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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?
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Who does Esther meet and what do they do together?
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Where does Esther go after she starts to bleed?
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What happens several nights later?
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Who came to visit after Joan's death?
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What does Esther do at Joan's funeral?
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Who does Esther call to pay her doctor's bills?
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How does the novel end?
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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.
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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.
