis

5. How does Esther convince the college to exempt her from the chemistry course requirement?

6. What news does Mrs. Greenwood deliver to Esther when she picks her up from the train station? How does Esther react?

7. What activities does Esther consider taking up after finding out she was not accepted into the writing course?

8. Why does Jay Cee want Esther to come into the office instead of attending the fur show?

9. Why is Esther surprised when Buddy comes to visit her at college?

10. Who are Frankie and Lenny?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The narrator talks about Joan being Esther's double. Compare and contrast these two characters focusing on:

1) their personality traits

2) their progression towards mental illness

3) their progression towards recovery from mental illness.

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

Essay Topic 2

The Bell Jar is a thinly veiled autobiography of a period in Sylvia Plath's life. Based on articles read in class about Plath:

1) compare the author's life with Esther's

2) note areas where the author steps away from autobiography. Comment on why she did this.

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

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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