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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 Esther do as Lenny and Doreen dance?

2. Why does Esther say she would never marry Buddy Willard?

3. Why won't Esther let Doreen come into her room when she returns from Lenny's?

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

5. What is Esther's opinion of the movie she and the other girls are invited to see?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Compare Constantin and Buddy.

3. Describe what runs through Esther's head when she and Constantin are visiting the UN.

4. Why does Marco attack Esther?

5. Describe Buddy's letter to Esther (that is waiting for her when she gets home).

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

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

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

9. Describe the article that Esther's mother gives her from Reader's Digest ("In Defense of Chastity").

10. Describe the sanatorium where Buddy is receiving treatment for TB.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

This novel deals with the relationship between talent and mental stability. In your essay:

1) discuss how this relationship plays out in Esther and the other characters

2) state what you think Plath is saying about this relationship

3) comment on Plath's ideas. Is she right? Why or why not?

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

Essay Topic 2

The Bell Jar is a commentary on the mental health system in the US. In your essay:

1) describe how the mental health system appears in the novel

2) discuss what Plath is saying about the system.

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

Essay Topic 3

Esther's family live has a subtle but important effect on the changes that she undergoes throughout the novel. Discuss:

1) Esther's family dynamics

2) the impact of Esther's family life on her personal life

3) how Esther's life would have been different if both of her parents had been alive.

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

(see the answer keys)

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