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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. Which of the following is NOT a privilege given to residents of Belsize?

2. How long has it been since Esther has slept when she first visits Dr. Gordon?

3. What does Esther wear to her exit hearing at the asylum?

4. Why does Esther's mother bring her roses?

5. How does the shock treatment make Esther feel?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What does Esther do at Deer Island?

4. How is Esther's shock treatment experience at the private hospital different than the one she had with Dr. Gordon?

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

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

7. What do the voices in Esther's head tell her as she sits in the park contemplating suicide?

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

9. Describe Irwin

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

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

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 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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