View a FREE sample

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

Short Answer Questions

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

2. Why does Esther feel depressed when she returns to the Amazon?

3. Why is Esther living in New York City in the summer of 1953?

4. What does Constantin ask Esther to do when they go to his apartment?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Esther's opinion of Betsy?

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

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

4. Describe Esther and Hilda's conversation at breakfast.

5. Compare Constantin and Buddy.

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

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

8. What is Eric's philosophy on sexual relationships?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

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

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.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,093 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample