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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 resolve to do during her summer at home?

2. What does Mrs. Greenwood convince Esther she should do since she will not be taking the writing course?

3. What is Lenny Shepherd famous for?

4. Why doesn't Esther want her picture taken for the magazine?

5. How does Esther feel about the cadavers that Buddy shows her?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who are Frankie and Lenny?

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

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

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

5. Compare Constantin and Buddy.

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

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

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

9. Describe the movie that the girls go to see from Esther's point of view

10. How does Buddy react when Esther falls while skiing?

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

In The Bell Jar, a few minor characters have a major impact on the story line. Select two of the following minor characters to analyze: Doreen, Joan, Buddy Willard, Mrs. Greenwood and Jay Cee. Discuss:

1) the personality (character traits) of this character

2) the relationship between this minor character and the major characters in the story

3) the impact of this character on the story line--How does s/he influence the overall story line? How would the story be different if this character was removed?

(see the answer keys)

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