It took me VERY long to read this even though it’s a classic. The non-linear style was jarring at first and there was barely any plot. But then I couldn’t stop and I started loving the prose, the bell jar metaphor is so evocative like and so relatable, I felt just like that.
Also the characters are actually quite timeless? I almost forgot this was set in the 50’s, Esther sounds exactly like a hapless zillenial pursuing a part time job/studying in college. Her boss and doctor are female! like sorry that it surprised me a bit but the general stereotype of 1950’s was how women were nothing but brainwashed housewives. And of course, the triggering subject of mental illness. It was written very well, and it’s heartbreaking to realize how it was all autobiographical. She wasn’t the perfect protagonist and is still reflected of the times, but again, I find I relate to her especially her reluctance to marriage after everything she went through.
Proof_Surround3856 t1_iu4scsc wrote
Reply to "The Bell Jar" by Sylvia Plath by salon_i
It took me VERY long to read this even though it’s a classic. The non-linear style was jarring at first and there was barely any plot. But then I couldn’t stop and I started loving the prose, the bell jar metaphor is so evocative like and so relatable, I felt just like that.
Also the characters are actually quite timeless? I almost forgot this was set in the 50’s, Esther sounds exactly like a hapless zillenial pursuing a part time job/studying in college. Her boss and doctor are female! like sorry that it surprised me a bit but the general stereotype of 1950’s was how women were nothing but brainwashed housewives. And of course, the triggering subject of mental illness. It was written very well, and it’s heartbreaking to realize how it was all autobiographical. She wasn’t the perfect protagonist and is still reflected of the times, but again, I find I relate to her especially her reluctance to marriage after everything she went through.