The Bell Jar

Brief Overview

«The Bell Jar» is an autobiographical novel by Sylvia Plath, telling the story of a young woman named Esther Greenwood. Esther, a talented and ambitious student, lands an internship at a prestigious magazine in New York City. However, despite her outward success, she begins to experience deep depression and a sense of alienation. Upon returning home, her condition worsens, and she is admitted to a psychiatric clinic. The novel describes her struggle with mental illness, suicide attempts, and electroshock therapy. Ultimately, Esther begins to slowly recover, but remains under «the bell jar»—a metaphor for her ongoing vulnerability and isolation.