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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. Why does Mr. Manzi like Esther so much?

2. What does Esther think may have caused Buddy's TB?

3. How does Esther feel as she careens down the ski slope?

4. Why can't Marco marry the woman he is in love with?

5. What does Esther do to offend the driver of the first cab she rides in?

Short Essay Questions

1. What leads Esther to be invited for lunch by Philomena Guinea?

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

3. 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?

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

5. Why does Mr. Willard leave Esther alone with Buddy at the sanatorium?

6. How does Buddy tell Esther about losing his virginity?

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

8. Why is Esther so enamored with the rich foods she is served at the Ladies' Day luncheon?

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

10. How does Esther change from the beginning to the end of this chapter?

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

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.

(see the answer keys)

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