The Bell Jar Chapters 18-20 Quiz

Questions and Answers

How does Esther feel after shock treatment?

She feels better and notices that the 'bell jar' had lifted.

How often does Esther receive shock treatment?

Three times a week.

Who did Joan and Esther receive letters from?

Buddy Willard.

What did Esther see Joan and DeeDee doing?

She saw them hooking up in bed together. Signup and view all the answers

Who does Esther meet and what do they do together?

She meets a math professor named Irwin and they go get coffee, then go to his apartment. Signup and view all the answers

Where does Esther go after she starts to bleed?

She asks Irwin to drive her to Joan's apartment. Signup and view all the answers

What happens several nights later?

Joan returns to the asylum and is later found in the nearby woods hanging from a tree. Signup and view all the answers

Who came to visit after Joan's death?

Buddy Willard. Signup and view all the answers

What does Esther do at Joan's funeral?

She listens to her heartbeat saying 'I am, I am, I am...' and does not cry. Signup and view all the answers

Who does Esther call to pay her doctor's bills?

Irwin. Signup and view all the answers

How does the novel end?

Esther is ready to leave Belsize but realizes her bell jar of madness may descend again later in life. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Ester's Recovery and Shock Treatment

After shock treatment, Ester feels an improvement, sensing that the "bell jar" has lifted.
She experiences a loss of memory regarding her previous fascination with knives.
Scheduled for shock treatment three times per week.

Letters from Buddy Willard

Ester and Joan receive letters from Buddy Willard, indicating he wishes to visit them at the mental institution.

Ester's Observation

Ester witnesses Joan and DeeDee in bed together, drawing a parallel to scandalous interactions she observed between classmates and a professor in college.

Encounter with Irwin

Ester meets a math professor named Irwin; they share coffee and go to his apartment for beer.
An unexpected female visitor is dismissed by Irwin before he and Ester have sexual intercourse, which results in serious bleeding for Ester.

Emergency Situation

Following her bleeding, Ester asks Irwin to drive her to Joan's apartment.
Joan is informed of Ester's condition and attempts to contact doctors, ultimately taking Ester to an emergency hospital due to lack of response.

The Tragic Outcome

Several nights later, Joan returns to the asylum; Dr. Quinn inquires about her whereabouts, but Ester is unaware of her location.
Joan is later discovered hanging from a tree in nearby woods, indicating her tragic fate.

Buddy Willard's Visit

Buddy Willard visits Ester following Joan's death; they dig his car out of the snow together.
He questions whether he contributed to the mental struggles of Ester and Joan, to which Ester affirms his involvement.

Funeral Reflection

At Joan's funeral, Ester focuses on her heartbeat, repetitively saying "I am, I am, I am...", indicating her internal struggle.
She does not cry during the funeral, reflecting emotional detachment.

Calling Irwin

Ester contacts Irwin to help cover her doctor’s bills as he inadvertently triggered her hemorrhaging.

Conclusion of the Novel

Ester prepares to leave Belsize, indicating hope for the future while acknowledging the possibility of her mental struggles returning.
She approaches a room of doctors for her exit interview, symbolizing a pivotal moment in her journey.

Description

This quiz covers key themes and events from Chapters 18 to 20 of 'The Bell Jar' by Sylvia Plath. Test your understanding of Esther's experiences after shock treatment and her interactions with other characters. Dive into essential moments that shape her journey and mental state.