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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 is Esther shocked when Buddy tells her he is not a virgin?

2. What is Esther's first reaction when Buddy proposes to her?

3. Why does Esther like Doreen?

4. What does Esther think caused her sickness?

5. Why does Doreen vomit on the carpet of the hotel hallway?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

7. Describe Jay Cee (from Esther's perspective)

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

9. What is Esther's standing joke with her grandfather about caviar?

10. Describe the Amazon.

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

Discuss the significance of the novel's title. Be sure to include:

1) a definition of "bell jar"

2) the relationship between the bell jar and Esther

3) what the bell jar represents about Esther's character.

Cite several specific examples from the novel to 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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