“The Bell Jar” Ch 3-4 analysis

“The Bell Jar” Why is this an appropriate title for Plath’s novel?

Consider two reasons: 1st - Scientists often use a bell jar to contain contents under great pressure—to prevent those contents from exploding as a result of great pressure. Esther, in a sense, is like those contents. The pressure on her is immense; she feels the pressure to adhere to 50s society’s expectations of women, pressure to accomplish academically, pressure to “stay sane.”

2nd - The glass at the top (dome) of a bell jar distorts the image of what lies on the other side of it. Consequently, it distorts the observer’s perception, just as mental illness distorts its victim’s perception of the world. Give examples of how Esther’s perception has been skewed thus far, as if in a bell jar.

Significance of the crabmeat Yet another item symbolizing destroyed delusions The fact that Esther enjoys being ill and having others care for her is an interesting bit of characterization. This protagonist desires release and relief throughout this entire novel. This illness affords her the opportunity to stop struggling and allow other to do it for her. This may also be a means of foreshadowing the all-encompassing mental illness that descends upon Esther later. One must also wonder if this later mental illness is not, at least in part, a self-fulfilling prophecy— a means of acquiring a form of release that is second only to death itself.

Theme: The stifling expectations of 1950s society (particularly for women) Esther struggles with not knowing what she wants to do with her life. Two types of women were discussed; Jay Cee: She is a no-nonsense type, the "best editor" at the intellectual fashion magazine, but physically unattractive. Esther thinks, "She looked terrible, but very wise." She struggles with accepting this as an appealing figure for a young girl to emulate. Philomena Guinea: She is an unmarried novelist. Again, the message is that women who choose to concentrate on their careers run the risk of sacrificing their femininity. Or at least that is how society views them.

Jay Cee as a “Christ” Figure Consider the following: The name Jay Cee recalls “Jesus Christ.” Jay Cee is a loving and benevolent guide for Esther. Jay Cee is a teacher; Plath writes, “Jay Cee wanted to teach me something.” Esther cannot imagine Jay Cee in any sexual situation with her husband. (think immaculate conception)

“JC”cont… In Chapter 3, Esther says, “I had been unmasked only that morning by Jay Cee herself.” This woman somehow makes lying impossible. She elicits the truth. Esther’s interaction with Jay Cee makes her feel remorse for fooling poor Mr. Manzi, the chemistry professor. In Chapter 4, Esther notices the “cherubs in Jay Cee’s French wall clock.”

“JC”cont… In Chapter 4, Jay Cee is wearing a “lilac blouse,” and she looks “very wise.” Purple is traditionally a color associated with royalty. Christ is often thought of as a benevolent counselor. What is Jay Cell after all? Esther, “wished [she] had a mother like Jay Cee.” While Christ is associated with father, Plath presents a female in this comparable role and associates her with mother. Given the thematic structure of this novel, this gender switching makes perfect sense.

“JC”cont… Immediately after this scene in Jay Cee’s office, Esther remembers that her own mother once told her, “Even the apostles were tentmakers.” Certainly, the mention of the word apostle puts one in mind of Jesus Christ. Furthermore, the fact that Esther mentions the Apostles immediately after relating the events of her meeting with Jay Cee may indicate that this association exists, perhaps subconsciously, in her own mind as well.