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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. Who does Esther meet at the Widener Library?

2. Who does Jody set Esther up on a blind date with?

3. Why does Esther compare her photo with that of a dead girl published in the paper?

4. Other than tabloid magazines, what type of books is Esther able to read?

5. What field does Joan tell Esther she plans on studying when she returns to college?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Dr. Nolan tell Esther about shock treatments in this chapter?

2. What does Esther do at Deer Island?

3. What thoughts consume Esther after finding out she must have shock treatments?

4. Describe Esther's feelings as she visits the gynecologist.

5. Characterize Esther's behavior in the psychiatric wards of the hospitals

6. Describe Irwin

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

8. Describe the circumstances that led to Joan's hospitalization.

9. Describe Esther's encounter with the sailor

10. What keeps Esther from drowning herself at the beach?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Throughout The Bell Jar, Esther moves between the present and the past. Select three of the flashback scenes and:

1) describe what happens in each of these scenes

2) discuss the significance of each scene in Esther's life

3) discuss how the flashback scene relates to the "present" time scene it is embedded in.

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

Essay Topic 2

Friendships have a major impact on Esther's development throughout the novel. Choose two of the women who Esther is friends with and:

1) describe the friendship

2) discuss the impact that this friendship had on Esther

3) analyze what the author is saying about friendships and their importance for women in general.

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

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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