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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 Valerie have scars on her head?

2. Why does Esther dislike Dr. Gordon?

3. What does Esther do to pay tribute to Joan?

4. Why is Esther surprised when the nurse tells her she is moving to Belsize?

5. What sort of doctor does Dr. Nolan refer Esther to?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Irwin

2. Describe Esther's feelings about the women living in Belsize

3. What does Esther do at Deer Island?

4. How does the private hospital staff compare to those at the public hospital?

5. How does Esther feel as she is waiting to enter her exit hearing?

6. What is the only item that gives Esther pleasure in the hospital? Why?

7. How does Esther find out about Joan's homosexuality?

8. Describe Esther's encounter with the sailor

9. Describe the circumstances that led to Esther's hospitalization.

10. Describe the scene at the cemetery.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

As The Bell Jar develops, so does the main character's mental illness. In your essay:

1) describe the progression of her illness

2) describe and explain the "red flags" that showed she was getting increasingly worse

3) comment on the role that the other characters played in her deterioration.

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

Essay Topic 2

The Bell Jar takes place in several different settings. Compare and contrast three of the settings focusing on:

1) describing the setting and Esther's role within it

2) the significance of the setting in Esther's development.

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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