The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath
52 Books In 52 Weeks: #16 of 52
The danger of reading Sylvia Plath is to have the tragic circumstances which formatted her death precede her work. However, when considering The Bell Jar it is extremely difficult to separate the two, especially considering the semi-autobiographical nature of the novel. Echoing her own experience through that of her protagonist Esther Greenwood, The Bell Jar is the life of a young, talented English major who attempts to cope with a society which expects her sensitive, gifted self to set herself into preordained roles, causing her to break down as her identity becomes suppressed. The novel chronicles Esther’s slow descent into a profound depressive state, marked by a growing sardonic dislike of the world and repeated suicide attempts.
Atop the novel’s feminist values is the most palpable account of depression I have ever read. Plath’s poetic prowess is charged to spectacular levels, and the attributes she endows people, objects and situations with are touching, cutting, impressionistic, and soul-splitting, but beautiful without reproach. The world of a person in such as state has never been more disturbing, clear, or human.
It is within this ensemble which lies truly the gift of The Bell Jar: a novel of rich, living language which conveys with stunning imagery the darkest slants our spirits can bend to.
Book: The Bell Jar
Publisher: Faber And Faber
Next: Salmon Fishing In The Yemen
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