"The Bell Jar" and Womanhood

Paper Summary:

This paper introduces, discusses, and analyzes Sylvia Plath's story about a young girl coming into womanhood. The paper explains how the story is not only about a young woman's coming-of-age, but also about an entire generation of women from the 1960s who were caught in the crossroads of the changing values, morals, and needs of that era.

From the Paper:

"Sylvia Plath's "The Bell Jar" is a coming-of-age story of the 60s with a twist. The maternal relationship between the protagonist Esther and her mother is distorted and ultimately aids in creating mental illness and anguish in her daughter. Mrs. Greenwood old-fashioned and quick to criticize her daughter, and she seems more concerned about what people will think about Esther's stay in the mental institution than her fragile mental state. Mrs. Greenwood instigates many of Esther's tribulations, but she cannot face her own burdens and fears, and so passes them on to her daughter. Therefore, she is a major element in Esther's inability to cope with life and reality, rather than supporting her daughter when she most needs encouragement and understanding."

More papers on "The Bell Jar" and Womanhood:

• Analytical Essay # 123039 : "Symbolism in "The Bell Jar"
• Analytical Essay # 68614 : "Sylvia Plath's "The Bell Jar"

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